The Many Ways to Fulfill Your New Year’s Resolutions in Navarre Beach/Santa Rosa County

Welcome to 2022! If you’re like most folks, you may have visions of a new you in the new year. That’s where resolutions come in — and if you’re like most folks, one of those resolutions may be emphasizing a healthier lifestyle. Let a trip to Navarre Beach/Santa Rosa County set you up for success!

For starters, the open spaces, natural wonders and sheer relaxation in our destination are bound to do you plenty of good. Walking the Navarre Beach Pier, dropping a fishing line in the water, strolling the Gulf Islands National Seashore, hiking the Blackwater River State Forest and countless other activities are terrific ways to get out and get moving. They’re sure to benefit your physical and mental health.

There are other facets to starting or maintaining a healthy lifestyle, of course, and Navarre Beach/Santa Rosa County has you covered:

Eat Healthy

While you can always find barbecue and pizza around here, we also have several restaurants that offer health-conscious options. Here are a couple to try:

• McKinley’s Sandwich Shop in Milton serves lunchtime fare with wholesome, premium ingredients. To go along with thick, artfully crafted sandwiches, the restaurant offers wraps, paninis and fantastic salads.
• Blackwater Bistro is located in a lovely century-old house a block from the Blackwater River in Historic Downtown Milton, and is a 10-year institution in the town. It serves plenty of good-for-you stuff like hummus, terrific salads (try the homemade chicken salad with dried cranberries and pecans), Atlantic Salmon & Sweet Mango Salsa, Grilled Portobello and more. If you’re taking a “cheat day,” you can go decadent here, too, with a Rowdy Ruben, Triple Threat Cajun Pasta, Baby Back Ribs and more. Music is a healing force, so be sure and check out the live bands playing on the porch on Friday and Saturday nights.

  

Mind-and-Body Fitness

You can get your daily dose of fitness virtually anywhere in Navarre Beach/Santa Rosa, simply by taking a brisk walk, leisurely run, or bike ride. You can change the scenery, too. A run along Navarre Beach is nothing short of magical — and there’s always the option of jumping into the Gulf for a swim. Rent a bicycle at Sage Paddle Co. right on Navarre Beach. In the northern part of the county, a robust hike in the wilds of Blackwater River State Forest or Yellow River Wildlife Management Area is sure to stimulate your body and mind.

Practice yoga or eager to try it? Navarre Beach/Santa Rosa County’s got you covered. Stretch your body into poses, clear your head and feed your spirit at Elementree Yoga Studio and Navarre Beach Yoga Studio (which offers heated and aerial yoga) in Navarre.

For visitors with a set workout regimen, Navarre Beach/Santa Rosa County has several gyms that offer day passes or limited memberships: The Shark Gym and Iron Lady Fitness in Navarre, The Bar Strength & Fitness in Milton, as well as several Crossfit and Anytime Fitness Locations. And then there’s that reliable go-to — the Pullum Family YMCA in Navarre.

Turn the Page

Studies have shown that reading has considerable benefits when compared to watching TV, staring into a computer or being hypnotized by your smartphone. So why not make reading one of your New Year’s resolutions? Navarre Beach/Santa Rosa County offers plenty of places to curl up with a good book.

Start by relaxing in a canvas chair on Navarre Beach. Or grab your books and head north, where you’re sure to find a quiet spot on Coldwater Creek or Coldwater Gardens. Flip some pages at Carpenter’s Park on the banks of the Blackwater River in Milton. There’s plenty of green space that will accommodate a blanket or chair along the Riverwalk in Historic Downtown Milton, and here’s the best part: Once you finish your chapter, you’re only a short stroll away from a meal or drink.