People come to Navarre for relaxation. It's that simple. Other parts of Florida thrive on amusement park spectacle and glitzy resorts but not here. This is small-town laid-back beach living (or vacationing) at its finest, especially if you like to spend time outside of the air conditioning. Popular outdoor activities include, sea kayaking, swimming, fishing, birding, hiking, bicycling, windsurfing, and more. Crowds are scarce. In fact, the beach section of Navarre only has two restaurants.
Navarre Beach Park
Crossing the bridge from the mainland onto Navarre Beach, you'll feel like you've entered a different world--a Caribbean world of blinding white sand, gentle breezes, and bright emerald water. The local Chamber of Commerce calls this "Florida's Best Kept Secret" and they might be right. At Navarre Beach you won't find the shoulder-to-shoulder beach blanket crowds associated with Pensacola Beach, Fort Walton Beach, or Panama City Beach, but the natural view is equally priceless. The county park offers full facility camping for RV or tent, fishing from the 900 foot pier, swimming in the beautiful gulf, or simply walking or bicycling the miles of sparsely traveled roadways.
Navarre Beach Park
8579 Gulf Blvd.
Navarre, FL 32566
(850) 936-6188
www.santarosa.fl.gov
Panhandle Butterfly House
The Butterfly House was created in conjunction with a Navarre Chamber of Commerce project to create a nature walk at the foot of the Navarre Beach Bridge. The original Butterfly House was opened in 1997, though Hurricanes Ivan and Dennis necessitated major reconstructions along the way. What do you find at the Butterfly House? Butterflies! The non-profit mission of this organization is to preserve the local natural habitats and ecosystems of these ethereal flutterers. Towards that end, volunteers have created an educational, interactive exhibit with the Butterfly House. And the nearby nature walk area is a great place for the kids (and adults) to burn off extra energy.
Panhandle Butterfly House
U.S. 98 and Navarre Beach Bridge
Navarre, FL 32566
(850) 623-3868
www.panhandlebutterflyhouse.org
Gulf Islands National Seashore
The Gulf Islands National Seashore is a federally protected area that stretches for 52 miles along the bays and coastline in the Pensacola area. Eight miles of the Gulf Islands National Seashore encompass the eastern end of Santa Rosa Island near the beach community of Navarre. This is the longest stretch of protected beach in the entire park. All efforts have been made to leave the area undisturbed, literally, appearing as it was in the 1500s when Spanish explorers stopped by. No high rise condos, hotels, or resorts. No fast food franchises or beach shops, which makes it perfect for birdwatchers, sun worshippers, or outdoor enthusiasts.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
(850) 934-2600
www.nps.gov
About The Author
A full-time writer for 3 years, Derek has written copy for radio ads and ghostwritten legal columns for "Key West The Newspaper." He currently blogs professionally in the real estate industry. His latest project is publishing and editing an online home-town newspaper, the "West Plains Independent."
