The Air Force Armament Museum boasts an impressive collection of historical artifacts and memorabilia that traces the heritage of the Air Commandos and Special Operations forces from World War II to the present. An Airborne Battlefield Command Control Center capsule has been restored for visitors to walk through. There is also a vast collection of military aircraft and missile exhibits.
The Museum is approximately 30 minutes from Navarre. It is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed on all federal holidays.

Admission is free. For more information, call (850) 882-4063 or 4062.

Blackwater River State Forest is the largest in Florida, and has one of the nation’s purest spring-fed, sand-bottom rivers. Beginning 45 miles upstream in Alabama, the river continues downstream for 13 miles before emptying into Blackwater Bay. Wildlife is plentiful in this beautiful park, which includes more than 590 acres for picnicking, swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing and camping.
Open year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset. The park is located northeast of Navarre in Holt, Florida. (850) 983-5363.

Fort Pickens is a unique attraction in the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Along with the ruins of the pre-Civil War fort, the park offers camping, picnic areas, swimming, fishing, exhibits, nature trails, guided tours, a bookstore and a museum. Many historical anecdotes await you at this amazing landmark.
Open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Visitors Center: (850) 934- 2600/2635

The Gulfarium offers live marine shows with dolphins, sea lions, otters, penguins and other sea creatures. Features include a Bottlenose Dolphin show, a multi-species show and huge underwater viewing panels that showcase eels, sharks and other sea life.
Take US 98 east to Okaloosa Island. (850) 243-9046. www.gulfarium.com.

Gulf Islands National Seashore is a 150-mile long strip of barrier islands running from Mississippi to Florida. A section encompassing eight miles of protected seashore is located on Navarre Beach and connects to Pensacola Beach. Another section in nearby Gulf Breeze, features wooded areas along the Santa Rosa Sound with huge Live Oak. Services are limited at this point, but when fully operational, do include camping, fishing, boating, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.
For updates, call the Visitors Center at (850) 934-2600. They are located at 1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze.

National Museum of Naval Aviation featuring the IMAX Theater is one of the largest air and space museums in the world. More than 130 unique, beautifully restored aircraft represent Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Aviation. The museum houses the IMAX Theater, which has a seven-story tall screen and a 15,000-watt sound system. There is also a gift shop and café.
Admission to the museum is free. The IMAX Theater has an admission charge. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (850) 452-3604. www.naval-air.org.

Panhandle Butterfly House is inhabited by Florida butterflies, and is an educational and interactive exhibit. Located in Navarre Park, the Butterfly House reopened in May 2006. Admission is free, donation are accepted to support the purchase of butterflies and gardens. The Butterfly House is maintained solely by Tri-County Master Gardeners (Santa Rosa, Escambia and Okaloosa) and local volunteers. Thousand of tourist visit each year, along with local school children and residents. Scheduled group tours available.
(850) 623-3868. www.panhandlebutterflyhouse.org

The ZOO of Northwest Florida is a 50-acre preserve with more than 700 animals surrounded by botanical gardens. The Boardwalk allows for a close look at Gorilla Island, a free-range habitat that features gorillas and chimpanzees. Visitors can ride the Safari Line Train, feed and pet tame animals and browse in the Lion’s Lair gift shop. Enjoy special events yearround. The Zoo also offers banquet facilities.
Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weather permitting), 5701 Gulf Breeze Parkway, (850) 932-2229. www.the-zoo.com.