Enjoy fresh air and lashings of sunshine in Niceville, a lively city set on Choctawhatchee Bay. Kayak through lush bayous and explore picturesque parks and nature reserves. The city is a launchpad to the Emerald Coast, a stretch of the Florida Panhandle famous for white-sand beaches and world-class golf courses.
Things to do in Niceville
Hike, bike and canoe in Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park. The former World War II training site is reimagined as a lush state park where you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Explore scenic nature trails and marvel at enormous red cedars and longleaf pines, some more than 300 years old. Try your luck with a fishing rod and stay for the fiery Panhandle sunsets. There’s a good chance to spot dolphins and otters, as well as bald eagles.
Beat the heat in Turkey Creek Park. A wooden boardwalk winds through the park and takes you past tree-lined swimming holes and picnic areas. Rent a kayak or canoe and enjoy a scenic paddle along the creek. Tubing is also a fun way to stay cool and enjoy the creek.
Niceville offers some of the best charter fishing experiences in the Florida Panhandle. Catch smaller fish with an inshore charter or splurge on a deep-sea fishing adventure in the Gulf of Mexico. Expect to reel in trophy-sized snapper, grouper, mackerel and mahi.
Tee off on picturesque golf courses across Okaloosa County. You’ll be impressed by the rolling green fairways lined with stately oaks and pines. You’re a stone’s throw from Destin, where you’ll find more championship golf courses.
Getting around Niceville
Downtown Niceville is compact and easy to get around on foot. You’ll need a car to visit nearby sites and attractions. Niceville is in Okaloosa County, a one-hour drive from Pensacola. Tallahassee International Airport is a 2.5-hour drive away.