Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Fort Walton Beach, FL

Located along the Emerald Coast of Florida’s Panhandle, this city epitomizes the ideal beach destination. The coastline on Okaloosa Island, characterized by its sugar-white sands and shimmering clear waters, is truly a sight to behold.

Along the Gulf, visitors have the option to enjoy unspoiled natural beaches or the lively Okaloosa Island Boardwalk.

This barrier island is separated from the mainland by Choctawhatchee Bay, which teems with marine life, including playful dolphins.

Moreover, Fort Walton Beach boasts a vibrant downtown with numerous dining options, an impressive waterfront park, and a comprehensive array of museums.

1. John Beasley Park

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Situated east of Okaloosa Island’s major attractions, this beach features a more organic atmosphere compared to the others in the vicinity.

The shoreline at John Beasley Park is bordered by picturesque sand dunes. Two wheelchair-accessible boardwalks provide access over these dunes to the beach.

I have always been entranced by the sugar-white sands in the Destin area, and this beach is no exception. Here, the snowy sands are embraced by glistening emerald waters.

In terms of amenities, John Beasley Park maintains a low-key atmosphere, featuring showers, restrooms, and two pavilions located at the highest point of the dunes.

2. Downtown Fort Walton Beach

Located along the bustling Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach’s downtown area quickly captured my admiration.

Adorned with charming historical commercial buildings, this lively district offers a diverse culinary scene. One could dine here for two consecutive weeks and still not exhaust the options.

The area features seafood, steaks, tapas, classic pub fare, tacos, French cuisine, diner food, and much more. For a unique dining experience, consider Suds N Cinema, nestled in a theater built in 1940.

Furthermore, on the northern side of the Miracle Strip lies Heritage Park, home to a collection of museums located on a Native American mound.

To the south, Landing Park offers a serene waterfront space that hosts many of the city’s major events.

3. The Island Pier

Okaloosa Island’s pristine sands and turquoise waters are best appreciated from this iconic pier. Extending over 1,250 feet into the Gulf, this landmark was established in 1998.

This structure replaced a previous pier that succumbed to Hurricane Erin in 1972—a common fate for many Florida piers. However, the pier was in excellent condition during my visit.

The Island Pier is frequently bustling with anglers endeavoring to catch species ranging from king mackerels to blackfin tuna. I can assert that these waters are abundant with marine wildlife.

Watch for dolphins, stingrays, sharks, and sea turtles; pelicans and herons often perch on the railings. Additionally, stay until late afternoon to experience the stunning sunset glow.

4. Air Force Armament Museum

Founded in 1935, Eglin Air Force Base occupies an expansive 724-square-mile area within Fort Walton Beach’s outskirts.

Adjacent to this base, visitors can explore a remarkable museum dedicated to U.S. Air Force weaponry. I was genuinely impressed by the extensive array of exhibits at the Air Force Armament Museum.

Among the highlights are an AMRAAM missile, a Paveway laser-guided bomb, a Tomahawk, and even a MOAB (Mother of All Bombs).

This collection of bombs, rockets, and missiles is complemented by an astounding range of aircraft, including the Blackbird, B-52, and AC-130.

5. Liza Jackson Park

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Featuring over 1,000 feet of waterfront, this park along Miracle Strip Parkway serves as a picturesque picnic location and is also ideal for exercising dogs.

In addition to the beach, the park includes a fishing pier and a launch area for boats, providing opportunities to enjoy the water.

The beach is also dog-friendly, making it a fantastic place for pets to cool off on warm days. Families can enjoy the playground, while picnic pavilions offer a place to gather.

Whether seeking solitude in a leisurely stroll or planning a family outing, this is an excellent location for a relaxing few hours.

6. Indian Temple Mound Museum

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The primary draw at Fort Walton Beach’s Heritage Park is an ancient platform mound located above the Miracle Strip Parkway.

Dated around 850 CE and constructed by the Pensacola culture, this mound is one of only three such structures on the Florida Panhandle.

When the Indian Temple Mound Museum was inaugurated in 1962, it marked the establishment of Florida’s first municipal museum. The exhibitions reflect over 15,000 years of human history in Northwest Florida.

I could easily spend hours exploring these galleries, examining the thousands of artifacts made from stone, shell, and bone. The collection of prehistoric pottery is remarkable and holds significant importance within the Southeastern United States.

7. Downtown Fort Walton Beach Farmers Market

Source: Downtown Fort Walton Beach Farmers’ Market / Facebook

For those seeking a taste of local culture, the downtown farmers market offers an opportunity to experience community flavors. Operating on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 8 am to 1 pm, it serves as a wonderful weekend kickoff.

Here, one can discover fresh produce sourced from local farmers, in addition to freshly prepared street food. Artists and craftsmen often display handmade goods for sale.

What makes this market truly enchanting is the element of surprise; one week might bring an abundance of ripe fruits, while the next could feature a tempting jar of artisanal jelly or freshly baked bread.

8. Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone

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Located on Okaloosa Island, Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone is the largest family entertainment center in Northwest Florida.

The facility is brimming with attractions, including a dinosaur-themed miniature golf course, three go-kart tracks, engaging laser tag, and an arcade featuring over 60 games.

This venue is ideal for families seeking a change of pace from the beach. Additionally, it provides options for birthday celebrations, complete with various discounted packages.

9. Goofy Golf

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For many, a trip to the coast would not be complete without indulging in a game of mini golf. Established in 1958, Goofy Golf is steeped in nostalgia.

The attraction features Hammy, a 23-foot dinosaur, proudly positioned along Elgin Parkway.

Having been painted a vibrant green, Hammy has a storied past; he collapsed and broke apart in 2003, undergoing restoration for five years before reclaiming his spot in 2008.

Similar to its mascot, the two 16-hole courses evoke the mid-20th century, preserving their original character with wooded borders and an eccentric array of model animals.

10. Fort Walton Beach Landing Park

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This beautiful park, which gently slopes down to the water, enhances the charm of the downtown area. Landing Park is a versatile space, featuring a boat ramp, waterfront boardwalk, fishing pier, and an event stage.

This park offers a tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular venue for public events in Fort Walton Beach. You might find yourself here on a Friday night for concerts, movies in the park under the stars, or the city’s annual Fourth of July fireworks.

Additionally, twice monthly, the park hosts the Downtown Fort Walton Beach Farmers Market, which is elaborated upon later in this list.

11. Okaloosa Island Boardwalk

The most vibrant beach area on Okaloosa Island is complemented by a bustling commercial district. This lively stretch along Miracle Strip Parkway is adorned with shops, restaurants, and engaging entertainment options.

Visitors can spend enjoyable hours on the boardwalk shopping for beach attire, kites, or vacation memorabilia.

For seafood enthusiasts, the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk offers excellent dining options such as Floyd’s Shrimp House and Crab Trap located adjacent to each other. In addition, a splash pad, playground, and sand volleyball courts are readily accessible near the beach.

Finally, during the summer, Wednesdays are marked by a vibrant fireworks display that concludes the day.

12. Emerald Coast Science Center

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This center presents a superb opportunity for families to engage with scientific concepts. Exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including robotics, paleontology, ecology, space science, and engineering.

What distinguishes the Emerald Coast Science Center are its interactive animal exhibits, offering kids the chance to interact with various creatures, including parrots, sugar gliders, and degus.

The center features ample outdoor space, including a butterfly garden, turtle habitat, and a treehouse nestled within a live oak.

Additionally, the center is known for its various events, which include workshops, planetarium shows, hands-on experiments, and maker days.

13. Ross Marler Park

This picturesque park on Okaloosa Island offers a unique perspective, overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay. Should strong currents be present at the gulf beaches, this serene locale serves as a calm alternative.

Here, you will find a narrow beach bordering the bay, where the water is calm and suitable for small children. The park also features a boat launch for those interested in fishing or wildlife observation within this thriving tidal ecosystem.

The fishing pier at Ross Marler Park includes ADA-accessible platforms, while numerous shelters among the pines offer picnic tables and grills.

14. Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum

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A visit to Heritage Park also includes a preserved two-room schoolhouse that operated from 1911 to 1936. This was the first school in Camp Walton, originally designed with one room, expanding to two for high school students in 1925.

After its closure, the classrooms were repurposed as apartments until the 1970s. The building was subsequently relocated to Heritage Park in 2006 and opened for public exploration.

This small museum offers a unique insight into the educational history of this region in Florida. The classrooms are furnished with original desks and blackboards, while interesting displays adorn the walls.

15. Garnier Post Office Museum

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My final entry within Heritage Park is a museum dedicated to narrating the early postal service’s history in Okaloosa County during the early 20th century.

This modest building functioned as the local post office from its construction in 1918 until 1956. I found it fascinating to learn that it also served as a polling place during that era.

The Garnier Post Office was restored in 1988 and provides a brief but intriguing diversion during a visit to Heritage Park.

You will not need to spend more than a few minutes exploring this site, which features a small display of postal history, and is decorated to reflect its early 20th-century appearance.