Navarre Beach, FL

Navarre Beach is a small, quiet beach community on Santa Rosa Island, billed as Florida’s most relaxing place. People come for uncrowded white sand, a 1,545-foot fishing pier and protected seashore on either side.

Where is Navarre Beach?

Navarre Beach is in Santa Rosa County, across Santa Rosa Sound from the mainland town of Navarre, and it is on Central time. From US 98 in Navarre, take the Navarre Beach bridge over the sound to the island. A section of Gulf Islands National Seashore lies just west of town, and Navarre Beach Marine Park lies just east. Pensacola International (PNS) is about 25 miles west and Destin-Fort Walton Beach (VPS) is about 30 miles east, each roughly 40 minutes by car.

Things to do in Navarre Beach

Walk or fish the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, at 1,545 feet the longest on the Gulf of Mexico and in Florida. Navarre Beach Marine Park has undeveloped beach, dunes and ADA-accessible beach access and kayak launches. The Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center has hands-on exhibits about the sea turtles that nest here each summer. West of town, the Santa Rosa Area of Gulf Islands National Seashore includes Opal Beach, with picnic pavilions and restrooms, and charges a vehicle entrance fee. The road through the seashore toward Pensacola Beach can close after storms, so check before you drive it.

When to visit Navarre Beach

Late spring and early fall are ideal. Summer is busier but still calmer than its neighbors, and because the town is small the beach rarely feels packed. Watch the beach warning flags for rip currents. Sea turtle nesting season runs through the summer, so beachfront lights stay low and holes on the beach should be filled in.