Navarre

Public schools serving Navarre are administered by Santa Rosa County District Schools, a district committed to fostering each student’s potential and promoting lifelong learning.

The district’s vision emphasizes creating an environment that equips students for academic excellence, while its mission statement focuses on loving, educating, and preparing all students for graduation and future success. This comprehensive approach aims to provide Navarre’s students with a well-rounded education that not only meets their current academic needs but also prepares them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead after graduation.

Schools that serve Navarre include:

• East Bay K-8 School
• Holley-Navarre Primary School
• Holley-Navarre Intermediate School
• Holley-Navarre Middle School
• Navarre High School
• Woodlawn Beach Middle School
• West Navarre Primary School
• West Navarre Intermediate School

For students looking to enroll in higher education, Navarre is less than an hour away from highly rated colleges like Pensacola State College and Northwest Florida State College.

Navarre is home to several public parks managed by the Santa Rosa County Department of Parks and Recreation, offering year-round recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The Navarre Sports Complex and Soccer Complex are partially operated by the Navarre Youth Sports Association, providing facilities for a wide range of local sports competitions and activities.

The community’s most significant parks include the Navarre Beach Marine Park, Navarre Park, and the Navarre Sports Complex. Navarre Park, in particular, is a hub for community activities, featuring a children’s play area, basketball courts, picnic pavilions, and restroom facilities. This park serves as a venue for various large community events throughout the year, making it a central gathering place for locals and tourists alike.

Looking forward to a relaxing day at the beach? Navarre offers easy access to some of the most stunning coastal areas in the Sunshine State. The town is perfectly situated between Pensacola Bay, Santa Rosa Sound, and the Gulf of Mexico, providing residents and visitors with a variety of water-based activities and breathtaking scenery.

Navarre Beach is renowned for its sugar-white sands and emerald waters and consistently ranks among the country’s best beaches. This pristine, uncrowded shoreline is ideal for morning walks, sandcastle building, or romantic sunset picnics. The area caters to diverse interests, from boating and fishing to windsurfing and sunbathing.

What sets Navarre apart is its commitment to preserving the natural beauty and tranquility of its beaches. Unlike many overcrowded coastal towns, Navarre maintains a peaceful atmosphere, allowing visitors to truly unwind and connect with nature.

For residents, the proximity to these beautiful beaches is a major draw. No matter where you live in Navarre, you’re never more than a short drive from a beach, boat launch, or waterfront neighborhood. This easy access to coastal living is a defining feature of the community and a key factor attracting homebuyers to the area.

Gulf Breeze Zoo

Located in the neighboring city of Gulf Breeze, the award-winning Gulf Breeze Zoo offers a wild adventure for visitors of all ages. Home to over 800 animals from around the world, the zoo features guided tours, animal feedings, and an elevated boardwalk for observing diverse wildlife. Highlights include a 30-acre African preserve accessible via the Safari Express train, where guests can see rhinos, hippos, gorillas, and orangutans roaming freely.

The zoo prides itself on its high standards and dedication to conservation, often being selected as a new home for animals from other facilities. Recent additions include a family of six orangutans, while new births such as a reticulated giraffe and a baby warthog contribute to the zoo’s growing population.

Navarre Family Watersports & Adventure Complex

Navarre Family Watersports & Adventure Complex offers a diverse array of family-friendly activities. From pontoon boat rentals and an expansive waterpark to waverunner adventures and dolphin excursions, there’s something for everyone. Thrill-seekers can tackle the zip line and ropes course, which features 48 interactive challenges. Whether on water or land, the complex promises excitement and memorable experiences for all ages.

Scooter’s Fish House
1968 FL-87, Navarre, FL

An unassuming gem in Navarre, Scooter’s Fish House offers a Gulf-to-table experience with remarkably fresh seafood. Despite its modest exterior, this local favorite prioritizes taste above all. Patrons rave about the fried fish and shrimp, but grilled options are also available. The menu features oysters, colossal shrimp, and gumbo, making it a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts seeking authentic flavors.

Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant
8673 Navarre Parkway, Navarre, FL

Dewey Destin’s Navarre Sound location, opened in 2018, offers a quintessential beach dining experience. This fast-casual restaurant combines a simple yet delicious menu with a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Patrons can dine indoors or order at the window and enjoy their meals outside, savoring the beach ambiance. The menu features fried and grilled seafood baskets, steamed crab and shrimp, and sandwiches.

A full-service bar serves signature cocktails and craft beers, enhancing the laid-back vibe. With its prime location next to Navarre Beach Bridge, visitors can indulge in fresh seafood while taking in stunning views and enjoying various games with family and friends.

Bella Luna Italian Bistro
7289 Navarre Parkway, Navarre, FL

Bella Luna Italian Bistro offers an authentic Italian dining experience with an upscale ambiance. With ambient lighting and elegant decor, the restaurant sets the mood perfectly for an unforgettable Italian feast. The menu features classic favorites like chicken parmigiana alongside unique chef specialties such as lobster ravioli and Venetian-style shrimp pasta, satisfying traditional and adventurous palates alike.

The Slippery Mermaid Sushi Bar
8779 Navarre Parkway, Navarre, FL

The Slippery Mermaid Sushi Bar offers a unique dining experience in a charming cottage near Santa Rosa Sound.

Known for its creative sushi, the restaurant caters to both purists and adventurers with a diverse menu. The interior boasts colorful decor, including painted window panes and teal walls, creating a vibrant atmosphere. With over 20 signature rolls, local favorites, nigiri, and sashimi, the menu also includes options for non-seafood lovers. The Florida Room provides year-round al fresco dining, allowing patrons to enjoy Navarre Beach views. This casual yet inspired eatery combines quality, variety, and a relaxed ambiance, making it a standout sushi destination in the area.

The Grillehouse
8491 Navarre Parkway, Navarre, FL

The Grillehouse offers a unique blend of casual fine dining with a contemporary twist on old-school charm. This steakhouse prides itself on customization, allowing guests to tailor their meals to their preferences.

The menu includes individually portioned sides with each entrée, a departure from the typical a la carte model of many high-end steakhouses. The restaurant’s steaks, cut in-house from near-prime grade beef, are the star attraction, with a standout 35-day dry-aged Prime Ribeye. Apart from their perfectly grilled steaks, other standout offerings include their smoked gouda mac and cheese and blue cheese wedge salad.

Navarre residents always have something exciting to look forward to every year thanks to a stellar lineup of events and celebrations.

Remember to mark your calendar for these annual events in and around Navarre:

• Navarre Fishing Rodeo. Cast a line and compete for prizes in this popular fishing event. Fish from the shore, boat, or pier and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow anglers. Proceeds benefit the Navarre Beach Marine Park.

• Run for the Reef. Lace up your running shoes and hit the beautiful Navarre Beach for a scenic race. Choose from multiple distances, including a fun run for kids. Support the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary while enjoying the stunning coastline.

• Annual Military Appreciation Picnic. Show your support for our armed forces at this free community event. Enjoy food, games, music, and fellowship with military families. This picnic is a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude for the sacrifices made by our service members.

• Annual Woofstock. Bring your furry friend to this fun-filled day for dogs and their humans! Enjoy delicious food, shop for pet-friendly items, and participate in exciting contests like the Strut Your Mutt Pet Parade. There’s even a special area for pups to cool off. It’s a paw-some event for the whole family!

• Trunk or Treat. Get into the Halloween spirit with free candy, inflatables, and fun for the whole family. Dress up in your favorite costume and enjoy this community-oriented event.

• Shamrocks Stroll/Pet Parade and Costume Contest. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a fun run/walk, a lively pet parade, and a costume contest. Enjoy the beautiful Navarre Beach and support local businesses.

• Annual Christmas in the Park and Parade. Embrace the holiday spirit with a festive parade, visits with Santa, and a Christmas market featuring local artisans. Enjoy delicious treats and create lasting memories with family and friends.