FAQs
Question
Will colleges/high schools be on spring break during this time?
Answer
Yes! This can be a busy time for the area. We recommend that you book your hotel/stay early and account for more time on the roads due to traffic. Call restaurants in advance to see if they take reservations.
Question
Sound Side vs Gulf of America?
Answer
You have 2 beach options being either the Sounds Side or Gulf of America. Both can get busy, so we recommend getting there early-mid morning. The Sound Side is considered the bay/intercostal. There are no waves and the water can be warmer, but the water is not the crystal turquoise color. The Sound Side is good for kids since the water is very quiet. It can be a longer walk to the beach once you park. The Gulf of America can be either ruff or calm. It usually has a beautiful clear turquoise color which draws many tourists. Lifeguards do patrol the beach and flags are posted. If you want to get a “birds eye view” of what the gulf looks like before heading out, use this website: https://www.navarrebeachlife.com
Question
Navarre beach vs Pensacola beach?
Answer
Both beaches have the gulf and sound side option. Navarre beach is the quieter option and free to visit. There are only 2 restaurants on the island and they are not within walking distance from the gulf. There is a pier that you can walk for a small charge and watch all the fishermen catch fish. This is the longest pier in Florida! If you want the option to be near a restaurant/bar while enjoying the beach, Juana’s Pagodas is the only option. They have their own beach on the sound side that you can sit at for free and grab food/drinks. You may bring coolers. They also have a playground on the beach for kids. This is a popular place for concerts and might be closed to the public. Check before you go! Pensacola beach is much busier with things to do/eat/drink. You can sit on either the gulf or sound side and be able to walk to a restaurant or bar. Pensacola beach does have a small boardwalk on the sound side with shops/restaurants/bars. You can sit your beach chairs on the sound side and walk the boardwalk. A popular place to visit for adults is Bamboo Willie’s to get a bushwacker.
Question
Where should I stay?
Answer
Totally up to you and the experience you and your family want! Be mindful of the driving distance to the venue. Navarre area - roughly 50 min drive to venue Pensacola area - roughly 42 min drive to venue Pace area - roughly 15 min drive to venue but farther from the beach Destin area - roughly 1hr 20 min drive to venue
Question
Brad and Alison’s favorite places to eat/drink!
Answer
1. Bella Luna - authentic Italian! Recommend calling for a reservation. Navarre 2. Slippery Mermaid - sushi. Can have long wait times! Navarre 3. St. Michaels brewery - all beer is brewed in house and they usually have a food truck. Check their Facebook page. Navarre 4. The Grey Taproom - roughly 30 locally brewed beers. No food, but you can order next door at Johnny Hustons and eat in Greys Taproom. Navarre 5. Juana Pagodas - great food/drinks/music. Kid friendly. On the sound side and a great place to watch the sunset. Local spot and very casual beach attire. Highly recommend but it can be closed for popular concerts. Check their Facebook page/website before going. Navarre 6. George bistro - where Brad proposed!! Nice dinner attire. Excellent food as we have NEVER had a bad meal. Recommend making a reservation. Pensacola 7. Hub Stacy’s - local sandwich place and bar. Great for brunch and then you can walk Palofox Rd for local shops. Palofox is considered a much cleaner Bourbon St. and can be very lively at night. Pensacola 8. The Kennedy - mixologist cocktail bar. Best martinis and old fashions. This is where we celebrated our engagement on New Years Eve!! Pensacola 9. Beardless Brewhaus - local beer brewed in house. Light food that you can order. Check their Facebook page as they can have fun nights of bingo or trivia. They have 2 locations in Milton and Pace. Recommend Milton. Very local vibe 10. Seville Quarter - great place for nightlife! Seville use to be the train station where civil war soldiers would leave/come home from war. Devious things happened upstairs and the place is known to be haunted. Now it is the location of several bars that include karaoke, dueling pianos, band room, pool table room, etc. Roughly 8 bars are located in Seville and once you’re in, find your vibe for the night! Pensacola
Question
Should I wear heels to the wedding?
Answer
The venue is mostly grass with little gravel. Recommend no stilettos. We expect the majority of the wedding festivities to be outside, pending weather. Florida can be warm in March during the day and cool in the evenings. Keep an eye on your weather app!
Question
When do we need to RSVP by?
Answer
Please do so by Dec 23, 2025. Thank you!