Fort Walton Beach Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled along the Gulf of Mexico in the Florida Panhandle, Fort Walton Beach is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and exciting attractions. With its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear emerald waters, and warm weather year-round, it is no wonder that this coastal city has become a favorite destination for beach lovers and water enthusiasts.

One of the main draws of Fort Walton Beach is its stunning beaches. Whether you want to relax under the shade of an umbrella, build sandcastles with your family, or indulge in water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or jet skiing, the city's beaches have something for everyone. The breathtaking views of the Gulf are truly mesmerizing, and the gentle waves invite you to take a refreshing dip or simply bask in the sun.

Beyond the beaches, Fort Walton Beach is also home to a wealth of historical and cultural attractions. The Indian Temple Mound Museum is a must-visit for history buffs, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that offer insights into the area's Native American heritage. For a glimpse into the city's military history, head to the Air Force Armament Museum, where you can explore a vast collection of aircraft and weaponry.

Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in Fort Walton Beach as well. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is a popular attraction that allows visitors to get up close and personal with dolphins, sea lions, and other marine creatures. You can also take a leisurely stroll along the Okaloosa Island Pier, where you might spot some local fishermen reeling in their catch of the day.

When it comes to dining, Fort Walton Beach offers a wide range of options to satisfy all taste buds. From fresh seafood caught daily to international cuisines and classic American fare, the city's diverse culinary scene has something for every palate. Don't forget to try some mouthwatering Southern specialties like fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits.

Alternative names: Population: 21.8 thous.Area: 8.31 mi²Elevation: 7 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 30°23'49"N, 86°36'41"W

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FloridaUnited States

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Fort Walton Beach Top Attractions

Fort Walton Beach Attractions - What to See and Explore

Fort Walton Beach offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Air Force Armament Museum, Fort Walton Mound, Emerald Coast Science Center, Fort Walton Beach Library. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Military museum • History museum
Air Force Armament Museum
The Air Force Armament Museum, adjacent to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the only facility in the U.S. dedicated to the display of Air Force armament.
Museum • Specialty museum • Native American architecture
Fort Walton Mound
The Fort Walton Mound is an archaeological site located in present-day Fort Walton Beach, Florida, United States. The large platform mound was built about 850 CE by the Pensacola culture, a local form of the Mississippian culture. Because of its significance, the mound was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964.
Museum • Science museum • Classes and workshops
Emerald Coast Science Center
The Emerald Coast Science Center is hands-on science discovery center located in Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County, Florida. The Center was established in 1989 as the FOCUS Center, and changed its name to Emerald Coast Science Center in 2001.

Library • East Miracle Strip
Fort Walton Beach Library
The Fort Walton Beach Library was established in 1927 in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, by the Women's Club, in the old Masonic building on the waterfront.
30°23'40"N • 86°35'37"W
The Gulfarium
Aquarium • Zoo • Park
Neighbourhood • East Miracle Strip
Gulfview Hotel Historic District
The Gulfview Hotel Historic District is a U.S. historic district located in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The district is at 12 Miracle Strip Parkway, Southeast. It contains 14 historic buildings. In 2018, the main hotel building was relocated to 115 Miracle Strip Parkway S.E.

Day trips

Fort Walton Beach – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Fort Walton Beach, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Big Kahuna's (Destin), National Naval Aviation Museum (Pensacola), Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center (Santa Rosa Island).

8.3 miE
Watersports, Water park, Game and entertainment center
Big Kahuna's, Destin
Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park is a splash-filled destination for families and thrill-seekers visiting Destin, Florida. As the largest water park on the Emerald Coast, Big Kahuna's offers an extensive array of water attractions, ranging from serene lazy river...
41 milesW
Aircraft exhibits and flight simulator
National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola
The National Naval Aviation Museum, a prestigious institution in Pensacola, Florida, stands as a testament to the rich history and evolution of naval aviation. Located in Escambia County, this museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in military...
15 milesW
Zoo
Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, Santa Rosa Island
The Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center is a sea turtle study and rehabilitation center located in Navarre, Florida. Specifically, it is located within the Navarre Beach Marine Park.
36 milesW
Museum, History museum, Park
Historic Pensacola Village, Pensacola
The Pensacola Historic District is a U.S. historic district located in Pensacola, Florida. The district is roughly bounded by Bayfront Parkway, Tarragona, Romana and Cevallos Streets. Within the district are the Historic Pensacola Village, the T.T. Wentworth Jr. Florida State Museumm and Seville Square.
42 milesW
Sport venue, Sport
5 Flags Speedway, Pensacola
Five Flags Speedway is a paved half mile auto racing oval in Pensacola, Florida, United States. It opened in 1953 and is located on Pine Forest Road. It is christened after the nickname of Pensacola—"City of Five Flags." It runs several local classes during the regular racing season.

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Best Time To Visit Fort Walton Beach

Learn when is the best time to travel to Fort Walton Beach weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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April, May, June and July are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in March.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July, August and September. While the coldest is in January, February and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in April and October. Most of it rains in July.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Fort Walton Beach?

The top attractions to visit in Fort Walton Beach are:

What is the best time to visit Fort Walton Beach?

April, May, June and July are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in March. The highest air temperature is in June, July, August and September. While the coldest is in January, February and December.