Beach Guide

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Find your perfect beach day
Sugar-white sand, emerald water, quiet stretches of coastline, and plenty of room to unwind. Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy the coast.

 

Beach-Day Checklist

Sunscreen ☀️ | Water 💧 | Towels 🏖️ | Shade ⛱️ | Snacks 🍉 | Beach toys 🪣

Find Your Beach

⭐Navarre Beach

If you want beautiful Gulf water, white sand, and easy access to the heart of Navarre Beach, start here.

Why we like it

  • Beautiful white-sand Gulf beach
  • Easy access to the Navarre Beach Pier area
  • Public beach access and pavilion areas
  • Great choice for families
  • Nearby restaurants and activities

RJK Tip: This is the beach we’d choose when you want an easy, traditional beach day without making an entire excursion out of it.

Check Beach Conditions      |         Get Directions

⭐ Opal Beach

Located within Gulf Islands National Seashore, Opal Beach sits between Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach and has a noticeably more undeveloped, natural feel.

The main Opal Beach complex includes parking, restrooms, outdoor showers and pavilions. A park entrance fee applies at the complex, while other designated access points along Highway 399 provide beach access without an entrance fee. 

Why we like it

  • Gorgeous undeveloped coastline
  • White sand and emerald Gulf water
  • Less commercial surroundings
  • Great for a relaxing beach day or picnic
  • Gulf-side and sound-side access available

RJK Tip: Pack what you need before you go. The National Park Service notes that there are no concessions or stores within this area.

National Park Information      |      Get Directions

Pensacola Beach

Best for: Beach + restaurants + activity

Want to combine your beach day with restaurants, shopping and a little more activity? Pensacola Beach offers sugar-white sand and emerald water along with restaurants, the pier area, seasonal activities and the Pensacola Beach Eco Trail.

Why we like it

  • Beach plus plenty to do nearby
  • Restaurants and entertainment
  • Pensacola Beach Pier area
  • Family-friendly Eco Trail
  • Great choice for making a full day of it

RJK Tip: Make this your beach choice when the group wants options beyond just sand and water.

Explore Pensacola Beach      |      Get Directions

🚩 Beach Conditions

Know Before You Go

Check out the Beach Conditions: 24/7 Live Feed and Condition updates.  Check Out Today’s Beach Conditions.

Know the Flags.  Respect the Gulf.
Always check current beach conditions before entering the water. Conditions can change during the day, and rip currents can occur even when the water looks inviting.

🟩 GREEN — Low Hazard: Relatively calm conditions. Continue exercising caution.

🟨 YELLOW — Moderate Hazard: Moderate surf and currents. Use extra caution.
 
🟥 RED — High Hazard: Dangerous surf and strong currents. No swimming or wading under Santa Rosa County’s published guidance.
 
🟥 DOUBLE RED — Water Closed: Stay out of the water.
🟥 
 
🟪 PURPLE — Dangerous Marine Life: Jellyfish, stingrays or other potentially dangerous marine life may be present.

 
Local Tip: Entering water, your best plan is to do the “stingray shuffle” is a technique where you slide or shuffle your feet along the sandy bottom instead of lifting them when walking in shallow ocean water.
  • Sliding your feet creates vibrations and minor water displacement that alert hidden rays to your presence.
  • Warned ahead of time, the stingray will simply swim away safely before you can step on it. Stepping directly on a ray triggers a defensive reflex, causing it to whip up its venomous tail barb.
 
 
 

Help Keep our Beaches Beautiful

Leave Only Footprints

Please take chairs, umbrellas, toys, trash and other personal belongings with you when you leave. Santa Rosa County’s Leave No Trace rules prohibit leaving personal items on Navarre Beach overnight. Glass, fires, camping and pets are also prohibited on the beach.

Protect the dunes • Respect wildlife • Keep our beaches beautiful