Best hotels in Fort Walton Beach
Courtyard by Marriott Fort Walton Beach-West Destin
414 Santa Rosa Boulevard, FL, 32548
With the Gulf of Mexico on your doorstep, sandy shores are just a few moments away, the three-star Courtyard by Marriott has bright, airy rooms and comfy beds, with some including views of the ocean. Make the most of the hotel’s facilities, including an outdoor pool, laidback restaurant and fitness suite.
Four Points by Sheraton Destin-Fort Walton Beach
1325 Miracle Strip Parkway Southeast, FL, 32548
This three-star Sheraton hotel offers ocean-inspired rooms including private balconies where you can soak up beachfront or courtyard views. Stylish suites have kitchens and living areas, perfect for family trips and three on-site restaurants serve breakfast, lunch and dinner for poolside or beachside dining.
Hilton Garden Inn Ft. Walton Beach
127 Miracle Strip Parkway Southeast, FL, 32548
Stay in the heart of Okaloosa Island, just a five-minute drive from the city’s mainland. This three-star hotel’s stunning pool area includes lazy river and jacuzzi. There’s a restaurant and tiki bar on-site too, so you can easily grab a meal or refreshments at the hotel.
Best restaurants in Fort Walton Beach
The Shack
104 Miracle Strip Parkway Southwest, FL, 32548
This family-owned crab shack offers spectacular views over the coast. Home-made crab dip and shrimp cocktail are the ultimate appetizers while the combo platter lets you roam the menu. Their famous gumbolaya, a combination of gumbo with jambalaya, is not to be missed.
Clemenza’s at Uptown
75 Eglin Parkway Northeast, FL, 32548
If you’re looking for a romantic evening meal, this family-owned Italian restaurant is sure to impress. Highlights include wood-fired pizzas, oozing calzones and fresh seafood pasta. Finish with an espresso in classic Italian fashion.
Rockin Tacos
1450 Miracle Strip Parkway Southwest, FL, 32548
Tap into the vibrant atmosphere of this beachfront Mexican grill, with its sparkling ocean views, live DJ and fiesta of flavors. Order the blackened shrimp burrito with a side of freshly made guacamole or build your own tacos with pulled chicken and marinated steak.
Best attractions in Fort Walton Beach
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
1010 Miracle Strip Parkway Southeast, FL, 32548
With a focus on marine life education and entertainment, this unique park is a fun day out for the whole family. Play with bottlenose dolphins or feed sea lions in one of the encounter experiences. And learn about otters and penguins or visit the exotic parrots in the bird sanctuary.
John Beasley Park
1550 Miracle Strip Parkway, FL, 32548
One of the Okaloosa Island’s largest beach parks, there’s plenty of space for sunbathing and splashing about in the emerald Gulf. It’s well equipped with a snack bar, 12 picnic tables and showers. Head over the dunes for easy access to the Boardwalk’s shops and restaurants.
Heritage Park and Cultural Center
139 Miracle Strip Parkway Southeast, FL, 32548
Five museums cover the history of Fort Walton Beach from 12,000 B.C. to the 1950s. Discover more than 1,000 Native American artifacts, learn about the Civil War in a replica soldier campsite and step inside a restored Camp Walton schoolhouse.