Step into the enchantment of old Florida as you walk the unspoiled miles of sandy shoreline comprising Santa Rosa Island's Navarre Beach, Florida and the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Nicknamed the Emerald Coast, this spectacular stretch of powdery white sand and clear, jade-colored water is perfect for snorkeling, kayaking and jet skiing or just relaxing under an umbrella with a book and a cold drink. Nearby towns and state parks brim with intriguing historic sites, super little restaurants and amazing outdoor recreation.
Enjoy the pristine ecosystem of one of the country’s most spectacular protected shorelines. Sea turtles, migratory birds and tortoises are among the creatures that make their homes in the sweeping dunes and wetland waterways of the Gulf Islands National Shoreline west of Navarre Beach. Hike, bike, swim, body board and collect spectacular shells in secluded splendor or head into town for paddleboard, kayak, jet ski and sailboat rentals.
Attractions abound along the 25 miles stretching from Navarre Beach to Milton. Navarre Beach’s lovely nature walk and park areas run a scenic mile of wide-planked boardwalk along the shore, while Souvenir City and Shark Museum is a fun little roadside attraction and a great place to buy shells. Take a charter big game fishing trip out of Navarre, or visit the bears, chimps and giraffes at the Gulf Breeze Zoo, minutes from the beach. Milton’s West Florida Rail Road Museum features original Pullman sleeping cars, cabooses and loads of intriguing memorabilia from the L&N Frisco railroad. Home of one of the purest sand-bottomed rivers in the world, nearby Blackwater River State Park offers spectacular outdoor adventures for the whole family, including canoeing, kayaking, tubing, hiking, camping and treetop zip line tours.
Take a walk out over the sea or catch a giant mackerel from record-setting Navarre Pier, longest fishing pier in the Gulf of Mexico. All supplies are available at the Pier Shack, where you can pick up bait, tackle, beer, soda and burgers before heading down the fishing area to reap salt water bounty from flounder to cobia and king. A premier sunset-watching spot, the newly rebuilt pier is a great place to observe pelicans feed, catch a cooling breeze or watch fisherman hoist in some massive catches.
Festivals abound in Navarre, where the spectacular seascape forms a brilliant backdrop for community events. Thursdays in the Park summer concert series feature an irresistible combination of sunsets, music and food, with performances showcasing a tuneful lineup from Broadway to big band. In September, global masters and amateur artists take to the beach for the family-friendly Navarre Beach Sand Sculpting Contest, while October’s Taste of Navarre is held in the park and celebrates the fine cuisine of celebrated local chefs.
