Navarre Vacation Information

The quintessential beach retreat, Navarre is a small community that perfectly defines the middle – it’s in the middle of nowhere and yet in the middle of everything. Its quiet location of 12 miles of breathtaking beaches tucked away between two well-known beach cities means that visitors get to enjoy the best of both worlds from a vacation rental on Navarre Beach.

Life is soaked in like sun rays here and enjoyed at an unhurried pace because there is so much beauty to see. From the pristine sugar-white sands to the shimmering turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico or the coastal wildlife in the Gulf Island National Seashore nature preserve bordering the location’s western edge, Navarre has a calming effect that makes you want to live in the moment forever. One can truly live the laid-back lifestyle here.

But just because it is off the grid doesn’t mean that fun and excitement is off the map. On the contrary. A short drive of approximately 30 minutes in either direction will lead you to the succulent seafood and the eclectic culture and arts of downtown Pensacola, or the shopping and alternate dining in Fort Walton Beach.

However, staying near is always the best choice when in Navarre, because there is something for everyone. Anglers will want to try their luck on the longest fishing pier in the Gulf of Mexico, while curious minds will love observing and interacting with sea life at the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station and the Sea Turtle Conservation Center. Adventurous? Bring your scuba gear – or rent it – and dive in to see the sea from a different angle around the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary and Artificial Reefs. You never know what you’ll witness: tropical fish, turtles, octopus, dolphins and an amazing array of other sea creatures.

Navarre Beach is surrounded by water on each side – the Gulf on one and the Santa Rosa Sound on the other. This means that the beach is just a few steps from most of the condos and rental homes in Navarre. So, you won’t have to get in the car to find a spot for surf and sand activities – you’re already there! The beauty cannot be overstated. In fact, Navarre Beach was rated among the Top 25 Beaches in America in the 2014 Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice awards.

Not into sunbathing? No worries. Bring along a fishing pole and try your hand at catching dinner for your family. Or, rent a kayak and turn things around by taking in the view of the landscape from a watery perspective.

The options are limitless in Navarre. Natural beauty beckons, so answer the call.

Plan Your Trip to Navarre

Restaurants

No matter what you are craving, you can find it overlooking the water at Navarre Beach or back on land in Navarre. Fresh seafood straight from the Gulf is a mainstay here in this coastal location, but there are also multiple venues at which to find mouthwatering staples such as pizza, burgers, ice cream treats and even sno-balls. Being a beach community, the atmosphere is casual at most of the dining in Navarre, so you can come and relax and enjoy your food with family and friends. Dress however you like, just come hungry!

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Golf

Navarre’s semi-tropical climate makes it great for golfing practically year-round. While there aren’t any Gulfside golf courses here, there are a few local courses inland where visitors can enjoy beautifully landscaped fairways and gorgeous greens set among luxury neighborhoods and country clubs. It’s a great complement to beach and water activities. Those wishing to make a short drive to nearby Destin, about 40 minutes away, can enjoy challenging championship courses that have hosted professional tours.

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Shopping

The landscape of Navarre and Navarre Beach is dotted with quaint beach shops chock-full of souvenirs, hand-made crafts and a host of other items you won’t want to miss. A 30-minute drive to Pensacola or Fort Walton Beach will open the door to anything you could want, while a 40-minute drive to Destin’s outlet mall and outdoor Destin Commons can easily turn into a day-trip exploring hundreds of stores.

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Events

Navarre Beach is a relatively quiet and peaceful location nestled between the bigger tourism markets of Pensacola and Destin. Chock-full of natural beauty like sea turtle nests, artificial reefs with colorful marine life and miles upon miles of pristine sugar-white sands overlooking waves of turquoise water rolling in — it’s enough to make one want to simply lay out and observe all day long.

However, don’t mistake serene for boring. Navarre is much more than just a good-looking place. There is plenty of fun and entertainment to enjoy between sunbathing and taking in the sights. Beginning on the very first day of the year with the Penguin Plunge for those who want to brave the “cold” waters all the way through getting into the holiday spirit with the spectacular Christmas Lights in The Park, there is always something to do year round in Navarre. Spring showers always give way to family fun at Navarre Fun Fest each April. For the last 30-plus years, Fun Fest brings a bit of everything all together for two straight days — from local artists to live entertainment, fireworks and of course delicious food. There are live concerts at Navarre Park every Thursday during the summer for a pre-weekend celebration with good music, good food and good views of the Santa Rosa Sound. Fall is festival time in Navarre, and is the perfect time for a Navarre Beach vacation for those who prefer uncrowded beaches and mild temperatures. The busiest time of year for events seems to be September, which includes everything from a sand sculpting festival to an arts festival and a Regatta race. October might be when the temperatures begin to cool a bit, but the events schedule still sizzles with a fishing rodeo/competition, a Monarch Madness festival at the local butterfly house as well as a Car, Truck & Bike Show at the High School where muscle cars and sleek steel are on display for public viewing and photo ops. Take a look at a few of the upcoming events below, and begin planning accordingly for your favorite event or favorite time of year. No matter how you choose, there is sure to be something going on in or near Navarre to put your stay at a Navarre Beach house or condo over the top!

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Other Things To Do

The possibilities for outdoor fun are limitless in Navarre Beach. You might come for the water, but you’ll want to stay for the adventures! Enjoy the breathtaking views or dip your pole in the waters on the Navarre Fishing Pier – the longest fishing pier in the entire Gulf of Mexico! Rent a kayak and bring along some binoculars and get ready to observe coastal wildlife like never before at the adjacent Gulf Islands National Seashore. Bring your scuba gear and dive the artificial reefs at the Marine Sanctuary, where you’ll glimpse a colorful array of tropical fish and sea life. Oh, and history buffs will not want to skip out on the historic Fort Pickens at the tip of the barrier island. In addition to its pivotal role in numerous battles, this location offers a unique perspective of the Gulf and the surrounding bays and sounds.

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