Two of the most beautiful stretches of sand along Florida's Gulf Coast, Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach are brimming with family-friendly activities for those looking for an unforgettable vacation in the Sunshine State.
Planning a visit to these Florida hotspots? In this blog, we've curated a list of the best things to do with your family in Pensacola and Navarre Beach.
Before We Start: Welcome to Gulf Coast Getaways
At Gulf Coast Getaways, we know what makes a vacation memorable, especially when it comes to creating that perfect home-away-from-home experience. From quiet beachfront retreats to active getaways, we've got you covered with vacation rentals of the highest standard.
Top Things to Do with Family in Pensacola
Sitting on the edge of the Florida Panhandle and bordering the state of Alabama, sunny Pensacola is full of great things to do. Combining a rich history, mouthwatering cuisine, exciting outdoor activities, and white-sand beaches of crystal clear waters, Pensacola offers a wide range of attractions and experiences that cater to all types of visitors.
Pensacola Beach
Nestled on Santa Rosa Island, Pensacola Beach is renowned for its soft white sands and pristine waters, making it the perfect place for your family to engage in water activities, relax under the sun, and enjoy some of Florida's most picturesque landscapes.
From renting a paddleboard and catching waves in a surf lesson to lounging on a beach chair with the ocean breeze, spending time at Pensacola Beach will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your family trip. After some fun in the sun, explore the boutiques, restaurants, and other fantastic entertainment venues along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk.
Downtown Pensacola
Downtown Pensacola is a vibrant and historic area offering a blend of culture, entertainment, and outdoor fun. Its charming streets, including Palafox Street—named one of the 10 Great Streets in America—are lined with lovely shops, restaurants, galleries, and plenty of entertainment options like theaters, escape rooms, and cinemas, perfect for families to enjoy together. The area combines rich history with modern attractions, making it ideal for visitors of all ages.
Some of the best activities for families in the area include exploring the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Children's Museum, the Pensacola Museum of Art, and Seville Square. The latter is a historic park, perfect for a family picnic or to relax while the kids play and enjoy Pensacola's beautiful weather.
Every Saturday, the Palafox Market offers a fun family outing with delicious food, art, antiques, and crafts. Additionally, one Friday each month, Gallery Night transforms Palafox Street into a family-friendly party. The street is closed to traffic, making way for art displays, music performances, and plenty of food options for everyone to enjoy.
Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier
No visit to Pensacola and the Gulf Coast is complete without stopping by a fishing pier. The Pensacola Beach Pier has long been a favorite spot for families, offering stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and plenty of activities for all ages. Stretching 1,471 feet into the Gulf, it's a great place for fishing, scenic walks, and spotting marine life like dolphins and sea turtles. Kids especially enjoy walking underneath the pier to admire its structure from below.
Be sure to catch a sunset from the pier — an experience that will captivate everyone — and then explore the nearby restaurants and shops for more quality family time with your loved ones.
Big Lagoon State Park
Big Lagoon State Park in Pensacola is a beautiful coastal park offering a wide range of outdoor activities, making it an excellent spot for families. The park features scenic nature trails that wind through pine flatwoods and open woodlands, perfect for exploring nature and wildlife. It also serves as a gateway to the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, offering an educational and exciting family adventure where you can spot a variety of colorful birds.
Big Lagoon State Park is home to small beaches that provide opportunities for kayaking, paddling, canoeing, swimming, and fishing. Families can also enjoy picnic areas with playgrounds or climb the park's observation tower for breathtaking views of the lagoon and surrounding areas.
National Naval Aviation Museum
This is an experience like no other in Pensacola, and no matter your age, you'll be captivated by the museum's collection of over 4,000 artifacts and 150 restored aircraft.
The National Naval Aviation Museum offers more than just classic displays of its collection; it also features thrilling experiences like high-definition flight simulators. Be sure to check the museum's schedule, as from March to November, on most Tuesdays and Wednesdays, you can witness the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron, practicing above the Navy base. On select days, you might even have the chance to meet these heroes of the skies.
Fort Pickens
This iconic Pensacola landmark is a historic fort within the Gulf Islands National Seashore that offers a perfect mix of history, outdoor activities, and stunning natural surroundings, making it a great destination for you and your family.
Kids will love the historical exploration, learning about the fort's role in American history through self-guided tours, exhibits, and numerous areas to explore. Since Fort Pickens is near Pensacola's pristine beaches, you can combine the visit with a day by the sea—swimming, sunbathing, spotting local wildlife such as dolphins, birds, and sea turtles, or enjoying a sunset picnic on the white sands.
Naval Live Oaks Nature Reserve
Naval Live Oaks is a beautiful nature preserve, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, just a 13-minute drive from Downtown Pensacola. This historic area, once used by the U.S. Navy to harvest live oak trees for shipbuilding, is now a popular spot for outdoor recreation and family activities, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Offering a blend of natural beauty, history, and fun, this local gem is perfect for exploring nature along its well-marked, family-friendly trails, picnicking in stunning surroundings, and wildlife watching.
-6549EBBB-D618-4B23-B1B2D97C6D2F25F0.png)
Top Things to Do with Family in Navarre Beach
Navarre Beach, often referred to as "Florida's Most Relaxing Place," is a hidden gem nestled along the pristine shores of the Gulf of Mexico on Santa Rosa Island. This tranquil coastal paradise offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, exciting activities, and small-town charm. For families looking to disconnect and enjoy some of the best nature activities in Florida, this is a winning option.
Navarre Beach Marine Science Station
Navarre Beach Marine Science Station is a fantastic destination for families, offering a fun and educational way to learn about marine life and the coastal ecosystem. The science station focuses on environmental education and conservation efforts, making it a great spot for children and adults to connect with nature.
Hands-on learning is the highlight of every visit where kids and adults can get up close with marine life like sea turtles, fish, and other coastal creatures. You can also enjoy their family-friendly activities, including guided tours, beach walks, and educational programs tailored to different age groups.
Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center
This is another great family-friendly destination focused on educating visitors about sea turtle conservation and the local marine ecosystem. It features interactive exhibits and provides the opportunity to see rescued sea turtles while learning about their rehabilitation. Say hi to Sweet Pea, the center's resident sea turtle, and learn more about this Navarre start.
Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary
The Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary consists of three artificial reef sites located just off the shores of Navarre Beach Marine Park, making it an ideal destination for snorkeling and diving.
The sanctuary is brimming with stunning marine life where both beginners and experienced snorkelers can explore it from up close. With clear visibility and many colorful fish, sea turtles, and rays to see, this is one of the must-try experiences in Navarre Beach. There are guided tours available if you want a more personalized experience for your family.
You can also enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding exploring the calm waters around the sanctuary while observing marine life below.
Dolphin Tours
Dolphin Tours in Navarre Beach offer an exciting and memorable experience for families, providing the chance to see playful dolphins in their natural habitat. These guided boat tours take you through the stunning waters of the Gulf of Mexico, where you can watch dolphins swimming, jumping, and interacting in the wild. For an added treat, you can book a sunset cruise and enjoy a spectacular display of colors painting the sky over the Gulf to end your day of exploration.
Navarre Dolphin Cruise, Navarre Beach Dolphin Tours, and Salty Lab Charters are some of the top-rated companies offering incredible experiences in town.
Where to Stay on The Gulf Coast?
When you choose Gulf Coast Getaways for your vacation rental, you're choosing quality, comfort, and convenience. Whether you're here for golf, the beach, or a little bit of both, we've got a rental property that will suit your needs. Stay close to the best courses and the beach while enjoying all the amenities you need to relax and unwind.
Check out our website to find the perfect rental for your next trip to Pensacola Beach or Navarre Beach.
