From Beaches to Rivers

By Lissa Harnish Poirot
Published: April 9, 2009
Last Updated On: March 10, 2011

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Beaches

Parks

Outdoors & Nature

Navarre

Milton

Get outside and enjoy the Florida sun and surf in Santa Rosa County, where nature’s playground awaits.

I love the beach. Nothing is better than a sunny day outdoors enjoying the view, the water and the fun. But it wasn’t until I visited Northwest Florida that I discovered exactly what a beach vacation should be like. Instead of the hustle and bustle of city life, I could truly enjoy the allure of a natural setting, quiet beaches and time spent on foot, bike and boat along the Beaches to Rivers of Santa Rosa.

Navarre Beach

Navarre Beach is a small island community that is centered around miles of white-sand beaches sans overdevelopment, high rises and crowds. Here, theme parks and mass entertainment are far away.

Winding along the Northwest Florida coast along Highway 98, you will find this hidden jewel. Cross the bridge over the Santa Rosa Sound, and you will get to Santa Rosa Island. This intimate island features the 4-mile Navarre Beach, tucked between a county park and the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which affords ample opportunity to play in and along its emerald-green waters. Not quiet enough for you? Hidden in the county park is “Mom’s Beach,” an inlet on the sound that is both mom- and kid-approved.

While the ocean is the main draw, the county’s crown jewel is its Blackwater River State Forest.

Outdoor Entertainment

What do you do when surrounded by warm, tranquil water? Get right in, of course! Santa Rosa County, dubbed the Beaches to Rivers of Santa Rosa, provides a variety of ways to enjoy its waters, from kayaking and sailing to fishing, snorkeling and Jet Skiing.

While the ocean is the main draw, the county’s crown jewel is its Blackwater River State Forest for pure outdoor fun. The tea-colored, sand-bottom rivers in this area gently wind their way along Northwest Florida into Historic Milton, connecting to a number of streams and providing nearly 40 miles of canoe routes – the reason behind its nickname as “Canoe Capital of Florida.” When looking to get off the water for more outdoor fun, trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding are available, with a special trail marked for birders.

Throughout the area, trails and public outdoor areas are aplenty, including paved bike paths and running trails along sandy dunes. In Navarre, visit Nature Walk Park’s boardwalk, which features fun for families in its Panhandle Butterfly House, playground and splash pad. Milton’s three-block Riverwalk allows visitors to step back in time along the charming and historic walking dock, and is also a great stop.

When the day is done, sleep under the stars at one of a host of campsites available in Blackwater River State Park and Gulf Islands National Seashore, among others. If you’ve had enough of the great outdoors, retreat to one of the area's Gulf-front condos and luxurious hotels that can have you checking out the stars from the comfort of a cushy bed.

Recent Developments

What’s old is new again in the recently re-opened Navarre Beach County Park. Formerly a state park, the 116-acre park was closed due to storm damage and taken over by the county, which gave the park a $4-million facelift and eliminated car entrance fees. Navarre Beach’s 12-mile Scenic Drive connecting it to Pensacola Beach through the Gulf Islands National Seashore re-opened after five years as well. So roll down your windows, put the top down and enjoy the panoramic views!

Whether it’s land or sea exploration by foot, bike, car or boat, Navarre Beach, Blackwater River State Forest and Historic Milton provide the perfect playground for enjoying the outdoors. What are you waiting for?

This article is brought to you by the Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council. To plan your own outdoor getaway to Santa Rosa County, call 800-480-SAND (7263) or visit www.floridabeachestorivers.com. Be sure to click on "trails & parks" to view the Northwest Florida online trails map and plan your adventure!