Niceville FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Niceville, Florida.
1. Turkey Creek Nature Trail
SCENIC NATURAL BOARDWALK
Turkey Creek Nature Trail is one of Niceville's top attractions, featuring a beautiful boardwalk that winds through natural Florida landscape. Visitors can enjoy swimming holes, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing down the creek, while also spotting wildlife like turtles, ducks, and various bird species. The trail includes educational markers identifying different types of vegetation, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers of all ages.
2. Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
PEACEFUL COASTAL WILDERNESS
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park offers visitors a serene natural escape in Niceville with access to the stunning Rocky Bayou, a finger of the Choctawhatchee Bay. The park features camping facilities, picnic areas, nature trails through longleaf pine forests, and opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Once a bombing practice range for World War II aircraft, the area now serves as a peaceful retreat where visitors can connect with Florida's natural beauty.
3. Mattie Kelly Arts Center
CULTURAL ARTS HUB
The Mattie Kelly Arts Center serves as the cultural heart of Niceville, hosting performances, exhibitions, and events throughout the year. Located on the campus of Northwest Florida State College, this premier facility features a main theater, art galleries, and outdoor performance spaces. Visitors can enjoy Broadway shows, concerts, ballets, and visual art displays that showcase both local and national talent.
4. Bluewater Bay Golf Course
CHAMPIONSHIP GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Bluewater Bay Golf Course offers golf enthusiasts a challenging and scenic playing experience in Niceville. The well-maintained course features beautiful landscaping, water features, and strategic layouts that appeal to players of all skill levels. Visitors can enjoy the clubhouse amenities, professional instruction, and the natural beauty of the surrounding area while playing a round.
5. Doolittle Raiders History Exhibit
WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL
The Doolittle Raiders History Exhibit in Niceville commemorates the brave aviators who conducted the famous Tokyo Raid during World War II. Located at Northwest Florida State College, the exhibit features historical artifacts, photographs, and information about this pivotal military operation. Visitors can learn about the daring mission led by Lieutenant Colonel James Doolittle that boosted American morale after Pearl Harbor and marked a turning point in the Pacific War.
6. Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida
REGIONAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida has been sharing the rich history of the region for more than 50 years, offering visitors a glimpse into the past of Valparaiso and surrounding areas. The museum houses exhibits on indigenous peoples, early settlers, military history, and the development of local industries. Through artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays, visitors can experience the cultural heritage that shaped Northwest Florida's identity.
7. Eglin Air Force Base Golf Course
MILITARY GOLFING DESTINATION
Eglin Air Force Base Golf Course provides both military personnel and civilians with an exceptional golfing experience in Niceville. The course features well-designed holes, manicured fairways, and challenging play in a beautiful natural setting. Visitors can enjoy the pro shop, practice facilities, and clubhouse while taking in views of the surrounding military installation landscape.
8. Bluewater Bay Resort
COASTAL RECREATION RETREAT
Bluewater Bay Resort offers visitors a comprehensive recreational experience in Niceville with amenities for both relaxation and active pursuits. The resort features access to beaches, swimming pools, tennis courts, and multiple dining options in a scenic coastal setting. Families and couples alike can enjoy the beautiful surroundings while taking advantage of the resort's various activities and comfortable accommodations.
9. Emerald Coast Science Center
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE DISCOVERY
The Emerald Coast Science Center provides an engaging, hands-on learning environment where visitors can explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits. Located in Fort Walton Beach near Niceville, the center offers displays on physics, biology, robotics, and more that appeal to curious minds of all ages. Educational programs, demonstrations, and special events make this a must-visit destination for families seeking both fun and intellectual stimulation.
10. Crab Island
FAMOUS UNDERWATER SANDBAR
Crab Island is a popular underwater sandbar destination near Destin, just a short distance from Niceville, where boats gather in the emerald waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay. This natural phenomenon features shallow, crystal-clear water that's perfect for wading, swimming, and socializing with fellow visitors. Floating restaurants, water activities, and a festive atmosphere make this a unique Florida attraction that can only be accessed by boat.
11. Dolphin Cruises
MARINE WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS
Dolphin cruises departing near Niceville offer visitors memorable encounters with the Gulf's most beloved marine mammals in their natural habitat. These guided boat tours provide opportunities to observe bottlenose dolphins playing, jumping, and sometimes swimming alongside the vessel in the emerald waters. Knowledgeable guides share information about dolphin behavior, the local ecosystem, and conservation efforts while passengers enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery.
12. Choctawhatchee Bay
COASTAL FISHING PARADISE
Choctawhatchee Bay provides an expansive aquatic playground for fishing enthusiasts and water sports adventurers in Niceville. This large, brackish bay connects to the Gulf of Mexico and offers excellent opportunities for catching redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and other prized game fish. Visitors can enjoy charter fishing trips, kayaking, paddleboarding, and scenic boat rides while exploring the bay's diverse ecosystems and shorelines.
13. Cypress Springs
CRYSTAL CLEAR SPRING
Cypress Springs offers an unforgettable eco-adventure experience with its stunning crystal-clear waters located within driving distance from Niceville. Visitors can kayak, canoe, or paddleboard through the spring's azure waters while marveling at the pristine natural surroundings and underwater visibility. The spring maintains a consistent 68-degree temperature year-round, making it a refreshing destination for swimming and snorkeling amid beautiful cypress trees.
14. Buccaneer Pirate Cruise
FAMILY PIRATE ADVENTURE
The Buccaneer Pirate Cruise provides a swashbuckling adventure for families looking for entertainment near Niceville on the waters of Destin Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. Aboard a replica pirate ship, passengers of all ages can participate in treasure hunts, water gun battles, storytelling, and pirate games led by an entertaining costumed crew. The two-hour interactive experience includes face painting, singing, dancing, and spectacular views of the coastline that create memories to treasure long after the voyage ends.
15. Destin Harbor Boardwalk
VIBRANT WATERFRONT PROMENADE
The Destin Harbor Boardwalk serves as the lively hub of activity in the area near Niceville, stretching along the picturesque Destin Harbor. Visitors can stroll the quarter-mile promenade while enjoying waterfront restaurants, boutique shops, live music venues, and views of fishing boats returning with their daily catch. The boardwalk offers easy access to water activities, including parasailing, jet skiing, and dolphin cruises, making it a perfect starting point for exploring Destin's attractions.