Navarre Beach, Florida Travel Guide

Corkey and I managed to sneak away to our favorite little beach town for vacation the week after Mother’s Day.  We have been going to Navarre Beach, Florida since our son was elementary school age and we just love the location so much! 

The last time we vacationed in nearby Panama City, Florida we found the beach to be so polluted.  It was such a disappointment compared to my memories of going as a child. 

We have even driven down as far south as Anna Maria Island in search of the perfect beach getaway and while we did LOVE Anna Maria, it was a very long drive.  We have been to St. Simons, Jekyll Island, and Tybee Island, as well as Hilton Head South Carolina, and we much prefer the white sand beaches found in the Gulf of Mexico.

Unfortunately, in our world of social media, Navarre has been getting a lot of attention, and at certain times of the year, accommodations can be out of our price range. We have found that it pays to watch VRBO carefully, and that going in the off peak season is most reasonable.

Sometimes we take our son, who is now twenty-two and let him invite a friend, so we have stayed in two bedroom, two bath places.  This year, we wanted a getaway just for the two of us, so we lucked up and found a one bedroom condo at a great rate.  All we really need is a place to sleep, a small kitchenette for making breakfast and lunch and a place to shower. We’ve been fortunate to find little places that accommodate everything the two of us need. 

Sunset Harbor Villas

Our condo:  The condo was in Sunset Harbor Villas on the harbor side of Navarre, so we were not directly on the beach, but across the street from it.  We could walk or bike to the beach, but we mostly took Corkey’s truck. 

Sunset Harbor Villas

Amenities:  The onsite amenities at Sunset Harbor Villas were included, there was a community pavilion on the water where people would go enjoy their lunch, dinner, or morning coffee.  Next to the pavilion was a pier that extended out into the water.  We saw lots of people fishing from the pier.  There was also a little expanse of white sandy beach where we saw a few people put in kayaks or paddleboards, or just enjoying sitting on the sand.  There was a pool, but we never visited.  There were bike racks that came in handy as we did take our beach cruisers – so fun! Corkey made sure to bring bike locks so that we could secure the bikes in the rack, and we stored them there all week with no issues.

Sunset Harbor Villas

We were very fortunate that our condo rental included beach service, which is a great service that a lot of condos in Navarre offer.  You get two sturdy wooden chairs with detachable ottomans and an umbrella set up and ready for you from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.  The chairs recline and the added ottomans create a full length lounge chair.  We had these once before and it is such a relief to have that already in place when you arrive, and not have to break it down at the end of the day!

Sunset Harbor Villas

The condo itself was small, as you would estimate a studio to be.  It had a very small bathroom, specifically the sink area was tight with minimal counter space.  The shower was large enough, but the toilet was a tight fit in the space as well.  Having said that, we have stayed in tiny homes before, and we can grin and bear tight spaces for some time at the beach!

Sunset Harbor Villas

The kitchen was adequate for us, we usually make ourselves breakfast and lunch in the condo when we go to the beach and have dinner out every night.  The queen-size bed was placed by the windows overlooking the harbor, and we were on the top floor of the building, so we had a great view of the pavilion and harbor.  It was definitely nice to wake up and see the water from bed.  There was a stackable washer/dryer in a closet by the front door, and I did do a couple of loads of laundry on our last day there.  It is so nice to come home with mostly clean laundry!  There was also a closet in between the kitchen and bathroom where we put our luggage and I hung a few clothes. 

Sunset Harbor Villas

Sunset Harbor Villas is an older community compared to some of the other condos on the parkway.  We have stayed at Summerwind before, which is the first three condo towers beside the pier.  We stayed several years in a one bedroom there with bunks built into the hallway that was perfect for us when our son was little.  A few years ago, we stayed in a two bedroom condo/townhouse in another community.  It was an older community as well, right on the beach.  It was more than adequate for us and one of the few places that we have found that was pet friendly.  I think the condo at Sunset Harbor Villas where we stayed this trip is a place we will likely book again; as we had a great stay!

NOTE:  The beaches of Navarre are not pet friendly!  Santa Rosa County does not allow pets on the beach.  There also is not a beach close by that is pet friendly, so keep this in mind if you decide to take your pet. There are a couple of small, designated beach areas in Pensacola that allow dogs, but keep in mind, Pensacola is about twenty-three miles from Navarre.  We took our dog Charlie with us two years ago and while we were glad she was with us and we didn’t have to pay to board her, she spent a lot of time alone indoors while we were out.  I will say that we did see people with small dogs on the beach this time, not sure if they were service dogs or if people were just breaking the rules.

The Vibe: Navarre overall is really laid back, especially at the time of year that we were there.  For many years, we went around the last week of September.  Our son’s school district observed a Fall Break every year and we would take this week as our beach vacation.  We started to really enjoy going this time of year, as it is starting to cool off, but is still warm enough to be in the water, and it is less crowded than during the summer months.  We always like that shortly after coming home it really starts to feel like Fall. We have been in May and June before. May can still be a little cool, depending on what the weather is doing, and June is lovely, but starting to get crowded. We feel as though we found a sweet spot, and now we prefer going after Labor Day, but before the end of September. Going around my birthday on the fifteenth has been perfect every time!

Groceries/Necessities:  There is one gas station and a couple of small convenience stores on Navarre Beach, and only a few restaurants.  Be sure to buy your groceries and essentials before you go across the causeway to Navarre Beach. For grocery stores, there is a Wal-Mart Supercenter within 5 miles, a Winn-Dixie, a CVS and a Publix. There’s lots of gas stations and stores of all kinds, you don’t have to drive into Destin or Pensacola for anything unless you just want to.

Activities:  There are an endless number of activities on Navarre Beach.  Besides the beach and pools, there are places to rent golf carts, kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis etc.  There is a bike path that runs the length of the parkway, and there is a long bridge that takes you over the causeway to the mainland.  There is a pedestrian path on the bridge as well.  Most of what you see along the parkway are condos and beach houses everywhere.  The parkway goes all the way to Pensacola, passing by the National Seashore along the way.  This area is known as Opal Island and it is a great public area for shelling.  We have found some of our favorite seashells washed up on this beach with the coming and going of the tide.  Once you get out far enough, you can hardly see the condos of Navarre or Pensacola and the beach feels incredibly peaceful.

Navarre Beach Fishing Pier: This pier is the longest fishing pier in the Gulf of Mexico, at 1.545 feet long.  You can walk the pier for only $1 per person, children under 5 are free.  The pier is open from 5:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. You can fish from the pier for $7 each, which includes your fishing license.  Rods and bait are available to rent and purchase at the shop.  It is fun to simply walk to the end of the pier and see what some folks have caught.  There are oftentimes large fish, sharks, and even big turtles in the deeper water at the end of the pier.  Our son loved to walk the pier when he was a little boy.  Hurricane Ivan wiped out the original Pier in 2004 and did a lot of damage to the shoreline, including many of the condos.  We vacationed in Navarre in 2009, and the pier was being rebuilt and many of the condos had just recently reopened after undergoing repairs.

Spa Day:  There is amazing local spa, within just three miles or so of the beach.  It is called Mini Escape Massage.  Two years ago for my fiftieth birthday, while we were in Navarre, Corkey surprised me with a spa day and this place was heaven!  Now I am spoiled and I have to go anytime we are there.  I like to have a one hour massage and a 45 minute anti-aging facial.  The service at this place is amazing, the location is clean and well maintained, and the prices are affordable.  This parking lot photo does not do the place justice, I forgot to take photos inside. I wish there was a place similar to this here in Georgia, close by my house!

We are true beach bums when we go to Navarre.  The most adventurous we get is going out to dinner!  We enjoy spending full mornings or afternoons at the beach.  We mostly read and even nap sometimes, but we also played paddle ball and Corkey likes to swim in the ocean.  We did ride our bikes several days while we were there, and from where we stayed this time, it was three miles to the end of the parkway, so we biked six miles each time.  Corkey walked a few miles the day I went to the spa.  For the week, we had a good balance of beach days, shopping days, and one rainy day we stayed in our pajamas and had a movie marathon.

Day Trip to Destin, FL:  We always take a day, sometimes two days to drive into Destin, Florida, which is 45 minutes away.  We make a trip to the Silver Sands Premium Outlets, a favorite shopping place of mine! 

At nearby Destin Commons, there is great outdoor shopping, along with restaurants and a HUGE Bass Pro Shops.  The Bass Pro Shops has great photo prop opportunities outside the store, and the Commons has murals all over the property, just waiting for your family to take the perfect selfie!  For the little ones, there is a splash pad in the center of the commons, located next to the playground.  There is also an AMC Theatre in Destin Commons, showing a great variety of current movies.

For a family with small kids, there is a lot to do in Destin.  You will find more restaurants to choose from in Destin.  There is a large community boardwalk area, with a Crab Shack and other restaurants.  During summer, there is a water park and go cart racing venue.  You can charter a fishing boat with a guide/captain, and there are lots of companies that rent pontoons and other options for boating.  One great attraction in particular for families is the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, which offers animal encounters with dolphins, penguins, reptiles, otters, sea lions, sharks, sting rays gators, turtles and more.

If you, like me, have an interest in Antiques, there is a GREAT store in Fort Walton Beach called De’france Indoor Flea Market & Antiques.  If nothing else, they sell homemade fudge in one of the booths! I have found some cute things here before, and it is a good way to spend a hour or so.  They have a great mural of angel wings by the front door that is a great photo opportunity.  If you are headed into Destin from Navarre, you will pass through Fort Walton Beach on the way.

Back in Navarre, there is a cute little store that the ladies will enjoy: the Sand Dollar Cottage at 1900 Highway 87.  It looks like a little beach shack on the side of the road.  Parking is in the back and you enter by the back door.  It is packed to the brim with clothing, jewelry, art, books, and giftables of all kinds.  I always stop in, even if I only have 5 minutes.

Restaurants in Navarre:  We have our favorite restaurants, in Navarre, of course.  Our hands down favorite is Cactus Flower Cafe.  We usually eat there at least twice during our stay.  This family owned restaurant has the freshest, most delicious California Mexican food we have ever had.  Everything is so fresh and nothing like your standard Mexican restaurant.  The prices are reasonable, the portions are large, and there is often a wait of 20 – 30 minutes for dinner at around 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.  I usually have the chicken enchiladas verdes and black beans – so good!

Another favorite is Johnny Huston’s, a bar with a great outdoor patio and lots of beer on tap.  The burger menu is unbelievable, but there is also your standard pub foods, shrimp, wings, quesadillas, etc. 

A new Buffalo Wild Wings had opened since we were there last, and my husband was thrilled!  It is huge inside, with TV screens everywhere – so a great place to watch a game or three or four!  Corkey had wings of course, and I had chicken strips and possibly the best onion rings I have ever had!

Scooters Fish House has quick service and very fresh seafood. I highly recommend the fried popcorn shrimp basket with fries, slaw and hushpuppies. 

Dewey Destin’s has two locations, one in Navarre, and one in Destin.  We love the Navarre location, the crab cakes are phenomenal!

There are most of the basic chain restaurants as well in Navarre.  We have enjoyed the Waffle House, which is so conveniently located across from the bridge to and from Navarre Beach.  There is a Culver’s location that is great for a quick burger and fries, but seriously, have a milkshake or ice cream at least once while you are there!  All of the usual fast-food places are nearby, such as McDonald’s Burger King, Firehouse Subs, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Tropical Smoothie Café, Subway, etc. all within 5 miles of the causeway.  You will even see food trucks of all kinds in the area.  You can have pizza delivered to your condo or pick up at Papa John’s or Dominos. There is no shortage of places to choose from for a good meal!

Believe me, I kinda didn’t want to write this post!  We love Navarre so much, it is tempting to keep it all to ourselves.  I promise if you go, you will love it as much as we do!  Do you have a favorite place you love to getaway to?  Tell me all about it in the comments, or email me at hello@kinshipandvine.com.