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.