A Complete Guide to Navarre Beach in Florida
/Navarre Beach in Florida is nestled on the Gulf of Mexico between Pensacola and Destin. It is part of the famous “Emerald Coast” of Florida where you’ll find powdery white beaches and clear blue-green water.
Here in Navarre, you won’t find many chain restaurants or cheesy beach shops. You won’t find high rise after high rise nor will you be inundated with crowds and commercial tourism. What you will find is deep relaxation. Navarre, Florida is a place for families that want to reconnect with each other and completely unplug from the chaos of real life. This unspoiled, unhurried beach town offers families a chance to get back to what matters while relaxing on the most beautiful beaches in America thus earning the title “Florida’s Most Relaxing Place.”
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Navarre Beach is located along Florida’s Emerald Coast
TABLE OF CONTENTS
How to Get to Navarre, Florida
There are two airports that service the Navarre area. Pensacola International (PNS) is approximately 41 minutes driving to Navarre. The Destin Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is approximately 39 minutes driving to Navarre. Driving-wise, I-10 is the quickest way to get to Navarre. Take exit 28 off I-10 and head south down Highway 87 which will bring you straight into this beach town. The main road that connects everything through Navarre is Highway 98. If you’re looking to spend any time in Pensacola or Gulf Breeze, you’ll take the Gulf Breeze Parkway.
The Best Views of Navarre Beach!
Where to Stay in Navarre, Florida
Where to Stay in Navarre Beach? Spring Hill Suites in Navarre Beach
Spring Hill Suites by Marriott: This is Navarre’s newest and most luxurious hotel. It offers a full-service restaurant, in-lobby shop, workout room, zero-entry pool with a lazy river, beachfront access, Gulf-front rooms with balconies, free on-site parking, delicious breakfast that is offered free every morning, and direct access to the Gulf of Mexico.
the pool at the spring hill suites is SO nice
One of the best perks of the Spring Hill Suites is the 12 PM check-out. This means you can stay a little longer and enjoy the pool or beach for a few more hours before heading home. If you’re looking for a place to reconnect with your family, unplug from technology and find pure relaxation – this is it!
Best Western Waterfront: The Navarre Best Western is located directly on the Santa Rosa Sound. This hotel offers free breakfast every morning, a turquoise pool overlooking the sound, and a private backyard beachfront. It is located less than one block from Dewey Destin’s restaurant, goofy golf, and Navarre Sandwalk. Best Western Navarre is located one short mile from Navarre Beach.
Other great places to stay inin Navarre: Hampton Inn and Days Inn & Suites (Navarre Conference Center) or you can use the map below to find a place that fits your budget and group size
The Best Places to Eat in Navarre, Florida
Best Places to Eat in Navarre
Royal Red Shrimp at Dewey Destin’s in Navarre
Dewey Destin’s Navarre: If you’re looking for a relaxing place to grab some dinner, head to Dewey Destin’s. Dewey Destin’s Navarre promises unwavering dedication to fresh seafood and a family atmosphere. They offer freshly caught seafood such as the Gulf’s famous Royal Red Shrimp as well as premium hand-crafted cocktails. This restaurant sits directly on the Santa Rosa Sound and offers a backyard beachfront where you can put your feet in white powdery sand, watch the dolphins and birds in the Sound, while enjoying your food.
Slippery Mermaid: Slippery Mermaid sushi is the best sushi in Navarre and some of the best I have ever had. Head into Slippery Mermaid for a Fiesta Mermaid Roll or their famous Raider Roll. Slippery Mermaid also offers a full-service bar that even has Prosecco on tap. This is the perfect spot to satisfy any sushi craving!
Slippery mermaid is the best sushi - i crave it all the time
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Scooter’s Fish House: Scooter’s is a small dine-in and take-out quick-service seafood restaurant centrally located in Navarre, FL on Hwy 87. All of their seafood is fresh and locally bought. The fish comes straight of the boats in Destin and surrounding areas and sauces, as well as sides, are all made from scratch. Even the seafood seasoning.
The Views of the Santa Rosa sound from our table at Dewey Destin’s Navarre
Navarre Beach House Bar & Grill: Sip on handcrafted cocktails and savor fresh, Gulf-to-table seafood and locally-sourced produce – all paired with a spectacular waterfront view. Located next to the Springhill Suites Resort by Marriott Navarre Beach – this casual yet chic Gulf-front restaurant features a refined dinner menu that is sure to please the palate. Don’t miss the Seafood Nachos or the Seafood Stuffed Shells. On the weekends you can stop in for cocktails only on the outdoor patio. They have live music and you can watch the sunset while sipping a cocktail, cold beer, or some much-deserved champagne. This is our favorite Navarre Beach dining experience.
Navarre Beach Dining: Juana’s Pagodas
TC’s Front Porch: Nestled in the heart of Navarre, Florida, TC's Front Porch welcomes guests with its warm hospitality and mouthwatering Southern cuisine. From classic comfort foods like fried chicken and shrimp po'boys to flavorful seafood dishes and hearty burgers, TC's Front Porch offers something to satisfy every craving. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, dining at TC's feels like gathering with family, making it a must-visit spot for anyone looking for good food in Navarre, Florida.
Juana’s Pagodas: This is Navarre’s oldest family-owned restaurant and bar. From a sand floor full-service bar to grass-fed beef burgers in the restaurant to volleyball courts, and a playground – Juana’s is a must-visit for any beach vacation. Conveniently located on the Santa Rosa Sound, this spot is walkable from almost any beach house or condo. Yes, it’s one of the only restaurants in Navarre Beach! Don’t miss the Ahi Tuna Nachos or the Pulled Pork-Macaroni & Cheese sandwich…they are so dang yummy.
Deb’s Drive-Thru: Deb’s is Navarre’s version of Starbucks; mixing up any kind of coffee you could want. This drive-through may be small in size, but it serves up some delicious coffee! If you’re going all week be sure to get a punch card!
Johnny Houston’s Grille & Bar: This is the absolute best place to get a burger in Navarre! Ohhh their bread buns and freshly made patties are absolutely delicious. I highly suggest grabbing some of their fresh cut sweet potato fries too! If you’re looking for the best place to great a beer in Navarre, this is it! They have so many cold draft beers that pair perfectly with a fresh made to order burger!
The waters of navarre beach are absolutely unreal
The Top 10 Things to Do in Navarre, Florida
Navarre Beach: The Beach is Navarre’s true pride and joy. Its uncrowded shores, soft sands, and emerald waves have a soothing effect on your soul. Make yourself at home, and enjoy the sand, sun, and surf. Don’t forget to stop in and enjoy freshly caught fish at one of the Navarre Beach seafood restaurants. If you are looking for things to do in Navarre today (or any day) going to Navarre Beach is the absolute best free things to do in Navarre.
at Navarre beach you’ll always find many shoes lining the beach walks
Navarre Beach Pier: Navarre beach fishing pier offers 1,500 feet of sheer fishing pleasure. This pier is the longest Pier in Florida and towers 30 feet above the ocean water. You can stroll out onto the Navarre fishing pier for sweeping views of the beach and the dunes, rolling both directions as far as the eye can see. If you’re looking for things to do in Navarre this weekend, this is a perfect place to start!
navarre beach with the pier
Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservatory: The Conservatory’s mission is, “Conservation and protection of threatened and endangered sea turtles through community education programs and partnered research.”
A panoramic of the stunning navarre beach
The Conservation Center has a resident sea turtle named Sweet Pea. She was rescued from the waters in Alabama and now lives here in Florida. There is a museum on the property where you can learn more about the day-to-day life of different sea turtles, see real jellyfish, and discover how you can help Sea Turtle Conservation efforts. The Navarre Beach Sea Turtle is one of the best things to do in Navarre Beach!
we got to see sweet pea
Navarre Beach Marine Science Station: The Marine Science Center is home to a hands-on, feet-wet curriculum that educates and challenges participants from children to adults on how to be stewards of our marine environment through meaningful outdoor experiences for all students. All of the Marine Science Center programs are designed to help students have an understanding and respect for their nearby marine ecosystems, as well as a desire to protect and conserve the delicate habitats of Florida. If you’re visiting from out of town, consider taking one of the 2-hour courses at Marine Science Station.
Rent a Kayak or Paddle Board: There’s no better way to explore the waters of the Gulf Coast and the Santa Rosa sound than by getting out on them. You can rent kayaks from several spots including Navarre Beach Ski and Sail, Navarre Family Watersports, and Sage Paddle Company. Kayaking and paddleboarding are very popular activities in Navarre beach and on the Sound.
Rent a Pontoon Boat: Have you ever wanted to take your family out for a day on the boat? Navarre offers the perfect opportunity for this during your beach vacation. Since Navarre is an island, the sound is less than one mile away. Rent a Pontoon Boat at Navarre Family Watersports or at Navarre beach Ski and Sail and have fun!
Wibit Waterpark: Come have an adventure on Navarre’s Wibit WaterPark! This waterpark is located ON the Santa Rosa Sound….no seriously…it’s ON THE WATER. This park is a massive inflatable park that floats. You’ll experience climbing walls, trampolines, adventure courses, and even a launchpad. All ages are welcome, but please see the website for details. When the evening rolls around, everyone will sleep well! Wibit Waterpark is one of the absolute best outdoor activities to get the entire family together in Navarre.
Navarre beach - florida’s most relaxing place
Rent a Bike or Motor Scooter and take a ride through Gulf Islands National Seashore: Gulf Islands National Seashore stretches for 160 miles along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico. It spans through Mississippi and Florida and includes barrier islands, maritime forests, historic forts, bayous, and marine habitats. What is it that entices people to the sea? Poet John Masefield wrote, “I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied.” Millions of visitors are drawn to the islands in the northern Gulf of Mexico for the white sandy beaches, the aquamarine waters, a boat ride, a camping spot, a tour of an old fort, or a place to fish. There are a few places to rent bikes in Navarre including; Pensacola Beach & Navarre Beach Paddle Board Rentals, Sage Scooter Company, and Navarre Beach Ski and Sail.
gulf islands national seashore is a paradise
Play on a Championship Golf Course: The Club at Hidden Creek is well known for its superb conditions, lush landscape, scenic layout, and rolling terrain. This is an 18-hole Championship Public Golf Course designed by Ron Garl and plays 6,823 yards from the back tees. All levels of golfers are welcome and you can experience exciting and challenging play.
Swimming in the Pool at Spring Hill Suites in Navarre Beach
Fly in an Ultralight over Navarre Beach: Have you ever wanted to see the beach from a bird’s eye view? Now you can! FlyTheBoat offers Ultralight flights from the Santa Rosa sound over to Navarre beach. You pick your distance and Jeff Bell, the pilot, and owner, will show you spectacular views of crystal white beaches, emerald green waters, and a coastline of Santa Rosa's barrier islands. See Florida’s Emerald Coastline from 1000' above
Paddle Board Yoga: Want to try your yoga skills out on the water? Navarre has a few places that offer Paddle Board Yoga depending on the time of year. Check our Navarre Beach Yoga’s Facebook page for the events.
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Relax in Navarre Beach in Florida!
If you’re looking for a relaxing place to get away from it all, unplug and unwind, then Navarre Beach in Florida is exactly where you need to be. From lazy rivers, to uncrowded beaches, to delicious fresh caught seafood, you will come back from your trip to Navarre feeling refreshed and reconnected.
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Have you ever been to Navarre, Florida?
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