Navarre Beach: A Gem on the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast
- Tina Walsh
- Jan 10, 2019
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 3
My favorite spot along the Florida Gulf Coast is Navarre Beach. It is a 12 mile wide pristine beach on Santa Rosa Island. CaptK and I discovered Navarre Beach on our honeymoon, 44 years ago. We spent 5 blissful days at the Holiday Inn Navarre Beach. In subsequent years, we returned to the Holiday Inn many times for family vacations, with our children.
As our vacation parties began to include extended family and friends, we started renting condos or townhouses on Navarre Beach. This is where our son first learned to surf and our daughter and her friends took a polar bear plunge into the gulf one 30 degree New Years Eve night. It is the last place I went on vacation with my Dad and the place we go to celebrate my Mom’s milestone birthdays. Spring Breaks, Fourth of July’s, Thanksgivings and New Years Eves memories make Navarre Beach a special vacation spot for our family.
Where is Navarre Beach?
Navarre Beach is located between Destin and Pensacola Florida. It is directly on the Gulf of Mexico at the east side of Santa Rosa barrier island. Navarre Beach is anchored on the west end by Santa Rosa National Seashore and on the east by Navarre Beach County Park. The causeway and bridge to the mainland has a 25 mph speed limit to protect nesting birds as does the road from the west through the National Seashore.
Where to stay on Navarre Beach?
Directly On Navarre Beach, there is only one hotel, a Springhill Suites by Marriott. and four restaurants. Most visitors rent a condo or beach house. There are less than a dozen high rise condo buildings on the east side of Navarre Beach. My favorite is Summerwind. The other 10 miles of seashore is comprised of private beach homes and town houses. Walking and biking paths wind through the area. Overall, there is much more nature and natural beauty than development in this slice of paradise.
Where to Eat in Navarre Beach?
Juana's Pagoda & Sailors' Grill
Their are only four restaurants on Navarre Beach.The mainstay is the Restaurant /Tiki Bar is Juana’s Pagoda and Sailors’ Grill. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this multi-pagoda complex has been feeding and entertaining guests since 1989. It has been rebuilt or repaired after every hurricane and has something to offer for everyone in the family.
They rent paddle boards and jet skis, host sand volleyball tournaments and leagues, and serve (in my opinion) the best key lime pie you will ever taste. For our family, every trip to Navarre Beach starts with a Pagoda Fish sandwich and a piece of Key Lime Pie, along with a whole pie to go, for feasting later in the trip.
It is also worth a visit late in the day, to let the kids swim in the quiet bay waters, sip a cocktail and watch the sunset. It is the best place for viewing sunsets on the island. Sunset viewings can melt into some adult evening fun, with live music played almost every night during the summer.
Windjammers
Pristine, uncrowded beaches are the main attraction on Navarre Beach, but it is not without some“Tiki Bar” fun. Windjammers on the Pier offers cold libations and bar food with an ocean view and the added benefit of watching the fisherman bring in delights of the sea. The Beach House Bar and Grill has a beachfront outdoor deck with a panoramic view of the ocean and fire pits, which are lit in the evenings. It is the perfect place to sip a cocktail and watch the stars or in our case a spectacular moonrise.
Beach House Social
Located within the Springhill Suites hotel, directly on the beach, this restaurant offers an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere. There is indoor and outdoor (weather dependent) seating with a large indoor bar and comfy chairs around fire pits on the outdoor deck. they offer steaks, seafood, burgers and sandwiches with nice wine and cocktail offering for lunch and dinner. This is an excellent place to sip a glass of wine and watch the sunset.
Andy D's Beachside Restaurant
Andy D's Beachside Restaurant is on the corner of Navarre Beach Causeway and Gulf Blvd. It has indoor dining and a small deck with the ocean in the distance. This location has been numerous different restaurants. I have not yet tried Andy D's. Another recent addition to the dining scene in Navarre Beach is Island Dog. Their hot dogs and a Dole Whip make the perfect beachfront lunch.
What is there to do in Navarre Beach?
The primary reason people visit Navarre Beach is the beach. Water Sports are king here. You can rental beach set-ups, kayaks, jet-skis, and paddle boards directly on the beach. Juana's Pagoda rents similar items that you can use to explore the back bay off their beach.
In conjunction with the Marine Science Station, 3 artificial reefs were created, one in the gulf and two in the sound. My girlfriends and I snorkeled the gulf reef. I am looking forward to a return trip to snorkel the two in the back bay.
There is a 16 mile bike lane that goes from Navarre Beach through the National Seashore ending in Pensacola Beach. You will pass through some of the most pristine coastline on the Gulf Coast. This coastal area is home to numerous birds, who nest in the dunes and scrub grass. Golf Carts and bikes are available for Rent at Sage Paddle Co.
The Navarre Beach Turtle Conservation Center is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is $10 with discounts for seniors, veterans and children. When visiting you can meet Sweet Pea a non-releasable green sea turtle, swimming in her 15,000-gallon saltwater pool home. There are a rotating variety of exhibits and experiences to bring living under the sea to to life.
At Navarre Beach, the fishing pier stretches out into the shimmering Gulf of Mexico like a beacon of adventure, inviting anglers of all ages to cast their lines into the azure depths. The Navarre Beach Pier at 1545 feet is the longest pier in Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico. Your admission fee of $7.00 with discounts for seniors, veterans and children, includes a fishing license. Bring your own equipment and take home dinner. Walkers are charged $1.00 to enjoy the views.
Why is the Sand so White?
The powdered-sugar-like sand that forms this barrier island is believed to be quartzite river sediment from the Appalachian Mountains, carried south by the Chotawatchee River. Over time, this quartz becomes incredibly fine and soft, resulting in the powdery texture that delightfully cushions your feet at Navarre Beach. The brilliant white color, reflecting the sun's rays, gives the waters an ethereal turquoise hue, creating a picture-perfect paradise that invites joy and relaxation.
How has Navarre Beach Florida Changed Throughout the Years?
Navarre Beach has changed a lot through the years. In 2004 Hurricane Ivan devastated the area, wiping out much of the structures including the Fishing Pier and the Holiday Inn. The new Fishing pier reopened in 2010 and the Springhill Suites opened in 2018, in the place where the Holiday Inn once stood. A Marine Science Station and a Sea Turtle Conservation Center has opened 2013 in the Navarre Beach County Park. The evidence of their conservation efforts are clear, my grandsons and I saw sea turtles close to the shore in July along with rays, dolphins, and multiple schools of fish.
Things to Keep in Mind When Packing for Navarre Beach
Visiting Navarre Beach can be such a delightful experience, and I’m thrilled to share some exciting things you'll want to know before you go. Here’s a list to get you pumped for your trip:
Sun and Fun : Bring plenty of sunscreen! Navarre Beach boasts beautiful sunshine, and protecting your skin means enjoying every sunny moment without the burn.
Emerald Waters : The water here is stunningly clear and offers shades of emerald green. Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just floating around.
Beach Gear : Don’t forget your beach gear—towels, umbrellas, and chairs. There are rental options available, but having your own can make a cozy spot on the sand!
Nature Trails : Love a good hike? The Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center and the nearby Gulf Islands National Seashore offer beautiful trails and a chance to see local wildlife.
Picnic Ready : Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks! There are plenty of picnic areas to enjoy a seaside lunch without straying too far from the beach.
Fishing Fun : If you're into fishing, the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier is a must-visit. It’s the longest in Florida and offers incredible views – along with great fishing opportunities.
Sunset Spectacular : Make sure you stay for the sunset at least one night. The colors are breathtaking and it's perfect for making memories or snapping photos.
Local Flavors : Don’t miss out on the local eateries. Fresh seafood is a must-try, and there are plenty of charming local spots to explore. There are no grocery stores on the island. There is a Publix just west of the bridge to Navarre Beach.
Adventure Awaits : If you’re the adventurous type, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard. Navigating the waters of the Santa Rosa Sound is an exciting way to spend the day.
Relax and Recharge : Most importantly, get ready to relax. Whether it's reading your favorite book, building sandcastles, or simply watching the waves, Navarre Beach is perfect for unwinding.
Enjoy your trip, soak in the beauty, and create lasting memories at this lovely beach destination!
Whether you are going to soak up the sun from a beach chair, enjoy a bike ride along the shore, or chase hermit crabs under the stars with youngsters, Navarre Beach offers a salty respite on a sugar white beach. For more information check out the following websites:
For more information, check out my other blog posts on the Gulf Coast:
Want to save this blog post for later on Pinterest?
Click the Pinterest icon to save.
Comments