Santa Rosa Island, a 40-mile Gulf Islands National Seashore haven, remains Florida’s premier white-sand beach destination. Pensacola Beach, in particular, entices travelers from all across the U.S., primarily because no other Gulf Coast community can match its unique combination of natural beauty, prime real estate, and exclusivity. The island itself boasts a healthy dose of serenity in the form of miles upon miles of uninhabited Gulf Coast dunes, featuring nothing but white sand, beachgrass, little sea critters, and a bit of soil that washes up via Santa Rosa Sound. To ensure that your upcoming escape to Florida’s Gulf Coast is nothing short of flawless, we’ve compiled a three-stop Pensacola area beach guide. After all, there’s never been a more alluring time to spend a week or two in this sandy, tropical paradise.
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach is home to three of the state’s most beloved Gulf-front getaway destinations: Portofino Island, Beach Club, and Emerald Isle. Each beachfront experience is delightfully distinctive, ranging from a conveniently-located boardwalk hub to a luxury spa, Aqua Spa, and a family-friendly, wholly-customizable slice of seclusion. The main draw of each condominium complex is, of course, the private, unobstructed beach access. Some resorts, such as Portofino Island, provide discounted toys, such as jet skis, kayaks, Hobie Cats, boogie boards, and paddleboards. Pensacola Beach is perfect for those who prefer a community-like atmosphere rather than utter silence. It’s a splendid place to people-watch, build a sandcastle, learn a new aquatic activity, and meet other families.
Navarre Beach Marine Park
Premier Island Management Group is slowly beginning to lay down roots in the Navarre area, an up-and-coming beach community approximately 13 miles east of Portofino Island. Most revere Navarre Beach for its 1,545-foot-long fishing pier, a splendid place to hook a plumb sheepshead. Fun fact: Navarre Beach Fishing Pier remains the longest wharf in the Gulf of Mexico. The beach itself sees much less foot traffic than the stretches of white sand near Pensacola Beach, which, in effect, helps foster thriving sea bird and sea turtle populations. Snorkelers will also discover an artificial reef project near the shoreline that provides a healthy ecosystem for many underwater critters.
Opal Beach
Between Pensacola and Navarre lies Opal Beach, a genuinely one-of-a-kind beach experience. Opal Beach sees little-to-no foot traffic on any given morning or afternoon. It’s a sublime spot during these unique times. It splendidly offers an opportunity to spend some alone time with the Gulf of Mexico, especially for families looking for a quiet place to introduce a new sport or recreational activity to their littlest ones. Groups can rent out covered pavilions—a worthwhile perk for those looking to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or small-scale reunion. You may stumble across an angler or two, simply basking in the Florida sun with nary a care in the world.
To book a well-deserved tropical escape to Pensacola Beach, please check availability online. Premier Island Management Group oversees dozens of properties along the paradisal Gulf Islands National Seashore. Simply browse through our growing inventory to find a Pensacola Beach vacation rental that perfectly suits your group’s size, style, and budget.
