Ask anyone in Fort Walton Beach what their favorite season of the year is and they are sure to say summer. Even with the large summer crowds visiting the area the Fort Walton Beach locals love the summer so they can enjoy the beach and local activities. A Florida August is a bit slower than other summer months making it a great time to visit. Take a look at what activities will help you feel like a local here in Fort Walton Beach:
Enjoy Henderson Beach
With the summer comes with all kinds of opportunities to hit the beach. The locals sure do love the summer weather where they can enjoy hours at the beach soaking up the sunshine and hitting the waves. One of the most popular beaches in the area is Henderson Beach State Park, which offers all the fun you could need for a summer day. Henderson Beach offers over a mile of sandy beach area that you can spend time on during your summer visit. The beach tends to be less crowded than public beaches, as it requires a park fee to visit each day. However, this small fee will be a benefit so you can enjoy more privacy on the beach with your family. The beach itself is complete with beautiful sandy shoreline and gorgeous blue water. The clean beaches are typically devoid of debris, making it a great spot for your kids to enjoy building sandcastles. You will find it easy to stay for hours at the beach with their onsite facilities that include BBQ grills, over 300 parking spaces, wheelchair access, and restrooms. The locals know how to avoid the summer crowds so join them over at Henderson Beach. Keep an eye out on the ocean to see if you can catch any dolphins splashing around the water.
Enjoy Water Sports
Fort Walton Beach is a great place to hit the water and enjoy some water sports. Public beaches are a great spot to grab a watercraft rental and enjoy some time on the water. You will find that local rental shops are a great way for locals who do not own their own gear to still have fun. Everyone is able to rent out equipment such as pontoon boats, jet skis, and even a parasail to take with you. Simply look out on the water and you will find countless people enjoying these kinds of activities. Both locals and visitors alike can enjoy their time out on the water.
Hit Up the Downtown Fort Walton Beach Farmers Market
Part of the experience of being a local here in Fort Walton Beach is visiting the activities that only the locals know about. This includes the many farmers markets in the area, including the popular Downtown Fort Walton Beach Farmers Market. This is our very own farmers market that remains open year round so you know when it is always taking place. The Fort Walton Beach Landing is where you can find this bimonthly market where local farmers and vendors will be on hand. You can shop for the freshest produce on the market that is grown by our very own farmers. This a great way to prepare a meal back at your vacation rental to save on your overall cost. The market is popular for specific finds such as local honey and organic eggs. The market is also home to various artisans who are selling their unique works of art. You can find homemade scented candles, jewelry, artwork including paintings, and artisanal baked goods. Locals report that it is best to get to the market early before the farmers sell out of their produce for the day. The Downtown Fort Walton Beach Farmers Market is open every 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. It is located at Fort Walton Beach Landing and is open 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Additional markets to hit up also include the Okaloosa Farmers Market that is seasonal.
Go Stargazing
One activity that is often overlooked by visitors is stargazing. Fort Walton Beach is probably not the type of destination you think of when you want to stargaze. However, taking a walk on the beaches at night will provide you with an excellent opportunity to see the starry night sky. You will find less light pollution than you may expect from a tourist city such as ours.
More Fun in Fort Walton Beach
There is no shortage of fun to be had here in Fort Walton Beach, especially if you follow what the locals like to do. The Florida August season is still prime summertime, so expect sunny skies and humid weather when packing for your stay. Our vacation rentals will keep the whole family comfortable from the moment you arrive.