Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Crestview, FL

The seat of Okaloosa County, Crestview is situated in the pine-covered sandy hills in the heart of Florida’s panhandle.

As a central point for long-distance transport networks, including the Florida Gulf and Atlantic Railroad, Crestview has earned the designation of Hub City.

The revitalized downtown area has much to offer, benefiting from a significant investment in recent years. Additionally, a modern zoo has opened on the eastern outskirts of the city.

If one ventures a few miles west, they will discover the stunning Blackwater River, ideal for paddling excursions and renowned for its clear, shallow waters and pristine sandy banks.

1. Downtown Crestview

Throughout the 2010s, Crestview committed extensive resources to enhancing its downtown district. A prominent feature is a welcome sign that spans Main Street, located near the Okaloosa County Courthouse.

Main Street boasts a variety of locally owned businesses, including shops, restaurants, and other services, making it vibrant.

Shoppers can enjoy a local experience, especially when seeking antiques. Furthermore, downtown Crestview is celebrated as a culinary destination, featuring options such as Southern cuisine, pizza, Thai dishes, barbecue, Coney dogs, ice cream, baked goods, Korean food, and tacos.

The events calendar ensures a lively atmosphere along Main Street, with highlights including Alice on Main in August and the Downtown Fall Festival in late October.

2. Emerald Coast Zoo

This compact yet highly-rated zoo was relatively new at the time of writing.

Located to the east of Crestview, Emerald Coast Zoo is the creation of Rick the Reptile Guy, known for the A&E program “Wild Transport”.

Rick and his family reside on the zoo’s premises, having relocated from Cocoa Beach in 2017.

Emerald Coast Zoo distinguishes itself through the variety of special encounters offered, allowing visitors to feed honey to a black bear, interact with a sloth, feed a giraffe, or meet a 600 lb giant tortoise.

3. Twin Hills Park

Source: Twin Hills Park / Facebook

Covering over 20 acres, Twin Hills Park is an outstanding community park adjacent to the downtown area. The park features numerous sports facilities, including a football stadium and basketball courts, serving as a hub for various Recreational Department leagues.

On the more tranquil side, the park is adorned with mature trees, pathways, barbecue grills, and covered picnic areas. Visitors can observe a variety of fish and turtles in the waters, while flocks of ducks and geese frequent the shores.

Additionally, the impressive Children’s Park offers a dedicated play area for young visitors, complete with a popular splash pad.

4. Blackwater River State Park

Located a short drive west of Crestview, Blackwater River State Park spans 600 acres and is complemented by the extensive Blackwater River State Forest, oriented along a river known for its exceptionally clear waters.

Tannins from the vegetation lining the river impart a unique light-brown tint to the water, enhanced by gleaming white sands on the riverbed and shoreline that reflect sunlight.

This area is a favorite destination, with trails traversing sandy longleaf pine forests, passing oxbow lakes and leading to beaches along the riverbanks.

Visitors can enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters or tubing along the river on warm days.

Concealed within the longleaf pine woods is a campground offering 30 sites, equipped with electricity, water, sewer, picnic tables, and a playground.

5. Blackwater Canoe Rental

The Blackwater River provides some of the finest paddling experiences in Florida.

Its favorable conditions include shallow depths, gentle currents, clear waters, and tall pines for shade.

Of particular appeal are the numerous locations along the riverbanks where visitors can take breaks, with countless pristine sandy beaches perfect for picnics.

A family-owned business since 1981, Blackwater Canoe Rental offers pick-up and drop-off services, allowing guests to spend anywhere from a few hours to an entire day exploring the river.

The company also provides tubing excursions and the option to rent a cooler for a more leisurely experience.

6. Casbah Coffee Company

Source: Casbah Coffee Company / Facebook

Wherever my travels take me, my affinity for coffee remains. Thankfully, Casbah Coffee Company stands out as a premium coffee roaster in the center of Crestview.

As an independent establishment, a majority of expenditures contribute to the local economy. Along with an array of delightful beverages, fresh baked goods, soups, sandwiches, and salads are also available.

For those indulging, the cinnamon rolls are exceptionally delightful—a treat that I personally relish.

7. Crestview History Museum

This venue serves as a repository for the local history of Crestview and the northern region of Okaloosa County and had just opened its doors during my visit.

The museum is housed in the Lorenza Bush House, constructed in the mid-1920s. Mr. Bush was a supervisor for the Louisville & Nashville Railroad and relocated to Crestview in 1910.

The two-story residence, built from durable heart pine, underwent restoration in the early 2020s. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits from Tuesday to Friday, and on the second Saturday of each month.

Exhibits cover topics such as local Native American history, the timber industry, Eglin Field, and businesses situated in downtown Crestview.

8. Blackwater Golf Club

Previously part of Foxwood Country Club, this 18-hole course transitioned to a public facility during my visit. In my view, Blackwater Golf Club ranks among the top public courses in the panhandle.

The course is set within a rolling landscape, featuring abundant water and fairways bordered by tall pines.

A notable attraction is the driving range, recently converted into a TopTracer range, offering 14 hitting bays equipped with luxury seating and technology that transforms driving into an interactive experience.

9. Panhandle Opry

For an authentic slice of rural culture in the panhandle, the traditional opry can be found in the undulating sandy hills to the east of Crestview.

Established in 1979, the Panhandle Opry has transitioned through various venues before finding a permanent location at 657 Deshazo Rd in 1982.

This venue was notably designed and constructed from the ground up by the opry’s members. During the early 1990s, the band featured Lamar Morris, who previously played guitar for Hank Williams Jr.

Performances occur on the first and third Saturday of each month at 7:00 PM.

10. Timber Creek Distillery

Founded in 2014, this craft distillery is located in the countryside northeast of Crestview and produces a diverse array of spirits, including single malt, whiskey, black rye, vodka, rum, and gin.

Notably, the ingredients are sourced locally; none of the wheat, corn, rye, or molasses need to travel far to arrive here.

The distillery plans to incorporate locally grown fruits like peaches and blueberries into their flavoring processes.

Visiting the distillery offers a variety of tours, including tastings. They also feature brick-oven pizzas on Saturdays, as well as an 18-hole disc golf course, cornhole, and axe throwing.

11. Desi’s Downtown Restaurant

Source: Desi’s Downtown Restaurant / Facebook

Focusing on Southern country cuisine, Desi’s is the ideal destination for those seeking traditional, hearty meals.

This buffet evokes the warmth of a visit to grandma’s house, known for its inviting ambiance, attentive staff, and straightforward presentation.

Menu items often include pot roast, fried chicken, grilled sausage accompanied by peppers, potatoes, and onions.

A wide selection of side dishes is available, spanning fried okra, mac & cheese, and banana pudding, a true specialty of theirs.

12. Florida Trail (State Road 85 Trailhead)

I must confess, I was previously unaware of the Florida Trail. Designated as a National Scenic Trail, this pathway stretches across the state, from Big Cypress National Preserve to the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Originally envisioned in the early 1960s, the trail is marked by orange blazes on trees. Although Crestview is recognized as a gateway community for the Florida National Scenic Trail, it has not actively promoted the trail which runs through the southern part of the city.

The trailhead is accessible along SR 85, allowing users to hike east or west through a sandy, pine-covered landscape abundant with saw palmettos.

13. Henderson Beach State Park

Source: lunamarina / shutterstock

For an alternative beach experience, Henderson Beach State Park features over a mile of shoreline along the azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

While the sugar-white sands and warm waters attract visitors, the park also offers a nature trail, playgrounds, and covered pavilions with built-in grills.

I found the nature trail particularly enjoyable, as it weaves through a remarkable dune ecosystem, with elevations reaching 30 feet.

After an extended day, visitors will appreciate the abundant showers available, while those wishing to camp under the stars can opt for the available campsites.

14. The Air Force Armament Museum

Source: RaksyBH / shutterstock

Established in 1935 and significantly expanded since, Eglin Air Force Base encompasses a vast area between Crestview and the Gulf of Mexico.

The museum on the base has been operational since 1975 and showcases numerous types of bombs, rockets, and missiles utilized by the United States Air Force.

The display of armaments and weapons systems is impressive, including an AMRAAM air-to-air missile, a GBU-28 bunker-buster, a Tomahawk, and the GBU-43 MOAB (Mother of All Bombs).

Additionally, the collection features over 30 aircraft, including the B-17 Flying Fortress, the B-52 Stratofortress, and the iconic Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird.

15. Marquis Cinema 10

Conveniently located just off SR 85 on the northern side of Crestview, Marquis Cinema 10 is the only cinema within a considerable distance. Patrons can expect a straightforward movie-going experience at an economical price.

Although power recliners, Dolby sound, or IMAX screens are not available, guests can still enjoy a fulfilling experience.

All auditoriums have stadium seating and modern digital projection and audio systems. As an independent theater, Marquis Cinema 10 provides a more personalized touch to the cinema experience.