The Ultimate Guide to Navarre Beach: Paradise in Florida

Located east of Pensacola, Navarre Beach is a relaxing beach town in Florida. Being one of the less crowded beach towns in Florida's Panhandle, the place has its own unique charm and a relaxing atmosphere.

It’s hailed as one of Florida’s “best-kept secrets”.A perfect choice for travellers who like to explore new sun-kissed destinations, aside from the popular beaches in the United States.

Furthermore, Navarre ranked Navarre Beach as the 3rd best place to purchase a rental home in the US. What sets the Beach apart is its pure beach experience, with few shops and restaurants around.

This ultimate guide to Navarre Beach offers everything that you might need to plan your next dream holiday. Let us help you figure how and when to get there, select fun activities to do and know all the dos and don'ts in Navarre Beach.

Getting to Navarre Beach

Navarre Beach is famously known for its pristine white sand beaches and clear blue waters. Photo by Ana - stock.adobe.com

Depending on where you travel from, there are different ways to get to Navarre Beach. Most visitors come to Navarre Beach, located on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, by car from neighbouring states such as Alabama and other southern states in the Gulf. There are bus services to Navarre Beach by Tornado Bus.

If you travel from a further destination or prefer flying to save time, there are two airports near Navarre: Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) and Pensacola Airport (PNS). Travellers often fly through Pensacola Airport to visit Navarre Beach.

Here are a number of nearby attractions, towns and cities for your information.

• Woodlawn Beach: 8 miles

• Tiger Point: 10 miles

• Gulf Breeze: 16 miles

• Pensacola Beach: 18 miles

• Fort Walton Beach: 19 miles

• Destin: 26 miles

• Milton: 28 miles

• Niceville: 32 miles

• New Orleans: 194 miles.

Best Time To Visit Navarre Beach

Depending on what types of activities you plan to do in Navarre Beach, your ideal time to visit might be different than others. Overall, the best time to visit is mid-September to mid-October.

For outdoor fun, visit between mid-February and the end of May. The temperature and humidity in Navarre Beach at this time of the year are the most comfortable.

For a relaxing getaway by the beach, consider visiting in early spring to avoid the peak time during the summer months. 

The busiest time in Navarre Beach is from May to July, in which June is the most crowded month. Summer in Navarre is hot and humid. Families often choose this time for beach holidays. 

Top Experiences in Navarre Beach

A day at Navarre Beach is a day well spent. Photo by mark - stock.adobe.com

Sun-seekers around the world come to Navarre Beach for various reasons. Fun experiences and diverse activities are surely reasons for them to stay. This Florida’s paradise has a balanced mix of natural beauty on both land and underwater.

Relax by The Beach

Relaxation is the bread and butter of Navarre Beach. The place is stunning, uncrowded and sun-kissed. There are emerald-green shorelines and soft white sand to enjoy a perfect beach day. The facilities are well-maintained. You can easily find restrooms, a large parking lot, volleyball nets, rentals, etc. Lifeguards are also present during the summer months.

Watersports and Outdoor Adventures

There are plenty of fun activities at Navarre Beach. Active travellers can discover a whole different world underwater while snorkelling.

Navarre Beach Marine Park is a perfect place to start, regardless of your skill level. Located east of Navarre Beach, this place has nearshore artificial reefs.

You can easily discover the vibrant and colourful underwater world. There are clear bottom kayak tours as options for people who prefer to stay afloat and opportunities to adopt a reef at the sanctuary as well.

For families, there are all sorts of kid-friendly activities at Navarre Family Watersports. From renting a boat and spending time on kayak adventures to guided tours, there is something for everyone and a promising family day out. Wibit Inflatable Waterpark offers abundant fun activities at Navarre Family Watersports; be sure to check it out when you are in town.

Visit Navarre Fishing Pier

Visiting the longest fishing pier in Florida is a should-not-missed experience. Photo by RYAN on stock.adobe.com

At 1,545 feet (~1.6 km) long, Navarre Beach Pier is the longest fishing pier in Florida. You can take a leisure stroll here for a panoramic view of the stunning beach of Navarre or admire colourful schools of fish swimming in the crystal clear water below.

If you are looking for some fun and surprises underwater, there are ideal fishing spots here to try your luck. You can enjoy the spectacular sunset while walking on the soft white sand and take a relaxing stroll with a romantic view of the sun and sea. 

Note: Jumping off the pier is not allowed. Be sure to follow the rules to ensure your others’ safety. 

Sea Turtle Conservation

One of the highlights of Navarre Beach is the lovely sea turtles. Each year, the sea turtle nesting season happens from May to October. Thanks to the beach's wide-open spaces, uncrowded shorelines and soft white sands, sea turtles can be spotted here. You can learn more about sea turtles and the marine ecosystems with Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center.

CABINZERO’s Tips: Light pollution can negatively affect sea turtles during nesting season, making them misguided after coming out of their nests. If you plan to visit between May and October, you can protect baby turtles when visiting Navarre Beach by going dim. For example, you can use curtains after sunset to limit the lights from your room, especially if you have a beach-facing room.

Wildlife Tours

For animal lovers, visiting Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge in Navarre can be a rewarding experience as you can gain valuable insights and take part in the mission of conservation and the welfare of native wildlife in Florida. Learn how to live harmoniously with wildlife and discover the beauty of the Emerald Coast ecosystems by talking to the insightful and dedicated staff and/or volunteers here.

Adventures on Land

If you love yourself a dose of adrenaline or some active time outdoors with your family, Adventures Unlimited Outdoor Center is a perfect spot for some adventures on land. Less than an hour's drive from Navarre Beach, this place is ideal for a day trip and a weekend getaway.

There are both zip adventures on land and river adventures for visitors to choose from. Join a zip line canopy tour to admire the gorgeous Northwest Florida's pine forest as well as the Coldwater Creek.

Hunting for Shells

Even though every beach has shells on its shore, not all beaches are equal in shelling and beachcombing. With its location on the Gulf of Mexico, visitors to Navarre Beach can find all sorts of beautiful shells here.

You can take a leisure stroll along the shoreline to collect shells. The optimal time to search for shells is in the early mornings or late afternoons, as the tides are low and shells are exposed more easily.

If you enjoy being underwater, snorkelling can be a fun way to discover Navarre's colourful hidden treasures. Scotch Bonnet, Sand Dollars, and Junonia are among the many colourful treasures to be found here.

Shopping

There are great places to shop around Navarre Beach for solo travellers and family holidaymakers. The Navarre Seafood Market is an ideal place to get some fresh seafood.

Travellers can get souvenirs as well as beach attire in locally-owned shops and boutiques in the Navarre area. There are bigger shopping spots in the area, such as Paradise Shoppes of Navarre or further malls within a short drive away, such as Cordova Mall and Santa Rosa Mall.

Best Places To Stay In Navarre Beach

With its pristine beaches, Navarre Beach has many stunning waterfront resorts for beach lovers with a comfortable budget to stay at. Vacation rentals like condos, hotels, and beach homes are dotted across Navarre. They are easily accessible to the exquisite beaches and available on different booking sites.

If you love to stay in nature and are okay with a short drive from Navarre Beach, there are glamping options and campsites in Coldwater Gardens as well as Adventures Unlimited. Wherever you decide to stay, it is a good practice to book in advance to plan a trip on a budget and avoid unnecessary stress.

Your Beachfront Oasis Awaits!

Navarre Beach is all about vacation rentals, so you should consider opting for a beachfront property. This place is the perfect choice when you want a condo with a clear pool. The price is on the higher side, but it’s worth it for the relaxation alone.

Navarre Beach Camping Resort

This resort is designed for travellers with all preferences. You can choose different ways to stay here, from renting a cabin or a travel trailer to RV sites with various amenities. This is an ideal place for solo travellers, couples and families, as there are many styles of lodging options to choose from. In contrast to luxury hotels, here you can find a sense of quietness and communal vibes.

Best Western Navarre Waterfront

This beach hotel has a great location, near Navarre Beach Fishing Pier and overlooking the beautiful Santa Rosa Sound. Enjoy your colourful and comfortable room while staying within budget at this 2-star hotel. There are restaurants and shops within walking distance. Best Western Navarre Waterfront is an ideal place for romantic getaways for couples. 

Where To Eat In Navarre Beach

After a day at the beach comes a worthy feast. Photo by Steve - stock.adobe.com

Dine locally with fresh seafood and amazing views of the Navarre Beach in restaurants and seafood stops around the Navarre Beach area.

Dewey Destin

• Address: 8673 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, FL 32566
• Phone: (850) 710-7070

A classic for everyone who wants to make the most of their time in Navarre Beach. Most restaurants on the beach are not a good choice, but this is an exception. If you don’t know what to order the first time here, we recommend giving the fried shrimp and fries a try.

Pho 99 Vietnamese Restaurant

• Location: 8147 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, Florida

• Phone: (850) 204-8199

When you crave the best Pho in Navarre Beach, you come to Pho 99. The building is plain, but the food is not. Besides Pho - the renowned Vietnamese dish, you should try the Vietnamese Iced Coffee, which is nothing like your average Starbucks coffee.

Windjammers On The Pier

• Location: 8579 Gulf Blvd, Navarre, Florida

• Phone: (850) 710-3239

This restaurant and bar offers amazing views of Navarre Beach as well as fresh seafood, delicious cocktails and live music. Windjammers On The Pier has rustic vibes and a beach bar atmosphere for visitors who are looking for a casual lunch or an intimate dinner by the oceanfront.

TC's Front Porch

• Location: 8558 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, Florida

• Phone: (850) 936-1601

TC's Front Porch is a casual American restaurant and outdoor cafe perfect for a quick lunch before exploring Navarre. With lots of variety in the menu, visitors love this place because of the restaurant's facilities or location and the amazingly fresh and tasty dishes. Recommended dishes for visitors to try are fish sandwiches, lobster omelettes and Mahi-mahi baskets.

Tips for Enjoying Navarre Beach To The Fullest

Navarre Beach is a beautiful destination all year round. There are various options for accommodation that travellers of all preferences and budgets can choose from. Looking for advice on when to visit, where to stay and places to shop? Read on for more inspiration.

Travelling With Pets

Can the good boy (or girl) enjoy Navarre Beach with you? Photo by AlexGo - stock.adobe.com

If you are planning to bring your pet to Navarre Beach for a fun getaway, it is helpful to note dog-friendly places and activities to do here. Unfortunately, in Navarre Beach, dogs are not allowed on both the Pier and on the beach.

However, there are local dog parks such as Navarre Central Bark Dog Park and Shoreline Park Dog Park for your furry friends to have some fun outdoors. You can enjoy walking and soaking up the natural beauty of Blackwater Heritage State Trail with your four-legged friend as well.

Staying Safe

A beach trip is always a fun idea for travellers of all ages. Hanging out at the beach and having fun in the water is better once you understand and follow safety rules. First of all, you should be aware of the warning flag system in Navarre Beach.

• Green flags: low hazard with calm conditions and normal caution is adequate

• Yellow flags: medium hazard with moderate surf and currents

• Red flags: high hazard with high surf and strong currents

• Purple flags: dangerous marine life is available

• Red flags with no swimming icon: the beach is closed to the public.

It is helpful to note that the absence of flags does not mean the water is safe. As a rule of thumb, exercise safety procedures and be aware of the local weather as well as water conditions when you are at the beach. Specifically, it is mandatory that children and weak swimmers are observed at all times. Be sure to pack everything you need.

Protecting The Environment

Travellers can always play a more active part in protecting the environment in coastal destinations such as Navarre Beach. By supporting sustainable tourism and adopting good practices to protect the environment, you can lower your impact in the local environment. 

You can support locally-owned businesses and eco-friendly businesses. Love turtles? Consider supporting the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center . Appreciate the beautiful nature and educate yourself about the diverse ocean life. Eliminate waste, wear eco-friendly sunshine and adopt sustainable practices to protect the environment.

The Navarre’s beauty is better left unspoiled. Photo by scottevers7 - stock.adobe.com

FAQ

1. What Is The Best Month To Go To Navarre Beach?

Depending on your travel preferences and planned activities, the best time to visit Navarre Beach might vary. Most travellers prefer to visit Navarre from February until late May to enjoy comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities. May is a good month to travel that is not cold and not yet crowded like the peak summer months.

2. What Is Navarre Beach Known For?

Navarre Beach is loved by travellers for its stunning white sand beaches and an uncrowded shoreline. Navarre has a more relaxing and laid-back vibe as compared to other more visited beaches in Florida. There is a diverse wildlife system here as well as a number of outdoor activities for travellers to choose from.

3. Is Navarre Beach Expensive?

According to the Council for Community and Economic Research, Navarre is ranked 115 out of the total 273 cities in the U.S. by cost of living. Navarre Beach is a less costly destination and more affordable than popular beach destinations in Florida, such as Miami.

4. What Is Navarre Beach Close To?

Navarre Beach is located in the east of Pensacola, between Navarre Beach Marine Park and the Gulf Islands National Seashore, along the Gulf Coast. Navarre Beach is close to other cities in Florida, such as Pensacola (18 miles), Milton (28 miles) and Fort Walton Beach (19 miles).

The Ultimate Guide to Navarre Beach: Paradise in Florida

Navarre Beach is a popular destination for travellers around the world. With this ultimate guide to Navarre Beach, whether you are looking forward to a relaxing vacation or a fun outdoor adventure, look no further. There is an abundance of activities that are family-friendly and for every travel style. 

From eco-adventures to wildlife lovers and sun-seekers, there is something for everyone here, especially outdoor activities due to the geography of Navarre Beach. Plan to head to Navarre Beach with your travel buddies? Share this ultimate guide to Navarre Beach with them to plan your perfect beach getaway.

And don’t forget to leave a comment below to tell us what you think about this destination. Is it high on your bucket travel list? Or is there something similar that you want to recommend to everyone?

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