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The crowds have begun to dissipate, the risk of afternoon showers approaches nil, and the temperatures dip to a comfortable sunny and 75. This is Fort Walton Beach in the Fall. A lovely beachy destination with white sands, world-class fishing, and loads of family-friendly attractions.
Our conveniently situated luxury vacation homes in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area are perched on the prettiest beaches and make the ideal home base for your FWB vacation. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed itinerary through Florida’s parks, both theme, and state, or just a place to host the next relaxing family vacay, we’ve got the right rental and all the best travel tips for you!
This is everything you need to know to plan the perfect fall getaway to Fort Walton Beach.
Fall Weather in Fort Walton Beach
In the months of September, October, and November, you can expect daytime temps of around 75-80 degrees and lows of 40s to 50s by the end of the season. Humidity is low, and rainfall is limited. In other words, it is enjoyable.
But really, there’s no bad time to go to the beach!
Why Fall in Fort Walton Beach
Each year Okaloosa County hosts 5 million visitors. Some years that staggering statistic tops 7 million. However, the vast majority of those travelers time their visit during the winter and summer seasons. This means that fall is the perfect time to visit Fort Walton Beach if you’re looking for less crowded beaches.
Fall is also the best season to visit because the Gulf waters still welcome warm baths while the air temperatures decrease to a comfortable mid-to-high seventies. This, along with the decrease in rain and humidity, means that you can continue to have outdoor adventures into the wintertime here in Florida!
The autumn season is also the best time of year for those looking to take scenic drives, hike through the lush nature, and spend some time out on the Gulf waters.
Best Things to Do in Fort Walton Beach in the Fall
Truth be told, there’s nothing seasonally specific among Florida’s iconic attractions. It is truly one of the best year-round destinations in the United States. That being said, here are some of our favorite things to do in the temperate fall months.
Visit One of Florida’s Stunning Emerald Coast Beaches Without the Crowds
Sugar-fine white sand is the baseline for the beaches in Fort Walton Beach. This was once Appalachian quartz crushed and tumbled by flowing waters into the blinding beaches we know and love. Starkly contrasted by the Emerald green waters that give this coastline their name. Consider us spoiled. Thanks to the lovely Fall weather you can visit any of our best beaches during this time of year. These are our favorites.
- Henderson Beach State Park
- Miramar Beach
- Okaloosa Island
- James Lee Park
- John Beasley Park
Visit the Indian Temple Mound Museum
This historical site showcases more than 12,000 years of human history in Florida. Without the crowds of busier seasons, you can enjoy the Native American history and exhibits in peace. The Indian Temple Mound Museum is located at Fort Walton Beach Cultural Park & Heritage Center, this museum allows you to learn more about the area’s original inhabitants. If you’re excited to learn on this trip, you can also head to the Air Force Armament Museum and Emerald Coast Science Center.
Drive the Miracle Strip Parkway
This 200-mile coastal drive stretches from Pensacola to Panama City Beach, and there is no better time to feel the cool sea breeze in your hair than the fall. The weather is just right for a road trip. So pack up the family and drive the Gulf Coast Scenic Highway, enjoying all the panoramic ocean views.
Take a Pontoon Boat Out to Crab Island
Crab Island is a local sandbar that attracts people to its shallow waters in droves during the summer months. It’s the perfect time to rent a pontoon boat and explore! During September and October, the warm waters are equally welcoming, and there are no summertime (or Memorial Day and Labor Day) crowds, making for a much more family-friendly environment. You can combine your visit to Crab Island with a dolphin-spotting and snorkeling tour.
Fish or Enjoy the Sunset from Okaloosa Pier
From the panoramic vista of Okaloosa Pier and boardwalk, watch as the sky is painted pink above the turquoise waters of the Gulf. This is a favorite hangout among locals and an absolute must-visit for guests in Fort Walton Beach. If you have some fishing poles (and permits) of your own, this is an excellent place to cast a line and relax.
Take the Family to One of the FWB Theme Parks
Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone and Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park are fan favorites with the kids! Within them, you’ll find a ropes course, mini-golf, movie theaters, Go-Karts, and a sprawling aquarium with dolphin shows. They are open daily from 9-5 and are an excellent addition to the itinerary for families with active kids to entertain.
Fall Events in Fort Walton Beach
Fall is a packed fest month for the FWB event calendar. Here are some of the fall festivals and yearly events coming up.
Sandestin Triathlon
Run, bike, and swim your way to victory at the annual Sandestin Triathlon every September. Participants will swim for a mile in the tepid Gulf of Mexico waters, bike 20 miles along a scenic stretch of the Emerald Coast, and then run 4 miles through the area’s beachy communities.
Destin Seafood Festival
The Destin Seafood Festival is one of the largest and most awaited events Okaloosa County puts on each year. It’s certainly our favorite. All weekend in late September/early October, the Destin Harbor Boardwalk is filled with vendors serving local seafood favorites, live music, and local artisanal crafts like jewelry and clothing.
Buy your VIP tickets beforehand to gain access to a smaller private event within the festival serving craft beer, local seafood creations from talented chefs, and a handful of extra food trucks.
Destin Fishing Rodeo
The Destin Fishing Rodeo is a full month of fishing fun! Angler aficionados nationwide come to Fort Walton Beach in October for this extra special event. The festival is free to attend whether you visit once or every day of your trip and is packed with special events that everyone in the family will love.
Some of the highlights include Shark Saturday (catch the largest shark on Saturday to win a prize!), a 5K rodeo run through historic neighborhoods and finished off with refreshments and craft beer, Rootin Tootin Rodeo Roundup for kid-friendly fishing on the Okaloosa Island Pier, and a Rodeo Halloween Party.
Other Noteworthy Fall Events and Festivals
- Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival
- Art Walk on the Harbor
- Blues, Brews & BBQ
- Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Packing for Your Fall Getaway
The sunshine state is balmy and warm year-round. This means that packing for Fall isn’t so different from packing for a Spring or Winter trip. Here are a few things to make sure you throw into your travel bag.
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito Spray
- Beach towel
- Sunglasses
- Sun hats
- Flip-Flops or Sandals
- Hiking Shoes
- Beach cover-up
Sleep in Comfort at Our FWB Vacation Rentals
Spend your time searching for the best things to do in Fort Walton Beach, not sifting through vacation home listings! Our comfortable beach homes provide all the amenities to make this vacation feel like a home away from home.
This gives you the rest and relaxation required to recharge and explore the best of the Emerald Coast, whether it’s your first time or your 100th time visiting our shores.
