As a premier beach destination along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Navarre draws visitors from around the world seeking to sink their toes into its sugar-white sands. Navarre Beach offers over 10 miles of stunning and secluded shoreline to explore. From beachcombing to swimming, building sandcastles, playing beach sports, or simply relaxing oceanside, the soft sand beckons. Discover the best ways to enjoy the sensation of Navarre Beach’s sand between your toes!
Stake Out the Perfect Spot
Arrive early, especially on sunny weekends, to claim that ideal location with space from other beachgoers. Look for a level, debris-free section of sand if sunbathing. Or pick a spot with a slight slope and water access for playing and swimming. Further from public access points means less crowds.
Bring a beach canopy or umbrellas to find respite from the midday sun. Anchoring the poles well in the sand prevents fly-aways. Remember your beach chairs, blankets and towels to create a comfy seaside basecamp. Apply and reapply sunscreen frequently, even on cloudy days.
Go Barefoot in the Surf
Few sensations compare to the thrill of waves swirling around your bare feet as they sink into wet sand near the shore break. Navarre’s crystal clear emerald waters stay reasonably calm, allowing wading without fighting strong currents. Tiny shell fragments gently massage your feet with each wave.
The shallow, warmer waters make an inviting activity for kids learning to enjoy the ocean environment while still touching bottom. Try catching the receding wave swirls by running your toes through the ripples. Just be cautious of mature jellyfish near the shoreline in summer.
Attempt Beach Yoga
Salute the summer sun by flowing through meditative beach yoga sequences right on the sand. The soft, forgiving surface provides safe support for poses. Feel your feet sink and adapt during balancing postures like tree or eagle pose. Try downward dog with palms nestled in the warm grains.
Or extend into a supported fish pose with sand cradling your back and hips. Just shake extra granules off your mat or towel when finished. Early morning or late evening timing avoids the hottest sun exposure during an oceanside yoga practice.
Hand Building Sandcastles
One of the simplest yet most satisfying beach pastimes involves gathering buckets of sand and water to hand construct majestic sand creations. Decide if you’ll build vertically with drier sand or opt for wider, solid structures using wetter sand. Shape the perimeter first before detailing towers, bridges, and moats.
Search for perfect shells, stones, seaweed and driftwood to ornament your kingdom. Add parapets, flags, and sculptures as desired. Don’t forget connecting paths so you can walk barefoot through your masterpiece. Just be sure to fill any holes and knock down towers before leaving.
Beach Volleyball Matches
Few beach sports better combine sun, sand and friendly competition than volleyball. To set up a casual game, use string to lay out a 30′ x 60′ rectangle court and anchor poles for a lowered net. Bump, set, spike and dive across the sand surface. Expect some floor burns at first!
Or observe intense league play at the permanent courts near Juana’s Pagodas complex. Lessons and open play sessions welcome beginners. Either way, be prepared to rinse pounds of sand off your feet post-match after digging in to shag hits.
Sunset Horseback Rides
Special moments arise when exploring Navarre’s scenic shores atop a mighty steed. Several local outfitters offer private or group sunset horseback rides down deserted stretches of waterside. Feel the sinking sensation beneath each hoofbeat along the surf as waves crash nearby.
Friendly guides skillfully match riders to responsive, veteran trail horses ideal for beach terrain. Horse handlers ensure a smooth experience ideal for romantics or groups. Few experiences feel more exhilarating than a beachfront gallop at day’s end.
Night Bonfires and S’mores
After sunset, gather driftwood or purchase local firewood for igniting the night with a crackling bonfire amidst Navarre’s sea-shelled sands. The law allows fires below the high tide line or in approved containers. Surround the glowing flames with friends and family.
The classic tandem of fireside and s’mores brings sweet satisfaction. Skewer marshmallows on branches or pokers to gently roast over embers before sandwiching between chocolate squares and graham crackers. But be sure fires are fully extinguished before leaving the beach.
Sand Exfoliating Foot Scrubs
Pamper tired feet after lengthy barefoot adventures along Navarre’s sandy shores. Blend together coconut or olive oil with sea salt or sugar to create exfoliating foot scrubs. Generously rub the mixture over feet still dusted in sand, focusing on cracked heels and callused toes.
The granules slough off dead skin cells while the oils moisturize. Rinse the scrub then relax with extended stretching and massage of your feet. The beach provides the perfect setting for rejuvenating your soles.
From seaside yoga sessions to burying your kids’ toes in the surf to sunset gallops through breaking waves, Navarre Beach inspires playful connection with its iconic soft sands. Visitors intuitively shed their shoes to immerse bare soles into the soothing grains and foreground the present moment. Simply sinking toes into the sand awakens the inner child.