Fort Walton Beach is a beautiful vacation destination to enjoy year-round and while this locale offers up much in the way of on-site fun, discovery, and adventure, it’s also a prime place for taking off on a scenic road trip or two! When you’re next in town and find yourself craving some great scenery and time on the road, the following scenic places near Fort Walton Beach will provide what you’re looking for.
Visit These Scenic Places Near Fort Walton Beach
When you have a little over an hour to spare and you’re looking for a scenic and inspiring drive, consider heading from Fort Walton out toward Pensacola. In total, this route is just under 40 miles long and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. After departing from Fort Walton Beach, travelers can take time to stop over in Destin if they’re looking to extend their journey and add in some fun stops too. Destin offers up opportunities to stroll through HarborWalk Village, check out a plethora of shopping and dining stops, or even make time to simply settle into the sand before heading out once more.
The stretch between Destin and Pensacola is referred to as the Gulf Scenic Drive. It’s a stretch of road filled with beautiful views of water, sand, and sky that are sure to inspire. There are places to pull over and take in the sights or you can continue onto Pensacola and enjoy what’s waiting there instead. Pensacola is considered one of the oldest cities Florida calls its own and as a result, is rich in history, culture, and opportunities for fun and relaxation alike. Drive through downtown Pensacola and you’ll encounter a Historic District filled with homes and businesses that speak to architectural bygone eras. There are options to include time at The Naval Aviation Museum on your scenic drive itinerary as well as plenty of restaurants and shops to check out too. Drive to Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island by traveling across the Pensacola Bay Bridge and you’ll find yourself surrounded by white sand beaches and blue waves alike. A drive this way also puts travelers well within reach of destinations like Fort Pickens National Park where you can continue to drive through, or head out on some of the top-notch hiking and biking trails for a while too.
Redirect yourself to Highway 399 which ends at scenic Navarre Beach when you’re looking to make even more of beach views or time on the sand. This is the perfect place to stop, enjoy a picnic or go bird watching before retracing your route and heading back to Fort Walton Beach.
Explore Scenic Highway 30A
Another scenic and iconic route to add to your driving adventures during your Fort Walton Beach stay is Highway 30A. This 24-mile corridor follows the Gulf of Mexico and uses the coastline as a guide through Walton County. The highlights of a drive along Highway 30A include stunning beaches and emerald waves as well as opportunities to stop at rare coastal dune lakes and either enjoy the sights or get out on a paddleboard and experience the fun for yourself!
Highway 30A runs through a collection of charming coastal communities where everything from incredible architecture to sensational seafood stops and historical landmarks are waiting to be seen and explored. In places like Seaside, you can hop out of the car for a while and stroll through town enjoying the New Urbanism appeal that comes with pastel building facades, cobblestone streets, and ornate beachside pavilions just to name a few. Grayton Beach is loved for its rich art scene while time on the 30A bike trail is a breeze thanks to its many connection points along Highway 30A.
Book Your Stay in Fort Walton Beach Today
Now is a great time to swap out daily routines for a well-deserved vacation to scenic Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Whether you head here to enjoy the sights or you can’t wait to make the most of scenic drives along the way, having incredible accommodations in place can elevate your stay even further. That’s where the team at The Breakers of Fort Walton Beach comes in! Our property options are designed to inspire and offer up the amenities and views that travelers crave.
From 1-bedroom condos to 3-bedroom retreats perfect for getaways with family and friends included, we have what travelers are looking for and more. On top of that, we offer amenities that further enhance the journey from start to finish. When you book with us, you can enjoy access to pools and hot tubs as well as a fitness center, community grills, tennis courts, easy beach access and beyond. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting property options and how we can help you get settled into the ideal home away from home the next time travel plans bring you to Fort Walton Beach.