Top Things to Do in Fort Walton Beach

Tracy writes for Seaspray Beach Vacation Rentals, sharing vacation planning tips, travel insights, local things to do, and property highlights to help guests make the most of their time on the Gulf Coast.

Are you ready to explore the top things to do in Fort Walton Beach? We have compiled a list of our all-time favorite activities, from fishing to festivals and everything in between. Whether you plan to visit in the winter, spring, summer, or fall ... FWB has it all. Our area offers a plethora of fantastic kid-friendly activities, fun for the entire family, and entertainment for two. 

Discover our recommendations and ideas to build the perfect vacation itinerary, including a few Fort Walton Beach hidden gems. 

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In this article:

• Beach Days
• Okaloosa National Mini Golf & Ice Cream
• The Island Pier
• Deep Sea Fishing Charters
• Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
• Emerald Coast Zoo
• Little Adventures
• Kayaking & Stand-up Paddleboarding
• Date Night
• Diving
• Annual Races
• Golfing
• Restaurants
• Snorkeling
• Dolphin Tours
• Shopping
• FWB Heritage Park & Cultural Center
• Parks & Playgrounds
• Parasailing
• Downtown FWB
• Emerald Coast Science Center
• Festivals & Events
• Air Force Armament Museum 
• Booking Your Stay at Seaspray
• Frequently Asked Questions

Best Fort Walton Beach Things to Do

Go to the Beach 

The top thing to do in Fort Walton Beach is to go to the beach. Our white, sandy shores and emerald waters beckon locals and visitors from all over the world. Whether you want to sunbathe, build a sandcastle, go for a swim, play some beach games, go for a walk, or watch the sunset, this is our #1 activity. When you stay at Seaspray Beach Vacation Rentals, the beautiful beaches of Okaloosa Island are right outside your door. Guests can enjoy convenient, private beach access for hours of fun in the sun. 

Okaloosa National Mini Golf & Ice Cream 

Good times and sweet treats go hand in hand at Okaloosa National Mini Golf & Ice Cream. Challenge your friends or family to a riveting round of putt-putt, followed by a tasty ice cream cone. 

Fishing on The Island Pier 

The Island Pier is the perfect place to cast your fishing line with little to no hassle. The pier has everything you need: bait, tackle, and rods. Your fishing license is also included!

Deep-Sea Fishing Charter 

Whether you are a fishing novice or pro, a deep-sea fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico is truly a unique experience. Book a charter with Blue Water Escape or One Shot Fishing Charters. Popular fishing targets include Red Snapper, Wahoo, Grouper, Mahi Mahi, and others. 

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park 

The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park features encounters & shows with dolphins, seals, sea lions, reptiles, gators, penguins, and more. This is a great way to spend the day with your family's marine animal lovers. 

Emerald Coast Zoo 

The Emerald Coast Zoo offers visitors an opportunity to get up close and personal with a large variety of animals. You can see giraffes, lions, bears, birds, kangaroos, sloths, penguins, and more at this family-run zoo. 

Little Adventures 

Little Adventures is a local program that offers children, teens, and their parents a chance to try a variety of coastal recreation activities at no cost. From fishing to surfing, this is something that families with children will want to check out. This is perhaps one of the best hidden gems in Fort Walton Beach.

Kayaking & Stand-up Paddleboarding 

From the beach to the harbor, there is so much to explore. One of the best ways to experience the water around Fort Walton Beach is by kayaking or SUP (Stand-up Paddleboarding). You can rent a boat or board from Destiny Water Adventures, and you’ll be paddling in no time. 

Date Night 

FWB may not be known as a “romantic” destination, but it offers tons of family-friendly fun. That said, we have an entire list of epic date-night ideas you will love! 

Diving 

Come see why the waters off Destin and Fort Walton Beach have some of the best diving locations in the southeast. Crystal-clear water allows divers to experience artificial reefs, shipwrecks, and vibrant marine life. 

Fun Fact: Did you know that the world’s largest artificial reef will soon reside just off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, FL? The retired SS United States will be sunk approximately 20 nautical miles offshore, creating a premier diving site. 

Annual Races: 5K, 10K, and Fun Runs 

If your idea of fun is to lace up your running shoes for a 5K or 10K, you are in luck. The greater FWB area hosts many races throughout the year! The Wicked Triple is an annual race that takes place each October, featuring a 5K, a 10K, and a half manathon.

Golfing 

Tee up at some of the best golf courses along the Gulf Coast during your beach vacation. There are several fantastic options for a round of golf in Fort Walton Beach. Here are a few of our favorite courses:

• Fort Walton Beach Golf Course - city owned, The Oaks Coarse/72-par, TrackMan Driving Range
• Shalimar Pointe Golf Club - locally owned, 18 holes, Dye-Finer design

Restaurants 

No vacation would be complete without sampling the local cuisine. Be sure to add a few of our favorite restaurants to your FWB itinerary. Whether you are looking for a fantastic breakfast, lunch, or dinner location, there are plenty of excellent places to choose from. A few top recommendations include:

• AJ's on the Bayou - This seafood and oyster bar serves up cool libation and fresh Gulf seafood. They have brunch options, lunch, and dinner.
• Ali’s Bistro - An Italian kitchen and wine bar that offers a culinary adventure. They are open for lunch and dinner.

Do you have a favorite restaurant that is a hidden gem in Fort Walton Beach?

Snorkeling 

Whether you bring your own snorkeling gear to explore the coastline at Seaspray Beach Vacation Rentals or book a tour with a local guide company, you don’t want to miss your chance to see the underwater world of the Gulf Coast. Check out Pelican Adventures or Cattywampus for snorkeling tours and more. 

Book your stay at Seaspray and be moments away for incredible snorkeling opportunities! 

Dolphin Tours 

We recommend Cattywampus Dolphin Cruises for an epic dolphin tour. They will take you on an unforgettable adventure and are located just across the street from our condo community. 

Shopping 

From boutiques and beach shops to bookstores and antique malls, there is shopping for everyone in Fort Walton Beach. 

Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park and Cultural Center 

The Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park and Cultural Center is an educational and cultural institution with a mission to preserve, interpret, and present the prehistory and history of the Fort Walton Beach community and Northwest Florida. Here, you will find the Indian Temple Mound Museum, Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum, Garnier Post Office Museum, Fort Walton Temple Mound, and the Civil War Exhibit Building. 

Parks & Playgrounds 

If you are on vacation with little ones, you may want to check out some of our local parks and playgrounds. Of course, one of the many amenities you will find at Seaspray Beach Vacation Rentals is our beachside playground. 

Parasailing 

Xtreme H2O offers thrilling parasailing adventures. Get a bird’s eye view of our stunning coastline while enjoying one of the top things to do in Fort Walton Beach. 

Downtown Fort Walton Beach Arts & Entertainment District 

Stroll through the Downtown Fort Walton Beach Arts & Entertainment District for something unique and fun to do. Explore boutiques, galleries, music halls, farmers’ markets, restaurants, and more! 

Emerald Coast Science Center 

The Emerald Coast Science Center offers fun and engaging programs for children and adults of all ages. You can experience workshops, interactive exhibits, and more. 

Area Festivals and Events 

The Destin-Fort Walton Beach area hosts amazing festivals and events each year. Check out the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival in the spring, the Destin Seafood Festival in the fall, or any one of the other incredible events. 

Air Force Armament Museum 

Guests are invited to soar into military aviation at the Air Force Armament Museum. They showcase an extensive collection of aircraft from various eras, along with stories behind the technology that shaped our skies. Admission and parking are free. The museum is located just outside of the Eglin Air Force Base installation and is accessible to all. 

Book Your Stay at Seaspray Beach Vacation Rentals 

Now that you know all the top things to do in Fort Walton Beach, it is time to book your stay. At Seaspray Beach Vacation Rentals, we offer clean, comfortable, family-friendly accommodations with fantastic amenities. From the large swimming pool to easy beach access, see why Seaspray is the place to stay during your vacation. 

We also offer long-term stays for those who are relocating, here on business, or looking for a winter-long retreat. Traveling with your four-legged friend? We have pet-friendly accommodations, also. 

Browse our selection of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom condos today! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q) Are there plenty of fun things to do during the winter months in FWB?

A) Yes. While the weather may be too cool during the winter for swimming, there are still many other fantastic activities. Kayaking, museums, golf, and boat tours are all excellent things to do.

Q) Are there fun family-friendly attraction on the Emerald Coast?

A) Absolutely! We mention several great ideas above. The Gulfarium, mini-golf, and the beach are all fantastic choices.