Fort Walton Beach is one of the top tourist destinations in the entire state of Florida. From the exciting local attractions to the thrilling nightlife found in the neighborhood, you will not find any of your time being spent bored. Fort Walton Beach also hosts a thriving art and culture renaissance with more businesses everyday joining in. Here are things to do in Ft. Walton to experience the art and culture of the area:
Heritage Park & Cultural Center
You can find the educational Heritage Park & Cultural Center in the heart of Fort Walton Beach. This cultural institution has a mission to preserve, interpret, and present the history of the Fort Walton Beach community. You can find information from as far back as 14,000 B.C. through the present age. The Heritage Park & Cultural Center hosts a variety of exhibits, educational programs, special events, and publications that are perfect for families of all ages. Specific museums that can be toured at Heritage Park includes the Indian Temple Mound Museum, Fort Walton Temple Mound, Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum, and a variety of Civil War exhibits. Special exhibits will rotate throughout the seasons with the Pirates! Summer Exhibit just recently closing its doors.
Okaloosa Arts Alliance
Fort Walton Beach is located in Okaloosa County in Florida. Here in the county you can find information on things to do in Ft. Walton through the Okaloosa Arts Alliance, also known as the OAA. This local arts agency has been helping to promote the art and culture of Okaloosa County through a variety of events held throughout the year. Such events include local art programs, theatre performances, art classes, and so much more. Check out what is coming up in the art and culture community of Fort Walton Beach by checking out the Okaloosa Arts Alliance website found at www.okaloosaarts.org.
Check Out the Destin History & Fishing Museum
A trip to Fort Walton Beach puts you within reach of Destin’s amazing arts and culture scene as well. When you’re looking to take a deep dive into the cultural backbone of this area of Florida, time at The Destin History & Fishing Museum is a must. This museum is found at 108 Stahlman Avenue and is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Stepping inside the museum, visitors will be privy to a collection of over 75 species of fish displayed on the walls that’s continually growing over time. Visitors can also find a display dedicated to Ernest Hemingway which includes a reed and rod he used too! The museum hosts a plethora of old photographs that provide a glimpse into the area’s fishing past that boosted the economy and help create a Destin/Fort Walton Beach area that guests know and love today. Exhibits across the museum examine the transformation of this part of Florida from small fishing village to robust tourist draw over time. Make sure to make time during your visit for a look at the historic seine boat and even a trip to the original old post office nearby!
Explore the Air Force Armament Museum
From land to sky, culture abounds within the greater Fort Walton Beach area and one great place to take it in while you’re in town is the Air Force Armament Museum. This museum features a collection that’s not only designed to impress and inspire but provide an overview of how military life has shaped the culture in both Fort Walton beach and nearby Destin over time. This museum takes visitors through time to showcase the evolution of Air Force weaponry and the impact those changes have had on military strategy. During a visit, guests can get up close to the world’s biggest bomb and fastest plane! You’ll also have the chance to browse a collection of World War II artifacts on-site as well as weapons developed at nearby Eglin Air Force Base. If you’re dropping by with kids, they’ll have the chance to step into the fighter pilot flight simulator and see what’s it’s like to soar overhead at breathtaking speeds. This museum also features a full gun vault to explore. When you’ve taken time to check out all of the displays, exhibits and 25 aircraft on-site, feel free to end your day at the museum with a picnic under the surrounding towering pines. The Air Force Armament Museum is located at 100 Museum Drive and is open year-round with no charge to enter and enjoy everything on display.
Find Out Things to Do In Ft Walton from Breakers of Fort Walton Beach
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