Things to Do, Places to Eat & Where to Stay | Fort Walton Beach, Florida along the Emerald Coast

Fort Walton Beach Florida

Fort Walton Beach is a coastal city along the Florida's Emerald Coast, known for its sugar-white sand beaches, emerald Gulf waters, and relaxed coastal atmosphere. It sits along the Emerald Coast and is closely connected to nearby Destin and Okaloosa Island. Fort Walton Beach sits on the southern shore of Choctawhatchee Bay, a large, shallow estuarine bay that stretches roughly 27 miles long and from 3-6 miles wide depending on the area. The bay connects to the Gulf of Mexico through East Pass in nearby Destin. While many associate the area with the white sandy Gulf beaches on nearby Okaloosa Island, the city itself is positioned directly along a protected bay system that plays a major role in its character and recreation.

Aside from the bay and the gulf, Fort Walton beach is full of historic areas with museums, markets, and temples to explore. You can also enjoy tours and day trips, water activities, wildlife, nature, cruise tours, and other attractions. It is indeed a lot to package for a single place. Hence, it is a perfect destination to take on an adventure. Have plans for travel? Let’s take a look at some best places that Fort Walton Beach, Florida, has.

 

Places to Stay in Fort Walton Beach, Florida

 

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Things To Do in Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Okaloosa Island

Beach

Relax on sugar-white sand beaches with swimming, sunbathing, and panoramic Gulf views on Okaloosa Island. Perfect for fishing, wildlife viewing, and scenic strolls over the Gulf. The Okaloosa Island beach is a standout destination along Florida’s Emerald Coast, known for its wide stretches of soft, white quartz sand and striking emerald-green waters. The beach is family-friendly, offering calm surf and shallow areas near the shoreline, making it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Its location on a barrier island shelters the waters from strong Gulf currents, creating a safe environment for paddleboarding, kayaking, and other water sports.

The beach is also a great spot for picnics, beach volleyball, and seasonal events, such as outdoor concerts and festivals. Sunrise and sunset views over the Gulf are particularly memorable, offering photographers and visitors alike a picturesque coastal experience.

Boardwalk

The beach is easily accessible via the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk, which features restaurants, shops, and public facilities. The Okaloosa Island Boardwalk serves as a central hub for dining, shopping, and beach experiences on the island. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier are adjacent to the boardwalk.

The boardwalk also serves as a hub for water-based activities, including kayak and paddleboard rentals, parasailing excursions, and fishing charters. Its combination of leisure, entertainment, and waterfront charm makes the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Fort Walton Beach and the surrounding Emerald Coast.

Fishing Pier

Also known as the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier, with just a few steps away from the waters of the Emerald Coast, The Island Pier can be easily noticed by its long structure that stretches out by up to 1,262 feet towards the Gulf of Mexico. With its spacious walkway, there are so many things that can be done in the place.

Although fishing activities are most common in the place, it is also a great place for unwinding by taking a relaxing stroll, having fun watching fishers getting a good catch, capturing the stunning views of sunrise and sunset, admiring the life around the sea and sky, and enjoying the view while taking a snack. Hence, it has practically everything that may be appreciated.

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach, Florida is an award-winning marine park that allows visitors to discover the beauty and power of the ocean. With exhibits featuring dolphins, sea lions, penguins, otters, sharks, turtles and more - Gulfarium offers an engaging educational experience suitable for all ages.

Downtown Fort Walton Beach Farmers Market

Downtown Fort Walton Beach's Farmers Market is a vibrant hub for fresh produce, local vendors and community engagement. The market is open every Saturday between 8am and 1pm. It attracts both locals and tourists who are seeking high-quality products that help local farmers and businesses.

Indian Temple Mound Museum

Love to take a trail back to history? Indian Temple Mound Museum displays artifacts, exhibits, and other documents, including more than 1,000 stone, clay, and shell tools that indigenous Pensacola people have had for over 12,000 years. The mound is believed to have been built about 850 A.D. and was used for burial and sacred ceremonies.

The place is best for groups and families who love to explore and learn about the diverse cultures of different local tribes and ethnic groups. Moreover, visitors are allowed to take a walk around the base of the Temple Mound itself. Tourists can also take a visit at the Schoolhouse Museum nearby after visiting the Indian Temple Mound Museum. Thus, visitors can experience a full exploration of many histories for only a day.

Emerald Coast Science Center

Whether kids or adults, Emerald Coast Science Center is the best place for science enthusiasts. It is also perfect for friends and family bonding by exploring the world of science. This educational destination displays interactive insights and experiments into different areas of science such as robotics, engineering, electricity, color, physics, light, and sound.

Since Fort Walton Beach, Florida, proudly highlights its beautiful waters, it is impossible to miss the Marine Exhibit in their display. They also allow their visitors to experience personal contact with different animals such as parrots, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, cockatiels, and budgies. In this way, visitors can explore and learn science in a fun way.

Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone

Fort Walton Beach, Florida does not only offer majestic beaches but also an adventurous getaway, especially for families. Certainly, kids love adventures aside from soaking around the beach. Hence, when tourists need a quick break from the beach and look for a more adventurous experience, there’s Wild Willy Adventure Zone that offers different adventurous facilities that enable kids to work out their bodies while having fun. 

The place has a 17,000 square foot arcade that is spacious enough for kids to explore, two miniature golf courses, a roller coaster, a rope-climbing course to navigate, Island Grand Prix race tracks, Bumper Wars Bumper Boats, and Urban Assault Laser Tag. With many games to explore, it is impossible to get bored around. There’s also a pizza joint and ice cream parlor near to satisfy cravings. Plus, kids will surely love the dinosaur theme displays around the place. 

Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum   

Restoration & Opening As A Museum - Friends of Camp Walton Schoolhouse was able to save many of the original features of the building, including its plaster walls, hardwood floors, and wooden staircase, thanks to donations from individuals and local businesses.

Officially opened in 2000, the museum features exhibits that show Okaloosa County life during the early 20th centuries. The museum features a replica of a classroom from this period, complete with chalkboards, textbooks, and desks.

You will also find exhibits that feature photographs and artifacts of Fort Walton Beach's military past, including Eglin Air Force Base, which was crucial in the training of pilots during World War II.

Apart from the museum exhibits there are many other events at Camp Walton Schoolhouse throughout each year, including an annual Christmas open-house and a monthly tea and talk series featuring guest speakers who discuss various aspects of local history.

Other Great Ideas

• Paddleboarding and kayaking in Santa Rosa Sound.

• Explore nearby historic downtown shops, galleries & monthly art walks.

Best Restaurants & Places to Eat

Local Favorites & Seafood Spots

• The Shack – Classic waterfront seafood restaurant with local favorites.

• The Gulf – Iconic casual seafood eatery made from shipping containers with Gulf views.

• Stewby's Seafood Shanty – Beloved seafood shack with fried fish and shrimp classics.

• Old Bay Steamer – Fun seafood spot with steamed crab and other Gulf Coast fare.

• Crab Trap, Fort Walton Beach – Large casual seafood restaurant with water views.

Diverse & Local Eats

• Don Cha Peruvian Food – Highly-rated Peruvian cuisine with fresh flavors.

• Ali's Bistro – Popular Italian restaurant with classic favorites.

• Sura Korean Steakhouse – Korean steakhouse and BBQ for a flavorful dinner.

• The Remedy – Cajun/Creole coastal grill with cocktails and creative dishes.

• Papi's Cafe & Grill – Well-loved Puerto Rican comfort food (great lunch/dinner).

• Ivy and Ale – Stylish restaurant with a varied, seasonal menu.

Casual & Quick Bites

• Sax Grille – Casual local spot for burgers, sandwiches & salads.

• Heavenly Croissants – Cozy bakery and café — perfect for breakfast or brunch.

• La Calle Food Hall – Latin-inspired food hall with diverse options.

Tips for Dining

• Many seafood places are busiest in the evening and at sunset — reservations can help.

• Waterfront dining is a highlight, especially around Okaloosa Island and Santa Rosa Blvd.

• Casual spots like Stewby’s and The Shack are perfect after beach days.

Map of the Fort Walton Beach Area of Florida

Additional Fort Walton Beach Area Articles

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