Navarre’s year-round sunny weather and natural coastal beauty offer ideal conditions for enjoying the great outdoors. The area’s parks range from beachside recreational areas to expansive preserves allowing visitors to make the most of Navarre’s enviable climate. Hiking, biking, picnicking, camping, disc golf and more – Navarre parks have it all. Here are some top picks for spending time immersed in nature, sightseeing, and staying active at local parks.
Navarre Beach Marine Park
Situated between the scenic Navarre fishing pier and Marine Science Station, this beachside park provides abundant amenities. A floating dock, boardwalk, and piers allow enjoying Santa Rosa Sound. Play beach volleyball or let the kids burn energy at two playgrounds. Shaded picnic pavilions welcome groups and the on-site restaurant is perfect for quick snacks and drinks.
Free parking allows easy access to the soft sands of Navarre Beach. Rent bikes or purchase beach supplies at the nearby stores. Hit the jogging path for seaside runs and walks. With activities, landscapes and amenities galore, Navarre Beach Marine Park makes an ideal home base for visitors.
Holley Navarre Seniors Center
The vibrant Holley Navarre Historical Park adjoins the expansive protected grounds of this community center geared towards seniors but open to all. Nature lovers appreciate the park’s scenic walking trails shaded by towering pines and oaks draped in Spanish moss. Keep your eyes peeled for native birds and rabbits as you roam.
The park also boasts covered picnic areas, horseshoe pits, shuffleboard and bocce ball courts, and a butterfly garden. Interpretive panels describe the ecology, history and native plants. Yoga classes and summer camp activities for kids are also hosted at the center.
Navarre Park
Popular with families, this park across from Navarre Beach offers outdoor diversions galore. Kids will stay busy on two large playgrounds, massive multi-level climbing towers, and bouncing air pillows. Adults can play a free round at the disc golf course winding through picturesque scenery. Picnic pavilions provide shade.
Don’t miss the scenic boardwalk over the marshes and mangroves of Santa Rosa Sound either. Free summer concerts rock the covered amphitheater on weekends. With electric and water hookups, RVs can even camp on-site to stay close to the activities and beach.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Stretching from Mississippi to the edge of Navarre Beach, this national park offers recreation galore. Hike forest trails like the one-mile Loggerhead loop or tackle the longer three-mile Sand Dune trail showcasing coastal ecosystems. The Fort Pickens area has longer trails for cycling and horses. Swim, snorkel or fish along the undeveloped shorelines.
Two large campgrounds within the seashore allow pitching a tent or parking the RV steps from the beach. Ranger-led kayak trips, snorkeling excursions and fort tours occur seasonally. With endless stretches of pristine shores and maritime forests, the national seashore is a true treasure.
Andrews Park
Situated on a peninsula extending into Santa Rosa Sound, this Navarre park boasts water views, fishing spots, picnic areas and playgrounds. A long boat ramp/dock makes launching kayaks, paddleboards and motor boats easy for a day on the water. Youngsters will enjoy spotting herons, egrets, jumping mullets and pelicans.
After working up an appetite, use one of the park’s gas grills for cooking up your fresh catch or picnic goodies. A small beach offers additional recreation and gorgeous scenery. Arrive early to stake your claim on picnic tables and water access during peak visiting times.
Broussard Navarre Park
Offering both indoor and outdoor facilities, this park appeals to recreation enthusiasts. Outdoors, enjoy the walking trail, playground, basketball court, softball field, and picnic pavilion. Inside, you’ll find a game room, rentable spaces, and full kitchen.
The park hosts an array of year-round activities and sports leagues from volleyball to karate. Summer camp programs also provide safe, supervised fun for kids when school is out. Soft fields work perfectly for flying kites, tossing balls, or playing fetch with dogs.
Veterans Memorial Park
Honoring Navarre veterans, this scenic park overlooks Santa Rosa Sound providing phenomenal views. Outdoor fitness options include a jogging loop, exercise stations, kayak launch and fishing pier. Let the kids release some energy at the playground and splash pad. Shaded picnic tables offer spots for snacking and admiring the scenery.
The park’s Veterans Memorial Plaza pays tribute to local veterans with personalized bricks and banners. An annual Memorial Day event honors veterans with a ceremony and cookout. On calm days, bring a kayak to explore the sound as you witness stunning Navarre sunrises.
From beach parks ideal for swimming and sunning to wooded preserves laced with hiking and biking trails, Navarre offers abundant outdoor options. Discover the area’s ecosystems and wildlife while staying active. Many parks provide amenities like playgrounds, sports courts, grills and pavilions for full days of fun. Enjoy Navarre’s natural attractions and scenic shorelines at its diverse, recreational parks.