Things To Do in Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Okaloosa Island & Family-Friendly Beaches — The Emerald Coast's Relaxed Getaway

Top Activities & Attractions

• Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park (kids): The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park has been one of Fort Walton Beach's most beloved attractions since opening in 1955, making it one of the oldest continuously operating marine parks in the United States. The park features dolphin shows, sea lion performances, penguin encounters, and a stingray touch tank, along with interactive programs where guests can swim with dolphins or participate in behind-the-scenes animal care experiences. The facility also houses a sea turtle rehabilitation center that cares for injured and sick turtles before releasing them back into the Gulf.
  • Operating since 1955 — one of America's oldest marine parks
  • Dolphin shows, sea lion performances, and swim-with-dolphins program
  • Sea turtle rehabilitation center with educational tours
• Okaloosa Island Pier (entertainment): The Okaloosa Island Pier extends 1,261 feet into the Gulf of Mexico and is one of the most popular fishing and sightseeing destinations on the Emerald Coast. Anglers can purchase bait and rent rods from the on-site tackle shop, targeting king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, cobia, redfish, and pompano depending on the season. Even non-anglers enjoy walking the pier for the panoramic Gulf views, dolphin sightings, and the spectacular sunrises and sunsets visible from the end of the structure.
  • 1,261-foot pier with fishing and sightseeing access
  • On-site tackle shop with rod rentals and bait sales
  • Panoramic Gulf views with dolphin sightings common
• The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island (entertainment): The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island is the social and dining hub of the Fort Walton Beach beachfront, featuring a collection of casual restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and family entertainment venues connected by a walkable waterfront promenade. The area comes alive in the evenings with live music at several venues, outdoor dining under string lights, and a steady stream of families strolling between ice cream shops and beach rental outfitters. It's the go-to spot for a casual dinner after a day on the beach, with several restaurants offering Gulf-front seating and fresh seafood menus.
  • Walkable waterfront promenade with restaurants and shops
  • Live music and outdoor dining on warm evenings
  • Family-friendly atmosphere with ice cream and beach rental shops
• Wild Willy's Adventure Zone (kids): Wild Willy's Adventure Zone is Fort Walton Beach's largest family entertainment complex, featuring go-kart tracks for all ages, an 18-hole mini-golf course, a multi-level climbing wall, bumper boats, and an arcade with over 100 games. The go-kart tracks include options ranging from kiddie karts for young children to high-speed adult tracks, ensuring every family member has an appropriate thrill level. Open year-round with extended summer hours, Wild Willy's is one of the most popular non-beach activities for families visiting the area.
  • Go-karts, mini-golf, climbing wall, and bumper boats
  • Kiddie kart tracks for young children alongside adult-speed tracks
  • Open year-round with extended summer evening hours
• Emerald Coast Science Center (culture): The Emerald Coast Science Center is a hands-on science museum in downtown Fort Walton Beach that offers interactive exhibits, live animal displays, and STEM-focused programming designed to spark curiosity in children and adults alike. Exhibits cover topics ranging from robotics and engineering to marine biology and weather science, with many stations encouraging visitors to build, test, and experiment. The center also hosts seasonal events, science camps, and traveling exhibits that keep the experience fresh for returning visitors.
  • Hands-on interactive science exhibits for all ages
  • Live animal displays and marine biology stations
  • Seasonal events, science camps, and traveling exhibits
• Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum (culture): The Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum is housed in the oldest surviving schoolhouse in Okaloosa County, built in 1912, and preserves the early history of Fort Walton Beach through photographs, artifacts, and period furnishings that bring the pioneer era to life. The small but charming museum sits adjacent to the Heritage Park complex, which also includes the Garnier Post Office Museum and the Indian Temple Mound Museum, making it easy to visit all three in a single afternoon. Admission is free, and the volunteer docents provide engaging stories about the founding families and early development of the community.
  • Housed in Okaloosa County's oldest schoolhouse (built 1912)
  • Free admission with volunteer-led history tours
  • Part of Heritage Park complex with adjacent museums
• Indian Temple Mound Museum (culture): The Indian Temple Mound Museum sits atop a 12,000-year-old Native American ceremonial mound that is one of the largest and best-preserved prehistoric earthworks on the Gulf Coast, offering a fascinating window into the region's pre-Columbian history. The museum houses over 6,000 artifacts from Native American cultures that inhabited the Choctawhatchee Bay area, including pottery, tools, jewelry, and ceremonial objects spanning thousands of years. The adjacent temple mound itself rises 17 feet and is a National Historic Landmark, making this one of the most historically significant sites on the Emerald Coast.
  • 12,000-year-old ceremonial mound — a National Historic Landmark
  • 6,000+ Native American artifacts spanning thousands of years
  • 17-foot preserved earthwork on the Choctawhatchee Bay shoreline
• Kayaking Choctawhatchee Bay (water): Kayaking on Choctawhatchee Bay offers a peaceful, nature-immersive experience on the calm, protected waters behind Fort Walton Beach, where paddlers regularly encounter dolphins, manatees, rays, and a wide variety of wading birds along the marshy shoreline. The bay's shallow, warm waters make it ideal for beginners and families, with several outfitters offering single and tandem kayak rentals by the hour from bayside launch points. Morning paddles offer the flattest water and best wildlife viewing, while sunset kayak tours provide a romantic end-of-day experience with spectacular western sky colors.
  • Calm, shallow bay waters ideal for all skill levels
  • Dolphins, manatees, and wading birds along the route
  • Hourly rentals and guided sunset tours from bayside launch points
• Paddleboarding Fort Walton Beach (boating): Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the most popular water activities in Fort Walton Beach, with the calm Gulf waters off Okaloosa Island and the sheltered Choctawhatchee Bay providing two distinct paddling experiences depending on conditions and skill level. The bay side offers flat, glassy water ideal for beginners and yoga SUP classes, while the Gulf side provides a more dynamic paddle with gentle waves and the chance to spot dolphins and sea turtles from an elevated vantage point. Multiple outfitters along the boardwalk and bay offer hourly rentals and guided eco-tours.
  • Two paddling environments: calm bay and gentle Gulf waters
  • SUP yoga classes available on flat bay water
  • Hourly rentals and guided eco-tours from boardwalk outfitters
• Parasailing Okaloosa Island (adventure): Parasailing from Okaloosa Island lifts riders 400 to 800 feet above the Gulf of Mexico, offering stunning aerial views of the emerald-green coastline, Okaloosa Island, Choctawhatchee Bay, and the Destin Harbor in the distance. Tandem and triple ride options allow couples and families to share the experience, and most operators launch directly from the beach or the boardwalk area. Flights typically last 10–12 minutes in the air, with the entire experience taking about an hour from check-in to landing.
  • Aerial views of the Gulf, Okaloosa Island, and Destin Harbor
  • Tandem and triple ride options for couples and families
  • Beach and boardwalk launch locations
• Jet Skiing Fort Walton Beach (boating): Jet ski rentals in Fort Walton Beach offer both guided tours and free-ride options on the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay, with the bay side providing calmer conditions ideal for beginners and the Gulf side offering more open-water thrills. Guided tours often follow routes past dolphin pods and along the scenic coastline, while free-ride rentals let experienced riders explore the waters at their own pace. Rental operators are located along the Okaloosa Island boardwalk and at bayside marinas, with hourly pricing available.
  • Gulf and bay riding options for all skill levels
  • Guided dolphin tours and free-ride rentals available
  • Hourly pricing from boardwalk and marina locations
• Snorkeling at Destin Jetties (water): The Destin Jetties at East Pass, located just a short drive east of Fort Walton Beach, create one of the best nearshore snorkeling environments on the Emerald Coast, with the rocky structure attracting a diverse array of tropical fish, crabs, starfish, and occasional sea turtles. On calm days, visibility can reach 20 to 30 feet in the clear Gulf waters around the jetties, making it an excellent spot for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. The area is accessible by car from Fort Walton Beach in about 15 minutes, and local dive shops rent snorkel gear if you don't have your own.
  • Rocky jetties attract tropical fish, crabs, and sea turtles
  • 20–30 foot visibility on calm days in clear Gulf water
  • 15 min drive east from Fort Walton Beach with gear rental available
• Dolphin Cruises Fort Walton Beach (cruises): Dolphin cruises departing from Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island take guests into the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay, where pods of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are spotted on virtually every trip throughout the year. Most operators offer both daytime and sunset cruise options aboard catamarans and pontoon boats, with sunset cruises being especially popular for their combination of dolphin encounters and spectacular Gulf sunsets. Several cruises also include narrated eco-tours covering the local marine ecosystem, making them both entertaining and educational for families.
  • Near-guaranteed dolphin sightings year-round
  • Sunset and daytime departure options available
  • Narrated eco-tours covering local marine life
• Fishing from Okaloosa Island Pier (fishing): Fishing from the Okaloosa Island Pier is one of the most accessible and affordable fishing experiences on the Emerald Coast, with the 1,261-foot structure extending into productive Gulf waters where king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, cobia, pompano, and redfish are regularly caught depending on the season. The pier's on-site tackle shop sells bait and rents rods, making it easy for beginners and families to try pier fishing without any equipment of their own. Experienced anglers target the larger pelagic species that cruise past the end of the pier during spring and fall migration runs.
  • 1,261-foot pier reaching into productive Gulf waters
  • On-site tackle shop with bait and rod rentals for beginners
  • King mackerel, cobia, and pompano among regular catches
• Liza Jackson Park (nature): Liza Jackson Park is a 30-acre waterfront park on Choctawhatchee Bay that provides a peaceful green space for families with playgrounds, covered pavilions, a fishing pier, a boat ramp, and a scenic boardwalk trail along the water's edge. The park is popular for morning walks, family picnics, and sunset viewing, with the western-facing bay frontage offering unobstructed views of the sun dropping behind the water. It's also a launch point for kayakers and paddleboarders heading out onto the bay, and the fishing pier provides easy access to inshore species like redfish, trout, and flounder.
  • 30-acre bayfront park with playgrounds and pavilions
  • Scenic boardwalk trail along Choctawhatchee Bay
  • Boat ramp, fishing pier, and kayak launch access
• Sunset Cinema (entertainment): The Sunset Cinema is a unique Fort Walton Beach entertainment option offering a classic drive-in movie experience with a modern twist, screening first-run films and family favorites under the stars on select evenings. The venue accommodates both cars and walk-in viewers with lawn chair seating, and the concession stand serves popcorn, candy, and local food truck fare. It's a nostalgic, budget-friendly evening activity that appeals to families and couples looking for something different from the typical beachfront entertainment.
  • Drive-in movie experience with first-run and family films
  • Car and walk-in seating with lawn chairs available
  • Concession stand and food truck fare under the stars
• Fort Walton Beach Golf Club (golf): Fort Walton Beach Golf Club is a well-maintained 36-hole public golf facility offering two distinct 18-hole courses — the Oaks and the Pines — that wind through mature pine forests and live oak canopies just minutes from the beach. The courses provide a fair challenge for all skill levels, with the Oaks course featuring more open, links-style holes and the Pines offering tighter, tree-lined fairways that demand accuracy off the tee. Green fees are among the most affordable on the Emerald Coast, making it a popular choice for vacationing golfers.
  • 36 holes across two courses: the Oaks and the Pines
  • Mature pine and live oak canopy setting
  • Affordable green fees with year-round play
• Foxwood Country Club (golf): Foxwood Country Club is a semi-private 18-hole course in the Shalimar area near Fort Walton Beach, offering a challenging layout that winds through mature pine forests with tight fairways, elevated greens, and water hazards on several holes. The par-72 course is well-conditioned year-round and provides a more demanding test than some of the area's resort-style courses, appealing to experienced golfers looking for a serious round. Public tee times are available, and the clubhouse bar and grill serves as a welcoming post-round gathering spot.
  • Semi-private 18-hole course through mature pine forests
  • Challenging layout with tight fairways and elevated greens
  • Public tee times available with clubhouse dining
• Shalimar Pointe Golf & Country Club (golf): Shalimar Pointe Golf & Country Club features an 18-hole championship course designed along the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay, with several signature holes offering stunning water views and challenging approach shots over bayfront hazards. The Finger Dyes-designed layout rewards strategic play with its combination of wide landing areas off the tee and well-protected greens that demand precise iron play. The club welcomes public play and offers competitive rates, especially during the shoulder season months of September through November.
  • Championship course along Choctawhatchee Bay shores
  • Signature holes with stunning bay views and water hazards
  • Public play welcome with competitive shoulder-season rates
• Props Craft Brewery (bars): Props Craft Brewery is Fort Walton Beach's premier craft beer destination, located in a converted warehouse space in downtown FWB that serves as both a working brewery and a lively taproom with rotating taps, live music, and food truck events. The brewery produces a diverse lineup of ales, IPAs, stouts, and seasonal specialties, with the flagship brews and experimental small-batch releases available only on-site. The laid-back, dog-friendly atmosphere and outdoor patio make it a favorite gathering spot for locals and visiting beer enthusiasts alike.
  • Working craft brewery with rotating taps and small-batch releases
  • Converted warehouse taproom with live music and food trucks
  • Dog-friendly patio and laid-back local atmosphere
• Al's Beach Club & Burger Bar (bars): Al's Beach Club & Burger Bar is one of the liveliest spots on the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk, combining a beachfront bar atmosphere with live music, craft cocktails, and a menu of gourmet burgers and fresh Gulf seafood. The venue features both indoor and outdoor seating areas with Gulf views, and the live music lineup ranges from acoustic solo acts on weekday afternoons to full bands on weekend nights. The rooftop deck is especially popular at sunset, offering panoramic views of the Gulf while sipping on their signature frozen cocktails.
  • Beachfront bar on the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk
  • Live music from acoustic acts to full bands weekly
  • Rooftop deck with panoramic Gulf sunset views
• Angler's Beachside Grill & Sports Bar (bars): Angler's Beachside Grill & Sports Bar is a popular Okaloosa Island hangout that combines fresh Gulf seafood, cold drinks, and a wall of TVs showing every major sporting event, making it the go-to spot for sports fans visiting the beach. The casual, open-air atmosphere features Gulf views from the outdoor deck, a full bar with local craft beers on tap, and a menu that ranges from peel-and-eat shrimp to grouper sandwiches and loaded fish tacos. It's the kind of relaxed, unpretentious spot where families and bar-goers mix comfortably.
  • Sports bar atmosphere with Gulf views from outdoor deck
  • Fresh seafood menu with grouper sandwiches and fish tacos
  • Multiple TVs for every major sporting event
• Floyd's Shrimp House (bars): Floyd's Shrimp House is a longtime Fort Walton Beach favorite known for its no-frills approach to Gulf Coast seafood — mountains of peel-and-eat shrimp, fried platters, and cold beer served in a casual, family-friendly setting that hasn't changed much since it opened. The restaurant sits on the mainland side of Fort Walton Beach and draws a loyal local crowd alongside vacationers who discover it through word-of-mouth recommendations. The portions are generous, the prices are reasonable, and the shrimp is some of the freshest you'll find off the water, sourced from nearby Gulf boats.
  • Beloved local seafood institution with no-frills charm
  • Famous for generous portions of fresh Gulf shrimp
  • Casual family-friendly setting with affordable prices
• Crab Trap Okaloosa Island (bars): The Crab Trap on Okaloosa Island is one of the most popular waterfront dining and bar spots on the Emerald Coast, with a large Gulf-front deck that offers some of the best sunset views in Fort Walton Beach alongside a menu of fresh-caught seafood, steaks, and signature cocktails. The restaurant's expansive outdoor seating area is right on the beach, with tiki torches and string lights creating a festive atmosphere as the sun goes down. It's a favorite for both casual family dinners and evening drinks, and the bar stays lively with a mix of tourists and locals throughout the season.
  • Gulf-front deck with premier sunset viewing on Okaloosa Island
  • Fresh-caught seafood, steaks, and signature cocktails
  • Beachside atmosphere with tiki torches and string lights
• Inshore Bay Fishing Charters (fishing): Inshore fishing charters on Choctawhatchee Bay offer Fort Walton Beach visitors a calm-water fishing experience targeting redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead in the shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths that line the bay's shoreline. The protected bay waters provide a gentler ride than offshore Gulf trips, making inshore charters ideal for families with younger children, novice anglers, and anyone who prefers sight-fishing on flat water. Most charters run 4 hours and depart from bayside marinas in Fort Walton Beach, with experienced guides providing all tackle, bait, and instruction.
  • Light-tackle bay fishing for redfish, trout, and flounder
  • Calm bay waters ideal for families and first-time anglers
  • 4-hour guided trips with all gear and bait provided
• Kayaking Choctawhatchee Bay (boating): Kayaking on Choctawhatchee Bay from Fort Walton Beach provides a peaceful paddling experience through calm, protected waters where dolphins, manatees, and coastal birds are regularly spotted. Launch points at Liza Jackson Park and bayside marinas offer easy access to the bay's scenic shoreline, and guided eco-tours led by local naturalists are available for those who want expert commentary on the bay's marine ecosystem. The flat, sheltered water conditions make bay kayaking suitable for all skill levels, including children and complete beginners.
  • Calm bay paddling with dolphin and manatee sightings
  • Launch from Liza Jackson Park or bayside marinas
  • Guided eco-tours available with naturalist commentary
• Sunset & Dolphin Cruises from Okaloosa Island (cruises): Sunset and dolphin cruises departing from the Okaloosa Island boardwalk area take passengers into the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay for 1.5 to 2-hour excursions that combine near-guaranteed dolphin sightings with spectacular Gulf Coast sunsets. Most operators use catamarans or covered pontoon boats with comfortable seating, and many offer complimentary water and soft drinks with BYOB options for adult beverages. The narrated cruises provide educational commentary about local marine life and the coastal ecosystem, making them both entertaining and informative for families.
  • 1.5–2 hour sunset cruises with near-guaranteed dolphin sightings
  • Catamaran and pontoon departures from Okaloosa Island
  • Narrated eco-commentary and BYOB options available
• Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park Family Programs (kids): The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park on Okaloosa Island offers a full suite of interactive programs designed specifically for children, including the popular swim-with-dolphins encounter, sea turtle rehabilitation tours, and behind-the-scenes marine biologist experiences. The park's Junior Marine Biologist program lets kids ages 6–12 work alongside trainers to prepare food, learn about marine animal behavior, and participate in training sessions with dolphins and sea lions. The compact, walkable layout makes it easy for families to see all the shows and exhibits in a half-day visit.
  • Swim-with-dolphins and sea turtle rehabilitation tours
  • Junior Marine Biologist program for ages 6–12
  • Compact walkable layout perfect for half-day family visits
• Wild Willy's Adventure Zone (kids): Wild Willy's Adventure Zone is Fort Walton Beach's premier family entertainment center, packed with activities including a dinosaur-themed mini-golf course with animatronic dinosaurs, bumper boats, go-karts, a rock climbing wall, and an arcade with over 100 games. The outdoor attractions keep kids entertained for hours, and the combination of activities makes it easy to spend an entire afternoon cycling between rides and games. Located on the Miracle Strip Parkway corridor, Wild Willy's is one of the most-visited family attractions in the Fort Walton Beach area.
  • Dinosaur mini-golf with animatronic dinosaurs
  • Go-karts, bumper boats, rock climbing, and 100+ arcade games
  • Full-afternoon entertainment center on Miracle Strip Parkway

Nearby Destinations

• Destin — 8 miles east: The World's Luckiest Fishing Village with HarborWalk Village, Crab Island, and deep-sea charters
• Okaloosa Island — Adjacent south: Fort Walton Beach's Gulf-side beach community with the boardwalk, pier, and Gulfarium
• Miramar Beach — 15 miles east: Upscale beach community with Silver Sands outlets and Sandestin resort
• 30A — 30 miles east: Scenic highway connecting charming beach communities from Dune Allen to Inlet Beach