NAVARRE BEACH, Florida (March 25, 2014)—From saltwater to freshwater, from relaxing on the beach to kayaking a first-rate river, neighboring Florida Panhandle towns Navarre Beach and Historic Milton meet the checklist for any vacationer wanting to enjoy the great outdoors.

Navarre Beach is part of the Gulf Island National Seashore, only one of 10 coastal areas in the entire country to have received this special recognition and protection.

Earlier this year, TripAdvisor in its Traveler's Choice Awards described Navarre Beach as a “hidden treasure” and named it one of the Top 25 Beaches in the United States. Condé Nast Traveler magazine chimed in by listing it one of Florida's Top White Sand Beaches.

And just a few miles away from the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico is the Blackwater River State Park and Forest as well as the Blackwater Heritage State Trail, with 8.5 miles of paved access through woodlands and scenic creeks. For those who want to get above the fray, the 14-station zip line at Adventures Unlimited in Milton will have you viewing the outdoors through the tree tops.

“It's the best of both worlds for those who enjoy adventure, history and beautiful scenery,” said Kate Wilkes, director of the Santa Rosa County Tourism Development Council. “Our tourism numbers have increased more than 30 percent over last year, showing the wide appeal of Navarre Beach and Historic Milton. We consider this area 'Florida's Playground' because of the abundance of offerings without the overcrowding typical of resort towns.”

Throw in golfing, fishing off the longest pier on the Florida Panhandle or dining on legendary fresh Gulf cuisine and it is easy to understand why the area is considered Florida's Playground.

Located between Pensacola and Destin/Fort Walton Beach, Florida's Playground is an easy drive from most anywhere in the Southeast. Pensacola International Airport is just 30 miles away with air service provided by American, Delta, United, US Airways and Southwest.

For more information, please visit www.floridasplayground.com 

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