Located on the northern edge of the Gulf of Mexico in Florida, Fort Walton Beach blends its natural beauty with golf courses and museums. It also offers easy access to Choctawhatchee Bay, making it an ideal destination for beachgoers and watersports enthusiasts.

Things to do

No visit to Fort Walton Beach is complete without a trip to Okaloosa Island. With the Gulf of Mexico on one side and a narrow finger of Choctawhatchee Bay on the other, the island offers pristine white-sand beaches ideal for lounging or strolling. Take a walk along the beach and admire the view in the company of pelicans on the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier.

Fort Walton Beach celebrates its proximity to the water in various ways. If you haven’t gotten your fill of sea life on the beaches, head to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Here, you’ll see dolphins, sea lions, and other marine life up close. For a pleasant day of watching the local wildlife, go on a dolphin or whale-watching tour to see these animals in their native habitat.

Watersports are part of every Fort Walton Beach holiday, with scuba diving and snorkeling two of the most popular, thanks to vibrant marine life. You can also rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, jet skis and pontoons.

Families with kids will love Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone, where you’ll find mini golf, a laser maze, movie theatre and other fun entertainment. Alternatively, head over to Goofy Golf for two mini-golf courses and a statue of a green dinosaur.

Getting around

Fort Walton Beach is about one hour’s drive east of Pensacola, with waterfront views along the drive. It’s best to explore the area by car, with quality roads and ample parking at most attractions, along with bridges connecting Fort Walton Beach to Okaloosa Island.