· US

Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach, Florida, United States

Fort Walton Beach, located in the beautiful state of Florida in the United States, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored by tourists seeking sun, sand, and relaxation. This charming beach town offers a perfect blend of …

#Beach destination#Tourist spot#Sunny weather#Water activities#Gulf Coast

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Fort Walton Beach.

Top Hotels in Fort Walton Beach

Top Flights to Fort Walton Beach

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Fort Walton Beach.

Tours

Explore the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

A fascinating marine park where visitors can enjoy live dolphin shows, sea lions, and other sea creatures.

Visit the Air Force Armament Museum

Discover a range of aviation artifacts and military history exhibits in this engaging museum.

Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center

Learn about sea turtles and conservation efforts while interacting with these magnificent creatures.

Shopping

Shopping at Santa Rosa Mall

A large shopping center offering a wide variety of stores and dining options.

Destin Commons

A leading shopping destination in Fort Walton Beach featuring numerous retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.

The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island

A vibrant area with restaurants, shops, and beachfront views, perfect for an evening stroll.

Outdoor

Relax at Okaloosa Island

Enjoy the beautiful beaches and calming waves at Okaloosa Island, perfect for a relaxing day.

Outdoor Adventure at Henderson Beach State Park

Enjoy a day of hiking, fishing, and picnicking at this beautiful state park.

Dinner Cruise on the Choctawhatchee Bay

Enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise with breathtaking views of the sunset over the bay.

Engage in Water Sports at Crab Island

An exciting location for paddleboarding, jet skiing, and snorkeling.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Fort Walton Beach.

Currency

$ | USD | US Dollar

Population

Information not available.

Languages

English, English

Average weather

Fort Walton Beach

Jan

16°5°

Feb

18°7°

Mar

21°10°

Apr

25°14°

May

29°18°

Jun

32°22°

Jul

33°23°

Aug

33°23°

Sep

31°21°

Oct

27°16°

Nov

22°11°

Dec

18°7°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Fort Walton Beach.

What people love

Fort Walton Beach, located in Florida, United States, offers several benefits for travelers:

Beautiful Beaches: Fort Walton Beach is known for its stunning white sandy beaches and clear emerald waters, making it a perfect destination for beach lovers. Visitors can relax on the beach, swim, sunbathe, or engage in various water sports activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Outdoor Activities: The area around Fort Walton Beach offers a wide range of outdoor activities for adventurous travelers. From fishing and boating in the Gulf of Mexico to hiking and biking in nearby nature reserves and state parks, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the region.
Family-Friendly Attractions: Fort Walton Beach is a great destination for families, with attractions such as the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, where visitors can see dolphins, sea lions, and other marine animals up close. The area also has mini-golf courses, water parks, and other family-friendly activities to enjoy.
Historical Sites: History enthusiasts will appreciate the rich history of Fort Walton Beach, including historic sites such as the Indian Temple Mound Museum, which showcases artifacts from Native American cultures that once inhabited the area. Visitors can also explore military history at nearby Eglin Air Force Base.
Dining and Shopping: Fort Walton Beach offers a variety of dining options, from seafood restaurants serving fresh Gulf seafood to casual beachfront cafes. Visitors can also explore local shops and boutiques for unique souvenirs and gifts.

Overall, Fort Walton Beach provides a mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, family-friendly attractions, history, and dining options, making it a well-rounded destination for travelers seeking a beach getaway in Florida.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, include:

Crowds: Fort Walton Beach is a popular tourist destination, especially during peak travel seasons. This means that beaches, restaurants, and attractions can get crowded, which may reduce the overall enjoyment of your trip.
High costs: Being a tourist hotspot, Fort Walton Beach can be more expensive compared to other destinations. Accommodation, dining, and activities may be priced higher than average.
Weather: Florida's weather can be unpredictable, with hurricanes and tropical storms being a concern, especially during the hurricane season from June to November. This may disrupt travel plans and activities.
Traffic: Like many popular beach towns, Fort Walton Beach can experience heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak travel times. This may lead to delays and frustration while getting around.
Limited public transportation: Fort Walton Beach and the surrounding area may have limited public transportation options, making it necessary to rely on a car rental or other private transportation methods to get around.

Overall, while Fort Walton Beach offers beautiful beaches and a variety of attractions, these potential cons should be considered when planning a trip to the area.

Fort Walton Beach, located in Okaloosa County, Florida, has a rich and varied history that spans many centuries. Here is a detailed account of its development:

Prehistoric Times and Native American History:

The area around Fort Walton Beach was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Mississippian culture, known for building earthen mounds. The Fort Walton Mound, a significant archaeological site, dates back to this period and is one of the largest on the Gulf Coast, believed to have been constructed around 700 to 1500 AD.

European Exploration and Settlement:

Spanish explorers arrived in Florida in the 16th century, but there is limited documentation regarding their interactions with the indigenous people in the immediate Fort Walton Beach area.

19th Century:

In the early 19th century, settlers began to move into the area. During the Seminole Wars, the U.S. military established Camp Walton in 1861, named after Colonel George Walton, the Secretary of the Territory of West Florida. The site was used as a Confederate outpost during the Civil War.

20th Century Development:

After the war, the area remained sparsely populated until the early 20th century, when it began to develop as a small fishing village.
In the 1930s, the construction of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and the Choctawhatchee Bay Bridge spurred development, connecting Fort Walton more easily to other parts of Florida.
During World War II, the nearby Eglin Air Force Base was established, bringing significant military presence and economic development to the region.

Post-War Era:

Fort Walton Beach was officially incorporated in 1941 and saw rapid growth after World War II, transforming from a small community into a bustling city.
The development of the tourism industry in the latter half of the 20th century, along with a booming real estate market, contributed to significant population growth.

Significant Landmarks:

Fort Walton Mound: A prehistoric Native American mound that is now a key archaeological site and tourist attraction.
Indian Temple Mound Museum: Located adjacent to the Fort Walton Mound, this museum provides insights into the region's Native American history.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park: Opened in 1955, it is one of the oldest marine parks in the United States.

Modern Times:

Fort Walton Beach continues to be a popular destination for tourists, known for its beautiful beaches and close proximity to military installations like Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field.
The city hosts numerous festivals and events, attracting visitors from across the country.

Throughout its history, Fort Walton Beach has evolved from a strategic military outpost into a vibrant city known for its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage.