Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Valparaiso, Florida

Overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay and the interconnected bayous, Valparaiso stands at the East Gate of Eglin Air Force Base.

Established approximately 90 years ago, this base serves as the home for the 96th Test Wing and spans a considerable area to the north and west. The base houses a remarkable museum dedicated to the historical development of armaments utilized by the Air Force.

In my opinion, numerous advantages of Valparaiso are intrinsically linked to the bay and surrounding bayous. Visitors can enjoy picnics or swimming at waterfront parks, fish for significant trout, or launch kayaks or paddleboards.

Dolphins are frequently sighted in these waters, particularly during the early morning or late evening hours. All of Valparaiso’s bayfront parks are oriented eastward, offering breathtaking visuals at sunrise.

1. Air Force Armament Museum

Everything in this vicinity seems to relate to Eglin Air Force Base. Established in 1935, this extensive facility encompasses over 450,000 acres and stretches for miles inland.

Eglin AFB is responsible for testing and evaluating a variety of Air Force systems, including air-delivered munitions and special operations command systems.

The museum, founded in 1975, astounded me with its vast collection of missiles, bombs, and rockets. The exhibits include everything from Tomahawk missiles to the formidable MOAB (Mother of All Bombs).

Additionally, there is an impressive array of aircraft on display, featuring the iconic SR-71 Blackbird.

2. Turkey Creek Park

In the northern region of Valparaiso, you can access a trail that follows the mesmerizing Turkey Creek. This waterway meanders southward through dense swamps before emptying into Boggy Bayou.

The creek typically features clear water, with colorful tea-stained depths characteristic of many rivers in the Panhandle. During summer, you will often encounter people swimming in the creek or floating downstream on tubes; in fact, I can think of no better way to enjoy a warm day.

A mile-long boardwalk runs alongside Turkey Creek and is equipped with signs to help visitors identify the surrounding vegetation. This area includes several rest areas and provides access to various swimming locations within the creek.

3. Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park

Traveling around the north end of Choctawhatchee Bay, you will arrive at this stunning state park, established in 1966.

Prior to this, the location served as a WWII gunnery and bombing practice range. Today, it features extensive sandy swamps, dominated by towering longleaf pines. I was fascinated to learn that some of these trees have been growing for over three centuries.

Situated in a sheltered cove of the bay, Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park is an excellent location for launching canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards. If you do not possess your own watercraft, rentals are available here.

The park also offers comprehensive camping facilities, although these were temporarily unavailable during my visit.

4. Tommy’s Water Adventures

It seems impossible to gaze upon Choctawhatchee Bay without feeling the urge to explore these waters. Well protected, the bay is an ideal environment for kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding.

In and around Valparaiso, you can navigate a network of tributaries such as Toms Bayou, Boggy Bayou, Shirk Bayou, and Rocky Bayou. I appreciate the abundance of public land along the shores, ensuring you are never far from a boat launch or sheltered picnic area.

If you are fortunate, you may encounter bottlenose dolphins, known to frequent these bayous in pursuit of food during early mornings and evenings.

One rental service available in the area is Tommy’s Water Adventures, which provides free delivery and pickup. Rentals include life jackets, paddles, and other necessary equipment.

5. Fishing Charters

Choctawhatchee Bay is exceptionally suitable for inshore saltwater fishing. The shallow, brackish waters here offer some of the finest fishing opportunities in Florida.

The strength of the fishery remains consistent throughout the year, although certain species may show seasonal variations.

If there is an ideal time to plan a fishing trip, spring and summer would be it. During this period, trout are spawning, and they can be caught throughout the bay, along with plentiful redfish and black drum.

Many anglers aim to capture a trout of sufficient size to be classified as a “gator trout” (approximately 25 inches or more).

Some local fishing charters available during my visit included Have Fun Charters Company, Sunshine Fishing Charters, Charter Boat Big John, Flyliner Charters, and Destin Angler Charters.

6. Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida

Source: Ebyabe / Wikimedia

Since its inception in 1971, the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is substantially more extensive than it appears from the exterior.

Exhibits illustrate the rich history of the area, tracing back to the Paleoindians and Archaic People. Displays from these periods showcase stone tools, flint spear points, and pottery fragments.

I was especially captivated by the exhibitions focusing on more recent history. The museum provides insights into Okaloosa County’s fisheries, the still-relevant turpentine industry, and visual representations of daily life from the 19th century to the post-WWII era. These include a reconstructed schoolroom, salon, and railway depot interior.

The museum is deeply engaged with the local community, hosting seasonal events, educational camps, and customized tours.

7. Lincoln Park

I am particularly fond of Valparaiso’s waterfront parks, which grace the bayous flowing into Choctawhatchee Bay. Among these, Lincoln Park stands out as the largest.

Surrounded by towering pine trees, Lincoln Park boasts a welcoming stretch of sandy shoreline where visitors can swim in the clear, shallow waters.

Facilities such as large pavilions near the beach, showers, benches, a playground, and a dock with a boat ramp enhance the experience. Traditionally, Lincoln Park serves as the site for Valparaiso’s 4th of July celebrations, allowing spectators to view fireworks from Niceville across Boggy Bayou.

8. Valparaiso Fishing Pier

Another delightful location along Choctawhatchee Bay, Valparaiso maintains a T-shaped fishing pier at the entrance of Toms Bayou.

This well-kept pier is spacious, equipped with two fish-cleaning stations, 24-hour restrooms, and running water. While catfish are the primary catch here, redfish, mullet, pinfish, and speckled trout are also present in these waters.

In addition to a fishing spot, the pier excels in picturesque views, particularly during the early morning hours. In just a short while at this location, I encountered a great blue heron and several pelicans. The scenic stretch of North Bayshore Drive, lined with live oaks, offers fantastic views of the bay.

9. The Boathouse Landing Restaurant

Source: The Boathouse Landing Restaurant / Facebook

Valparaiso, being a tranquil town, does not offer an abundance of dining options, but those available merit recognition.

The Boathouse Landing is among the few establishments benefiting from a prime waterfront location. Here, you will find yourself on Boggy Bayou, with enchanting views as the sun sets.

Enjoy market-fresh seafood, while dolphins frolic in the bayou, and pelicans are seen nearby. Notable dishes include gulf-caught grouper and blackened mahi.

This establishment primarily focuses on seafood, yet offers a diverse menu catering to all ages and preferences, including burgers and pasta. Live music enhances the ambiance from Friday to Sunday.

10. Doc’s Oyster Bar

It is hard to imagine a more suitable location for an authentic Louisiana-style restaurant than amidst the verdant banks of a bayou. This is precisely where you will discover Doc’s Oyster Bar in Valparaiso, situated along the shores of Toms Bayou.

This charming establishment features a delightful waterside terrace and a small dock below, specializing in Cajun and Creole cuisine. Dishes include seafood gumbo, shrimp boils, po’ boys, and blackened mahi mahi sandwiches. Oysters, naturally, are a staple, available raw, baked, or fried.

A comprehensive selection of universal dishes, including fried baskets, burgers, and fish tacos, is also offered.

11. Mattie Kelly Arts Center

Cultural experiences and entertainment abound in Valparaiso, with this premier performing arts venue located at Northwest Florida State College.

The center features a 1,650-seat main stage theater and is a $25 million facility with an exciting programming lineup. Numerous visiting shows, artists, as well as dance and opera companies frequent this venue.

In addition, productions by NWF State College, along with performances from the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and various soloists or small ensembles, add to the entertainment offerings.

NWF State College hosts significant art collections, particularly known for its decorative arts (notably glass), and paintings by Emil Eugen Holzhauer (1887-1986). The center’s galleries consistently feature intriguing exhibitions, which I was fortunate to experience during a recent visit.

12. Henderson Beach State Park

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Destin’s Gulf Coast, renowned for its stunning white sands, is situated less than 30 minutes from Valparaiso. Fortunately, the most accessible option is also regarded as one of Florida’s finest beaches.

This venue is Henderson Beach State Park, featuring an undeveloped ¼-mile stretch of pristine white shore. The brilliant sand demands sunglasses on sunny days. Behind you, the dunes appear like snow-capped peaks, constantly shifting and expanding.

Visitors can indulge in sunbathing, swimming, and exploring the dunes on foot. The park’s amenities include restrooms, showers, a children’s playground, and a picnic area equipped with grilling stations.

13. Eglin Golf Course

Owned by Eglin AFB, this dual-course golfing facility in Niceville remains open to the public year-round. Eglin Golf Course is officially recognized as one of the premier military golf establishments in the nation and ranks prominently among golf courses in Florida.

This facility is an official Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, featuring a series of lakes connected by a creek that ultimately flows into the bay. During my round of golf, I encountered various wildlife, including deer, tortoises, snakes, and numerous wading birds.

Set within a gently undulating landscape, the sharp elevation changes of the two courses (Falcon and Eagle) introduce an intriguing dimension, particularly in comparison to many courses across Florida.

14. Spend a Day Shopping at Destin Commons

Source: Destin Commons / Facebook

Upon crossing the bay via SR 293, you will arrive at this lifestyle center. Destin Commons successfully merges sophistication with family-friendly options.

The facility houses nearly 90 stores, restaurants, and various services. Well-known brands available include Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, Forever 21, Sephora, American Eagle, H&M, and Bath & Body Works, among others.

Visitors can explore stylish, unique boutiques for local gifts and souvenirs, while children will delight in the splash pad and miniature train rides.

Featuring an AMC multiplex and numerous dining options, a full day at Destin Commons is highly recommended.

15. Florida Park

For those seeking a location to launch a boat, enjoy a picnic, or simply catch the sunrise, there exists a quaint park by the bay, conveniently located near Eglin AFB’s East Gate.

Florida Park is modest, slightly more than three acres in size, yet it features numerous worthwhile aspects. One notable detail is a walkway paved with bricks dedicated to various local businesses and families.

The park provides a boat ramp accessible 24 hours a day, along with two picnic shelters and playground equipment, all shaded by towering pine trees.