Finding a place on the map to enjoy an amazing vacation is important when you’re ready to focus on the fun for a while. In Fort Walton Beach, Florida, visitors from near and far will find reasons to fall in love with their surroundings. All year long, Fort Walton Beach provides a scenic, exciting, and refreshing place to relax, unwind, and truly embrace the best of vacation life at every turn. While those who are looking to slow down and relish the experience and views are free to do so in Fort Walton Beach, it’s an equally appealing place to travelers who are excited to get out and explore.
If outdoor adventure is what you’re after, you’ll find no shortage of options in our Fort Walton Beach outdoor activities guide. From on-the-water fun to time well spent on the greens, Fort Walton Beach is a vacation destination where tailoring your stay to meet your particular outdoor adventure style is a breeze. Consider the following your ultimate guide to outdoor activities in Fort Walton Beach, FL.
Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Activities in Fort Walton Beach, FL
Situated in Northwest Florida, Fort Walton Beach is already set up as an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true just on location alone. This inviting locale enjoys a place on the Western end of the Choctawhatchee Bay along the arm of the Gulf of Mexico. It’s also nestled into the Santa Rosa Sound and separated from the Gulf of Santa Rosa Island but only 40 miles. This pairing of inner bays and the Gulf Coast shoreline is an idyllic setup for anyone who is looking forward to time outdoors. Adventures of all kinds are right at your fingertips when you have miles of beaches to enjoy, tranquil waves to savor, and easy access to year-round sunshine too.
In addition to a picture-perfect landscape, Fort Walton Beach is a place where outdoor adventures can easily be matched up with historical stops. The fort for which the area is named dates all the way back to the Seminole Wars and was known as Camp Walton during the Civil War. Eglin Air Force Base was established in the area in 1935 and by 1941, the town was incorporated. As military conflicts subsided after World War II, the area’s population grew substantially, and it earned its reputation as a true tourism hub.
The town was rechartered in 1947 and officially renamed the City of Fort Walton Beach in 1953. Today, outdoor adventurers will find that just about everywhere they roam, they’ll discover places where the area’s past and present go hand-in-hand. This makes excursions and outings that much more exciting when the thrill of new discoveries enhances the fun of adrenaline-pumping activities! You really couldn’t ask for anything more from a vacation destination.
Seasonal Expectations for Outdoor Fun
Enjoying a place along Florida’s Panhandle on the Emerald Coast means that travelers heading this way in the name of outdoor adventures of all kinds can count on mild temperatures year-round. While summer is a particularly vibrant time of year despite any humidity, there isn’t a season that you can’t find reasons to be outdoors. The average annual high in Fort Walton Beach is around 78 degrees Fahrenheit while the average annual low lingers around 54 degrees Fahrenheit. By far, the hottest months of the year here are July and August when midday temperatures reach the 90s. The coldest month of the year is typically considered January but even then, outdoor adventurers can bank on temperatures in the low 60s.
July is typically a rainy time in Fort Walton Beach averaging about 9.4 inches of precipitation. For those who are looking to get out in the water, August is ideal as the Gulf of Mexico temperatures stay around a comfortable 86 degrees. It’s also good to remember when you’re planning a trip that Florida’s panhandle does sit within the hurricane belt. The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year and it’s important to understand fluctuating weather patterns when you’re heading this way with a focus on outdoor adventure.
If you’re planning your outdoor adventure journey to Fort Walton Beach in the springtime, you’ll be in for a treat as it’s typically the driest season of the entire year. By late May, air and water temperatures are comfortable and continue to rise steadily through mid-June. It’s a great time of year for fun on the sand and waves with average temperatures lingering in the 80s. Fall is another dry season in the Fort Walton Beach area with an average of eight days a month of precipitation. If you’re one for wakeboarding, jet skiing, or fishing, you’ll find every reason to get out and enjoy it all.
What to Pack for Your Adventure-Focused Journey
When your plans have you spending the majority of your time outside in Fort Walton Beach, knowing what to pack in each season can make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable. Winter travelers heading here to elevate the outdoor adventure and fun will want to be sure to have a wetsuit if your plans have you in the water. If you’re staying on land, layering is recommended with a light to medium coat for cooler evenings. Spring travelers will also want to layer, but can count on warmer temperatures in the daytime. Sunscreen always comes highly recommended this time of the year whether you’re biking, beach hopping, or out on the golf course. In the summertime, swimwear is a must as well as hats, sunglasses, sandals, and beach gear. For a fall getaway, you’ll be layering up once again but can ditch the light jacket during the daytime hours.
Fort Walton Beach Biking Adventures
If you’re an outdoor adventurer who loves to explore new places on two wheels, you’ll find Fort Walton Beach is a beautiful place to bike your way through a stay. The beach and nature trails here are idyllic and offer up routes to explore and enjoy at your own preferred pace every day of your stay. There are in-town routes that are great for families and more off-the-beaten-path trails to follow when you’re up for a challenge. Over at Fort Walton Beach Landing Park, you’re more than welcome to bike your way along beach trails that are within easy reach of picnic areas, a rock-climbing wall, and even a performance venue where live music is often hosted. If you didn’t bring your own gear, there’s no need to stress. Fort Walton Beach and the surrounding communities are packed with bike rental options including places like Good Pedals, 850 Rentals LLC, Coastal Wheels Bike Rentals, and Fun Pug Bike Rentals too.
Enjoy Fishing the Gulf of Mexico
Anglers who can’t wait to get out on the water and cast a line will love every minute of their stay in Fort Walton Beach. Here, you’re always within easy reach of fun out on the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Whether you head out solo or book a fishing charter, you’ll find opportunities to reel in exciting catches abound. In addition to open water excursions of this type, destinations like the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier and surf fishing from the sand are always just as enjoyable.
Try Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Getting out on the water in the Fort Walton Beach area is always a thrill and if you’re up for some kayaking and paddleboarding, it’s the best place to be. The gentle surf makes the waters in this area ideal for paddling and balancing your way through a sunny afternoon and when you do, there’s a good chance you’ll spot some incredible marine life like sea turtles along the way. When you’re looking to rent a kayak or paddleboard in the area, consider checking out stops like Fort Walton Beach Watersports, SUP Express Paddle Board Rentals and Tours, or Island Watersports Company.
Partner Up with Cattywampus Aquatic Adventures for Snorkeling
Fort Walton Beach is blessed with beautiful clear waters that are idyllic for a day of snorkeling. While grabbing your gear and scouring the shorelines on your own can be a delight, if you partner up with the professionals over at Cattywampus Aquatic Adventures, you can take the fun further. Here, you can reserve your place on a snorkeling tour that puts you in the perfect place to spot marine life and explore areas you might otherwise overlook. There are options to pair up the snorkeling with an evening fireworks cruise too.
Give Parasailing a Try
If it’s a new view you’re after and you have no fear of heights, parasailing in Fort Walton Beach could be the highlight of your stay. Team up with Destin Parasailing while you’re in town to enjoy a bird’s eye view over the shoreline and waves. Many boats booked through this company can accommodate anywhere from 12 to 15 passengers and there are typically options to pick and choose between solo flights or dual and even triple-person harnesses.
Get Your Jet Ski Rental at Crab Island Watersports
When you’re back down to earth and looking to pick up the pace on the waves, heading over to Crab Island Watersports and renting a jet ski is the way to go. This company happily offers guests access to hourly rentals as well as half-day and full-day options. Rentals start at $95 for early birds who check in before 9:00 am but jet skis can be rented up to 6:00 pm daily February through October. Crab Island Watersports is headquartered at 1198 Miracle Strip Parkway at Brooks Bridge Marina and in addition to individual rentals, they also offer sightseeing guided outings with a focus on thrilling adventures or wildlife spotting alike.
Hit the Hiking Trails
Travelers with a heart for outdoor adventure who can’t wait to lace up their boots and hit the hiking trails will find plenty within easy reach of Fort Walton Beach. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is a prime place to start when you’re up for a trail that takes you through lush terrain dotted with dunes, a freshwater lake, and wildlife to observe. If you’re a birding enthusiast, you won’t want to miss out on the Florida Scenic Trail and more specifically, the Burnt Grocery Creek area. Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park is a pristine hiking destination just northeast of Destin that’s invitingly tranquil and mazed with loops that run alongside streams and bayou shorelines lined with waterfowl. Over at Blackwater River State Park, hikers can enjoy access to three scenic hiking trails that are picturesque, and showcase swampland, forests, and Florida lakes at their very best.
Spend Quality Time on the Greens
Fort Walton Beach visitors looking for outdoor adventure on the greens will love the many golf courses to enjoy during a stay. Begin at the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club at 1955 Lewis Turner Boulevard where you’ll enjoy time on one, two, or both of the public golf courses. Known respectively as The Pines and The Oaks, these courses are championship-level and named for their surrounding natural features. If you tee off at The Pines, you’ll enjoy the challenge of upland pine forest-adorned terrain. At The Oaks, golfers get to face narrow fairways and water hazards that are sure to thrill. Afterward, stop by the on-site restaurant and curb a craving in good company. If you’re willing to travel a bit further out to play a round or two, consider adding the Seascape Golf Resort in Destin to your list. Located at 556 Seascape Drive, this golf course features tall pines, rolling hills, coastal dune lakes, and beautiful views out over the Gulf of Mexico. This 18-hole course is packed with challenging water features that are fun for newcomers and an inviting challenge for those looking to hone their skills.
Book Your Stay in Fort Walton Beach Today
No matter when travel plans happen to bring you to sunny Fort Walton Beach, booking your stay at The Breakers of Fort Walton Beach is a sure way to infuse luxury, style, and comfort into your experience. Reach out today to learn more about our rental options available and to get started planning your next adventure to Florida. See our rentals by bedroom here.