The Gulf Island National Seashore is an eight mile area of protected land by the federal government. This is considered a “national park”. The Gulf Island National Seashore is between Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach.

Several parking lots are available on the Gulf side as you drive through the area. This area is increasing in popularity. The parking lots are relatively small but the beaches are vast. If you are looking for a less crowded beach, this is the place to go!

One of the most popular beach names in the area is called Opal Beach. This is part of the Gulf Island National Seashore. Opal Beach does have a fee to enter, but it does have restrooms and facilities available along with a larger parking lot.

The other parking areas along the Gulf Island National Seashore are free.

Website: https://www.nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/santa-rosa-day-use-area.htm

The Navarre Beach Pier is known as the long pier in the Gulf of Mexico. It is approximately 1,545 feet long and 30 feet above the water.

The Navarre Beach Pier offers daily, weekly, and annual passes. A simply day pass for walking is $1 a person or a daily fishing pass is $7.

Phone: 850-710-3239
Address: 8579 Gulf Blvd, Navarre FL 32566
Website: https://navarrebeachpier.com/

The Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center is right on Navarre Beach – in the park. Just as you come across the causeway, turn left at the stoplight and the building center is on the left.

Come see the resident sea turtle Sweet Pea! As you enter the conservation center, you are greeted by Sweet Pea with her own inground water area. The staff at the center greet you in and will provide a short presentation on Sweet Pea and how she came to live at the center. Sometimes if you catch the time right, they also feed her as well.

The Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center also has a small exhibit area to walk through and an outdoor area with tortoises. The exhibit area has jellyfish and other informational displays.

Regular admission is $5 per person with discounts for military, first responders, and seniors. Children two and under are free.

Phone: 850-684-3347
Address: 8740 Gulf Blvd, Navarre FL 32566
Website: https://navarrebeachseaturtles.org/

The Navarre Beach Welcome Center is a great first stop when entering the Navarre area. Just like any visitor’s center, it is a place to gather information brochures about various attractions in the area.

The center also features a place to let the kid’s out and run off some energy after a long drive – or just a place to visit after you get settled in. There are a few playground structures and there is also a splash pad. The center is located on the Santa Rosa Sound – on the south side of US-98 and just to the west of the Navarre Beach Causeway.

Phone: 850-981-8900
Address: 8543 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre FL 32566
Website: https://www.visitflorida.com/listing/santa-rosa-county-visitor-information-center/30264/

Goofy Golf is a family-owned mini golf activity in northeast Fort Walton Beach. We are budget-minded travelers and Goofy Golf fits this nicely! The majority of the mini golf places around the area are $12+ per person. Not here! As of writing this post, adults are $6 and kids are $4 (11 or younger).

Goofy Golf offers two 18-hole courses on the property.

Phone: 850-862-4922
Address: 401 Eglin Pkwy NE, Fort Walton Beach FL 32547
Website: https://www.fwbgoofygolf.com