Top 25 Things to Do in Fort Walton Beach, Florida (For Adults)
Located along Florida’s Emerald Coast, Fort Walton Beach is a hidden gem known for its powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and family-friendly attractions. This laid-back Gulf Coast destination blends outdoor adventure, history, and relaxation, making it perfect for beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs alike.
Visitors can snorkel at Okaloosa Island, explore marine life at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, relax at John Beasley Park, or uncover Native American history at the Indian Temple Mound Museum. Foodies can enjoy fresh Gulf seafood, while anglers will love the deep-sea fishing opportunities.
Whether you're planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or an outdoor escape, Fort Walton Beach offers unforgettable experiences with its breathtaking coastline, vibrant marine life, and charming small-town vibe. Here’s a look at the top things to do in Fort Walton Beach to make the most of your visit.
1. Okaloosa Island Beaches (John Beasley Park)
Fort Walton Beach is famed for its pristine sugar-white sand and sparkling blue-green Gulf waters. One of the top spots is John C. Beasley Park on Okaloosa Island – a laid-back public beach park known for its rolling sand dunes, clear emerald waters, and scenic views galore. This beach is typically less crowded and more adult-friendly, perfect for a peaceful swim, sunbathing, or a romantic sunset stroll.
Location: Okaloosa Island (about 2 miles south of downtown, at 1550 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE).
2. Crab Island Excursion
A visit to Crab Island is a must for adults looking for a unique water adventure. Despite the name, this isn’t a true island but a submerged sandbar in Choctawhatchee Bay famous for its waist-deep, crystal turquoise water and lively atmosphere. Locals and visitors anchor their boats here to socialize, float on inflatables, enjoy watersports, sip cocktails, and even buy snacks from floating food vendors – it’s essentially one big party on the water.
Location: In the bay north of Destin’s Marler Bridge (about 20 minutes by boat from Fort Walton Beach). You can only reach Crab Island by boat – rent a pontoon, take a water taxi, or join a tour
Waist-high sandbar with dozens of boats gathered, floating bars, music, and occasional inflatable aquaparks (seasonal). The vibe is festive and adult-oriented, especially in summer.
3. Okaloosa Island Boardwalk (Dining & Entertainment)
The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island is a lively beachfront complex packed with restaurants, bars, and shops – an ideal spot to eat, play, and unwind by the Gulf. This open-air boardwalk features casual eateries serving fresh Gulf seafood, tiki bars, live music stages, and souvenir shops, all with panoramic water views. Stroll along the boardwalk or adjacent fishing pier to spot marine life (you might glimpse dolphins, rays, or even sharks in the water below) and catch an epic sunset over the ocean.
Location: 1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Okaloosa Island (next to the pier and Gulfarium).
Multiple beachfront restaurants like The Crab Trap and Rockin’ Tacos (for fish tacos and tequila bar), plus Al’s Beach Club, a burger bar that transforms into a nightclub with live music and DJs after dark. Throughout summer, the Boardwalk hosts weekly fireworks shows and events that add to the fun.
4. Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier
The Island Pier (Okaloosa Island Pier) is both a scenic viewpoint and a fishing hotspot. Extending nearly 1,000 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, this pier offers panoramic views over the water – an excellent perch for watching sunsets, spotting marine life, or casting a fishing line. Many visitors come in the evening to “zone out” and enjoy the ocean breeze; it’s common to see wild dolphins playing in the surf near the pier, especially around sunset. Sea turtles and shore birds like herons are also frequently sighted from the pier.
Location: 1030 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, at the end of the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island.
A bait and tackle shop at the pier’s entrance provides fishing gear, bait, and snacks for purchase. If you’re fishing, expect to reel in catches like mackerel or grouper; if not, you can simply enjoy the stunning Gulf views and ocean wildlife. There are mounted binoculars along the railings for a closer look at dolphins or fish in the clear water.
5. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park offers an entertaining and educational break from the beach, especially appealing to animal lovers. Located right on the shoreline, this aquarium-marine park has been delighting visitors for over 60 years. You can watch dolphins leap and sea lions play during daily shows, see sharks, rays, turtles, and penguins up close, and even join interactive encounters like snorkeling with stingrays or feeding penguins. The Gulfarium’s mission focuses on educating and inspiring guests to respect marine life, and it provides unique experiences for visitors of all ages to connect with the ocean’s creatures.
Location: 1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE (on Okaloosa Island, adjacent to the Boardwalk).
Dolphin and sea lion shows take place several times a day in outdoor amphitheaters– check the schedule when you arrive so you don’t miss them. There are also touch pools and exhibit tanks with colorful tropical fish, alligators, otters, and more. For an extra fee, the park offers hands-on animal encounters like dolphin meet-and-greets or VIP trainer experiences (popular, so reserve in advance).
6. Sunset & Dolphin-Watching Cruises
One of the most memorable ways to experience the Emerald Coast is from the water on a boat tour. Fort Walton Beach offers a variety of adult-friendly cruises – from tranquil sunset sails with champagne to lively dolphin-watching excursions. These boat tours will take you through Choctawhatchee Bay or out into the Gulf, where you can admire the coastline and often see pods of wild dolphins swimming alongside the boat.
Location: Tours depart from various marinas in Fort Walton Beach and nearby Destin (many leave from the docks around 1201 Miracle Strip Pkwy, near the Brooks Bridge).
Common options include romantic sunset catamaran cruises, glass-bottom boat tours for viewing marine life, and private sailing charters for small groups. Most tours last 1.5 to 2 hours and often include a narrated guide pointing out sights and wildlife. Some evening cruises even offer complimentary drinks or allow you to bring your own beverages.
7. Snorkeling Reefs and Scuba Diving
Fort Walton Beach’s clear emerald waters are perfect for snorkeling and diving. In fact, artificial snorkeling reefs have been installed just off the shore of Okaloosa Island, creating havens for tropical fish and marine life in as little as 10–20 feet of water. You can simply swim out from the beach with a mask and fins to explore these reef sites – expect to see colorful fish, maybe a stingray, and occasionally sea turtles cruising by. For certified scuba divers, there are also offshore wrecks and reefs (including sunken ships and bridge spans) teeming with marine life a short boat ride away
Location: The easiest snorkeling spots are off Okaloosa Island at public beach accesses #2, #4, #6, and at John Beasley Park, where nearshore artificial reefs are marked (about 600–800 feet from the beach)
Warm Gulf waters and generally gentle surf (especially in summer) make snorkeling enjoyable. The county has deployed hundreds of reef structures that attract fish – you “never know what you’re going to find down there,” from schools of baitfish to occasional cobia or flounder Local tour operators like Cattywampus or Destin Snorkel offer guided snorkel cruises that include gear and visit prime spots around the Destin jetties or Bay.
8. Deep-Sea Fishing Charter
Fort Walton Beach sits along the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” (as neighboring Destin is nicknamed), so booking a deep-sea fishing charter is a popular adult adventure. The Gulf of Mexico’s waters are teeming with game fish – snapper, grouper, amberjack, mahi-mahi, tuna, and more. Charters range from a few hours of bay fishing to full-day deep-sea trips, and you can go with a group or hire a private boat with a captain.
Location: Many fishing charters depart from the Fort Walton Beach Yacht Basin or from Destin’s HarborWalk Marina (just a short drive over the bridge).
Experienced captains will take you to the best fishing spots and provide all gear, bait, and licenses. On a typical charter, you might bottom fish near reefs for snapper and grouper or troll the open waters for mackerel and mahi. It’s not uncommon for anglers to hook into a trophy catch – the Gulf’s reputation is well-earned. The crew will often clean and bag your fish for you to take home (or to a local restaurant that will cook your catch).
9. Watersports: Parasailing, Jet Skis & Paddleboarding
For thrill-seekers, Fort Walton Beach offers a variety of watersports. You can rent jet skis (waverunners) to zip across the waves, soar above the water on a parasailing adventure, or enjoy a workout with a kayak or stand-up paddleboard rental. Skimming over the Gulf on a jet ski is an adrenaline rush, and parasailing provides a bird’s-eye view of the coastline – you’ll be towed behind a boat and lifted high into the sky with panoramic vistas of the island and ocean. If you prefer something more serene, paddling a kayak or SUP in the calm Santa Rosa Sound is a great way to explore local coves and spot marine life just beneath you.
Location: Watersport rental kiosks are found all along Okaloosa Island and at various bayfront parks. Popular spots include the rental outfit by the Brooks Bridge and on-site at major resorts.
Parasailing excursions usually take you 400+ feet in the air for about 10 minutes of flight – you might even see dolphins from above on a clear day. Jet ski rentals often allow you to ride in a designated open area of the bay or Gulf for 30-60 minutes (guided dolphin-spotting jet ski tours are also an option). Kayak/Paddleboard rentals let you glide through the quieter bay waters at your own pace; you can paddle around mangroves or even out to small spoil islands.
10. Scenic Drive along Gulf Islands National Seashore (Highway 399)
If you have a car, take a leisurely scenic drive to appreciate the natural beauty of the Emerald Coast. One of the best routes is Highway 399 from Fort Walton Beach eastward through Okaloosa Island and the Gulf Islands National Seashore toward Navarre Beach. This thin ribbon of road offers epic views: on one side, you’ll see the Gulf’s turquoise waters and sugar-white sand dunes, and on the other, the calm Santa Rosa Sound. With the windows down and the salty sea breeze coming in, it’s a refreshing way to sightsee.
Location: Start on Santa Rosa Blvd in Fort Walton (which turns into Highway 98/399) and head east across Okaloosa Island. The scenic coastal stretch (399) runs through undeveloped protected seashore for about 7 miles between Fort Walton’s end and Navarre.
You’ll pass sections of the national seashore with no buildings at all, just sand and sea oats. There are a few roadside pull-offs where you can stop to take photos or access the beach. Wildlife such as shorebirds are common; keep an eye out for the rare Choctawhatchee beach mice (an endangered species living in the dunes) or migratory birds.
11. Fort Walton Beach Golf Club
If you’re a golfer, you’ll be pleased to find the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club, which boasts two beautiful 18-hole championship courses. Set among rolling fairways, pine forests, and small lakes (watch for the resident alligators that sometimes glide through the water hazards!), these courses offer a fun challenge and pretty scenery. The club includes the “Pines” course and the “Oaks” course, each with its own character.
Location: 1955 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach (about 6 miles north of the island).
Lush, green fairways and a relaxed pace of play – this isn’t a resort packed with tourists but a city-owned club that welcomes visitors. You can choose to play 9, 18, or even 36 holes in a day. There’s also a driving range and practice putting green to warm up. The clubhouse has a pro shop and snack bar for a cold drink after your round.
12. Parks & Nature Trails (Liza Jackson Park & Veterans’ Park Rookery)
Fort Walton Beach is home to several peaceful parks and nature spots where adults can unwind in the outdoors. Liza Jackson Park, for example, is a waterfront park along Santa Rosa Sound with walking paths, picnic areas, and a dog park. It’s a lovely spot for a morning jog or an evening walk by the bay. Over on Okaloosa Island, the Veterans Park on Santa Rosa Blvd features a rookery – a nesting area for great blue herons and other birds – offering a unique wildlife viewing opportunity in spring. You can stroll on a boardwalk and observe the herons up close in their natural habitat.
Location: Liza Jackson Park is at 338 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW (along US 98 in west Fort Walton). Veterans Park is on Okaloosa Island (at 105 Santa Rosa Blvd, behind some condo towers).
Liza Jackson Park has a small boat launch, fishing spots, and plenty of shade trees – a nice place to have a picnic lunch. It’s common to see locals fishing or families barbecuing here, but it’s spacious enough to find a quiet corner. Veterans Park’s bird rookery is a hidden gem for nature photographers; in nesting season you might see dozens of herons and their chicks in the mangroves. The park also has memorials honoring military veterans.
13. Downtown Fort Walton Beach Shopping & Art Walk
Historic Downtown Fort Walton Beach (around Brooks Street and Miracle Strip Parkway) is a fun area to explore by day. You can sip, shop, and dine as you wander the walkable strip of boutiques, galleries, and cafes. Pop into stores selling beachwear, local artwork, quirky gifts, and antiques. If you’re into art, don’t miss the Fort Walton Beach Art Gallery (run by the Arts and Design Society) – it features one-of-a-kind pieces from local artists, including paintings, hand-blown glass, pottery, and jewelry.
Location: Downtown FWB centers on the intersection of Hwy 98 (Eglin Pkwy SE) and Brooks Street SE. There’s public parking around the Publix shopping center or near the Landing Park.
A charming, small-town feel with locally owned businesses. You’ll find a mix of casual eateries and coffee shops perfect for a light lunch or caffeine fix during your stroll. On the first Friday of each month (in normal times), the downtown often hosts an Art Walk in the evening – galleries stay open late, and artists set up booths on the sidewalks, sometimes with live music, creating a street-fair vibe. Every Saturday morning, there’s the Downtown Farmers’ Market at the Fort Walton Beach Landing Park, offering farm-fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts.
14. Craft Breweries & Taprooms
Fort Walton Beach’s craft beer scene has been booming, giving beer aficionados plenty to cheer about. A great place to start is Props Craft Brewery, a locally loved brewery founded by Air Force pilots. At Props’ taproom, you can watch the beer-making process in their state-of-the-art brewhouse and sample a flight of their signature brews (their Blonde Ale and Prop Oil Porter are popular). Another hotspot is Tapworks, a downtown beer bar with an impressive 60 beers on tap – from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts – so you’re sure to find a new favorite.
Location: Props Brewery has a large taproom on 125 Lovejoy Rd NW, FWB, and a smaller gastropub location on Eglin Parkway. Tapworks is located at 190 Miracle Strip Pkwy.
In addition to Props (which often hosts trivia nights) and Tapworks, Fort Walton recently welcomed Woodfoot Beer Company – a new brewery (opened 2024) that quickly gained a following for its creative IPAs and a unique passionfruit sour ale. Plus, they serve tasty wood-fired pizzas on-site. For a more low-key vibe, check out The Salty Duck, a cozy beer pub known for its comfy couches, old-school arcade games, and over 40 beers on tap. Many of these spots rotate seasonal and experimental brews, so there’s always something new to try.
15. Wine Tasting at Local Wine Bars
Prefer wine over beer? Fort Walton Beach has you covered with a few intimate wine bars and tasting rooms perfect for an adult night out. Taste Tapas & Wine Bar is a top pick – this cozy spot offers an extensive wine list and delicious small plates. You can spend an evening pairing a crisp Pinot Grigio with some Spanish tapas or indulging in a bold Cabernet alongside a charcuterie board. Just across the way is Chan’s Wine World, a gourmet wine and cheese shop that offers tastings and flights – browse their selection of wines from around the globe and enjoy a glass in-house with artisan cheese. Another hidden gem is The Twisted Grape, a wine bar and tasting room where you can sample local Florida wines and enjoy live music on select nights.
Location: Taste is located at 196 Miracle Strip Parkway, in downtown. Chan’s Wine World has a Fort Walton location at Uptown Station on Eglin Pkwy. The Twisted Grape is in Shalimar (just 5 minutes up Eglin Pkwy from FWB).
These venues often host special events like wine tasting flights, trivia nights, or wine education classes. Taste Tapas & Wine Bar, in particular, is noted for its warm atmosphere – it feels like a chic living room – and often features wine specials during happy hour. The Twisted Grape occasionally brings in local acoustic musicians, adding to the ambiance as you sip.
16. Nightlife in Downtown FWB (Bars & Live Music)
When the sun goes down, Fort Walton’s bar scene heats up – especially in the downtown area where you’ll find a cluster of pubs and live music venues catering to the 21+ crowd. The Salty Duck is a favorite starting point for craft beer and games (giant Jenga or darts, anyone?). If you’re in a dive bar mood, Coaster’s (aka Coaster’s Pub) offers that late-night hangout vibe – locals note it’s one of the few places open past 2 AM, serving drinks until 4 AM for the night owls. For cocktails, head to The Bevador Room, a speakeasy-style lounge known for its creative mixology (tucked behind Props Brewery downtown). Many of these establishments feature live entertainment on weekends – from acoustic acts to DJ dance parties.
Location: Concentrated along Miracle Strip Pkwy and Brooks Street in downtown Fort Walton Beach. All are walking distance from each other (convenient for a mini bar crawl).
Live music can often be found at Coaster’s or at Fokker’s Pub (which doubles as a pizzeria and live music joint). On some nights, you might stumble upon karaoke at a bar like Salty Duck or even a fun theme night – the downtown tends to have an energetic but laid-back atmosphere (shorts and flip-flops are normal attire). Many bars have outdoor patios which are great on warm evenings.
17. The Block – Nightclub with Country, Dance & Karaoke
If you’re looking to really cut loose, The Block is the premier nightclub in Fort Walton Beach, famous for offering “3 clubs in 1” under one roof. This large venue is divided into three distinct areas: a country bar (with a dance floor and occasional line dancing lessons), a high-energy dance club playing top 40/EDM hits, and a little Irish-style pub room often featuring karaoke or live sports on TV. You can roam between the sections to find your scene – it’s like a mini nightlife crawl in one building.
Location: 113 Eglin Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach (just north of downtown proper).
The Block often hosts live bands and touring acts, especially in the country venue – don’t be surprised to find a crowd two-stepping to a live country band or a DJ spinning hits in the club room. They even have a mechanical bull on certain nights, adding to the fun. With multiple bars inside, getting a drink is usually quick. It’s a popular spot for groups celebrating birthdays or bachelorette parties due to its lively vibe.
18. Stage Crafters Community Theater
For a dose of culture, check out a performance by Stage Crafters, Fort Walton Beach’s long-running community theater troupe. They put on a variety of shows throughout the year – from Broadway musicals and classic plays to quirky comedies – showcasing the talent of local actors and crew. Past productions have included crowd-pleasers like Chicago, Steel Magnolias, and seasonal holiday specials. The theater atmosphere is intimate, and the enthusiasm is palpable, making for a charming evening of live entertainment.
Location: The Stage Crafters theater is at 40 Robinwood Drive SW, FWB (they perform in a small theater that was once a church).
A lively local theatre scene – the productions are staged with a lot of heart. Because it’s community theater, tickets are very affordable (typically around $20 or less), and you get an up-close experience. They occasionally do dinner theater or dessert intermissions where you can mingle with other theatergoers.
19. Indian Temple Mound Museum & Historical Park
Delve into local history at the Indian Temple Mound Museum, part of Fort Walton’s Heritage Park & Cultural Center. This small museum is built around one of the most significant prehistoric Native American sites on the Gulf Coast – the Temple Mound, built by the Pensacola culture around 1400 AD. The museum’s exhibits showcase over 12,000 years of Native American history, including artifacts like pottery, tools, and weapons excavated from the mound and region. You’ll gain insight into the indigenous peoples who inhabited these shores long before modern development.
Location: 139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE (downtown Fort Walton Beach).
In addition to the Temple Mound itself (you can climb a staircase to the top for a view of the sound), the museum complex includes several other historical buildings: the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum (a 1912 one-room school), the Garnier Post Office Museum (a tiny 1918 post office), and the Civil War Exhibits Building. These offer a charming look at different eras of local history.
20. U.S. Air Force Armament Museum
A short drive from Fort Walton Beach will take you to the Air Force Armament Museum, a must-visit for military history buffs (and really, anyone impressed by mighty aircraft). This is the only museum in the world dedicated to Air Force armament – basically the bombs, missiles, and guns that armed Air Force aircraft, as well as the aircraft themselves. Outside the museum, you’ll be greeted by a sprawling display of over 25 historic planes, including a massive B-52 Stratofortress bomber, a B-17 Flying Fortress from WWII, fighter jets like the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon, and even an AC-130 gunship. It’s an awe-inspiring lineup where you can walk right up to these aircraft for a closer look.
Location: 100 Museum Dr, Eglin Air Force Base – about 8 miles north of Fort Walton Beach (public access is allowed to the museum via Highway 85).
Inside, the museum houses hundreds of artifacts from bombs and guided missiles (from the Vietnam era “Daisy Cutter” to modern smart bombs) to a collection of firearms and aviation memorabilia. There’s a 32-minute film that plays continuously, detailing Eglin AFB’s history and the development of Air Force armament. The displays do a great job explaining the evolution of aerial weaponry and the role Eglin played in testing.
21. Wat Mongkolratanaram Thai Temple (Cultural Experience)
For a unique cultural excursion on a Sunday, visit the Wat Mongkolratanaram, a Thai Buddhist temple in Fort Walton Beach. On Sunday mornings, the temple opens its grounds to the public for a weekly market and cultural exchange. You can wander the temple grounds, admire the beautiful golden statues and ornate architecture, and enjoy authentic Thai cuisine cooked by the local Thai community. It’s a wonderful way to experience Thai culture right in FWB.
Location: 741 Mayflower Ave, Fort Walton Beach (in a residential area).
The temple itself is adorned with a striking golden roof and Buddha statues that make you feel as if you’ve been transported to Thailand. During the Sunday event (generally from mid-morning to around noon), long tables are set up with Thai street foods – think pad Thai, curry, spring rolls, and sweet sticky rice desserts – available for a donation (very affordable prices). You’ll often hear traditional Thai music playing and see people making food offerings to the monks. Visitors are welcome to observe or participate in the cultural rituals respectfully.
22. Bay Café French Restaurant (Waterfront Dining)
For fine dining with a romantic European flair, Bay Café French Restaurant is a top choice. Nestled along the waterfront in downtown Fort Walton Beach, this charming eatery serves classic French cuisine in a cozy, old-fashioned café setting. The restaurant is somewhat hidden (down a small road near the Brooks Bridge), which makes it feel like a secret locals’ spot. Dine on their outdoor patio under umbrellas, right by the Santa Rosa Sound, as you savor dishes like escargot, duck pâté, or fresh Gulf seafood prepared with French techniques.
Location: 233 Alconese Ave SE, Fort Walton Beach (behind the Marina Bay Resort).
Waterfront dining with beautiful sunset views over the sound. Bay Café has a casual yet romantic ambiance – think checkered tablecloths and twinkling lights – ideal for a leisurely lunch or dinner by the water. Their menu includes French staples like onion soup, quiche, and croque monsieur for lunch, and more upscale fare at dinner (sautéed scallops, steak au poivre, etc). They are also known for their freshly baked croissants and decadent desserts like crème brûlée and French silk pie.
23. Magnolia Grill (Historic Home & Southern Dining)
Magnolia Grill offers a delightful blend of history and dining. Housed in a beautifully preserved 1910s-era home, this restaurant is equal parts museum and eatery. Inside, you’ll find the walls adorned with local memorabilia, antiques, and even World War II artifacts (the owners have a passion for history, and it shows). The cuisine is Southern with an Italian twist – the family running it has roots in Italian cooking – so you might enjoy hearty pasta, fresh local seafood, and traditional Southern comfort dishes side by side.
Location: 157 Brooks Street SE, Fort Walton Beach (near the downtown Landing park).
The building itself is a creamy-white historic house with a wide front porch and charming diamond-paned windows, exuding a welcoming Old Florida feel. Dining here is like eating in someone’s elegantly decorated home. Be sure to wander upstairs or through the side rooms either before or after your meal – you’ll find fascinating displays of WWII uniforms, historic photos, and other artifacts giving a nod to Fort Walton’s past (it’s like a mini museum curated by the owners)
24. Ali’s Bistro (Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar)
For an elegant yet relaxed dining experience, Ali’s Bistro is a top pick, especially if you’re craving Italian cuisine. Often touted as a “hidden gem,” Ali’s Bistro prides itself on serving some of the finest traditional Italian food on the Emerald Coast in an elegant, yet casual setting. The interior is intimate and stylish – white tablecloths meet a warm, family-run vibe.
Location: 233 Alconese Avenue SE, Fort Walton Beach (in the same complex as Bay Café, interestingly – they’re neighbors by the marina).
The menu features classic Italian dishes made from scratch. You’ll find perfectly cooked pastas (their fettuccine Alfredo and lasagna get rave reviews), fresh Gulf seafood prepared with Italian flair, gourmet brick-oven pizzas, and hand-cut steaks. They also boast an extensive wine list and a full bar, so it doubles as a bit of a wine bar in the evenings. The service is often noted as exceptional and friendly, with the owner frequently checking on guests.
25. De’France Indoor Flea Market & Antiques (Antiquing)
If you love treasure-hunting for antiques and vintage finds, set aside time for De’France Indoor Flea Market Antiques. This huge emporium – the largest antique mall in the Panhandle – is a paradise for antique collectors and shoppers with an eye for the unique. Housed in a large warehouse-style building, De’France is filled with dozens of vendor booths offering everything from shabby-chic furniture, retro home décor, and coastal collectibles to genuine vintage jewelry, war memorabilia, and one-of-a-kind art pieces. It’s the kind of place where you might find a 1950s surfboard, a set of Depression glass, and a handmade farm table all under the same roof.
Location: 230 Eglin Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach (just north of downtown, across from Uptown Station).
The sheer variety of items is staggering – you could spend hours and still not see it all. They have sections dedicated to vinyl records, vintage clothing, antiquarian books, and even vintage comics and toys for nostalgia buffs. The inventory is always changing as vendors restock with new estate-sale finds or handcrafted repurposed pieces. The market is indoors (air-conditioned), which makes it a nice break from the heat or a rainy-day activity.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Fort Walton Beach
With its stunning beaches, rich history, and endless outdoor activities, Fort Walton Beach is a perfect getaway for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. Whether you're soaking up the sun on Okaloosa Island, exploring marine life at the Gulfarium, fishing in the Gulf, or diving into local history, this charming coastal town has something for everyone.
From family-friendly attractions to romantic sunset strolls, Fort Walton Beach offers a laid-back atmosphere with plenty of hidden gems to discover. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this Emerald Coast paradise will leave you with unforgettable memories and a longing to come back again.
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FAQ
1. What is Fort Walton Beach known for?
Fort Walton Beach is known for its pristine white sand beaches along the Emerald Coast of Florida. It's popular for family vacations, fishing, and water sports, including snorkeling and scuba diving.
2. What are the best beaches in Fort Walton Beach?
Some of the top beaches in Fort Walton Beach include Okaloosa Island, John Beasley Park, and the beaches of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, where visitors can enjoy soft sands and clear waters.
3. Are there any family-friendly activities in Fort Walton Beach?
Yes, Fort Walton Beach offers many family-friendly activities. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is a popular destination for families, as is the Emerald Coast Science Center, which features interactive exhibits for children.
4. What outdoor activities can I enjoy in Fort Walton Beach?
Visitors can engage in various outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. The area is also known for its excellent golf courses and nature trails like those at the Liza Jackson Park.
5. Can I see dolphins in Fort Walton Beach?
Dolphin-watching tours are popular in Fort Walton Beach. Many local companies offer boat tours that take visitors out to see dolphins in their natural habitat along the coast.
6. What dining experiences are unique to Fort Walton Beach?
Fort Walton Beach offers a variety of seafood restaurants that serve fresh local catch. The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island features several dining options with ocean views. Local favorites often include dishes made with Gulf shrimp and grouper.
7. Where is the best place to stay in Fort Walton Beach?
Accommodations in Fort Walton Beach range from beachfront hotels and condos to cozy bed and breakfasts. Many visitors choose to stay near Okaloosa Island for direct beach access and proximity to dining and entertainment.
8. How do I get around Fort Walton Beach?
The most convenient way to get around Fort Walton Beach is by car, whether personal or rental. This gives visitors the flexibility to explore the wider area, including nearby Destin and Pensacola. Local taxi services and ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft are also available.