You’ll know you’ve arrived when the sand beneath your feet is so soft it squeaks—one of the distinct characteristics of Navarre Beach. The coastal town, centrally located on Florida’s Panhandle between Pensacola and Destin, is synonymous with wide-open spaces and outdoor excursions.

The sunrise, best experienced from Navarre Beach Marine Park, sets the tone for a replenishing visit. Views of the unobstructed and unspoiled waterfront frame a picturesque scene of birds singing and soaring through the golden morning light.  

A destination for families to reconnect with the outdoors, Navarre Beach is a waterman’s playground. Cast a line from the Gulf of Mexico’s longest fishing pier, which stretches more than 1,500 feet long; or meet the sea turtle named Sweet Pea who calls the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center home. Swim with local marine life by snorkeling one of nearly 30 artificial reef sites that are located just a few hundred feet from the shore, or rent a tube, kayak or SUP to float or paddle down Coldwater Creek, located north of the historic city of Milton.

Santa Rosa County also offers plenty of experiences for landlubbers, including outdoor concerts during spring and summer events like Tunes by the Dunes at Sand Crab Pavilion and Bands on the Blackwater in downtown Milton. You can also try ziplining through the longleaf pine forest canopies at the Adventures Unlimited Outdoor Center. 

Before retiring after a day spent on the water or zipping through the treetops, watch the sun dip over the Gulf from the fishing pier with the same magic as that morning’s sunrise. Relax in boutique accommodations, such as Coldwater Gardens’s Modern Treehouse, an elevated wooden home standing tall among the magnolias. Although it’s situated less than a one-hour drive from the coast, you will feel like you’ve traveled millions of miles away. 

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Photography courtesy of Navarre Beach // Sponsored Content