Navarre Beach

Navarre Beach
Staying, Fishing and The History of Navarre Beach, Florida

This little slice of paradise is relatively unknown compared to other beaches in the area, but that’s part of its charm. If you’re looking for a place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, Navarre Beach is the perfect spot. Here’s what you need to know about this unspoiled beach town.

Getting There:

Navarre Beach is located about an hour east of Pensacola and just over an hour west of Destin. The easiest way to get there is by car; however, if you’re coming from out of state, you can also fly into Pensacola International Airport (PNS) and rent a car for the drive.

Once you arrive in Navarre, you’ll be greeted by white sand beaches and emerald, green waters. The contrast between the sand and water is truly breathtaking. If you’re lucky enough to visit during the summer months, you might even see a school of dolphins swimming offshore.

There are plenty of things to do in Navarre Beach, whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure. If lying on the beach all day sounds like your idea of a good time, you’ll be happy to know that Navarre has one of the longest stretches of undeveloped beachfront in all of Florida. This means that there are no high-rise condos or crowded public beaches—just miles and miles of pristine coastline waiting to be explored.

If you’re looking for something a little more active, there are plenty of options for water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and more. For those who want to stay dry, there are also several golf courses nearby. No matter what your interests are, there’s something for everyone in Navarre Beach.

Where to Stay?

There are many great places to stay in Navarre Beach, whether you’re looking for a hotel room, condo rental, or vacation home. One of the best things about Navarre is that it’s relatively undiscovered, so accommodations are affordable compared to other beach towns in Florida.

If you’re looking for a hotel room with beautiful views, we recommend the Hampton Inn & Suites Navarre/Gulf Breeze. This hotel overlooks Santa Rosa Sound and has an outdoor pool where you can relax after a long day at the beach. For those who want a little more privacy, there are also several vacation rental companies in Navarre Beach that offer condos and homes for rent.

History of Navarre Beach, Florida

Navarre Beach was originally inhabited by the indigenous peoples of the area. The first European explorers to visit the area were the Spanish Conquistadors. However, it was not until the early 1800s that American settlers began to arrive in the area. The town of Navarre was officially founded in 1887.

During World War II, Navarre Beach was used as a training ground for soldiers due to its similarity to Normandy Beach in France. After the war, the beach became a popular tourist destination for Floridians and visitors from all over the country. In 1968, a bridge was constructed connecting Navarre Beach to Pensacola Beach. This made Navarre Beach even more accessible to tourists and led to an increase in development in the area.

Today, Navarre Beach is a thriving beach community with something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and much more. There are also several restaurants and shops located on the beach. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed vacation, Navarre Beach is the perfect place for you!

A Brief History of Fishing in Navarre Beach, Florida

Navarre Beach has been a popular destination for fishing since the early 1900s. The first recorded fish caught off the coast of Navarre was a redfish, which was snagged by J.B. Turner while he was out fishing with his father. Since then, countless anglers have come to Navarre in hopes of landing the big one. Here’s a look at the history of fishing in Navarre Beach.

The Early Years

Fishing has always been an important part of life in Navarre Beach. In the early days, most people fished from the shore or from small boats called skiffs. The most popular fish to catch were redfish, trout, flounder, and sheepshead.

In the 1930s, the first pier was built on Navarre Beach. This pier quickly became a popular spot for both locals and tourists to fish from. It was also around this time that charter boats began operating in Navarre Beach. These charter boats allowed people to go offshore and fish in deeper waters for pelagic fish like tuna, wahoo, and dolphin (also known as Mahi Mahi).

The Modern Era

Today, Navarre Beach is still a popular destination for both inshore and offshore fishing. The pier is still standing and is now one of the longest piers in Florida at 1,545 feet long. There are also several charter boats that operate in Navarre Beach offering half-day, full-day, and even overnight trips.

The Best Fishing Spots in Navarre Beach, Florida

There are many different spots that are perfect for fishing, and each one has its own unique benefits. Here are some of the best fishing spots in Navarre Beach:

1. The Gulf Pier

Stretching 1,545 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, the pier provides ample opportunities for anglers to snag a big one. In addition to being a great place to fish, the Gulf Pier is also a beautiful spot to watch the sunset.

The Gulf Pier is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, making it a convenient spot for those who want to get their fishing fix. There is no need for a fishing license if you are fishing from the pier. However, there is a $3 fee for everyone over the age of 6. The fee allows you to fish from sunup to sundown.

If you don’t have your own gear, don’t worry! The pier house has everything you need for a fun day of fishing, including rods, reels, and bait. The friendly staff is always happy to help new anglers get started.

In addition to being a great spot for fishing, the Gulf Pier is also a beautiful spot to watch the sunset. So whether you’re looking to reel in dinner or just enjoy some stunning views, the Gulf Pier is definitely worth a visit!

2. The Jetties

Stretching out into the Gulf of Mexico, the jetties provide ample opportunity for anyone looking to reel in a big one.

So, whether you’re an experienced fisherman or just looking to try your hand at something new, the jetties at Navarre Beach are sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.

One of the great things about fishing at the jetties is that there’s always something biting. However, certain times of the year are better than others if you’re looking to maximize your chances of success.

For example, springtime is when a variety of different fish start to migrate into the area. This includes species such as Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, Amberjack, and Red Snapper. So, if you’re looking to snag a trophy fish, spring is definitely the time to do it.

Of course, that’s not to say that you can’t catch anything during the other seasons. Fall and winter are great times to fish for Sheepshead and Black Drum. And in summer, you’ll have no trouble finding Flounder, Grouper, and Triggerfish. So no matter when you decide to visit Navarre Beach, rest assured knowing that there will always be something biting at the jetties.

3. The Sound Side Park

The Sound Side Park is one of the best places to fish in Navarre Beach, and it’s a great spot for both experienced anglers and beginners.

Sound Side Park is located on the sound side of Navarre Beach Bridge, and it’s a great place to go fishing. There are two piers at Sound Side Park, and both of them are great spots for fishing. There’s also a boat ramp if you want to bring your own boat.

The best time to go fishing at Sound Side Park is in the morning or evening when the sun isn’t too hot. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, and there’s no charge for parking. You can bring your own gear or rent gear from the bait shop.

There are lots of different kinds of fish that you can catch at Sound Side Park. Some of the most common ones are redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead. You might also be able to catch tarpon, mackerel, pompano, whiting, and bluefish.

4. The Navarre Beach Fishing Pier

The Navarre Beach Fishing Pier is a must-see for any traveler to Florida.

The pier itself is a sight to behold. It stretches 1,545 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, providing visitors with stunning views of the water and coastline.

It’s a great place to fish, with no license required for those fishing from the pier. There’s even a bait and tackle shop onsite so you can purchase everything you need for a day of fishing.