Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Niceville, FL

Situated at the head of Choctawhatchee Bay, Niceville is a city that adopted its cheerful name in 1910. Prior to this, it was known as Boggy, illustrating a clear rationale for the name change.

The name Boggy originates from the picturesque Boggy Bayou, a tranquil waterway that feeds into the bay. This area is flanked by lush pine flatwoods and offers superb paddling opportunities. Visitors can launch from multiple locations, including a state park on the eastern side of the city.

The designation Niceville is quite fitting, as it is a serene and flourishing city, closely associated with the neighboring Eglin Air Force Base.

Within just minutes to the south, one can access the stunning white-sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, along with the numerous attractions they offer.

1. Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Recreation Area

Source: Steve Bower / shutterstock

Located on a former WWII-era Air Force gunnery, this state park lies on the eastern shore of Rocky Bayou.

What first drew my attention to the park were its towering longleaf pines, some of which have been alive for over three centuries.

Due to its proximity to Destin and its magnificent beaches, this park is a favored site for camping with more than 40 available sites. One of the foremost activities here is renting a kayak or canoe.

These rentals are offered for durations ranging from one hour to a full day, granting the freedom to explore the aquatic preserve, which is often frequented by inquisitive dolphins.

2. Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida

For those interested in the area’s history, a comprehensive museum is located just five minutes away in Valparaiso.

The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida boasts a collection that spans thousands of years of human history and has been established for more than fifty years.

Particularly intriguing to me were the artifacts connected to the local hardwood lumber industry, which thrived for several decades starting in the mid-19th century. The exhibits include crosscut saws, lumber mill tokens, and specialized cups utilized for draining turpentine from pine trees.

Additionally, there are exhibits featuring stone tools employed by Paleo-American hunters, alongside artifacts from the fishing industry in the Panhandle.

3. Turkey Creek Nature Trail

Source: Daniele RUSSO / shutterstock

On the western boundary of Niceville, Turkey Creek flows through a picturesque green corridor en route to Boggy Bayou.

This waterway showcases clear waters with a sandy bottom, exhibiting the naturally occurring yellowish-brown hue characteristic of this section of the Panhandle.

The journey begins at the northern endpoint, where a parking area is available on W College Blvd. From here, visitors can access the boardwalk that extends south for approximately one mile.

Turkey Creek also resembles a natural lazy river, as I observed numerous individuals tubing, swimming, or kayaking downstream during my visit.

4. Mattie Kelly Arts Center

Source: Mattie Kelly Arts Center / Facebook

This multi-million-dollar performing arts center is situated on the campus of Northwest Florida State College.

The venue accommodates a diverse array of performances throughout the year and serves as the home for the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra.

With offerings that include Broadway-style productions, visual arts, and a range of musical genres, the schedule caters to varied tastes. Additionally, two art galleries feature both permanent and temporary exhibitions.

During my visit for a performance of Legally Blonde: The Musical, I was thoroughly impressed by both the venue and the quality of the performance.

5. Henderson Beach State Park

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It’s important to note that the stunning shores of the Gulf of Mexico are just minutes away from Niceville, and these beaches are indeed remarkable.

At locations such as Henderson Beach State Park, visitors will be captivated by the powdery white sands and crystalline waters. On sunny days, sunglasses are necessary just to gaze at the sands.

The Destin area is undoubtedly a cherished destination, teeming with shopping and dining options, as well as family attractions. However, at Henderson Beach, the atmosphere is more relaxed, offering over 1.5 miles of pristine sands, complemented by dunes reaching heights of 30 feet.

6. Eglin Golf Course

Located on Plew Lake to the north of Niceville, this golf course is affiliated with the Eglin Air Force Base. During my time here, the course had recently reopened to the public following pandemic-related protocol changes.

The green fees at Eglin Golf Course are comparable to other facilities, and the layout includes 27 holes across the Falcon and Eagle courses, the latter being the more challenging of the two, characterized by numerous blind shots.

A key highlight of the course is its breathtaking beauty, showcasing mature woodlands and a rich array of wildlife, including turtles and deer.

The practice facility is exemplary, featuring a lighted driving range, a spacious putting green, and a chipping area complete with a bunker.

The course also hosts public events, including outdoor movie screenings, concerts, and comedy shows.

7. 3rd Planet Brewing

Niceville’s inaugural craft brewery, established in 2015 by two Air Force veterans, has since evolved into an award-winning cornerstone of the Panhandle’s beer landscape.

Like many craft breweries, the menu frequently changes, though several offerings remain consistent. Among the staples are Dark Side of the Moon (IPA), Bluewater Hefeweizen, Bear Creek Brown, Panhandle Pale Ale, and my personal favorite, Boggy Bayou Stout.

Nearly every evening features some form of entertainment, such as live music, trivia nights, comedy acts, or variety shows. Although there is no kitchen on-site, a food truck is typically available each night, serving fare from BBQ to Filipino street cuisine.

8. Lions Park

This quaint, tranquil park is strategically located on the edge of Boggy Bayou. Lions Park provides an excellent venue for launching boats, enjoying leisurely views, or having a picnic.

There are over six picnic shelters nestled among towering pine trees, all of which offer splendid views of the water, including sightings of yachts at The Oak Marina nearby.

Lions Park faces west, making it an idyllic location for sunsets, complete with benches and a small dock overlooking the water. It is also a prime spot for watching Fourth of July fireworks.

9. Children’s Park

Source: cityofniceville.org

Positioned within the grounds of Niceville’s Civic Center Complex, Children’s Park is an outstanding public facility designed for families.

Facilities at the park include a playground, outdoor gym equipment, climbing structures, gazebos, and cabanas. The highlight for many is the Spray Park, which opened in 2006 and is perfect for children on hot days.

The park remains open year-round; however, the Spray Park operates seasonally from May through September.

All amenities are well-maintained, and the neighboring Niceville Library provides an excellent alternative for those seeking respite from the rain or extreme heat.

10. Festival of the Arts

One of the most highly anticipated annual events in the area, Niceville’s Festival of the Arts is held in late October.

Each year, over 100 artists from across the nation exhibit their work at this event. It encompasses a juried competition that showcases a diverse array of styles, mediums, and cultural inspirations, rendering it distinctly unique.

The festival is famed not only for its artistic displays but also for live entertainment and delectable food and beverage options, including a beer and wine garden. Attendees have the opportunity to observe and interact with many of the featured artists.

Particularly enjoyable is exploring the exhibitors and casting a vote for the People’s Choice Award, which is announced on the festival’s final Saturday.

11. Air Force Armament Museum

Adjacent to Eglin Air Force Base, this museum is highly notable for its unique military exhibits. Eglin is widely recognized as a testing center for air-delivered weapons.

In alignment with this theme, the Air Force Armament Museum presents an astonishing collection of weaponry technology. Featured displays include the new AMRAAM, the Paveway series, and a variety of radar, laser, and TV-guided ordnance.

Visitors can also view firearms, including the imposing GAU-8 Avenger autocannon, celebrated for its rapid rate of fire. I was particularly captivated by the extensive array of aircraft, highlighted by the iconic SR-71 Blackbird.

12. Destin Commons

Upon crossing Choctawhatchee Bay, one of the first destinations you will encounter is this upscale lifestyle center, featuring nearly 100 shops and services.

Significantly, Destin Commons houses the closest cinema to Niceville, namely AMC Destin Commons 14.

The shopping experience here caters to the mid-to-upper end of the spectrum, showcasing brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Loft, Hollister, Lush Cosmetics, Soma, Forever 21, Sephora, and American Eagle.

A variety of dining options can also be found, offering selections ranging from salad bowls to jerk chicken, complemented by a pirate-themed playground and an enjoyable splash pad for children.

13. Niceville Dog Park

Source: cityofniceville.org

This facility opens at sunrise and remains accessible until 10 PM, making it an ideal choice for busy dog owners.

The park is open throughout the year and spans over four acres, featuring designated areas for both large and small dogs. For those with canines that enjoy digging, the sandy surface is advantageous.

This facilitates easy refilling of holes, and the lush tree canopy provides ample shade.

Visitors are expected to clean up after their pets, and there are numerous hoses available to refill water bowls when dogs require a refreshing drink.

14. Niceville Skate Park

Source: Jessie Williams / Facebook

This public facility, located just north of the Civic Center, is popular among skateboarders, inline skaters, and cyclists.

The park is open from Thursday through Sunday from early afternoon until 8 PM and encompasses five acres filled with ramps, rails, drops, and other obstacles.

Helmets are mandatory for both skaters and bikers, so it is advisable to bring your own. If you do not have one, rental options are available for a modest fee of $2.

Lastly, if you prefer to observe, the park includes numerous seating areas close to the action, suitable for friends or family members.

15. Niceville Valparaiso Christmas Parade

Source: Niceville Valparaiso Rotary Club / Facebook

Every December, the towns of Niceville and Valparaiso collaborate to host a Christmas parade featuring a different theme each year, typically centered around an inspirational message.

I attended the “Imagine Peace on Earth” edition, which proved to be a wonderfully heartwarming experience. This event is organized by the Niceville-Valparaiso Rotary Club and generally proceeds from Niceville High School on John Sims Parkway to Ruckel Middle School on Partin Drive.

A particularly heartwarming aspect of this event is the Toys for Tots program, where participants and spectators are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to support this noble cause.