Stroll along Florida's longest fishing pier, explore the local dining scene, splash around in the Gulf, and meet the lovable Sweet Pea—here's your ultimate weekend itinerary for Navarre Beach.
Thinking about exploring the charm of Steamboat Springs, Colorado? Or maybe you're eyeing a getaway to Florida's incredible Gulf Coast? Either way, a little weekend escape is always a good idea—and having a solid plan makes it even better!
If you're headed to Navarre Beach, you're in the right place! I've put together a fun weekend guide to help you make the most of your time in "Florida's most relaxing place."
Just a taste of what's coming your way:
Day 1
- Friday Afternoon: Stroll along Navarre Beach Pier
- Friday Evening: Dinner & drinks at Juana's Pagodas & Sailors' Grill
DAY 2
- Saturday Morning: Beach time at Navarre Beach
- Saturday Afternoon: Visit Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center
- Saturday Evening: Dinner at Bella Luna Italian Bistro
Day 3
- Sunday Morning: Breakfast at Alphy's Family Restaurant
- Sunday Morning: Snorkel or paddle at Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary
- Sunday Afternoon: Fun at Navarre Family Watersports Water Park
- Sunday Afternoon (Alternative): Golf at Hidden Creek Golf Club
- Sunday Evening: Shop & cook with fresh seafood from Navarre Seafood Market
At Navarre Beach Properties, we've got a variety of gorgeous vacation rentals, and I like to think we're pretty much local experts on all things Navarre Beach—no bragging, promise! Our destination blog is filled with helpful posts on beach day tips, where to find the best craft beer and even a quick history of Navarre Beach. First time visiting Navarre Beach? take a look at these great tips.
Ready? Let's make that beach escape count!
Day 1
Friday afternoon: take a stroll along Navarre Beach Pier
Wondering what to do in Navarre Beach after you settle? To kickstart things in the right way, once you're all settled, head for a stroll on the longest pier in Florida. Standing tall at 30 feet above the water, the 1,545-foot-long Navarre Beach Pier is great for a leisurely walk in the late afternoon and evening. There's nothing like starting your holiday enjoying the wonderful views and feeling the sea breeze.
Pro tips:
- The very end of the pier is especially nice since that's where most fishermen stay, all hoping to catch that large fish. Views from there are nothing short of spectacular!
- If you need a quick snack, the pier restaurant, Windjammers on the Pier, offers sandwiches and burgers, besides amazing seafood. You know the type of place where you go for the food and stay for the views? Yep, that's the one.
- Stay for the sunset! The perfect way to end your stroll is by admiring a magical Florida sunset, painting everything in beautiful colors ahead of you.
Friday evening: get acquainted with the local food scene and then have drinks at Juana's Pagodas & Sailors' Grill
All this walking along the pier will surely work up your appetite. What about having dinner by the sea in a celebratory fashion? Then head to Juana's Pagodas & Sailors' Grill, a family-run business operating since 1989 that's a true institution of Navarre Beach.
The atmosphere is fantastic, with plenty of entertainment. The food and drinks can be served on the deck overlooking the water. This place gets lively and is a great spot to linger for a while, have some drinks, and mingle with friendly locals.
Heads up: this is a popular spot, so try to arrive before the peak times to secure a table straight away.
Day 2
Saturday morning: embrace the sun-kissed sands and salty waves at Navarre Beach
Twelve miles of immaculate white sand and azure waters? Count us in! Navarre Beach is an excellent way to spend a large chunk of your day — and that goes for everyone, as the beach offers both a space for quiet beachgoers to relax and doubles as an open arena for water sports and outdoor activities.
Even though this beach is popular with both travelers and locals, it's not crowded like other beaches in Florida, such as Pensacola Beach or Destin.
Take it slow and swim in the crystal-clear water, then feel the soft white sand on your feet, or rent paddle boards or kayaks to explore the waters and reefs. The beach is also a stone's throw away from restaurants and stores, so if you ever get peckish, there are plenty of options.
Saturday afternoon: Meet Sweet Pea and learn all there is to know about sea turtles
After some fun under the sun, how about going for an educational ride? NBSTCC is an institution with a mission to conserve and protect threatened and endangered sea turtles through community education and research.
That's a great place to visit for every member of the family, and you can learn everything about tortoises, terrapins, and sea turtles. This is a must-visit on a weekend trip to Navarre Beach.
And you'll also meet a local celebrity: the main pool is home to Sweet Pea, a non-releasable green sea turtle with a sad story that makes you think about how you impact the environment and how it affects other living beings around you. As the name suggests, she's a sweetheart!
Saturday evening: enjoy some fine Italian dining at Bella Luna Italian Bistro
What about something a bit more fancy for your Saturday evening? This small Italian place has fewer than 20 tables and a nice bar, both with a sophisticated atmosphere.
Everything is right, from ambient lighting, the neutral color palette, and table presentation, to, of course, the cuisine. Everything is fresh and flavorful — from the Caesar salad, and bread appetizers, to the fresh seafood and pasta and the excellent tiramisu for dessert.
Prices are a little higher than other restaurants, but hey, people say this is the best Italian restaurant in the area and it definitely evokes and brings the Mediterranean vibes to the Emerald Coast.
Day 3
Sunday morning: have a hearty breakfast at Alphy's Family Restaurant
Once called "a dream come true" by a local newspaper, Alphy's is famous for having the best breakfast in Navarre! For breakfast, they are renowned for their cinnamon bun pancakes, and you can expect all your classic favorites, as well as hotcakes, gravy biscuits, hash browns, and delicious toast & jelly. They also have plenty of vegetarian-friendly and vegan options.
Service is always warm and accommodating and coffee cups are never allowed to go empty. You will definitely leave well satisfied for your second day in town.
Sunday morning: discover an underwater wonderland at Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary.
A haven for marine species, spanning over 150 acres, the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary is an artificial reef system — human-made structures placed underwater to enhance marine life habitat and promote biodiversity.
There are scuba and snorkeling programs available to allow you and your family to learn about the reefs and view local marine life up close. It's also a great idea to rent a paddleboard or a clear-bottom kayak to see everything from above and below the water. That's how the secrets of the sea come to life!
Sunday afternoon: experience the thrill at Navarre Family Watersports Water Park
This one for the thrill-seekers. Navarre Family Watersports Water Park is famous for being one of the best attractions in Navarre Beach and yet another place where you can have more fun by the water.
A lot of the fun happens at the inflatable obstacle course where you can race around and try to overcome the various obstacles. Fair warning: this is a lot harder than it looks in pictures, but it makes for a fun challenge!
If you're looking for something a bit slower, you can also rent kayaks and stand-up paddles. The atmosphere is great and family-friendly, and the staff is helpful and attentive, always making sure everyone is safe.
Sunday afternoon (alternative plan): Hit some balls at Hidden Creek Golf Club
Don't feel like getting wet? You can enjoy the Florida sunshine outside with a round of golf. The perfect place to do so in Navarre Beach is The Club at Hidden Creek, also known as The Club at Hidden Creek, a public course that offers golfing options for the entire family and all levels.
The manicured gardens are worth the trip alone. They are simply gorgeous, surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees.
With its mild climate, Florida allows for year-round golfing, and that's why the state has such a vibrant golfing culture. Whether you're a seasoned player or a beginner, you'll enjoy this spot.
Sunday evening: pick up some fresh seafood at Navarre Seafood Market and don your check hat at your short-term rental
Do you know what makes us feel like a local when we travel? To check the local shops and businesses, talk to locals about their local produce, and then head to our vacation home kitchens to cook a delicious meal with our daily finds. It's always a great moment to remember.
In Navarre Beach, you can spend some time at Navarre Seafood Market, a super local place run by fishermen that sells the freshest, locally sourced catches. And they have been doing so for more than ten years.
Their selection is seemingly endless: oysters, clams, red snappers, shrimps, groupers, salmon, Dungeness crabs, and much more. It's also always fun to talk to the sellers and learn all about the local seafood tradition. They sure have some great stories!
Pro tip: Just make sure to pass by on the earlier side of the afternoon, they usually close at 5 pm. Then it's all about enjoying that wonderful kitchen and dining space in your vacation rental.
A Weekend Vacation Guide & Top Attractions in Navarre Beach, Florida
There's honestly so much to see and do in Navarre Beach, it's tough to squeeze it all into one weekend. But hey, that's part of the fun! A few extra shoutouts definitely go to some can't-miss spots and experiences, like:
- Gulf Breeze Zoo, just a 15-minute ride from Navarre Beach.
- Panhandle Butterfly House & Nature Center.
The untouched natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere of Navarre Beach create a perfect haven for nature lovers and relaxation seekers alike. No matter how long you stay when you visit, you will always feel like coming back for more.
Experience Navarre Beach like never before!
While visiting Navarre, stay like a local and book one of our Navarre Beach vacation rentals with all the space, privacy, and home-like amenities you need. From luxury beachfront homes to amazing rental condos, at Navarre Beach Properties, we guarantee you'll have a 5-star experience during your Navarre Beach vacation.
