Fort Walton Beach, FL

Travel Guide
Henderson Beach State Park showing a beach
North Florida's Gulf Coast is a region of outstanding natural beauty, with idyllic beaches and nature walks where you can explore the state’s indigenous past.

With palm trees, white sands, country parks and wildlife trails, Fort Walton Beach is an ideal location for those who love the outdoors. Watch for dolphins, snorkel, take a hike through woods and investigate thousands of years of Native American history.

Visit the biggest draw for Fort Walton Beach: its miles of sea shore. Go to Henderson Beach State Park to swim, sunbathe and observe wildlife. Follow the nature trail through a coastal dune ecosystem and look for migratory birds, reptiles and other animals. During the summer, dolphins and sea turtles can occasionally be seen from the shore. Ride a bike through acres of pine flatwoods at Grayton Beach.

Drive across the Brooks Bridge to lie on the white sands of Okaloosa Island. This stretch of coast is part of Santa Rosa Island. Visit Okaloosa Island Boardwalk to shop, dine or picnic under one of the covered areas.

Away from the sand and sea, Fort Walton Beach has much more to offer. Go to the Indian Temple Mound Museum to see artifacts from 12,000 years of Native American history. Other relics on display are from European explorers, early settlers and local pirates. Gaze in awe at one of the fastest planes ever built, the SR-71 Blackbird. It's viewable at the Air Force Armament Museum along with other aircraft from World War II to the present day. Look at bombs and missiles and play with interactive displays.

Enjoy southern hospitality in the restaurants, bars and cafés of the downtown area. While you are there, browse the shops and flea markets of the Antique District.

Fort Walton Beach is located between Pensacola and Panama City along northern Florida’s Gulf Coast. Reach it by flying into Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. Getting around the city is easy by public transportation, rental car and taxi. For beaches, wildlife and almost year-round sunshine, Fort Walton Beach is a great vacation spot for the whole family.

Four Points by Sheraton Destin-Fort Walton Beach
Four Points by Sheraton Destin-Fort Walton Beach
3 out of 5
1325 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32548
The price is $275 per night from Jun 18 to Jun 19
$275
per night
Jun 18 - Jun 19
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on May 30, 2023

Four Points by Sheraton Destin-Fort Walton Beach
The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach
The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach
4 out of 5
Miracle Strip Parkway Southeast, 1500, Fort Walton Beach, FL
The price is $303 per night from Jun 12 to Jun 13
$303
per night
Jun 12 - Jun 13
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,979 reviews)
"It is an older property but maintained. The beach is beautiful and clean. We’ll definitely recommend to friends and family."

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2023

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach
Wyndham Garden Fort Walton Beach Destin
Wyndham Garden Fort Walton Beach Destin
3 out of 5
573 Santa Rosa Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL
The price is $280 per night from Jul 5 to Jul 6
$280
per night
Jul 5 - Jul 6
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,843 reviews)
"Loved that our room faced the Gulf. We loved that it was a short walk to beach and to the pool. We will be sure to return."

Reviewed on May 28, 2023

Wyndham Garden Fort Walton Beach Destin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Condo Near Lake Carillon, Paved Paths, Private Beach Access
Condo Near Lake Carillon, Paved Paths, Private Beach Access
Fort Walton Beach
Stay at this condo in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy a beach locale, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Popular attractions HarborWalk Village and Destin Harbor ...
9/10 Wonderful! (24 reviews)
Relaxing Trip
"My friends and I liked this property! There were 3 of us, so we had 2 people in the bed and we brought an air mattress for the 3rd person due to reading reviews about the uncomfy couch mattress. It worked well and there was a perfect amount of space for the 3 of us. I honestly thought the property ..."

Reviewed on Apr 10, 2023

Condo Near Lake Carillon, Paved Paths, Private Beach Access
Island Houseboat
Island Houseboat
3 out of 5
1201 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32548
Stay at this 3-star houseboat in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy free parking, boat tours on site, and a balcony. Our guests praise the comfy beds in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (223 reviews)
"Better than expected, great location! Close to everything but secluded. Could not of been happier. My wife loved it!"

Reviewed on May 30, 2023

Island Houseboat
Low Frills 2 Bedroom Condo With $1000000 View - Free Seasonal Beach Service!
Low Frills 2 Bedroom Condo With $1000000 View - Free Seasonal Beach Service!
Fort Walton Beach, FL
Stay at this family-friendly condo in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a water park. Popular attractions Timpoochee Trail and Okaloosa ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (21 reviews)
Spring break
"We love coming got fort walton anytime we want a beach trip. Emerald west, is clean, easy to find and just minutes from anything you wa t to do."

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2023

Low Frills 2 Bedroom Condo With $1000000 View - Free Seasonal Beach Service!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Fort Walton Beach

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
610
" "5 - Excellent 55.15370705244123%
4 - Good
402
" "4 - Good 36.34719710669078%
3 - Okay
76
" "3 - Okay 6.871609403254973%
2 - Disappointing
10
" "2 - Disappointing 0.9041591320072333%
1 - Terrible
8
" "1 - Terrible 0.7233273056057866%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jun 6, 2020

I would not recommend staying in Fort Walton. I would go on to Destin or towards Pensacola.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 2, 2020

Fort Walton and Dustin was amazing I do not recommend the quality Inn to anybody the rooms were absolutely disgusting!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 29, 2020

We love it!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 27, 2020

Downtown area is nice

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 26, 2020

absolutely beautiful and really enjoyed!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 21, 2020

I usually stay in Destin, but Ft Walton Beach is also very nice. We have stayed in this area multiple times, and we will be back again.

Cities near Fort Walton Beach