Things to do, places to see, and what to be aware of while visiting our slice of paradise . . .
Ahhhh that first glimpse of the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico as you near the end of the boardwalk is a view that never leaves your mind. I remember watching my daughters look in awe as the waves came crashing in and then drop to their knees to dig in the sugar white sand as if it was their own personal giant sand box. Although I was born in Pensacola and spent the first 7 years of my life here with multiple visits, I still felt like a tourist during our first year living in Navarre. Here I'll share my favorite things to do in our area and what to be aware of during your visit.
Okay, let's start with safety - no one wants a vacation mishap, right? Navarre and Pensacola beaches have a simple flag system to keep you safe:
🟢 Green Flag: Go ahead, dive in! The waters are calm and inviting.
🟡 Yellow Flag: Be cautious; there might be some waves and currents. Swim smart.
🔴 Red Flag: Uh-oh, strong currents! Stay out of the water, folks. I know you may have traveled a great distance to be here, but it's not worth the risk.
🚩 Double Red Flags: Beach closed! Seriously, don't even think about it. Our lifeguards have to risk their lives if you choose to risk yours.
💜 Purple Flag: Watch out for critters like jellyfish.
Jellyfish Stings: How to Handle Them
Now, about those jellyfish. You might bump into one, but don't panic.
1. 🌊 Rinse with Vinegar: Pour some vinegar on the sting to neutralize the nasties. I carry a little spray bottle in my beach bag but can also use Jelly Smack, which was created by a local company that helps ease the pain. You can find it at several shops around town.
2. 👋 Remove Tentacles: Use tweezers or a card's edge to gently get rid of any tentacles. Don't rub with sand as that can release more venom in active stingers.
3. 🚿 Apply Heat: Soak the sting in hot water (around 104-113°F or 40-45°C) for 20-45 minutes to soothe the pain and reduce swelling.
4. 🚑 Seek Help: If it's a bad one or you have an allergic reaction, call for medical help.
Family Adventures
Navarre and Pensacola have tons of family-friendly fun:
🌴 Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center : Meet Sweet Pea, discover fun exhibits and partake in various exciting events year round.
🐾 Gulf Breeze Zoo: Hang out with over 800 critters from around the globe surrounded by beautiful landscape.
🏄 Pensacola Beach Boardwalk: Shop, eat, and soak in those Gulf views.
✈️ Blue Angels Air Show: If you're around in July, don't miss this breathtaking airshow but be sure to find a spot early (I'm talking 3am)!
🐬 Dolphin Tours: Say hello to our flippered friends on a dolphin-watching tour!
What's the best time to visit?
For perfect beach weather and fewer crowds, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are your go-to times. But hey, if you're a summer lover, don't hesitate! The warmer months are just as fantastic but bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
My Favorite Reef-Friendly Sunscreen
Help keep our oceans and coral reefs happy by choosing reef-safe sunscreens without oxybenzone and octinoxate. Brands like Sun Bum (absolute fave), Blue Lizard, Badger, Raw Elements, and All Good have got you covered. I especially love the face stick versions to get the kiddo's faces protected thoroughly.
Delicious Dining
Treat your taste buds to some coastal delights:
🦐 Dewey Destin's is our go to place when friends and family are visiting and craving some seafood. Plenty of seating and stunning views!
🍽️ Cactus Flower Cafe: If you're craving something other than seafood, we love Cactus Flower for some yummy Tex-Mex cuisine. Great service too!
🍻 Flounder's Chowder House: another fave with out of towners. Delicious seafood and tons of fun for the kiddos.
🦀 Crabs We Got 'Em (Pensacola Beach): A casual, fun spot with delicious seafood.
Also, worth mentioning is Deb's Coffee drive through. Am I addicted to their lattes? Absolutely and I'm not ashamed lol. Nothing beats Deb's and I know I'm right ;)
Capture Your Memories
And here's the icing on the beach cake – me, your friendly local photographer! I'd love to help you capture the magic of your vacation with personalized photoshoots. Whether it's family moments on the beach or candid snapshots by the Gulf, I've got your back. It is my passion to help you freeze time and have photos to look back on to relive those precious moments. Hit me up for more info, I'd love to meet you!
