Navarre Beach/ Florida Panhandle Family Retreat

Navarre Beach, Florida

Navarre Beach has to be one of the most beautiful beaches my family has ever visited. This relaxing, spacious and gorgeous stretch of white sand was just what my family needed to start off the kids summer vacation. The temperature was in the 80's. The weather was partly cloudy to sunny the entire vacation and the water glistened during every aspect of the day. There were people around but it wasn't overly populated like your visit to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina at this of year. This location is a great destination to relax and unwind. 4 of the most enjoyable things we did while there are as follows:

1. Explore the Beach 

Spend the day taking in the breathing taking gulf coast water views while relaxing on a soft bed of white sandy beaches. You can bask in the sun, swim, surf, make sand castles, and hunt for sea shells (Sand-dollars were our most popular find). Several people caught baby minnows, were hunting for crabs and were catching waves. On our first beach outing we got lucky to see a sea turtle, which are, quite prevalent in this location. 

Making Sandcastles

2. Navarre Beach Pier

Taking in the Sights at the Navarre Beach Pier

This pier is a must do for people with many interests. Take photos of the Navarre Beach shore line as you indulge in breath taking views, take a stroll, go fishing, and/ or watch for sea turtles and other aquatic animals in the water. You should have seen all the fish in the water. Those fishing will not go home empty handed. While there, check out the store conveniently placed at the piers entrance for souvenir items and fishing supplies. In addition, the pier entrance has an on-site restaurant with decent food and great views of the beach.

3.  Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum

Do venture out about 1 hour from Navarre Beach to capture aerial gulf coast views at Pensacola Lighthouse. This lighthouse is the tallest of all the Florida Gulf Coast Lighthouses with 177 steps. The views were stunning for us adults to see. There was a height restriction to climb the lighthouse at around 42".  Even though our son couldn't venture up we were able to enjoy touring the grounds, the museum and awe the up close views of this symbol. Learn about the history of Pensacola, and enjoy a nature trail offering beautiful scenery and different vantage points of the lighthouse.

Aerial View from Atop the Lighthouse

4. National Naval Aviation Museum  

Indoor Naval Aviation Playground

The National Naval Aviation Museum located in Pensacola is the world's largest naval museum. This stop was a very highly populated attraction and after visiting one could see why its the one of the most highly visited museums in the state. Check out the plentiful aircraft's and exhibits, experience flight simulations, and participate on Blue Angel Practices and Autograph shows. If you are looking for a chance to let your younger kids get the wiggles out, the bottom floor has an indoor kid launch center (playground). This free attraction is an unforgettable must do.