The Navarre Beach area is rich in local history and "sites to see". If you want to take a break from the beach you'll find plenty of things to do within a short driving distance. There are dozens of antique shops and flea markets in the area for vacationers who are interested in looking for a bargain. You'll also find art galleries in the local areas which showcase traditional and contemporary art, to many other diverse styles.

Blackwater River State Park
Located on one of the nation's cleanest rivers, the park includes 690 acres with picnicking, swimming, fishing, boating, nature trails, canoeing, and camping. Open year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset. Located east of Pensacola in Holt, (850) 983-5363. 

Eglin Air Force Base
One of the largest air bases in the world, Eglin provides thousands of acres to the public for hunting, fishing, boating, canoeing, and camping: (850) 882-3931. 

Air Force Armament Museum 
The armament museum offers displays that date to World War I. Open daily 9:30 a.m.-4:40 p.m. Admission is free: (850) 651-5253. 

Fort Pickens
Located at the west end of Santa Rosa County, Fort Pickens is a unique attraction in the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Along with the ruins of the old fort, the park offers camping, swimming, fishing, exhibits, nature trails, guided tours, a bookstore, and a museum. The park is open from sunup to sunset. (850) 934-2600. 

Gulfarium and the Living Sea
Watch amazing performances by dolphins, sea lions, otters, penguins, and other sea animals and see a panorama of undersea life -- eels, seals, sharks, turtles, and hundreds of other creatures through the crystal-clear windows of the "Living Sea". Shows run continuously from 10 a.m. to dusk. Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, (850) 244-5169. 

Gulf Islands National Seashore
This 150 mile strip of barrier islands is rich in culture and history. Activities include camping, fishing, boating, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. 1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, (850) 934-2600. 

Indian Temple Mound Museum
Used some 10,000 years ago by native Americans for religious and political ceremonies, this National Historic Landmark is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, except Sundays. Highway 98, Fort Walton Beach, (850) 243-6521. 

National Museum of Naval Aviation
One of the largest and most beautiful air and space museums in the world, the museum captures Naval Aviation's heritage and tells its story through historic naval/air memorabilia including an IMAX theater. Free admission. Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. NAS Pensacola, (850) 452-3604. 

Pensacola Greyhound Track
Catch the thrill of high-speed action-packed greyhound racing. 7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, matinees at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Highway 98 W. at Dog Track Road in west Pensacola. Call for monthly schedule, (850) 455-8595. 

Pensacola Historical Museum
Featuring historical exhibits ranging from the prehistoric to present times housed in the oldest church in Florida , Old Christ Church. 405 S. Adams St., Pensacola, (850) 433-1559. 

Pensacola Museum of Art
Housed in a 1906 building which was formerly and old city jail, the museum features exhibits by famous artists and local talent. 407 S. Jefferson St., Pensacola, (850) 432-6247. 

T.T. Wentworth Jr. Florida Museum
The former Pensacola City Hall building houses exhibits and artifacts dating back to the colonial period. Includes the Discovery Museum, a hands-on museum for children, (850) 444-8586. 

The Zoo
A wildlife experience with over 700 animals surrounded by botanical gardens. Safari Line trains take visitors over 30 acres of free-roaming animals where children can pet and feed the animals. The amphitheater offers elephant and wildlife demonstrations, and Zoo memorabilia can be purchased in the gift shop. Open daily, weather permitting, except Christmas and Thanksgiving, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. summer, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. winter. 5701 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, (850) 932-2229.