Tropical Travel Girl
Why I Love Navarre Beach on the Florida Panhandle
I loved Navarre before Navarre was cool.
“Under the radar” is a term that aptly applied to Navarre Beach in 1973. That’s when I first visited this 12-mile stretch of sand on the Florida Panhandle, located on Santa Rosa Island between the Gulf Islands National Seashore and Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary. Navarre Beach was almost completely free of development then…
Navarre Beach in the 1970s
The area, situated roughly 25 miles east of Pensacola, 15 miles west of Fort Walton Beach, and 25 miles west of Destin, has become quite familiar to me over the years. I vacationed with my family in Panama City, located about 70 miles east of Navarre on the Florida Panhandle, many times while growing up. Later, between my junior and senior years of college, I spent a summer working as a waitress at a seafood restaurant in Panama City Beach.
The following year, after graduating from university in Indiana, I again ventured to the Florida Panhandle, this time to Pensacola. While searching for a job in journalism or advertising, I again found work as a waitress.
For a change of pace, a friend and I sometimes drove to Navarre Beach to hang out at the Holiday Inn on our days off. It was the only hotel there and we felt like we had the beach to ourselves. When plans to find a better job didn’t pan out, my dream to become a full-time Florida girl was put on hold and I returned to Indiana.
The Holiday Inn Holidome on Navarre Beach opened in 1960s and was eventually demolished in 2013, following its destruction by Hurricane Ivan in 2004.
Did You Know? In 1977, the Holiday Inn served as headquarters for the filming of the 1978 movie, Jaws 2. Most scenes were filmed in and around Navarre Beach.
In 2017, the SpringHill Suites Marriott was opened in the same location. While many other rentals are available, it is still the only full-service hotel in Navarre Beach. Several others are across the causeway in the town of Navarre.
2020: The Year of My Return to Navarre Beach
Over the years, I occasionally vacationed in Destin, located between Panama City and Pensacola, and later stayed with friends who had relocated there. But Navarre Beach? I hadn’t see it in decades.
In 2020, however, the timing was right to return to this “under the radar” place I’d visited all those decades ago.
After visiting three times since then, with a fourth visit planned soon, it’s time for me to share why you should consider it for your next beach getaway in the Florida Panhandle.
Soak up Some Sun, Sand, and Vitamin Sea
There’s something about sinking one’s toes into fine, sugar-white sand and gazing out at the ever-changing emerald-green waters that soothes the soul.
Although Navarre Beach, known as “Florida’s Most Relaxing Place,” may no longer be as “under-the-radar” as it once was, it still offers a laid-back, peaceful atmosphere that feels less hectic than the surrounding areas to the east and west. As soon as you cross the Causeway from the town of Navarre to Navarre Beach, you’ll find yourself in your own little slice of paradise.
Watch the waves come in…
Scenes from Navarre Beach
Seas the Day…
If taking a daily Vitamin C capsule can help stave off colds, a regular dose of “Vitamin Sea” can be beneficial to our health, too. Plato said, “The sea cures all ailments of man.” While that may not technically be true, a seaside environment can be the key to reducing the stresses of our everyday lives.
Sunset and Sunrise…on the Same Beach
Watch the sunset in the west toward Pensacola and watch the sun rise in the east over the Pier. I am normally NOT an early riser but I make the effort once every time we’re there to capture this beautiful sight.
Let’s Go Shelling…
As far back as I can remember, I’ve loved looking for shells at the water’s edge.
However, the 100 miles of fine, sugar-white sand along the Florida Panhandle had, for the most part, never been recognized for shelling. Several years ago, I was surprised to learn through a Facebook shelling group that the Navarre Beach area, in particular, had emerged as a shelling hotspot. That news perhaps influenced me to plan our trip there in 2020.
Shells I’ve Found on Navarre Beach
Beach Renourishment Projects Bring in Sand…and Shells
So, what changed to make Navarre Beach a shelling destination? A beach renourishment project completed in 2016 pumped over 1.3 million cubic yards of sand from deep in the Gulf onto Navarre Beach. The purpose of the project was to stop beach erosion caused by past hurricanes. It also provided protection from future storms. There was a side benefit for shell seekers. A plethora of shells not normally found in the area were brought to the surface.
But that wasn’t the end of hurricanes affecting Navarre beaches. In 2020, Hurricane Sally made landfall about fifty miles west of Navarre Beach near Gulf Shores, Alabama. Even though it didn’t directly hit Navarre, heavy rains, flooding, and storm surge caused the loss of 250,000 cubic yards of sand. A second restoration project was undertaken in late 2024 and completed in February 2025. It began 900 feet east of the Navarre Beach Pier and stretched west to the start of the Gulf Islands National Seashore property. Approximately 3.4 miles of beach (about 18,000 feet) were restored, along with dune vegetation. Shelling enthusiasts are, once more, reaping the benefits of this latest renourishment.
I also collect sand! Here is my Navarre Beach sample. Sands throughout the Florida Panhandle are among the whitest sands I’ve seen. You may also enjoy reading: How I Display My Sand Collection and Shells
Spend Time on the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier
Here’s a short video panning the view you’ll see from the Pier to the beach:
Scenes from Navarre Beach Fishing Pier
Even if you’re not staying in Navarre Beach, I recommend planning a half-day visit (or more) to the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. It’s the longest pier in Florida (1,545 feet and 30′ high). The Pier is usually the first place I head after we’re settled into our condo rental.
The Pier is a great vantage point to watch for dolphins, stingrays, turtles, and even sharks in the water. It’s fun to see what people are catching, too. Hang out there long enough and you’ll most likely become acquainted with the Pier’s favorite Great Blue Heron, Fred (pictured above), and his many heron friends.
Purchase a day pass to walk on the pier for $1.00; children five and under are free. Fishing passes, which include a fishing license, cost $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and active-duty military, and $4 for youth (15 and under). Weekly and annual passes are also available. More information is at this link.
Anglers of all ages can look forward to catching Mahi Mahi, Amberjack, Red Snapper, King and Spanish Mackerel, Wahoo, Cobia, Pompano, and Flounder. Poles are available to rent at the nearby privately-owned bait and tackle shop.
In 2020, our trip coincided with the Navarre Fishing Rodeo, held annually on the first weekend in October. Event promoters invite everyone to: “Fish from the shore, a boat or kayak, or from the pier – you just can’t ‘fish’ from the seafood market!”
Feast on Seafood, Fresh from the Gulf
For me, savoring fresh fish every day is one of the delights of a beach vacation. Grouper, red snapper, and Gulf shrimp are at the top of the list of fresh seafood offered on menus throughout the Florida Panhandle. Mahi Mahi and tuna are other favorites. You’ll also find oysters, stone crab claws, and Florida lobster (in season).
If preparing your fresh catch isn’t your thing, here are some recommendations for restaurants we’ve enjoyed in Navarre Beach and across the Causeway (Hwy 399 from Hwy 98) into the town of Navarre.
Windjammers on the Pier (the Pier restaurant)
You can’t beat the food, views, and beach vibe at Windjammers on the Pier. It’s a great choice for lunch or dinner, before or after spending time on the Pier. Stop by later to relax at the bar after a long beach walk. Fish tacos served with cole slaw is my go-to order for lunch. Live entertainment in the evenings includes some DJ Karaoke nights. (I love to sing so I may have to check one out on my upcoming visit!)
Other dining choices on Navarre Beach include Beach House Social (At SpringHill Suites Resort by Marriott), Juana’s Pagodas and Sailors’ Grill, and Andy D’s.
The Slippery Mermaid Sushi Bar
If you love sushi, don’t miss dining at The Slippery Mermaid Sushi Bar, located in the town of Navarre (8779 Navarre Parkway), just across the Causeway. It is one of our favorite places.
Bella Luna Italian Bistro
In the mood for Italian? We enjoyed dining at Bella Luna Italian Bistro (7289 Navarre Pkwy., Navarre) on our last trip. I loved the mussels!
Other Dining Choices
Cactus Flower Cafe in Navarre (8725 Ortega Park Dr.) is a great choice if you have a hankering for Mexican (I loved the fish tacos). A more comprehensive list of local restaurants can be found on OpenTable, a reservation site I use whenever I travel. This includes 50 restaurants near Navarre Beach, covering places in Pensacola, Ft. Walton, Destin, and more.
Three of our favorites include Marina Cafe (404 Harbor Blvd., Destin, FL), Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House (414 Harbor Blvd., Destin, FL), and The Grand Marlin of Pensacola Beach (400 Pensacola Beach Blvd.).
Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary: Go Snorkeling on the Artificial Reefs
Three nearshore artificial reefs are available for snorkelers and divers at the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary, thanks to a project completed in 2019. Two are located on the Sound side, and one is on the Gulf side off Navarre Beach. A fourth artificial reef, positioned one mile from shore, is primarily used by scuba divers.
All the artificial reef sites are part of Santa Rosa County’s Navarre Beach Marine Park. They are open to the public free of charge from sunrise to sunset.
View a Live Beach Cam of Navarre Beach here: Navarre Beach Life
Within the past year, I’ve become acquainted with Jessica, a Pensacola resident who regularly snorkels the reefs in Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach. She shared some of her photos with me (below). You can see more by joining her public group on Facebook, Emerald Coast Beach Bums. I hope to join her on a snorkeling excursion or two on our upcoming visit to Navarre Beach.
Visit the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center
The Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, located near the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier (8740 Gulf Blvd.), is a must-see for visitors. Founded in 2013, the main pool exhibit features a 15,000-gallon saltwater pool that is home to Sweet Pea. The non-releasable green sea turtle is considered to be the Center’s Ambassador-in-residence. Visitors can gain valuable insights about sea turtles, including native species of the Emerald Coast and non-native species, through interactive educational displays.
Four of the world’s seven sea turtle species nest along this seashore. In 2024, a total of 54 sea turtles were rescued. They included 38 loggerheads, 11 Kemp’s Ridleys, and five green sea turtles.
Visit Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am-4 pm. Click here for ticket information. General admission $10; active military/veterans and seniors 65+ $9; children (4-12) $7; under 4 free.
Seek Seclusion at Gulf Islands National Seashore
Looking for an even greater sense of seclusion? It’s easy to escape from it all along the eight miles of undeveloped beachfront on the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The road that connects Navarre Beach to Pensacola Beach (Florida State Road 399) is rich in natural beauty. On one side lies the Santa Rosa Sound, while the Gulf of Mexico stretches out on the other. Established in 1971, it’s one of only ten National Seashores in the country.
There is an entrance fee for the portion of Opal Beach referred to as the “Opal Beach Complex.” That’s where you’ll find public restrooms, parking lots, outdoor showers, and pavilions. Lifeguards are on duty at this during summer months. All Interagency Annual America the Beautiful passes are accepted for entry. They are valid at all National Parks. Read more at this link: Plan Your Visit – Entrance Fees
We purchased the Lifetime Pass several years ago and always make sure we have it ready to show, if necessary. Specific information about National Park Service passes is here.
The rest of Opal Beach is accessible 24-hours a day with plenty of parking lots along Hwy. 399 and no entrance fee.
While camping isn’t permitted, you can swim, sunbathe, fish from the shore, and picnic to your heart’s content! Opal Beach is the main swimming beach (with lifeguards in season), but there are also three other main parking lots. (Shelling can be great here, too!)
Where to Stay
The Inn at Summerwind
The Inn at Summerwind is a 15-floor condo complex (77 one, two, and three-bedroom condos in three high-rise buildings). Each features Gulf-front balconies in all units, a pool and hot tub.
We stayed at the Inn at Summerwind in a 12th story condo in Building 1 in April 2024 and plan to stay there again in late April 2025. I love the view and close proximity to Navarre Pier. (Link to condo rental through VRBO: https://www.vrbo.com/2295837)
A short video panning the view from our condo:
Other Accommodation Choices
Springhill Suites by Marriott is the only beachfront hotel with 161 suites on Navarre Beach.
The Pearl of Navarre is another popular high-rise property on the beach (17 floors, two- and three-bedroom condos).
Check Mermaid Mansions, Vacasa and VRBO to find a wide variety of condo complexes and homes for daily, weekly, and monthly rentals. Other places we’ve stayed in the past include: Sugar Beach Townhomes (on the beach side) and Gulf Islands Condominiums (across the road from the beach).
Getting There
Navarre Beach is the ideal road trip destination. This is especially true for those of us living within a day’s drive of this 100-mile stretch of fine, sugar-white sand known as the Emerald Coast. From our home in southern Indiana, the Panhandle region is about a 10-hour drive, including brief stops.
Hopping a flight is another option. Two airports are less than an hour’s drive from Navarre Beach. They include Pensacola International Airport (PNS) and Destin Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS). Check the airline schedules to find out which one works best from your departure city. (Allegiant Airlines offers direct flights on Mondays and Fridays seasonally (May 23-October 1) from my home airport (EVV).]
Have You Visited Navarre Beach?
If you have visited Navarre Beach in the past or live in the area, l’d love to hear from you! Let me know in the Comments your favorite things to do, favorite restaurants, or other insider travel tips to help others who may be consider planning a vacation here.
Watch for upcoming posts on my favorite things to see and do within an hour or less of Pensacola, Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, and Florida’s 30A beach communities.
(All photos © Debbra Dunning Brouillette unless otherwise credited.)
Been going since 1985. Beach Condos until Ivan, now Navarre Towers.
Wow, since 1985! You have seen lots of changes there, too! Enjoy your next stay in Navarre…
Great article! We also have landed in Navarre Beach after exploring many panhandle vacation spots. You very nicely listed our vacation itinerary each year… we visit March and September because we do not like crowds. Sometimes we camp in our travel trailer and sometimes we stay in a condo (we stayed at Summerwind also). I’d like to add Dave’s Oyster Bar in Gulf Breeze and Flounder’s in Pensacola Beach… both for oysters, fresh and fried.
Thanks, Robin, for suggesting a couple more restaurants to put on my list! I love oysters so I’ll keep them in mind.
Great photos and information. Those shells. What a wonderful selection.
Thanks, Wendy! I hope to add to my shell collection on my upcoming visit!
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I’ve been through Navarre Beach a few years back when I did a RVing trip around the Panhandle. I drove along the Gulf Islands National Seashore to visit Fort Pickens. I also stopped and gathered a few seashells to add to my collections. Great look at the then and now of Navarre Beach. The photos are fantastic as well.
Glad you got to do that, Katy! I plan to do another article about Ft. Pickens and all the things to do within an hour or less of Navarre. I love the whole area!