Explore Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Discover the Best of Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach is a city located in the Florida Panhandle. This beautiful beach town is known for its stunning white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway or an adventure-packed vacation, Fort Walton Beach has something to offer for everyone.

Top Attractions in Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach is home to some of the best attractions in Florida that will leave you mesmerized. Visit the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, a world-class marine park that features dolphin and sea lion shows, exotic fish, and sea turtles. Take a stroll through the Indian Temple Mound Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the Native American tribes that once inhabited the area. Explore the Emerald Coast Science Center, a hands-on museum that features interactive exhibits and live demonstrations on science and technology.

Hidden Gems in Fort Walton Beach

While Fort Walton Beach has some incredible attractions, there are also some hidden gems that are off the beaten path. Visit the Air Force Armament Museum, which features a collection of aircraft, missiles, and weapons used by the United States Air Force. Take a sunset cruise along the Choctawhatchee Bay, where you can enjoy stunning views of the sunset and local wildlife. Visit the Gulf Islands National Seashore, a beautiful stretch of beaches, sand dunes, and salt marshes that are perfect for a quiet day of relaxation.

Food Scene in Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach has a diverse food scene that will satisfy any appetite. Visit The Gulf, a waterfront restaurant that features fresh seafood and innovative cocktails. Try the local cuisine at Stewby’s Seafood Shanty, a casual seafood joint that offers some of the best fried shrimp and oysters in town. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, visit The Donut Hole Bakery Café, which serves up some of the best donuts and pastries in the area.

Budget-Friendly Tips for Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach is a budget-friendly destination that offers plenty of free and low-cost activities. Visit the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier, which is free to walk on and offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. Take a hike through the Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, which features beautiful hiking trails and picnic areas. Explore the local farmer’s market, which offers fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.

Outdoor Adventures in Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach is an outdoor lover’s paradise, with plenty of activities to keep you busy. Take a kayak or paddleboard tour through the Choctawhatchee Bay, where you can explore the local wildlife and natural beauty. Go deep-sea fishing with one of the many local charters, where you can catch a variety of fish, including red snapper and grouper. Take a hike through the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which features miles of beautiful beaches and hiking trails.

Historical Landmarks in Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach has a rich history that is reflected in its many historical landmarks. Visit the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum, which showcases the history of the city’s educational system and features exhibits on local history. Take a tour of the Fort Walton Mound, a prehistoric Native American burial mound that dates back to 850 AD. Explore the Heritage Park and Cultural Center, which features historic buildings and exhibits that highlight the city’s history and culture.

Family-Friendly Activities in Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities that will keep kids of all ages entertained. Visit the Gulf Breeze Zoo, which features over 800 animals from around the world. Take a pirate cruise along the Santa Rosa Sound, where kids can dress up as pirates and search for treasure. Visit the Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone, a family entertainment center that features mini-golf, laser tag, and go-karts.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences in Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach has some unique experiences that are off the beaten path. Visit the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, a non-profit organization that rescues and rehabilitates injured wildlife. Take a tour of the historic Camp Walton Schoolhouse, which was built in 1911 and is one of the oldest schoolhouses in Florida. Visit the Air Force Armament Museum, which features a collection of military aircraft and weapons used by the United States Air Force.

Natural Wonders in Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in Florida. Visit the Gulf Islands National Seashore, a stretch of beaches and sand dunes that are perfect for a day of relaxation. Take a hike through the Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, which features beautiful hiking trails and picnic areas. Explore the local wildlife at the Choctawhatchee Wildlife Management Area, which features over 57,000 acres of wetlands and forests.

Vibrant Nightlife in Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach has a vibrant nightlife scene that is perfect for those who want to let loose and have fun. Visit The Block, a popular bar and nightclub that features live music and DJ sets. Enjoy a drink at the Funky Blues Shack, which features live music and a laid-back atmosphere. Visit The Crab Trap, a waterfront restaurant and bar that offers stunning views of the sunsets and live music on weekends.

Local Markets in Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach has some great local markets that are perfect for those who want to shop for unique gifts and souvenirs. Visit the Fort Walton Beach Farmer’s Market, which offers fresh produce, baked goods, and handcrafted items. Explore the local arts and crafts at the Arts and Design Society, which features works by local artists. Visit the Uptown Station Market, which offers a variety of food, crafts, and clothing from local vendors.

Beaches and Mountains in Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach is known for its stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Visit Okaloosa Island, a beautiful stretch of beach that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Take a hike through the Blackwater River State Park, which features beautiful hiking trails and scenic views of the nearby mountains. Explore the natural beauty of the Santa Rosa Beach, which offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Cultural Immersion in Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its many museums and cultural centers. Visit the Indian Temple Mound Museum, which features exhibits on the history and culture of the Native American tribes that once inhabited the area. Explore the Heritage Park and Cultural Center, which features historic buildings and exhibits that highlight the city’s history and culture. Take a tour of the historic Camp Walton Schoolhouse, which was built in 1911 and is one of the oldest schoolhouses in Florida.

Art and Music Scene in Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach has a thriving art and music scene that is perfect for those who appreciate creative expression. Visit the Mattie Kelly Arts Center, which features live performances by local and national artists. Explore the local art scene at the Arts and Design Society, which features works by local artists. Catch a live music show at The Block or the Funky Blues Shack, two popular music venues in the area.

Walking Tours in Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach is a great destination for walking tours, with plenty of historic sites and landmarks to explore. Take a walking tour of the Fort Walton Mound, a prehistoric Native American burial mound that dates back to 850 AD. Explore the historic buildings and landmarks at the Heritage Park and Cultural Center. Take a stroll through the downtown area, which features shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Architectural Marvels in Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach has some incredible architectural marvels that are worth exploring. Visit the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum, which was built in 1911 and is one of the oldest schoolhouses in Florida. Explore the historic buildings at the Heritage Park and Cultural Center, which features a collection of buildings that showcase the city’s history and culture. Visit the Gulfview Hotel, a historic hotel that was built in 1906 and is now a popular event venue.

Historical Sites in Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach is steeped in history, with plenty of historic sites and landmarks to explore. Visit the Fort Walton Mound, a prehistoric Native American burial mound that dates back to 850 AD. Take a tour of the Camp Walton Schoolhouse, which was built in 1911 and is one of the oldest schoolhouses in Florida. Explore the Indian Temple Mound Museum, which features exhibits on the history and culture of the Native American tribes that once inhabited the area.

Biking Routes in Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach is a great destination for biking enthusiasts, with plenty of scenic routes to explore. Take a ride along the Timpoochee Trail, a 19-mile paved trail that runs along the coast and offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. Explore the local neighborhoods and historic sites on a self-guided bike tour. Take a ride through the Fred Gannon