A Guide to What to Do in Navarre Beach FL Year-Round

Curious about the best things to do in Navarre Beach Florida all year round? Here's a list of our top picks!

When planning a vacation—whether you're eyeing the Rockies around Breckenridge or ready to soak up the best beaches along Florida's Gulf Coast—it's always smart to get a feel for what your destination has to offer year-round.

Is Navarre Beach, Florida your next gateway? Lucky you! Often referred to as "Florida's Best Kept Secret," this stretch of sand is a serene, family-friendly escape perfect for memorable vacations.

In this blog, I've compiled a list of the best things to do in Navarre Beach during each season, helping you decide the perfect time of year for the experience you're looking for in this Florida gem.

Just a little taste of what's coming your way:

Season	Top Activities
Spring	Sea turtle nesting season at the conservation center, snorkeling, diving, and birdwatching
Summer	Scenic drives along the coast, beach days, fishing, and family fun at Navarre Family Watersports
Fall	Fall events, hiking in Navarre Beach Marine Park
Winter	Visit Navarre Beach Marine Science Station, golfing, and shelling along the beach at low tide

At Navarre Beach Properties, we've got a variety of gorgeous vacation rentals, and I like to think we're pretty much local experts on all things Navarre Beach—no bragging, promise! Our destination blog is filled with helpful posts on beach day tips, where to find the best craft beer and even a quick history of Navarre Beach. First time visiting Navarre Beach? take a look at these great tips.

Let's dive into some year-round fun in Navarre Beach!

Navarre Beach Things To Do in Spring (March to May)

Sea turtle viewing

Spring marks the beginning of the sea turtle nesting season, so this is the prime time to visit Sea Turtle Nesting Observation, an incredible organization focused on sea turtle conservation and protection through educational outreach and research.

Dive into the world of tortoises, terrapins, and sea turtles, and get introduced to the lovable Sweet Pea, a green sea turtle who acts as a resident ambassador. Throughout the visit, you'll see engaging interactive exhibits about the Earth and its oceans. For the little ones, there are special activities that include a Shark Tooth Treasure Hunt and scavenger hunts. 

Snorkeling & Diving

With warming waters, it's an ideal time to explore the artificial reefs at the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary, an extensive reef system spanning over 150 acres.

You can join scuba and snorkeling programs to learn about the reefs and explore the clear waters and their colorful inhabitants. If snorkeling or diving isn't your thing, you can still experience marine life from above by renting a paddleboard or a clear-bottom kayak.

Navarre Beach Things To Do in Spring in Summer (June to August)

Scenic Drives

Taking a scenic drive through Navarre Beach in early spring is pure bliss—mild temps, wildflowers starting to pop, and hardly any crowds. Cruise along the coast and soak in those emerald Gulf views and sugar-white sands—it's the kind of peaceful backdrop that makes you slow down and enjoy the ride.

Here are some great routes and pit stops:

• Gulf Islands National Seashore (Highway 399): This stretch offers spectacular views of Santa Rosa Island's untouched beaches, sand dunes, and the Gulf of Mexico.
  
  
• Navarre Beach Causeway: Connecting the mainland to the barrier island, this drive provides panoramic vistas of the Santa Rosa Sound and is especially serene during spring mornings.
  
  
• U.S. Route 98: Running parallel to the coast, this route offers glimpses of coastal communities, scenic overlooks, and access to local eateries and shops.
  
  
• Opal Beach: A less-crowded spot within the Gulf Islands National Seashore, perfect for a peaceful stop to enjoy the natural beauty and perhaps a picnic.

Hit THE beaches

Nothing says summer in Navarre Beach like indulging in beach activities and soaking up the town's pristine shores. The wide beachfront is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, beach volleyball, and, for the little ones, building sandcastles.

The 12 miles of immaculate white sand also offer the perfect setting for water activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and surfing.

Pro tip: after watching a spectacular sunset, try evening kayaking in LED-lit clear kayaks for a mesmerizing view of the marine environment.

Extra tip: for even more water activities, don't miss Navarre Family Watersports Water Park. It offers a range of family-friendly fun, including the Wibit Water Park — a floating obstacle course featuring inflatable slides, trampolines, and climbing walls.

Fishing

Fishing at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier in summer is a must-do for anglers of all levels. As the longest pier in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, it offers impressive views, big catches, and an easygoing setup—with rentals starting at just $7.


Some highlights coming your way:

Longest pier in Florida and the Gulf: 1,545 feet into the water.

Great for all skill levels, with rod rentals from $7.

Common catches: Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Pompano, Flounder.

Best action at the octagonal tip, perfect for larger fish.

Scenic views and frequent wildlife sightings, including sea turtles and jumping fish.

Navarre Beach Things To Do in Fall (September to November)

Attend local festivals

Fall is festival season in Navarre, making it one of the best times of year to enjoy festive vibes, experience local culture, and meet friendly residents through a variety of events during the shoulder season.


Some of the best fall events in and around town are:

• Juana's Annual Oktoberfest Beer Tasting: Typically held in early October, Juana's Annual Oktoberfest offers attendees the opportunity to sample a diverse selection of craft beers from both national and local breweries. The event features live music, German-inspired cuisine, and a festive atmosphere, making it a popular gathering for both locals and visitors.

• Navarre Fishing Rodeo: This annual fishing tournament held in Navarre Beach during the first weekend of October is open to anglers of all ages and skill levels, offering multiple divisions. Participants can fish from the shore, a boat, a kayak, or the pier, targeting a variety of species such as flounder, king mackerel, pompano, redfish, and snapper. 
  
  

• Annual Navarre Beach Car Show: This is a prominent featuring a stunning display of over 130 vehicles across more than 25 classes, including Domestic Original, Domestic Modified, Truck/SUV, and Motorcycle categories. The event also features live music, food trucks, and vendor booths, creating a family-friendly atmosphere.

• Movies on the Beach at Windjammers: This is a community event where you can enjoy films under the stars, directly on the beach. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to comfortably watch movies projected on a large outdoor screen. The event typically features a variety of films, including family-friendly options and seasonal favorites. 
  
  
  
• Holland Farms Pumpkin Patch & Maze: It offers a quintessential fall experience for families with activities like hayrides, a pumpkin patch, an 8-acre corn maze, ziplines, and a train ride around the farm. Additional attractions feature a corn box, horse and regular swings, spider web, pirate ship, pedal tractor cart racing, hill slides, rat racers, and a sandbox. 
  
  
  

hIKING & NATURE TRAILS 

With cooler temperatures, exploring the nature trails in Navarre Beach Marine Park is especially enjoyable. Located on Santa Rosa Island, the park offers a blend of coastal beauty and educational experiences for nature enthusiasts.

The walking paths allow you to immerse yourself in natural surroundings, featuring sand dunes, coastal vegetation, and stunning views of the Gulf. The park also provides five beach access points—three on the Gulf side and two on the Santa Rosa Sound side — making it easy to transition between walking and beach activities. 

Navarre Beach Things To Do in Winter (December to February)

vISIT THE NAVARRE BEACH MARINE SCIENCE STATION

Visiting the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station is a great indoor activity during cooler days where you can engage in educational programs and learn about marine ecosystems.

Every visit is filled with hands-on learning, where both kids and adults can encounter marine life like sea turtles, fish, and other fascinating coastal creatures. Enjoy family-oriented activities, from guided tours and beach walks to educational programs designed for all ages.

gOLFING

Winter is a great time for golfing in Navarre Beach because the season brings comfortable temperatures, the courses are less crowded, and winter's sunny and clean days provide great visibility on the course. 

The Club at Hidden Creek is the top spot. This public course has options for players of all ages and skill levels. The beautifully maintained gardens, surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees, make it a serene getaway worth visiting, even if you're not swinging a club.

sHELLING

Winter tides often bring unique shells ashore, and early morning walks can yield beautiful finds along the beach. Some of the best places for shell collecting include Navarre Beach Marine Park, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Navarre Beach State Park, and Navarre Beach Causeway. Located on the east end, the causeway offers a boardwalk leading to a secluded beach where collectors can discover a variety of shells.

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