Military history meets sugar-sand beaches in this Panhandle town.
Get a sun-dappled dose of outdoor adventure and military history along 24 miles of coastline in Fort Walton Beach, in the Florida Panhandle. The sugary-white sands offer a lovely contrast to this beach town’s naturally emerald waters. You’ll find more public beach access just across the boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. And don’t forget the alligators, penguins and Native American artifacts on display at the historical and science centers around town.
Explore Fort Walton Beach
- Destin
- Downtown Fort Walton Beach
- Okaloosa Island
- Ocean City
Destin
Overview
Just 9 miles from Fort Walton Beach, Destin has a lively boardwalk and 24 miles of white-sand beaches of its own, as well as the sand dunes at Henderson Beach State Park, some of which are 30 feet high.
Known For
Beaches, Shopping , Parks
Downtown Fort Walton Beach
Overview
Where the Santa Rosa Sound meets the Choctawhatchee Bay, downtown Fort Walton Beach is home to the area’s top restaurants and wine bars. While there, stop into the vintage shops before taking the short walk to the beach for lounging and water activities.
Known For
Museums, Nightlife, Water Sports, Culture, Dining
Okaloosa Island
Overview
Only a boardwalk stroll away, Okaloosa Island is a 3-mile-long paradise in Fort Walton Beach. Home to many of the area’s most idyllic sandy shores, it’s also part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, making it a haven for native wildlife. And don’t forget the boardwalk, which has an aquarium housing sharks, dolphins and other creatures.
Known For
Museums, Nightlife, Water Sports, Culture, Dining
Stay in The Center of it All
Immerse yourself in your destination at these centrally located hotels.
Visit the White-Sand Shores of Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Visit the Cultural Sites of Fort Walton Beach
Explore the history of Fort Walton Beach with a visit to Heritage Park & Cultural Center, where you can learn about the Native American history of the region. Then spend an evening enjoying downtown, from tapas at an outdoor wine bar to live music at the Landing, a public park.
Get on the Water
Begin your day with specialty coffee and flaky pastries at a downtown café, then stroll across the boardwalk to Okaloosa Island. Go to one of the island’s many public beach access points before visiting the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, where you’ll enjoy an immersive wildlife experience.
Explore Family-Friendly Science or Military History
Enjoy a smoothie or an açai bowl at a food truck hot spot in Fort Walton Beach. Then head to the family-friendly Emerald Coast Science Center for interactive indoor and outdoor workshops. Finally, tuck into a seafood dinner with views over the water.