Fort Walton Beach, Florida, is a summer vacation destination where waves, sun, and sand are always in easy reach. Whether you love spending time on the water, dining and shopping, or exploring historical sites, there’s something for everyone. This guide highlights the best things to do in Fort Walton Beach when you’re ready to make your next summer getaway unforgettable.
Get Out on the Water
When seasonal temperatures rise, getting out on the water is a great way to cool off. It’s an activity that can easily be built into any journey to Fort Walton Beach.
Kayak Through Garnier Bayou
Garnier Bayou is a popular area with several convenient public access points for kayaking on a warm summer afternoon in Fort Walton Beach. Visitors will find:
- Scenic picnic spots and walking paths
- Calm waters that are great for beginner, intermediate, and advanced paddlers
- Wildlife watching opportunities
Garnier Bayou is accessible from Eldrege Park.
- Address: 331 Eldredge Road, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 32547
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily
Spend the Day at Crab Island
Summer in Fort Walton Beach isn’t complete until you’ve taken time to explore Crab Island. This underwater sandbar is a vibrant place for boaters to gather, soak up the sun, swim, and enjoy the Gulf waters. Renting a pontoon boat or using a water shuttle service is the best way to reach your destination. Once you arrive, you can relax onboard or enjoy time in the waist-deep water. There are also floating platforms to check out.
- Location: N 30°23.918, W 86°31.236
- Length of Visit: 2.5- to 3-hour excursions
- Shuttle Service: Crab Island Company
Enjoy a Sunset Cruise
End your peaceful day on the water by booking a spot on a scenic sunset cruise. Companies like Sail Away offer customized experiences for all ages, including dolphin spotting. Vessels typically have onboard restrooms and shaded seating for a comfortable excursion.
- Address: 404 Harbor Boulevard, Destin, Florida, 32541
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
- Phone: 850-376-4757
Uncover the Hidden Gems of Fort Walton Beach
When you’re looking for some off-the-beaten-path adventures to add to your summer itinerary, Fort Walton Beach has plenty to offer.
Paddle Out Behind Lulu’s in Destin
Just behind Lulu’s Restaurant, there’s a quiet and scenic stretch of water that’s ideal for an afternoon of paddleboarding. Expect far fewer crowds, gorgeous views, and a hearty meal afterward! Whether you go for the fried oysters or the jumbo Gulf shrimp, you’ll leave feeling refueled. Depending on which day you drop by, you might find live music as well.
- Address: 4607 Legendary Marina Drive, Destin, Florida, 32541
- Hours: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily
- Phone: 850-710-5858
- Menu
The Peaceful Beaches of Wayside Park
For a quiet day without distractions, consider heading to Wayside Park. This Okaloosa Island destination features tranquil shorelines, gentle waves, and space to spread out and relax at your own pace. It’s a great place for solo travelers and families looking to avoid the crowds.
- Address: 1300 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 32548
- Hours: Open daily sunrise to sunset
- Amenities: Picnic tables, spacious beaches, on-site parking, restrooms
Look for Dolphins and Shorebirds at Liza Jackson Park
When wildlife watching is your passion, spending time at Liza Jackson Park is inspiring. This waterfront park in Fort Walton Beach is a great place to spot dolphins in the surrounding waters and watch for pelicans and herons overhead. Guests can also:
- Stroll the shoreline looking for shells
- Cast a line from the pier
- Wander the many walking paths
- Utilize the convenient boat launch
- Enjoy a waterfront picnic lunch
- Have the little ones run around on the playgrounds
No matter how you spend your time here, this is a park that’s perfect for a fun and relaxing afternoon.
- Address: 338 Miracle Strip Parkway SW, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 32548
- Hours: Sunrise to 9:00 PM daily
- Phone: 850-833-9576
Sand Sculpting Lessons
A unique summer activity to add to your lineup is a sand sculpting lesson. Alongside a professional, you’ll learn how to create world-class sandcastles. It’s a fun activity for all ages and a creative way to spend a day under the sun. The team at Beach Sand Sculptures offers private and group lessons in Destin and directly in Fort Walton Beach. All the tools you’ll need to create a fantastic final product are included in the cost of the lesson.
- Phone: 850-739-0550
- Length of lesson: 2 hours
- Cost: $419 for 1-5 participants, $469 for 6-10
- Book a Lesson Online
Family-Friendly Activities Beyond the Beach
Soaking up the sun in Fort Walton Beach is a treat, but there’s so much more to enjoy. Get creative, learn more about wildlife, or add a high-energy day of fun to your stay.
Marine Life at the Gulfarium
Getting up close to incredible marine life is a breeze at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Explore the park’s:
- Behind-the-scenes tours
- Animal encounters
- Indoor and outdoor exhibits to explore
- Touch tanks
- Dolphin shows
- Sea turtle meet and greets
When you want to experience marine life in a new way and learn about local conservation efforts, this is where you can find it all.
- Address: 1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 32548
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily
- Phone: 850-243-9046
Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone
Take your family fun to a new level of excitement when you spend a day at Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone. Here, guests can enjoy:
- Arcade games
- Rope course challenges
- Mini golf
- Go-karts
- 4D theater
- Laser tag
- Address: 1306 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 32548
- Hours: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Thursday
- 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Fridays
- 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Saturdays
- 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Sundays
- Phone: 850-400-3300
History and Culture
Fort Walton Beach is a beautiful vacation destination, and it’s also rich in history. There are many places here where visitors can step back in time and learn more about the region’s past.
Visit the Air Force Armament Museum
Just outside Eglin Air Force Base, the Air Force Armament Museum is a must-visit for military history enthusiasts. On-site, guests can browse indoor exhibits covering aviation history and get up close to historic aircraft.
- Address: 100 Museum Drive, Eglin AFB, Florida, 32542
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
- Amenities: Indoor exhibits, outdoor aircraft displays, gift shop
- Admission: Free
The Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum
Take the kids back in time with a stop at the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum. It’s a two-room schoolhouse that’s been meticulously preserved to showcase what education would have looked like here in the 1900s. This fascinating museum offers an authentic look at pioneer life through historical exhibits.
- Address: 127 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 32548
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday
- Phone: 850-833-9595
The Indian Temple Mound
Before Fort Walton Beach became the modern travel landmark it is today, it was home to indigenous peoples who inhabited the region for thousands of years. You can learn more about these tribes at the Indian Temple Mound Museum. This National Historic Landmark showcases a prehistoric mound built by indigenous inhabitants that dates back over 1,000 years. The museum also has indigenous pottery, cultural displays, and other artifacts.
- Location: Heritage Park and Culture Center
- Address: 139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 32548
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday
Savor Good Food and Relax
After a busy day of summer activities in Fort Walton Beach, you’re sure to be hungry! No matter your dietary preferences, there are plenty of local restaurants where you can relax and enjoy a meal.
Fresh Seafood at Stewby’s Seafood Shanty
Stewby’s Seafood Shanty is a beloved eatery in Fort Walton Beach. It’s a central hub for fresh Gulf seafood with great prices to match. The outdoor seating and casual vibes are inviting, while the family-friendly menu features everything from popcorn shrimp and catch of the day to oysters and calamari.
- Address: 427 Racetrack Road NW, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 32547
- Hours: 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM Monday through Thursday
- 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM on Fridays
- 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM on Saturdays
- Phone: 850-586-7001
- Menu
Sweet Treats at Parlor Doughnuts
This sweet local stop is a great place to pick up coffee and small-batch handmade doughnuts. Whether you’re looking for mini doughnuts, sweet, savory, vegan options, or layered varieties, you’ll find it all right here.
- Address: 191 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 32548
- Hours: 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM Monday through Saturday
- 6:30 AM to 3:30 PM on Sundays
- Menu
Live Music and Oysters at the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk
Pair waterfront views, live entertainment, and delicious oysters with a view at the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk. There’s a long lineup of delicious eateries to explore, bars to check out, events to discover, and seamless beach access that make your visit flavorful and fun.
Return to The Breakers of Fort Walton Beach After a Day of Fun
Travelers who book their summer stay at The Breakers of Fort Walton Beach will always have a comfortable, convenient, and stylish property to return to after exploring the area.
Cool Off in the Pool
We invite our guests to take a refreshing dip in our Gulf-front pool surrounded by lounge chairs when it’s time to cool off and kick back.
Fire Up the Community Grill
If you’re in the mood for an al fresco meal, our community grilling area is great for fresh-air fun with the entire family.
Spacious Rentals in Every Size
We’re proud to offer our guests access to 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom summer rentals in Fort Walton Beach. These properties have:
- Spacious open floor plans
- Separate bedrooms
- Full kitchens
- Private balconies
- Plush furnishings
- Beach views
Book Your Summer Rental in Fort Walton Beach Today
Making the most of your summer in Fort Walton Beach begins with having the right accommodations when you arrive. Turn your travel plans into reality by booking your stay through The Breakers of Fort Walton Beach. Reach out today to learn more and to get started!