Things To Do
in Navarre
Navarre, Florida is a relaxed Gulf Coast community known for its long white-sand beaches, a family-friendly atmosphere, and easy access to outdoor recreation. The town centers around Navarre Beach and the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, with quiet residential neighborhoods, local shops, and waterfront parks. Visitors come for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and sunsets over the Santa Rosa Sound, plus a slower pace than nearby resort towns.
Its proximity to military bases and larger cities like Pensacola shapes the local culture and services.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Navarre Beach Marine Park, where you can enjoy the refreshing sea breeze. Explore the educational exhibits that highlight the local marine life, perfect for both children and adults. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the beach, soaking in the stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
In the afternoon, head over to the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, one of the longest piers in Florida, and try your hand at fishing or simply enjoy watching the anglers. Grab a bite at a nearby seafood restaurant, indulging in the local catch of the day paired with a cold drink. After lunch, visit the Navarre History Museum to learn more about the rich heritage of the region.
As the sun begins to set, find a cozy spot on the beach to witness a breathtaking sunset over the water. Enjoy a picnic dinner with local specialties, or take your pick from the many dining options along the beach. Conclude your evening with a beach bonfire, sharing stories and laughter under the starry sky.
Kick off your day with an energizing breakfast at a local café before heading to Navarre Beach for a day filled with water sports. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the calm waters of Santa Rosa Sound, taking in the serene surroundings. For those feeling adventurous, sign up for a jet ski rental to zip across the waves.
After a busy morning, relax on the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the warm sand beneath your toes. Grab lunch from a beachside grill, where you can savor fresh fish tacos or a refreshing salad. Once you've recharged, consider joining a guided snorkeling tour to discover the vibrant marine life just off the coast.
As the day winds down, take a sunset dolphin cruise to watch playful dolphins in their natural habitat while enjoying the picturesque views of the coastline. Later, dine at one of Navarre's waterfront restaurants, where you can feast on local seafood and sip on cocktails as the evening unfolds. Finish the night with a leisurely walk along the beach, listening to the gentle waves lapping the shore.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-20 |
| ☕Coffee / Cafe beverage | $3-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-200 |
| ⛽Gasoline (per gallon) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $4-7 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful, uncrowded Gulf beaches and clear water
- Abundant outdoor and water-based activities
- Family-friendly and relaxed atmosphere
- Close to larger hubs like Pensacola for day trips
- Limited nightlife and cultural attractions compared with larger cities
- Car-dependent in many parts; limited public transit
- Weather risk during hurricane season
- Fewer specialty dining and shopping options off-season
Places to Visit in Navarre
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic long pier ideal for sunrise and sunset shots, long-exposure water photos, and anglers in silhouette.
Pristine dunes, barrier islands, and wide beaches with dunes and sea oats — excellent for landscape and wildlife photography.
Sound-side views with calm water reflecting colorful skies at dawn and dusk, plus boats and local activity.
Boardwalks through wetlands with opportunities for bird and macro photography among a quieter natural setting.
Golden-hour scenes with wading birds, mangrove-like vegetation, and winding channels — great for nature and wildlife imagery.
Food in Navarre
Navarre Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Gulf-caught grouper fillet, grilled or fried, served on a bun — found at nearly every seafood shack and beachfront restaurant.
Must-Try!
Crispy fried or grilled shrimp tucked into a French roll with remoulade; a local favorite in casual lunch spots.
Raw or charbroiled oysters from the Gulf — often featured at raw bars and seafood-specialty restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small farmers markets and seasonal produce/seafood stands appear on weekends — great for fresh fruit, local honey, baked goods and sometimes freshly caught fish or shrimp.
Casual walk-up counters near the beach offering fried seafood, platters, and quick tacos — ideal after a day in the sun.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Locals are generally friendly and informal — polite greetings and small talk go a long way.
Follow posted beach regulations about pets, alcohol, fires, and lifeguard zones. Observe posted signage for protected areas and nesting seasons.
Be mindful that many residents are active-duty or military families — show courtesy and avoid photographing restricted installations.
Pack out trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, and follow local guidance for sea turtle nesting season (do not disturb nests or hatchlings).
Safety
Tipping in Navarre
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is expected in the U.S.: 15–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 for valet or bell services, and 15–20% for taxi/rideshare drivers when service is good.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common. Some small food shacks may prefer cash, so carry small bills for quick purchases or tips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming coastal vegetation, and good beach weather; spring break can bring higher visitor counts. Comfortable for outdoor activities and spring fishing seasons.
Hot, humid, and busiest season with warm Gulf water — ideal for swimming and watersports but expect crowds on weekends and higher prices. Afternoon thunderstorms are common; be mindful of sun and heat exposure.
Warm early in the season with gradually cooling temperatures; hurricane risk remains into November but storms are less frequent than peak summer. Fall can offer quieter beaches and good fishing.
Mild winters with cool mornings and pleasant daytime temps — low humidity and fewer tourists make it a peaceful time to visit. Some water activities may be limited by cooler water and wind.
Navarre at Night
Hiking in Navarre
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short drive from Navarre, featuring boardwalk trails through wetlands, excellent birdwatching, and easy walking paths ideal for nature observation.
Nearby protected beaches and dunes with short trails and natural areas for coastal hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing.
A longer drive inland to freshwater forests and river trails offering hiking, paddling, and scenic pine forest landscapes for day trips.
Airports
How to reach Navarre by plane.
Approximately a 30–45 minute drive west; the closest major airport with a range of domestic flights and rental car services.
About a 40–60 minute drive east; serves regional and seasonal flights and is convenient for visitors coming from the east.
Located farther east (around 1.5–2 hours by car), an option for some travelers depending on flight availability and connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are affiliated with nearby military installations, contributing to a transient but community-minded population and family-oriented services.
The comfortable climate and quieter lifestyle attract retirees looking for coastal living and outdoor recreation.
Long-term residents work in fishing, tourism, hospitality, and service industries that support the local coastal economy.
Summer visitors and vacationing families swell the population seasonally, bringing a mix of cultures and temporary demand for services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Recreational fishing from shore, piers, and charter boats is hugely popular, with seasonal tournaments and everyday anglers.
Boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the sound and in coastal waterways are common pastimes.
Casual beach volleyball, swimming, and other water-based recreation are favorite activities among locals and visitors.
Like much of Florida, football (college and NFL) is a popular spectator sport with local bars and gatherings on game days.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Navarre.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited at seafood-focused spots; look for salads, veggie burgers, grilled vegetable plates, and some sandwich shops with customizable options. Larger cafés and chain restaurants offer reliable vegetarian choices.
Ask servers about vegan and gluten-free accommodations — many places will adapt dishes or offer salads and grilled vegetables. Bring snacks if you have strict restrictions, as specialized venues are less common than in major cities.
Shellfish is ubiquitous; if you have a shellfish allergy, inform staff clearly and consider dining at places that handle a broader menu to reduce cross-contact risk.