Santa Rosa: Coast, Trails, and History

Santa Rosa shows its coastal side at Navarre Beach. The beach stretches along an approximately four-mile section of Santa Rosa Island. Navarre Beach Pier is 1,545 feet long and stands 30 feet above the water. Fishing is possible from the pier, which is also a good spot for watching the sunset. This striking view of the water offers two distinct reasons to visit.

Trails, Water, and Outdoor Activities

For outings on foot, the Naval Live Oaks area has a total of 7.5 miles of hiking trails. At 8.1 miles, the Blackwater Heritage State Trail is slightly longer and paved. Cycling, running, walking, and skating are all possible there. Comparing the two helps you choose the right type of trail: at Naval Live Oaks, the total length of the trail network stands out, while the Blackwater Heritage State Trail is distinguished by its paved surface and the specific activities it accommodates.

The Blackwater Heritage State Trail has a visitor center with parking, restrooms, picnic tables, grills, and a playground. Those looking to take a break during a trail visit will find several facilities designed for that purpose. Bagdad Mill Site Park has a multi-use trail and an accessible fishing pier. Camping is available at Blackwater River State Park. Together, trails, fishing, and camping offer different ways to spend time outdoors.

Wet Prairie, River, and Quiet Coastlines

Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park protects one of Florida’s last remaining wet prairie areas. The park is also home to the state’s largest community of pitcher plants. Visitors interested in protected landscapes and plants will find a different focus here than on the trails or at the pier: the wet prairie and pitcher plants define the character of this natural area.

The Blackwater River is usually a clear, golden brown, standing out against the white sandbars. In Santa Rosa County, wooded parks and quiet coastlines offer opportunities for secluded outdoor recreation. These landscapes complement one another, so outdoor experiences are not limited to a single trail or setting.

Mill Site and Historic Districts

Arcadia Mill is located in Santa Rosa County on a 42-acre site that spans 200 years of history. Between 1817 and 1855, the site developed into a versatile milling and production center. A raised, three-quarter-mile-long boardwalk crosses the site, passing informational panels along the way. The panels provide historical context as you walk, combining movement with the history of the production center.

The Historic Districts of Milton and Bagdad also offer different ways to explore local history. Milton’s Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. Its design review process protects resources that reflect the city’s social, cultural, and architectural history. In Bagdad, the Bagdad Village Preservation Association welcomes visitors to tour the Historic District. While Arcadia Mill illustrates the development of a milling and production center, Milton and Bagdad focus on historic districts.

Explore more destinations: Milton, Navarre, Lake, Pinellas, Indian River, Martin, Gadsden County, Osceola.

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