Frequently Asked Questions

What type of restaurants are available in Santa Rosa County?
Santa Rosa County has a wide variety of restaurants available to suit everyone’s taste and budget. Click on Things to Do and See and choose Restaurants.

What activities are there for my family?
You name it! Every imaginable water sport, golf, hiking, fishing, biking, boating, shopping, exploring historic sights and the list goes on .. Click on Things to Do on the Main page.

Where are the hiking and biking trails?
There are hiking, biking and equestrian trails throughout the County. Please see the activities section located under the Things to Do and See tab and the Interactive trails map on our website
www.floridabeachestorivers.com

Where can I fish?
Santa Rosa County offers every imaginable type of fresh and saltwater fishing. We have The Gulf of Mexico, Santa Rosa Sound and beautiful bays, rivers and streams! A fishing license is required unless you are 65 years of age or older or under the age of 16- carry proof of age identification. You may obtain a license easily at various sports stores, bait and tackle shops and retail stores in the County –ask them where they are biting! You may also go online anytime to www.MyFWC.com. On Navarre Beach you can obtain one at The Fun Store next to Cocodrie’s (they rent poles also).

Are there hotels on Navarre Beach?
At this time there are no hotels on Navarre Beach. There are plans for construction of two hotels to begin in 2009.

Are there lifeguards on the beach?
Yes, Navarre Beach does have lifeguards on duty at the public beach
March – October 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
November – February – No lifeguards are on duty

May I take my pet on the beach or to Navarre park?
Pets are not allowed on the Gulf or Sound side of the beach and no pets are allowed in the Navarre Park.

Where is the closest dog park to Navarre Beach?
There is a dog park on Shoreline Drive in Gulf Breeze, about 20 mile west of Navarre.

When will the Beach Road connecting Navarre and Pensacola Beach re-open?
The Section from Navarre Beach to Opal Beach is open. The section from Pensacola Beach to Opal Beach is currently on hold due to nesting birds. Construction repairs will continue starting in September 2008.

What are the “Beaches to Rivers of Santa Rosa”?
The Beaches to Rivers of Santa Rosa encompasses the towns, parks, and attractions within Santa Rosa County, Florida. We believe the brand name best captures the unique attributes and strongest attractors of our area: from the sugary white sand in the small beach community of Navarre to the meandering rivers in the Blackwater River State Forest, Santa Rosa County offers visitors a beautiful natural context for an unforgettable family vacation.

Where is Navarre Beach located?
Navarre Beach is located on Santa Rosa Island in Northwest Florida along the Gulf of Mexico. Navarre is situated between the city of Pensacola on the West and the Fort Walton Beach/Destin area on the East. View map.

Where is Blackwater River State Forest located?
Blackwater River State Forest is located in Santa Rosa County just East of Milton in Northwest Florida. Just a short drive away from Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach (approx. 25 Miles North of Navarre). Blackwater River State Park is located within the State Forest. View map.

Where is Milton & Bagdad located?
Milton is located in Santa Rosa County, Northwest Florida, approx. 22 miles North of Navarre. The historic town is adjacent to Blackwater River State Park, and Florida’s biggest State Forest, the Blackwater River State Forest. View map.

Why is Northwest Florida’s sand so white?
Our visitors rave about it and people call it the “sugar-white beaches” of Northwest Florida. Composed of pure quartz crystal washed down from the Appalachian Mountains thousands of years ago, the sand accumulates creating sand bars along river bends and streams on its way all the way South to the edges of the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It is so fine in texture, it literally squeaks under your toes! The white sand also helps our beaches from heating up like an oven in the Summer time, unlike other beaches with darker and coarser sand.

Why are the rivers in the Blackwater River State Forest so brown?
The State Forest got its name from the dark waters of the Blackwater River. But make no mistake, the water is anything but dirty or muddy. The tea-colored rivers in the Blackwater River State Forest area are among the purest sand-bottom rivers in the nation. The color is produced by the tannins that enter the water through the trees. Our rivers are clean, cool, and safe even for small children. Their dark tannin waters contrast with beautiful white sand bars that offer the perfect setting for soaking up the sun.

Does the area offer safe family friendly beaches?
The surf at Navarre Beach typically does not produce very big waves, so swimming can be enjoyed safely most of the time. On days that the Gulf surf is rough, families can enjoy several alternative swimming locations on the island. For instance, “Mom’s Beach” right across from public beach is located on the Santa Rosa Sound which offers calm waters for your little ones.
Please ensure you and your family are familiar with the Beach Warning Flag System (ask your hotelier, lifeguard, or the Visitor Center if you’re not sure what the colors mean).

Our rivers are as family friendly and safe as our beaches. Northwest Florida rivers do not feature the wild ride found at whitewater canoeing destinations. Our rivers offer peace and quiet, natural beauty and plenty of fun for all ages and all levels of water skill.

Many families are also attracted to Navarre Beach and the Blackwater River State Forest because of the lack of crowds and traffic, and the opportunity to leave their daily stresses behind and just reconnect with nature and each other.

What temperatures can I expect?
Average Temperatures:
Spring - 79
Summer - 91
Fall - 80
Winter – 68

How can I help make sure the Beaches to Rivers of Santa Rosa stay pristine and beautiful?
We in Santa Rosa County believe in creating a more sustainable Florida by enhancing and protecting our natural treasures. Help us keep our natural resources clean and safe. Click here to read our eco-tips and find out what you can do to help, even in small ways.

Can I find information about Santa Rosa Beach on this website?
No. This website provides information about Santa Rosa County, including Navarre Beach on Santa Rosa Island. Santa Rosa Beach is actually not located in Santa Rosa County, but in Walton County, East of Destin, FL.