Welcome Visitors to the beautiful Emerald Coast
Welcome to Navarre and the Emerald Coast. We hope that from the moment you cross the bridge to Navarre Beach, you’ll feel as though you’ve arrived in one of the most beautiful places on earth. With sugar-white sandy beaches, translucent waters, stunning sunsets and abundant marine life, you have entered another world.
The word “vacation” means something different to everyone. To one person, it may mean relaxing in a beach chair with a favorite drink in hand. To another, it may mean exploring nature, hiking scenic trails or enjoying water sports. No matter your definition, the call of warm sunshine and cool coastal breezes is hard to resist.
The Emerald Coast offers activities for families, couples and adventurers of every kind. In addition to award-winning beaches, visitors can enjoy shopping, dining and nightlife in nearby destinations such as Pensacola and Destin. To the north, a wealth of history, culture and outdoor adventure awaits.
This guide is your map to discovering the hidden treasures of Navarre and the Emerald Coast. Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach getaway or an action-packed vacation, you’ll find countless opportunities to explore.
Among the area’s most treasured attractions is the Gulf Islands National Seashore, one of only a handful of national seashores in the United States. Just west of Navarre Beach, visitors can experience a seven-mile stretch of pristine, undeveloped shoreline where the road winds between breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and Santa Rosa Sound.
Golf enthusiasts can spend an afternoon enjoying the region’s scenic fairways, while anglers can experience some of the best fishing on the Gulf Coast. The Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, the longest pier in the Gulf, offers outstanding fishing opportunities and family-friendly fun. Visitors regularly reel in species such as grouper, redfish, Spanish mackerel and king mackerel, while others simply enjoy the spectacular views.
Wildlife enthusiasts will find no shortage of opportunities for exploration. Shorebirds patrol the beaches in search of food, dolphins frequently surface offshore, and sea turtles nest along local shorelines. Depending on the season, visitors may also spot Monarch butterflies, bald eagles and even the occasional manatee.
To learn more about the area’s unique ecosystem, visit the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, explore the artificial reefs and marine sanctuary, or stop by the Marine Science Station. Families can also enjoy a visit to the nearby Gulf Breeze Zoo, home to more than 600 animals from around the world.
For a different kind of outdoor adventure, head north to Blackwater River State Park. Here, visitors can float or paddle through cool, tannin-stained waters surrounded by hundreds of acres of unspoiled natural beauty. Nearby Milton, one of the oldest communities in the region, offers a glimpse into the area’s rich history.
Summer in Navarre is especially vibrant. Community events and live music bring locals and visitors together throughout the season. Tunes by the Dunes, a beloved local tradition, features live performances against the stunning backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico. Families gather with lawn chairs, coolers and friends to enjoy evenings by the water.
Visitors flock to Navarre Beach and the Emerald Coast year-round to swim, snorkel, shell, scuba dive and explore the outdoors. October is often considered one of the most beautiful times to visit, featuring popular events such as the Navarre Fishing Rodeo and the Run for the Reef. On New Year’s Day, adventurous locals and visitors take part in the annual Penguin Plunge, while Mardi Gras celebrations bring festive parades and family-friendly fun to the beach.
When it’s time to dine, the Emerald Coast offers an impressive variety of restaurants serving everything from fresh Gulf seafood to international cuisine and classic American favorites. No matter your taste, you’ll find something to satisfy your appetite.
From the peaceful coastal waters that define our community to the rich history that continues to shape our future, Navarre welcomes every visitor as part of the family. Whether you’re returning to create new memories or discovering Florida’s most relaxing place for the very first time, we invite you to slow down, unwind and stay awhile.
We’re not just a stop along the way. We are the destination.