An elevated boardwalk at an archaeological site, a wet prairie with a plant community unique within the state, and trails for a variety of activities: Santa Rosa invites you to discover nature and history from several perspectives. The coast, river landscape and historic sites each offer a different focus. As you plan your trip, explore what appeals to you most: trail options, protected landscapes or places with a specific story.

Coast and Trails

Navarre Beach stretches along an approximately four-mile section of Santa Rosa Island. The Navarre Beach Pier is 1,545 feet long and stands 30 feet above the water. Fishing is possible from the pier, and it is also a good place to watch the sunset. This gives visitors two distinct reasons to come here: the opportunity to fish and the view of the sunset.

For outdoor activity, there are two trail options with different features. The Naval Live Oaks area has a total of 7.5 miles of hiking trails. The Blackwater Heritage State Trail is 8.1 miles long and paved; it is intended for biking, running, walking and skating. The stated distances are close, but the State Trail’s surface and several permitted activities are explicitly part of its description. This makes it easy to choose between hiking trails at Naval Live Oaks and a paved trail for a range of activities. The Blackwater Heritage State Trail also has a visitor center with parking, restrooms, picnic tables, grills and a playground.

Wet Prairie and River Landscape

Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park protects one of Florida’s last remaining wet prairie areas. It is also home to Florida’s largest community of pitcher plants. The site therefore has two clearly defined highlights: the protection of a rare landscape type and a plant community of exceptional size.

The Blackwater River is usually clear and golden brown, contrasting with its white sandbars. Camping is available at Blackwater River State Park. Across Santa Rosa County, wooded parks and quiet coastlines offer opportunities for secluded outdoor recreation. The river, wet prairie and coast each represent a different landscape to discover independently.

History at Mill Sites and in Historic Districts

Arcadia Mill is located in Santa Rosa County. The 42-acre site offers a glimpse into 200 years of history. From 1817 to 1855, Arcadia Mill developed into a diverse milling and production site. The archaeological site includes an elevated, three-quarter-mile-long boardwalk with interpretive panels. The dates describe the development of the production site, while the reference to 200 years conveys the site’s broader historical context.

In Milton, the Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. The design review process in the Historic District protects resources that reflect the city’s social, cultural and architectural history. The Imogene Theater and Museum is also among the attractions in the Milton area.

In Bagdad, the Bagdad Village Preservation Association welcomes visitors to explore the Bagdad Historic District. Bagdad Mill Site Park offers a multi-use trail and an accessible fishing pier. The selection of specific places thus includes both a look at historic neighborhoods and a park with a trail and fishing access.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Milton, Navarre, Taylor, Orange, Monroe, Escambia, Suwannee County and Flagler.

For the main travel overview: Florida.