Skip to content
We’re excited to share the many things to do in Fort Walton Beach, a vibrant coastal town in Florida. It offers a unique mix of natural beauty, rich history, and modern attractions. You can enjoy water sports, beach relaxation, and explore museums and historical sites.
As we explore what to do in Fort Walton Beach, you’ll see why it’s perfect for adventure, culture, and relaxation. Its stunning beaches, exciting activities, and fascinating attractions mean you’ll always find something to do.
Fort Walton Beach has outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, and beach relaxation. Its rich history, beautiful beaches, and wide range of activities and attractions make for an unforgettable experience.
Key Takeaways
- Fort Walton Beach offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and modern attractions.
- There are many things to do in Fort Walton Beach, including water sports, beach relaxation, and exploring historical sites.
- The town has a range of fort walton beach activities and fort walton beach attractions to suit all interests.
- Fort Walton Beach is an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
- The town’s stunning beaches and exciting fort walton beach activities make it a great spot for outdoor adventures.
- Visitors can enjoy a mix of culture, history, and relaxation in Fort Walton Beach.
Discovering Fort Walton Beach’s Coastal Charm
Fort Walton Beach is a treasure trove of fun things to do. It’s a perfect spot for a vacation with its rich history, stunning beaches, and exciting activities. When planning our fort walton beach vacation ideas, we should think about the best times to visit and how to get around.
The town’s history goes back to the early 20th century. It was first home to the Creek Indians. Today, it’s a thriving community that attracts visitors worldwide. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, with mild and pleasant weather.
Getting around Fort Walton Beach is easy. We can use public transport, rent cars, or bike or walk. We can explore scenic routes, visit attractions, and enjoy the beaches. Whether we seek relaxation or adventure, Fort Walton Beach is an excellent choice for our next fort walton beach vacation ideas.
Brief History of the Area
The area’s history is fascinating, rooted in Native American culture. We can visit the Indian Temple Mound Museum to learn about the town’s heritage.
Best Times to Visit
The best times to visit Fort Walton Beach are spring and fall. The weather is mild and perfect for outdoor fun and fun things to do.
Getting Around Fort Walton Beach
We can move around Fort Walton Beach easily. We can use public transport, rent cars, or bike or walk. The town’s scenic routes and beautiful beaches make it a perfect destination for our next fort walton beach vacation ideas.
Beautiful Beaches and Water Activities
We love spending time outdoors, and Fort Walton Beach is great for families. You can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard in the Gulf of Mexico. The beaches have soft white sand and clear waters, perfect for fort walton beach family activities.
Some popular outdoor activities in fort walton beach include:
- Beach volleyball and other beach games
- Surfing and surf lessons
- Parasailing and jet-skiing
- Fishing and boat tours
These activities are fun and let you see Fort Walton Beach’s natural beauty. Whether you want to relax or try something new, there’s plenty to do.
Fort Walton Beach also has many water activities for families. You can go on dolphin-watching tours or snorkeling trips. These are great ways to see the Gulf of Mexico and its marine life.
| Activity | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Snorkeling | Fort Walton Beach | $20-$50 |
| Kayaking | Fort Walton Beach | $10-$30 |
| Paddleboarding | Fort Walton Beach | $20-$40 |
With its beautiful beaches and water activities, Fort Walton Beach is ideal for families. It’s a fun and relaxing place for a vacation.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Fort Walton Beach
Planning a family vacation can be tough, finding fun activities for everyone. We’ve got a list of top picks for Fort Walton Beach. There’s outdoor fun and educational spots for all ages in this beautiful beach town.
At fort walton beach events, families find lots to enjoy. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park lets you meet marine life up close. Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone offers zip-lining and ropes courses for excitement.
For learning, visit the Heritage Park & Cultural Center. It shows the area’s history and culture. These spots are just a few of many top things to do in fort walton beach for families. You’ll find something that fits your family’s interests and makes memories.
- Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
- Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone
- Heritage Park & Cultural Center
Fort Walton Beach offers adventure, education, and quality time with family. Start planning your vacation today and see what this amazing place has to offer.
Outdoor Adventures and Nature Experiences
We love exploring the great outdoors, and Fort Walton Beach is perfect for it. It offers many fort walton beach activities to connect with nature. You can hike, bike, bird-watch, or visit nature reserves.
Popular outdoor activities in fort walton beach include visiting Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. It has over 15 miles of trails. Fort Walton Beach Park is also great, with a playground, picnic areas, and a fishing pier. Eglin Air Force Base has nature trails and lakes for hiking and bird-watching.
Here are some top outdoor adventures and nature experiences in Fort Walton Beach:
- Hiking and biking trails at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
- Bird-watching at the Fort Walton Beach Park
- Fishing and kayaking at the Okaloosa Island Pier
- Nature trails and lakes at Eglin Air Force Base
Fort Walton Beach has something for everyone. Whether you want a relaxing day or an exciting adventure, it’s perfect. With its beautiful beaches, nature reserves, and outdoor areas, it’s ideal for outdoor lovers.
| Activity | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking | Topsail Hill Preserve State Park | Over 15 miles of hiking trails |
| Bird-watching | Fort Walton Beach Park | Perfect spot for bird-watching and nature photography |
| Fishing | Okaloosa Island Pier | Great spot for fishing and kayaking |
Shopping and Entertainment Districts
Fort Walton Beach’s shopping and entertainment districts are a must-see. Downtown Fort Walton Beach is known for its unique charm. It has a variety of local shops and restaurants.
For a more traditional shopping experience, check out the Santa Rosa Mall and Uptown Station. They offer a wide range of stores and entertainment options. Whether you’re looking for fun things to do or just want to relax, these districts have something for everyone.
- Shopping at local boutiques and national chain stores
- Dining at a variety of restaurants, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments
- Exploring the entertainment options, such as movie theaters and arcades
With so many options, you’re sure to find something that suits your interests. So why not start planning your visit to the shopping and entertainment districts of Fort Walton Beach today? Experience all that these fort walton beach attractions have to offer.
| Destination | Description |
|---|---|
| Downtown Fort Walton Beach | Unique charm and variety of local shops and restaurants |
| Santa Rosa Mall | Traditional shopping experience with a range of stores |
| Uptown Station | Entertainment options, including movie theaters and arcades |
Best Dining and Seafood Spots
Dining and seafood are key parts of things to do in fort walton beach. Try local favorites like The Crab Trap for fresh seafood. AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar is great for oysters.
For a laid-back meal, check out fort walton beach vacation ideas like The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. It has many restaurants and shops. Some top spots include:
- Floyd’s Shrimp House
- The Oyster House
- Harbor Docks
These places offer a variety of seafood, like shrimp, oysters, fish, and crab legs. Don’t miss the Gulf Coast’s famous grouper sandwich.
Fort Walton Beach has something for all, from romantic dinners to family meals. Its rich food scene and fresh seafood make it perfect for your fort walton beach vacation ideas.
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| The Crab Trap | Seafood | $15-$30 |
| AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar | Seafood | $10-$25 |
| Floyd’s Shrimp House | Seafood | $12-$28 |
Historical Sites and Museums
Fort Walton Beach is known for its rich history, making it a fascinating place to visit. The city hosts many events that showcase its past. For example, the annual Heritage Day celebrates the city’s founding with exhibits and reenactments.
Fort Walton Beach is home to many historical sites. Some of the most popular include:
- Indian Temple Mound Museum, which showcases the area’s indigenous peoples and their way of life
- Air Force Armament Museum, featuring a unique collection of military aircraft and armaments
- Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum, one of the oldest schools in the area, showing the region’s educational history
These museums and sites are a must-see for anyone interested in Fort Walton Beach’s culture and heritage. By attending events and visiting these places, visitors can learn a lot about the city’s history. It’s a great way to make memories in Fort Walton Beach.
Nightlife and Evening Entertainment
As the sun sets over Fort Walton Beach, the nightlife and evening entertainment options come alive. We’ve got a range of activities for everyone, from live music venues to beachfront bars and family-friendly events. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in Fort Walton Beach.
For a vibrant musical experience, check out local live music venues. These spots are great for discovering new artists and having fun. Some popular options include:
- The Swamp
- The Boardroom
- Coastal City Brewing Company
Our beachfront bars are also a great place to relax and enjoy the views. With a variety of drinks and snacks, you can unwind and enjoy the evening. Some popular spots include:
- The Beachhouse
- The Gulf
- AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
Families will find plenty of fun activities in the evenings. From outdoor movie screenings to game nights, we’ve got something for everyone. Some popular family activities include:
| Activity | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Movie Night | Fort Walton Beach Park | 7pm-10pm |
| Game Night | The Boardroom | 6pm-9pm |
| Beach Bonfire | Fort Walton Beach | 8pm-11pm |
Seasonal Events and Festivals
We love going to fort walton beach events. This beautiful coastal town is always buzzing with activity. Summer brings concerts and fireworks, while winter offers festivals and holiday markets. Each season has its own special events for everyone to enjoy.
Looking for things to do in fort walton beach? You’ll find lots of fun activities for all ages.
Some of the year’s highlights include:
- Summer: Outdoor concerts, fireworks, and water sports
- Winter: Holiday markets, festive lights, and the Fort Walton Beach Christmas Parade
- Spring: Music festivals, outdoor fairs, and the Fort Walton Beach Seafood Festival
- Fall: Halloween events, harvest festivals, and the Emerald Coast Oktoberfest
These fort walton beach events let you dive into the local culture and community. Many are free or cheap. Whether you love music, food, or family fun, Fort Walton Beach has something for you. Plan your visit around one of these events and see all the things to do in fort walton beach.
Fort Walton Beach is perfect for a fun and memorable vacation. With its endless events and festivals, it’s a great place to visit. We hope you’ll join us and see the excitement and charm of this beautiful coastal town.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Fort Walton Beach Visit
Fort Walton Beach is full of exciting things to do and see. You can enjoy outdoor adventures, family-friendly spots, historical sites, and great food and shows. This place offers a mix of natural beauty, rich culture, and friendly people.
The beaches are stunning, and the waters are clear. You’ll also find interesting museums and fun festivals. Your fort walton beach vacation will be filled with memories. Experience the coastal vibe, check out the top things to do in fort walton beach, and let its charm win you over. Your trip to Fort Walton Beach will be an adventure you won’t forget.
