12 Fun Things to Do in Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Escape to paradise on Florida’s Emerald Coast! From pristine beaches to adventurous watersports, there are tons of fun things to do in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
If you’re a history buff, you’ll love exploring the area’s history at the Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park & Cultural Center. And if you’re a thrill seeker, you can find adventure on a jet ski or a stand up paddleboard.
Or if you just want to relax by the beach or the pool, Fort Walton Beach is the perfect place for that too! Grab your sunscreen and dive into the best things to do in Fort Walton Beach.
Best Things to Do in Fort Walton Beach
1. Hit the Beaches
The Destin-Fort Walton Beach area has 24 miles of sugar-white sand that’s the softest thing you’ve ever sunk your feet into. And this stretch of the Gulf of Mexico has clear, emerald green water that gives the area the nickname of Emerald Coast.
Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island have 9 public beach access points with parking, seasonal lifeguards, picnic areas, restrooms, boardwalks, and restaurants.
Hang out under the sun, rent a chair and umbrella, or pack a picnic and all your beach essentials for the perfect beach day.
2. Have a Pool Day
A pool day and a beach day go hand-in-hand. Wash off the saltwater and jump into the pool at your hotel or beach condo.
Most of the hotels at Fort Walton Beach will have access to a pool. The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach is my favorite option, with two pools, a hot tub, and a swim-up bar hidden behind a waterfall.
If where you’re staying doesn’t have a pool, you can get a day pass for area hotels like:
- The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach
- Hampton Inn Fort Walton Beach
- Four Points by Sheraton Destin-Fort Walton Beach
- Henderson Beach Resort
These day passes from ResortPass give you access to the hotels’ pools, beaches, cabanas, and day rooms.
3. Visit the Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park & Cultural Center
The Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park & Cultural Center is made up of 4 museums in one. At these sites, you can learn about the area’s history from 12,000 B.C. through the 1950s.
Here’s a little about each museum:
- Indian Temple Mound and Museum — See a platform mound built by Native Americans around 850 CE and learn about the native people who lived here.
- Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum — Visit a historic 2-room schoolhouse and learn about education from 1912 to 1936.
- Garnier Post Office Museum — Visit the historic post office building and learn about the mail system from 1918 to the 1950s.
- Civil War Exhibit — Step into a recreated building set up to look like a Civil War tent and learn about the Walton Guard, a local Confederate infantry that was stationed here from 1861 to 1862.
Each of these museums is a part of the Heritage Park complex, so they’re all right next to each other. Plus, when you purchase a ticket, you get access to all the museums.
4. Visit the Air Force Armament Museum
The Air Force Armament Museum is a free museum dedicated to artifacts of Air Force weapons, equipment, and delivery platforms.
Outside, they have 29 different aircraft on display from WWII to the present. Inside the museum, you’ll learn all about historic aircraft, modern weapons, and more.
The museum is adjacent to Eglin Air Force Base, but it is free and open to the public to visit.
5. Visit the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park has been a Fort Walton Beach institution since 1955.
The aquarium is known for its dolphin encounters and shows, sharks, rays, and other sea life.
In fact, they have more than 14 different animal encounters that make for a truly incredible vacation. You can swim with dolphins, meet sea lions, feed African penguins, and more.
Get your Gulfarium ticket here. And don’t forget to book your animal encounter here.
6. Take a Snorkel and Dolphin Tour
The Emerald Coast is the perfect place to go snorkeling and take a dolphin-watching cruise.
Dive into the crystal-clear waters to marvel at the local marine life. As you snorkel, you may see tropical fish, turtles, and brown nose stingrays.
As you cruise to and from your snorkel location, keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins that frequent the coast.
Book a morning snorkel and dolphin tour here, or book an afternoon snorkel and dolphin tour here.
7. Rent a Pontoon Boat
Renting a pontoon boat is a great way to spend a day in Fort Walton Beach! Motor around to different beaches on your own, or make the trip out to Crab Island, a popular sand bar next to the Destin Bridge.
You can choose from a standard pontoon boat or a double decker pontoon boat with two slides for extra fun!
8. Go Kayaking
Renting a kayak is a great way to explore the coast. You can paddle through the emerald waters of the Gulf Island National Seashore and explore secluded islands with diverse wildlife like dolphins, seabirds, and manatee.
These kayaks are easy to use for all skill levels. You can choose from a single or a tandem kayak. All the safety equipment, kayaks, and paddles are included in your rental.
9. Rent Jet Skis
Rent a jet ski and ride the waves across the Gulf. If you’re looking for a little excitement without having to leave the beach, then you’ll love riding along on a jet ski.
You can rent a 2-seater jet ski, and all the safety gear and a full tank of gas are included. Get away from it all for a couple of hours as you explore the coast on a thrilling ride.
10. Stand Up Paddleboard Adventure
Rent a stand up paddleboard and venture out into the open water to explore Florida’s natural sights and get a little exercise.
These stand up paddleboards are suitable for all skill levels. You can go at your own pace, so its the perfect way to explore the Gulf Islands National Seashore. You’ll have everything you need, from the board to the safety equipment, for a fun day in the sun.
Rent a stand up paddleboard here.
11. Dine Around Town
Get a taste of Fort Walton Beach! There are so many great restaurants to try for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Floyd’s Shrimp House — Beachfront seafood with all-you-can-eat shrimp and fish platters
- Rockin’ Tacos — Beachfront Mexican classics
- Angler’s Beachside Grill — Beachfront seafood restaurant for family-friendly meals
- The Crab Trap — Beachfront seafood restaurant specializing in crab dinners
- Coastal Kitchen — Resort restaurant for breakfast and seafood specials
12. Stay at The Island Resort
The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach is a boutique beachfront hotel with direct access to the sugar-white sands of the Gulf.
Beyond that, the hotel has amazing amenities so that you almost don’t ever have to leave the hotel (almost!). From multiple pools, a hot tub, plenty of bars and eateries, and a full calendar of daily activities and events, The Island Resort is a destination in itself.
Book your stay at The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach here.
Want to just visit for the day? You can get a day pass to The Island Resort here.
Read my full review of The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach here.
Fort Walton Beach Activities Map
Ready to explore all these fun things to do in Fort Walton Beach, Florida? Use the map below to plan your vacation.
I hope you have an amazing beach vacation in Fort Walton Beach!
Top Fort Walton Beach/Destin Tours
A guided tour is always a good idea to get to know a new city! Check out these top tours:
- Destin Tikis 3hr Crab Island Sandbar Adventure
- Hydrojet Dolphin Cruise in Destin FL
- Experience Parasailing Just Chute Me Destin
Where to Stay in Fort Walton Beach
Find the best place to rest your head in Fort Walton Beach.
- Where We Stayed: The Island Resort Fort Walton Beach
- Top Hotel: Beal House Fort Walton Beachfront, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
- Great Value: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Walton Beach
- Unique Stay: Old Florida Cottage
More Florida Itineraries
Find more fun things to do in Florida with these top posts:
- 4 Days in Fort Walton Beach, FL: Long Weekend Itinerary
- 5 Delicious Restaurants in Fort Walton Beach, FL
- The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach Review
- 5 Days in Fernandina Beach Itinerary
- 15 Fantastic Things To Do In Key West, FL
- 13 Fun Things to Do in Fernandina Beach, FL
- Why You Should Visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
- 5 Romantic Things to Do in Jacksonville, FL
- How to Spend a Weekend in Gainesville, FL
- 2 Days on Florida’s Space Coast: A Fun Itinerary
- Why Kennedy Space Center is Worth It for Adults, Too
- Visiting the Coral Castle in Miami, FL
Ready to visit Fort Walton Beach, Florida? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top beach rentals in Fort Walton Beach on VRBO.
- Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.
Cheers!
Paige
What are your favorite things to do in Fort Walton Beach, Florida? Let me know in the comments!
