Fort Walton Beach, Florida | Things to Do, Places to Eat & Stay

Fort Walton Beach Florida

Fort Walton Beach is a laid-back coastal destination along Florida’s Emerald Coast, known for its sugar-white sand beaches and striking emerald-green waters. Here you will discover world-class beaches, waterfront dining, and family attractions. With a mix of natural beauty and small-town charm, Fort Walton Beach appeals to couples, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The area is uniquely positioned along Choctawhatchee Bay and just across from Okaloosa Island, giving visitors access to both calm bay waters and the open Gulf of Mexico within minutes. Boating, paddleboarding, fishing, and dolphin cruises are popular activities, while the island’s beaches provide the classic Emerald Coast experience of soft quartz sand and clear surf. Waterfront parks and local marinas add to the city’s strong boating culture.

Beyond the beaches, Fort Walton Beach features museums, marine parks, festivals, and a growing dining scene focused on fresh Gulf seafood. Its connection to nearby Eglin Air Force Base has also shaped the community’s history and economy. Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach getaway or an active coastal vacation, Fort Walton Beach offers a balanced blend of scenery, recreation, and local character.

Places to Stay

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Things To Do

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.

Downtown and Waterfront of Fort Walton Beach

Downtown District

Fort Walton Beach’s historic downtown district is a vibrant place for shopping, dining, and exploring local culture. Stroll along Brooks Street and nearby blocks to browse boutiques, art galleries, specialty stores, antique shops, and outdoor sports outfitters. The area often hosts events, live music, and seasonal pop-ups, giving visitors plenty to do while shopping.

Uptown Station & Shoppes at Paradise Pointe

These local shopping centers offer a mix of stores, eateries, and services all under one roof. You can find clothing, gifts, beachwear, and everyday items ideal for picking up vacation essentials or souvenirs.

Fort Walton Beach Landing Park

This scenic waterfront park is one of the city’s most popular public spaces. Set along Choctawhatchee Bay, it offers a boardwalk with stunning bay views, picnic spots, playgrounds, and event space. The Landing hosts concerts, movies, seasonal festivals, and the Downtown Fort Walton Beach Saturday Market on select weekends a great blend of shopping, art, and local culture right by the water. Beyond events, the park’s wide waterfront promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll at sunrise or sunset, with benches and scenic photo spots along the way.

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is one of Fort Walton Beach’s most popular family attractions, offering up-close encounters with marine life along the Emerald Coast. Located on Okaloosa Island, the park features daily shows and interactive experiences with dolphins, sea lions, penguins, turtles, and other coastal species. Visitors can watch educational presentations that highlight conservation, animal behavior, and the importance of protecting marine ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico.

Beyond the shows, the Gulfarium offers hands-on programs that allow guests to participate in dolphin swims, animal meet-and-greets, and trainer-for-a-day experiences. The park’s layout makes it easy to explore at a relaxed pace, with shaded seating areas and waterfront views that add to the experience. For families visiting Fort Walton Beach, the Gulfarium combines entertainment and education, making it a memorable stop that blends fun with an appreciation for marine wildlife.

Farmers Market

Farmers Market Downtown FWB 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.

The Downtown Fort Walton Beach Farmers Market is a lively waterfront event held at Fort Walton Beach Landing Park in Fort Walton Beach. Typically hosted on select Saturdays throughout the year, the market brings together local farmers, artisans, bakers, and small businesses in a scenic bayfront setting. Visitors can browse fresh seasonal produce, homemade baked goods, local honey, handmade soaps, crafts, and specialty food items while enjoying views of Choctawhatchee Bay.

Beyond shopping, the farmers market serves as a community gathering space where residents and visitors can enjoy live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. Its downtown location makes it easy to explore nearby shops and restaurants before or after visiting the market. Whether you're searching for locally sourced ingredients or simply want to experience the area’s coastal community vibe, the Downtown Fort Walton Beach Farmers Market offers a relaxed and welcoming way to spend a morning on the Emerald Coast.

Emerald Coast Science Center

Whether kids or adults, Emerald Coast Science Center is the best place for science enthusiasts. An interactive science museum creating a scientifically engaged community in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. 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.

Fort Walton Beach proudly highlights its beautiful waters and highlights 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.

Additional Things to Do

• Crab Island - A unique sandbar and social water spot accessed by boat with floating fun, music, and casual island vibes. 
• Air Force Armament Museum - Free museum exhibiting aircraft and military armaments (great for aviation and history fans). 
• Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park & Cultural Center - Multi-museum site featuring Native American artifacts and local history.
• Gulf Islands National Seashore - Beautiful shoreline spots for relaxed beach days.
• John Beasley Park - Waterfront park with picnic areas, fishing, kayaking, and stunning views.
• Liza Jackson Park - Large park with playgrounds, bay access, and walking paths.

Places to Eat

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.

The Shack

Classic waterfront seafood restaurant with local favorites.

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).

Okinawa Japanese Steak & Seafood House

Okinawa Japanese Steak & Seafood House in Fort Walton Beach is a popular destination for sushi lovers and fans of entertaining hibachi dining. The restaurant offers an expansive menu featuring fresh sushi, hibachi-style steak, chicken, and seafood prepared right at the table for a fun and interactive experience the whole family can enjoy.

Guests can savor classic surf-and-turf combinations, flavorful Japanese dishes, and finish their meal with a sweet treat like vanilla ice cream. The full-service bar features beer, bourbons, whiskey, traditional sake, and other drinks to complement your meal. Conveniently located on Eglin Parkway, Okinawa Japanese Steak & Seafood House aims to create memorable dining experiences for every guest who walks through the door.

Ivy and Ale

Stylish restaurant with a varied, seasonal menu.

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.

Additional Info

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.

Best Time to Visit

The climate is warm year-round with hot summers (May–September) and mild winters (December–February), making spring through early fall ideal for beach activities and water sports. Summer is peak season with the most visitors and activity, while spring and fall offer slightly cooler temps and smaller crowds. Ft Walton Beach does get most of its rainfall in summer months.

Map of the Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Additional Fort Walton Beach Area Articles

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