Fort Walton Beach, Florida is always a refreshing vacation destination for travelers who find their vacation state of mind with ease when they have access to waves, sand, and plenty of sun. It’s also a place that never fails to impress its guests with its long lineup of fantastic eateries to enjoy. When cravings come calling the next time you’re here, and you’re looking to match flavor with great views, the following are the top 5 waterfront restaurants in Fort Walton Beach you simply won’t want to miss!
1. Bay Café
Sitting along the Santa Rosa Sound at 233 Alconese Avenue SE in Fort Walton Beach, the Bay Café is an amazing place to find yourself when you’re in the mood for French-inspired fare and world-class waterfront views, too. This delicious restaurant has been a staple eatery in the area for decades and remains a fan-favorite place to enjoy among locals and visitors alike. The atmosphere here is charming and intimate, making it a great option for a date night out or a sunset dinner enjoyed with friends.
Here, the menu is as impressive as the surrounding vistas no matter when you drop by. Guests are invited to pick and choose from everything from French baked onion soup and duck pâté to grouper Wellington, sauteed scallops, and scampi marinara, to name a few of many options. You’ll also want to take time to browse their impressive wine listings that hail from across the globe as you settle in on the patio and listen to the sound of the water at your fingertips.
2. The Gulf
When nothing sounds better than a meal enjoyed in a stylish, bayside hangout, The Gulf is where you’re going to want to be. Located at 1284 Marler Avenue in Fort Walton Beach, The Gulf is just as known and loved for its many indoor and outdoor seating options overlooking the water as it is for its inviting seafood menu. The open-air patio here overlooks the sparkling Choctawhatchee Bay, giving guests reasons to linger with their meal and view for perhaps longer than they might have originally planned.
While this eatery has plenty of coastal charm to its name, many visitors are impressed by the fact that this waterfront dining spot was built from repurposed shipping containers! Whether you go exclusively for a creative cocktail, or you lean into the lobster rolls and fresh seafood dishes, The Gulf is a place you’ll likely be inspired to return to a time or two during your visit.
3. The Crab Trap
Terrific Gulf views are yours to savor in tandem with top-rated seafood when you make plans to enjoy a meal at The Crab Trap. Located at 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, right near the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk, The Crab Trap is a family-friendly and vibrant Gulf-side eatery you’re going to want to enjoy for yourself at least once while you’re here. This restaurant sits directly on the sand and embodies the quintessential Gulf-side vibes that so many patrons are looking for!
When you drop by, you can watch waves crash just steps from the patios and decks where you’re enjoying your fresh-caught fare. Some of the dishes guests rave about here include the fried seafood platters, crab legs, shrimp, and grouper, too. From the live music in the evenings to the friendly service at all times, you’ll find yourself feeling right at home with the views and flavors available at The Crab Trap.
4. AJ’s on the Bayou
Known as a hot spot on the Destin Harbor, AJ’s on the Bayou is a wonderful place to enjoy waterfront dining in Fort Walton Beach. Sitting at 200 Eglin Parkway NE, this restaurant provides patrons with a laid-back waterfront setting to enjoy, as well as hearty meals and live music to match. They’re open from 11:00 am until 9:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday and from 10:0 am until 7:00 pm on Sundays. Whether you head this way with a craving for oysters, cocktails, or seafood, you’re sure to be inspired!
The Southern-inspired seafood dishes on the menu never fail to impress, while the steak and burgers are equally appealing. In addition to the sprawling outdoor deck here overlooking the water, AJ’s on the Bayou offers guests boat-friendly access when you’ve been out on the waves all day and need a convenient place to pull up and enjoy a waterfront meal.
5. Rockin’ Tacos
When it’s Mexican-inspired fare you’re longing for, and you can’t wait to pair it with a pristine waterfront view, Rockin’ Tacos is a must on your itinerary. Located at 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, this colorful and welcoming eatery matches a menu of bold flavors with gorgeous Gulf-front vistas. Rockin’ Tacos is located on the boardwalk and offers patrons rooftop seating options for enhanced panoramic views out and over the water.
The atmosphere is family-friendly and energetic, whether you drop by at Happy Hour or linger into the evening hours, savoring the experience to the fullest. Some of the options on the menu you’ll want to consider when you drop by include the fajitas, fish tacos, and the house margaritas that are always a hit!
Book Your Getaway to Fort Walton Beach Today
Make more of your Fort Walton Beach adventure by booking your accommodations through The Breakers of Fort Walton Beach the next time you’re in town. Our 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom condos sit waterside, and keep you close to the flavorful fun you can’t wait to enjoy. Reach out today to learn more and to begin turning those travel plans into reality soon.
