Navarre Beach sits on Santa Rosa Island between Pensacola Beach and Fort Walton Beach, with wide white-sand beaches, clear Gulf water and a relaxed, small-town feel. It is a good fit for families and anyone who wants the Emerald Coast without the crowds and high-rise strips of busier beach towns.
Where to stay
Navarre Beach on Santa Rosa Island has the Gulf-front condos and rentals, close to the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier and Navarre Beach Marine Park.
Navarre on the mainland, across Santa Rosa Sound, has more hotels and shopping, a short drive over the bridge to the beach.
Best times to visit
Best overall: May and late September through October: warm water, sunny days and fewer crowds than summer.
Best value: November through February has the lowest rates. Winter days are mild but usually too cool for swimming.
Busiest: June through early August, plus spring break and holiday weekends.
Weather to know: Expect afternoon thunderstorms in summer. Hurricane season runs June through November, peaking from mid-August through early October.
Getting there
Pensacola International Airport (PNS) and Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) are both within about 45 minutes. US-98 runs through mainland Navarre, and the Navarre Beach Causeway crosses the sound to the island.
Things to do
Walk or fish from the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, one of the longest piers on the Gulf of Mexico.
Head west along the island to the quiet, undeveloped beaches of Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Sea turtles nest here from May through October. Beachfront lights are kept low at night to protect them.
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