A Fort Walton Beach-bound getaway is always something for travelers to look forward to. Filled with opportunities for fun and adventure, this vacation destination is one-of-a-kind year-round! If you’re looking to make the most of your time outdoors and experience the beauty of nature at its very best, a trip to Fort Walton Beach puts you well within reach of the Gulf Island National Seashore. As pristine as it is inspiring, the Florida Gulf Islands are filled with options for exploring that you simply won’t want to miss out on while you’re here.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Each year, millions of visitors make their way from near and far to experience the beauty, opportunities, and endless inspiration offered up by the Gulf Island National Seashore. Known and loved for its gorgeous emerald waves, stunning beaches, and lush marshes, the Gulf Island National Seashore is also home to rich historic landmarks that bring meaningful moments from the past into an innovative future.
Those that enjoy lacing up their hiking boots and hitting the trails will find that Gulf Island National Seashore is brimming over with beautiful and winding nature trails to check out. The Gulf Island National Seashore is a destination that’s open to the public year-round and is the largest of its kind in the country. It spans both Florida and Mississippi and is defined by breezes and tides that tend to reshape the landscape with every passing hurricane season.
In total, Gulf Island National Seashore encompasses more than 160 miles of terrain and incredibly, more than 80 percent of the park is submerged landscape offering marine life a haven to thrive. The marshes across the seashore are filled with fresh rainwater, creating ecosystems that are ideal for supporting a diverse array of plant and animal life alike.
Whether visitors come to admire the towering live oak forests, or they can’t wait to grab their binoculars and observe the many species of birds that pass through, a trip to the Gulf Islands National Seashore is always an unforgettable experience.
Stops Near Fort Walton Beach
If you’re looking to enjoy a portion of the Gulf Islands National Seashore while staying close to Fort Walton Beach, you’ll find the Okaloosa Day Use Area to be a great option. Situated just between Fort Walton Beach and Destin, the Okaloosa Day Use Area is relatively uncrowded and offers up prime beach access as well as a boat ramp for those looking forward to time on the water. It’s open to the public daily from 8:00 am until sunset and is found just off Highway 98 when you’re traveling through Destin. There aren’t concessions in this area, providing visitors with a more natural experience to enjoy from the moment they arrive.
What to Enjoy Across the Gulf Islands National Seashore
Those looking to explore more of Gulf Islands National Seashore will find there’s no shortage of options for incredible moments. If you happen to be an avid wildlife watcher, you’ll find this designated and protected shoreline is home to everything from osprey and great blue herons to dolphins, sea turtles, and stingrays too! Gulf Island National Seashore is known to host more than 300 species of birds of the air while below the waves, it’s possible to find everything from starfish and colorful crabs to sand dollars. For visitors who are looking to pair their sightseeing with adventure, Gulf Islands National Seashore is a prime place to enjoy everything from boating and fishing to biking, kayaking, and snorkeling as well. While independent adventures are always exciting, those who are looking to experience this destination alongside experts always have options to book ranger-led guided tours for more insight into the terrain, wildlife, and history of the seashore.
While time on the sand soaking up the sun is always a fan-favorite activity among those heading to the Gulf Island National Seashore, those with a passion for pursuing the past will be thrilled with the historical stops they can experience along the way as well. Military history remains well-intact along the shoreline thanks to the preservation of Fort Barrancas, Fort McRee, and Fort Pickens too. These are meticulously maintained by the National Park Service and open for tours.
Book Your Stay in Fort Walton Beach Today
No matter when you arrive in Fort Walton Beach, how long you plan to stay in the name of fun or how many fellow travelers you arrive alongside, having amazing accommodations to top your getaway off in style can elevate your experience from start to finish. At The Breakers of Fort Walton Beach, we have luxurious and spacious vacation rentals in place to help you make more of every moment. When you book through us, you’ll find yourself close to the places you can’t wait to explore while enjoying the best of comfort, luxury, and style too. Reach out today to learn more about our incredible options and to start planning!
