Guide to Planning a Relaxing Family Summer Vacation

Before you know it, school will be out and summer will be here. Get ahead of the game and use our guide to plan a relaxing family summer vacation here in Navarre Beach!

1. 1. Plan & Book Your Stay Early.
      While there are a variety of beautiful accommodations in the Navarre Beach area, many of the most unique properties fill up fast. From beachfront hotels and home rentals to tree houses, glamping tents and cozy cabooses, you can stay in a place the entire family is sure to remember forever. However, wait too long and the exact location you have your heart set on could be booked. So don’t wait to lock in your ideal stay!

1. 1. Make Travel Easier & More Enjoyable.
      Planning your travel is just as important as planning your accommodations. You don’t want your crew to arrive grumpy, so be sure to pack plenty of entertainment for the trip. Handheld game systems, books and travel games like “I Spy” are always good to keep kids occupied. You can fly into nearby Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) and Pensacola International Airport (PNS), but if you’re driving, you can take advantage of the beautiful scenic routes that lead to Navarre Beach. Take FL-399 and drive along the Gulf Islands National Seashore to see untouched natural beaches and sparkling emerald waters. Driving on I-10 or US-90 will take you through the Blackwater River State Park and the Yellow River WMA, giving you endless views of pine forests, oaks and other beautiful Florida nature.
   2. Plan Activities, but Don’t Over-plan.
      There is no shortage of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy in Navarre Beach, and it’s good to come with an idea of the top things you want to do while you’re visiting. However, no one likes a timekeeper when it comes to a vacation. Keep things flexible (and stress-free) when it comes to planning your days. We recommend carving out time for a day on Navarre Beach, exploring the Blackwater River State Park, visiting the Gulf Breeze Zoo and spending some time in the quaint town of Milton, but be sure to customize your vacation to your family’s interests. And if you don’t get to do everything you want, don’t worry—you can always come back for a winter break vacation, too!

1. 1. Don’t Get Hangry
      Nothing dampers a mood faster than temper-tantrums due to an empty stomach. That’s easily remedied by dining in our wonderful restaurants. Local favorites include The Blackwater Bistro, Broussard’s of Navarre Beach, Juana’s Pagodas, The Slippery Mermaid Sushi Bar and Boomerang Pizza Kitchen, among so many others. Check out our restaurants page and find the perfect restaurant to satisfy your craving.
   2. Make Time for the Adults
      You’re part of the family, too, so be sure to throw in some fun for the adults. Tee up a golf outing at The Club at Hidden Creek or one of our other panoramic golf courses. Have a romantic dinner at Bella Luna Italian Bistro, or watch the sun slowly set on the horizon. Many places will help accommodate kids, but you can take turns with a partner to do a grown-up activity or even find one of our local childcare options that charge by the hour.

Most importantly, just relax! Summer vacation can go by fast. Calm down, take it easy, and just enjoy making these family memories in Navarre Beach. We promise, you won’t regret it!