Fort Walton Beach FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
1. Air Force Armament Museum
MILITARY HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Air Force Armament Museum stands as a fascinating military history museum with a vast collection of aircraft and weaponry, featuring both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Visitors can explore the impressive displays that focus on Air Force heritage and include a unique SR-71 Blackbird aircraft. The museum offers an educational experience about military aviation and weaponry development throughout America's air combat history.
2. Okaloosa Island
EMERALD COAST PARADISE
Okaloosa Island attracts crowds to its beautiful beaches along Florida's Emerald Coast, known for crystal-clear waters and pristine white sugar sand. This narrow strip of land offers world-class beach experiences with the western end being particularly family-friendly. Visitors can enjoy the stunning natural beauty while participating in various water activities along this picturesque coastal area.
3. The Island Pier
COASTAL WILDLIFE VIEWING
The Island Pier extends 1,262 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, offering stunning sunset vistas and opportunities to spot dolphins, sharks, and sea turtles. This lively fishing pier creates a vibrant atmosphere amidst the emerald green seas and sugary white sands of Fort Walton Beach. Visitors can enjoy fishing adventures, observe marine wildlife, or simply take a relaxing stroll while capturing spectacular images of the coastal scenery.
4. John Beasley Park
PREMIUM BEACH EXPERIENCE
John Beasley Park offers access to beautiful white sandy beaches and the emerald waters that Fort Walton Beach is famous for, providing a superior beach experience. The park is well-equipped with two pavilions, boardwalk access to the beach, restrooms, and ample parking space for visitors' convenience. Whether swimming, fishing, or simply soaking up the sun, John Beasley Park delivers stunning natural beauty with well-maintained facilities for a perfect day at the beach.
5. Wild Willy's Adventure Zone
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Wild Willy's Adventure Zone features over 17,000 square feet of air-conditioned space housing a state-of-the-art redemption arcade, 4D movie theater, and Urban Assault Laser Tag for indoor entertainment. The outdoor area challenges visitors with animatronic dinosaur and pirate-themed mini-golf courses, a 60-foot ropes course, and a bungee trampoline. Younger visitors can enjoy mini go-karts and a 9-hole audio track mini-golf course, while everyone can cool off at the bumper boat pool for splashing fun.
6. Abrams Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION SPACE
Abrams Park provides Fort Walton Beach residents and visitors with a welcoming outdoor recreation space to enjoy nature and leisure activities. The park offers various amenities for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking to spend time in a pleasant green environment. Visitors can relax, play, and connect with nature in this community park setting.
7. Apex Pontoon Charters
GULF BOATING ADVENTURES
Apex Pontoon Charters offers exciting boating experiences in the emerald waters of Fort Walton Beach, allowing visitors to explore the Gulf of Mexico in comfort. Guests can enjoy customized pontoon boat tours that may include dolphin watching, snorkeling, or simply cruising along the beautiful coastline. The charter service provides a unique perspective of Fort Walton Beach's stunning marine environment with knowledgeable guides enhancing the experience.
8. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
AQUATIC ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park offers visitors up-close encounters with dolphins, sea lions, penguins, and other marine life in a family-friendly environment. The park features educational shows, interactive experiences, and exhibits designed to foster appreciation for ocean conservation. Guests can learn about marine ecosystems while enjoying entertaining demonstrations that highlight the natural behaviors of various aquatic species.
9. Fort Walton Beach Landing Park
WATERFRONT COMMUNITY SPACE
Fort Walton Beach Landing Park serves as a picturesque waterfront community space where locals and tourists gather for recreation and events. The park features scenic views of the water, walking paths, and open areas perfect for picnics or relaxing. Throughout the year, the Landing hosts various community festivals, concerts, and gatherings that showcase the vibrant culture of Fort Walton Beach.
10. Heritage Park & Cultural Center
LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Heritage Park & Cultural Center preserves and showcases the rich history of Fort Walton Beach through exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs. The complex includes multiple museums highlighting Native American heritage, pioneer life, and the area's development over time. Visitors can explore archaeological findings, historical displays, and gain insight into the cultural evolution of this Gulf Coast community.
11. Okaloosa Island Boardwalk
BEACHFRONT SHOPPING & DINING
Okaloosa Island Boardwalk offers a vibrant beachfront experience with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can browse unique boutiques, enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, and participate in various activities while taking in spectacular ocean views. The boardwalk comes alive especially during evenings, with beautiful sunsets providing a dramatic backdrop for dining and socializing.
12. Liza Jackson Park
WATERFRONT RECREATION AREA
Liza Jackson Park offers waterfront recreation along the Santa Rosa Sound with boat ramps, fishing piers, and picnic facilities for public enjoyment. The well-maintained park features playground equipment, walking paths, and shaded areas perfect for family outings and outdoor activities. Visitors appreciate the park's clean facilities, scenic views, and access to water-based recreation in a peaceful setting.
13. Indian Temple Mound Museum
ANCIENT NATIVE HISTORY
Indian Temple Mound Museum sits adjacent to a ceremonial mound built by prehistoric Native Americans around 1000 CE, preserving this important archaeological site. The museum houses one of the finest collections of prehistoric Native American artifacts in the southeastern United States, spanning 12,000 years of Native American culture. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the lives of indigenous peoples who once inhabited the Fort Walton Beach area and learn about their sophisticated societies.
14. Gulf Islands National Seashore
PROTECTED COASTAL WILDERNESS
Gulf Islands National Seashore preserves pristine barrier islands and coastal landscapes near Fort Walton Beach, offering undeveloped beaches and natural habitats. Visitors can explore hiking trails, observe diverse wildlife including nesting sea turtles and migratory birds, and enjoy swimming in crystal-clear waters. The protected seashore provides opportunities for nature photography, picnicking, and experiencing the unspoiled beauty of Florida's Gulf Coast.
15. Emerald Coast Science Center
INTERACTIVE STEM LEARNING
Emerald Coast Science Center engages visitors with interactive exhibits focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a hands-on learning environment. The center features educational displays, demonstration areas, and activities designed to spark curiosity and critical thinking for guests of all ages. Children and adults alike can participate in experiments, explore scientific concepts, and develop a deeper appreciation for STEM subjects through entertaining and informative experiences.