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Navarre Beach & Surrounding Area
Navarre Beach is a quaint beach community found just east of Pensacola and boasts 12 miles of sugar-white shoreline. Tucked between Gulf Islands National Seashore and Navarre Beach Marine Park, this beach community offers solitude and simplicity, far from crowded theme parks and packed beaches. You will find solitude and simplicity for sun-seekers, families, outdoor adventurers, nature lovers, and water sports enthusiasts. Navarre’s pristine beaches are named among the best in the nation year after year. Visitors can sun on the beach, swim in emerald waters, enjoy a picnic in the park, or pedal along a scenic bike path.
While you’re here be sure to visit the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center. Guests can learn all about sea turtles including local celebrity Sweet Pea, a rescued green sea turtle, and conservation education. Snorkel and shore divers will enjoy the beautiful Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary and artificial reef ideal for snorkeling and diving for any skill level. Rent a bike, kayak, or paddleboard at Sage Paddle Company, catch your own dinner at Navarre Beach Fish Pier, visit the animals at Gulf Breeze Zoo, or take a scenic drive, in just minutes from your cozy vacation home down to Pensacola Beach.
Pensacola is home to the Blue Angels, the U.S Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. If you’re lucky, you might catch them practicing on any given day while relaxing on the beach. Pensacola Beach also hosts an air show each July, and there is a show over the Naval Air Station each November. If seeing the Blue Angels isn’t enough, venture over to the Pensacola Navy Base for public access to the National Naval Aviation Museum, a Pensacola favorite, offering a rich historical experience for kids and adults alike. Onsite of the base is the Pensacola Lighthouse Museum where you can climb up the winding staircase for breathtaking views or walk down the boardwalk to take pictures on Barrancas Beach. While you’re there, you could also check out Fort Barrancas.
Navarre Beach and its surrounding areas, including Pensacola Beach, offer a plethora of activities and attractions that cater to various interests. Here’s a curated list to enhance your vacation experience:
1. Navarre Beach Pier
- Description: At 1,545 feet, it’s the longest fishing pier in the Gulf of Mexico, ideal for fishing or a scenic stroll.
- Website: Navarre Beach Pier
2. Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary
- Description: Explore artificial reefs located about 100 yards from the shore, perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
- Website: Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary
3. Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center
- Description: Learn about sea turtle conservation efforts and meet Sweet Pea, the resident green sea turtle.
- Website: Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center
4. Gulf Breeze Zoo
- Description: Home to over 900 animals, including gorillas, rhinos, and kangaroos. Don’t miss the Safari Line train ride through free-roaming habitats.
- Website: Gulf Breeze Zoo
5. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
- Description: Experience dolphin and sea lion shows, and explore exhibits featuring sharks, stingrays, and more.
- Website: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
6. Navarre Beach Marine Park
- Description: Offers pavilions, restrooms, and access to both Gulf and Sound beaches, ideal for picnics and family outings.
- Website: Navarre Beach Marine Park
7. Gulf Islands National Seashore
- Description: A protected area boasting pristine beaches, hiking trails, and historical sites like Fort Pickens.
- Website: Gulf Islands National Seashore
8. Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
- Description: Climb 177 steps for panoramic views and explore exhibits detailing maritime history.
- Website: Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
9. National Naval Aviation Museum
- Description: Discover over 150 restored aircraft and immerse yourself in naval aviation history.
- Website: National Naval Aviation Museum
10. Historic Pensacola Village
- Description: Explore preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history.
- Website: Historic Pensacola Village
11. Navarre Beach Fishing
- Description: Whether from the pier or via charter, the area offers excellent fishing opportunities.
- Website: Navarre Beach Fishing
12. Water Sports and Rentals
- Description: Engage in activities like paddleboarding, jet skiing, and kayaking. Rentals are available locally.
- Website: Navarre Beach Water Sports
13. Navarre Beach Bike Path
- Description: A scenic path along Gulf Boulevard, perfect for biking with ocean views.
14. Navarre Park
- Description: Features a splash pad, playground, and picnic areas, making it ideal for families.
15. Local Dining Experiences
- Description: Savor fresh seafood and local cuisine at various restaurants in the area.
- Website: Navarre Beach Dining
These attractions offer a blend of relaxation, adventure, and education, ensuring a memorable stay in Navarre Beach and its neighboring locales.