{"id":14145,"date":"2023-09-29T20:13:54","date_gmt":"2023-09-29T20:13:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/journal.rentbyowner.com\/?p=14145"},"modified":"2026-05-20T05:02:41","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T05:02:41","slug":"things-to-do-fort-walton-beach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentbyowner.com\/journal\/things-to-do-fort-walton-beach\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Best Things to Do in Fort Walton Beach"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Fort Walton Beach<\/a> (FWB) is an attractive city on the Northwest Florida coast that looks out into the Gulf of Mexico. It\u2019s a small and lively city with a laid-back atmosphere and irresistible southern hospitality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Families flock to the city\u2019s white-sand beaches and fun attractions. If you\u2019re planning a visit and wondering what the city has to offer, you won\u2019t be disappointed. Here are 20 of the best things to do in Fort Walton Beach<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Shop and Dine at Uptown Station<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Uptown Station is an open-air shopping mall just south of Cinco Bayou<\/a>, with more than 60 stores and eateries. You can shop for clothes, sporting goods, home furnishings, food, and more. There are also beauty salons and a spa if you want to indulge in some pampering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it\u2019s time to eat there\u2019s a great variety of cuisines to choose from, including sushi, fried chicken, sandwiches, Korean food, frozen yogurt, and ice cream. At the heart of Uptown Station is Central Park which features a village green, a playground, and dancing fountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Tee Off on Goofy Golf\u2019s Mini-Golf Course<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Goofy Golf in Ocean City<\/a> has been open since the 1950s and has retained its retro charm to this day. There are two 17-hole courses here, and both of them share a challenging 18th hole called \u201cThe Snake\u2019s Mouth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s plenty of variety when it comes to the difficulty of the holes on this course, and kids (and big kids at heart) are sure to have fun tackling each tricky challenge. Look out for Hammy, the famous 23-foot-tall T-Rex. He makes for a fantastic photo opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Parasail in Destin Harbor<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Parasailing in Destin Harbor<\/a> is an incredible way to enjoy a bird\u2019s eye view of FWB. You\u2019ll wear an open parachute while securely attached to a line pulled by a motorboat. This is the perfect watersport for thrill-seekers, and it doesn\u2019t require any prior experience. While you\u2019re in the air, look out for well-known landmarks such as Crab Island, HarborWalk Village<\/a>, and Brooks Bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Try Local Produce at the Downtown Farmers Market<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Every other Saturday morning, Fort Walton Beach Landing hosts a popular farmers market. Local growers, producers, and artists sell their wares, which include fresh fruit and vegetables, grass-fed beef, local honey, organic eggs, freshly baked bread, cakes, and pastries. Jewelry, artwork, and handmade soaps and candles are also on offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The market runs from 8 am until 1 pm. Get there early to have your pick of the produce because it\u2019s common for vendors to sell out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Go Fishing at the Island Pier<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier<\/a>, known simply as the Island Pier, is an impressive 1,262-foot pier that juts out into the Gulf of Mexico. You can enjoy fabulous views of the Emerald Coast from here, and fishing is a popular pastime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll need to buy a pass to fish in these beautifully clear waters. If you don\u2019t have a rod, don\u2019t worry \u2014 rentals are available. Look out for dolphins, seabirds, and sea turtles while you\u2019re at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Find Antique Treasures at Fort Walton Beach Flea Market<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 14,000-square-foot Fort Walton Flea Market is open daily for you to discover a huge variety of fascinating and beautiful objects. It\u2019s an indoor, air-conditioned market, making it the perfect place to escape from the midday heat and hunt for treasures. You\u2019ll find books, clothes, jewelry, art, furniture, musical instruments, vinyl records, and collectible items like baseball cards and figurines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A portion of sales are donated to local charities, such as the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, so shop away to support a good cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Spot Dolphins on a Catamaran Day Cruise<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a host of marine life to spot in the Gulf of Mexico, but there\u2019s something particularly special about spotting dolphins. A great way to see them is to take a catamaran day cruise from Okaloosa Island<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the cruises last a full day and include opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. If you opt for an evening cruise on a Wednesday, you\u2019ll get a fantastic view of the Boardwalk fireworks display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Perfect Your Fishing Skills with a Fishing Charter<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With Destin being one of the best destinations in Florida for fishing, there\u2019s potential to make an impressive catch in the waters surrounding Fort Walton Beach. A fishing charter is a great way to get out into open waters with a knowledgeable guide who can take you to the best spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several fishing charter companies available, and most are welcoming of fishers of all skill levels, including beginners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Cruise The Emerald Waters in a Pontoon Boat<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the best ways to appreciate the green waters of Choctawatchee Bay is to take a cruise on a pontoon boat from Dustin Harbour. The waters here are very calm, making pontoons the perfect boats to cruise on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pontoons are easy to handle with minimal boating experience, and there are several rental companies available in Destin. If you\u2019re looking to party, anchor up at Crab Island and enjoy the floating bars and lively atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Take a Sunset Cruise to Watch the Fireworks<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The crystal clear waters and colorful dusk sky make for incredible views around Fort Walton Beach at sunset. One of the best ways to appreciate the Florida Panhandle\u2019s beauty is to take a sunset cruise into the Gulf of Mexico. You can join a cruise with a large group of other passengers or charter your own private vessel and tailor the tour to suit you perfectly. The latter option is ideal for a romantic couples getaway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Find Fun and Thrills at Big Kahuna\u2019s Waterpark<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Families love Big Kahuna\u2019s Waterpark<\/a> in Destin. It boasts more than 40 water attractions, including speed slides, lazy rivers, water cannons, and an epic wave pool. There\u2019s also a mini golf course with 54 challenging holes just outside the waterpark in case the kids have leftover energy to burn off after an adventurous day at the pool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Try Go-Karting and More at The Track<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Track Family Fun Park in Destin is jam-packed with fun activities for kids and adults alike, including rides, rollercoasters, go-kart tracks, bumper boats, and an arcade. To get the best value for money, buy a points package. You use points to access rides and arcade games, and special deals are available with the packages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. Play on Destin-Fort Walton Beach Golf Courses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

FWB and Destin boast a huge array of popular golf courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n