Are you looking forward to the sandy beaches and beautiful waters of Fort Walton Beach? You can never start planning ahead too early for a trip to the area. During your stay, you will find tons of activities right here in the area that will keep you busy all trip long. However, you may feel like a local if you have visited several times and want to see something new. Luckily, Fort Walton Beach is just a short drive away from many day trip locations. Here are the top destinations for a day trip from Fort Walton Beach, according to locals:
Destin
Let us start with the easy one, because it is right here down the shore. Fort Walton Beach is part of the Emerald Coast, which offers miles of sandy beach shoreline. Further down the coast you will find our neighbors in Destin. Destin is just a half an hour drive away, making it the easiest day trip destination to reach. Destin is another popular Florida destination that is known for its beautiful beaches and gorgeous emerald waters. You will find that Destin is home to their HarborWalk Village, where you can find all the events taking place at. HarborWalk Village features all kind of live entertainment including live music. Additional activities at the village include shopping and dining too. The water features plenty to do too such as snorkeling, fishing and boating. Many of the dolphin watching tours along the coast can be found here in Destin. These tours have you seeing these loveable creatures out in the water. You can also book a deep sea fishing cruise that will have you out on the open water trying to reel in a trophy size catch. If the family is looking for a day full of fun take them over to Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park. This outdoor park features mini golf and water slides that will have everyone running around having a blast. As you can see, Destin is a destination full of life and excitement!
Santa Rosa Beach
When you come visit Fort Walton Beach you are probably looking forward to as much beach time as possible. Our travel home is popular for tourists so our beaches can get busy quickly. During the summer season you will want to hit up the beach early to secure a spot for the day. For those preferring a quieter locale, simply head on down Scenic Highway 30A to Santa Rosa Beach. The locals know that Santa Rosa Beach is where you will find a more laid back experience and is just 40 minutes away. Beautiful and clean beaches can be found here so the whole family has a bit of fun. There are some other activities to enjoy in the area as well. Point Washington State Forest is where you can find all kinds of hiking trails waiting for you. Plenty of wildlife can be seen in the area too. Grayton Beach State Park is just up the road where you can find more gorgeous beaches. This area is especially known as a great spot to kayak, paddleboard, or just hang out at the beach. This is the perfect way to see a less commercialized side of Florida.
Pensacola
For those looking for a trip that is a bit further down the coast, you can always head to Pensacola. Located approximately an hour and 15 minutes away from Fort Walton Beach, this area has a big history with the military. Locals will come to Pensacola to visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, one of the largest aviation museums in the world. You will be able to check out some impressive exhibits that feature naval aviation, historic aircrafts, and flight simulators. Another great attraction to check out is the TT Wentworth JR Florida State Museum that also features exhibits about the culture history of the area. Similar to the other destinations that are a day trip from Fort Walton Beach you will find beautiful beaches around Pensacola. The beaches are plentiful so you can find space for the family as you unwind under the sunshine. The Pensacola Lighthouse was once used for navigation for naval ships. Don’t forget about the lively boardwalk that is always hosting special activities throughout the year too!
Get Ready for Fort Walton Beach
There is nothing quite like time spent here in Fort Walton Beach. Our vacation destination is the perfect spot to reserve one of our vacation rentals that will keep you close by these local day trips. Find your favorite property among our rentals that feature luxury amenities and more. All you have to do is hit that reserve button and be ready for the beach!