Are you planning to escape from your hectic work and go on a much-needed vacation? If you are looking for a place to have fun, relax, and rejuvenate on a beach, Fort Walton Beach is a fantastic option. The sugary white sand, the stunning views, and the pristine waters promise you a memorable holiday. The outdoor adventures assure you of fun and thrill. Here are the best things to do in Fort Walton Beach.
Book Hotels in Fort Walton Beach
Fun Things to Do in Fort Walton Beach
1. Discover the Rich History of the Place
For those who love to learn about the rich culture and local history, you have Beach Heritage Park and Cultural Center. The park includes many interesting attractions like the Civil War Exhibit Museum, Temple Mound Museum, Garnier Post Office Museum, and Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum. The exhibits talk about the local history from the Paleolithic period to the 1950s. Learn about the tribes who lived here and the explorers who visited the place. Learning about the local history is a great way to start your vacation.
2. Enjoy Dolphin and Sea Lion Shows at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Watching marine animals, including dolphins, sea lions, penguins, sharks, otters, stingrays, etc., and touching them can be a thrilling experience for people of all ages. You will be delighted to see the dolphins and sea lions leaping and playing. It is not another aquarium where you can watch the aquatic animals, but it is more than that. It is an adventure park where you can indulge in interactive activities and feed the animals. The best thing about this adventure park is you can snorkel with small sharks and rays and get close to them.
3. Have a Picnic at the Lee Park Beach
With a playground for kids and more than 40 picnic tables, the beach is the best destination to visit with your family. Throw a blanket on the soft white powdery sands and relax under the sun, listening to the sound of the waves. You have changing rooms to put on your swimsuit and then take a plunge into the emerald waters of the sea. Build sand castles with your kids. This family-friendly beach is safe to play and have a picnic with your kids.
4. Have a Great Time Learning Science at the Emerald Coast Science Center
The centre has workable exhibits that teach the children about basic science principles in an easy-to-understand way. You can learn about natural phenomena from the fascinating exhibits, including exotic animals and hands-on exhibits. With 45 exhibits, you are assured of having a fun learning time with your kids. You can solve puzzles together with your kids. You can also get answers to your doubts in physics, chemistry, and engineering. The robotic exhibits are interactive. The underwater explorations done by robots are thrilling to watch.
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5. Visit Air Force Armament Museum
This is the only museum in the world with an exclusive collection and exhibition of artifacts related to Air Force armaments. With more than 30 different types of aircraft, a wide variety of bombs and missiles, and hundreds of armaments, the museum will fascinate you. The exhibits include weapons, planes, and armaments from WWI, WWII, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and many more. You can learn about the modern weapons used in the Warfield—book in advance to avoid disappointments.
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6. Learn About the History of the Region at Heritage Park and Cultural Center
The centre is a museum complex comprising 5 museums: Indian Temple Mound Museum, Garnier Post Office Museum, Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum, Civil War Exhibits, and Fort Walton Temple Mound. You will get a clear idea of the culture and history of the region when you visit all the 5 museums in the complex. It not only attracts history buffs but everyone who loves to see the exhibits showing the everyday life in Fort Walton Beach centuries ago and how war affected the town. The Indian Temple Mound Museum houses exhibits from the prehistoric times.
7. Go on a Cruise to Spot Dolphins and Watch the Sunset
The sunset view is phenomenal. There are several options to watch it. You can take a dolphin excursion tour, a relaxing dinner cruise, a speedboat cruise, or a hydrojet cruise. Admire the breathtaking view and keep your eyes open for dolphins. If you are lucky, the playful dolphins will swim by your boat and jump out occasionally. If you love fishing, you have fishing charters ranging from 4 hours to 6 hours and more. These are just a few of the many things to do in Fort Walton Beach.
8. Have Fun at the Wild Will’s Adventure Zone
Wild Will’s Adventure Zone is a large family entertainment centre located on Okaloosa Island near Fort Walton Beach. You are assured of indoor and outdoor fun and entertainment in this dinosaur-themed park. It has a 4D movie theatre where you can watch a thrilling, eye-popping movie. Have thrilling adventures on ropes 60-foot high. Enjoy laser tags, go-kart, and ptero jump. Test your golf skills on the miniature golf grounds. There are more than 70 arcade games where you can play with your family and friends.
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9. Enjoy water activities at Sunshine Water sports
Rent a pontoon boat to cruise on water, spend some time on the island with your family, or go fishing. The boats with a sun shade to keep you protected can accommodate 12 persons. Go parasailing to fly 400 feet in the air, feeling the breeze and enjoying the spectacular view from the top. Dip into the ocean and experience the thrill of splashing. Go snorkelling in the warm waters of the sea to enjoy underwater adventure and watch the aquatic life in the natural setting. You can also go on catamaran rides and dolphin cruises.
10. Have a Fun Day at John Beasley Park
This picturesque beach with emerald waters and sugary white sands is a perfect destination to enjoy a relaxing day and indulge in water activities. Escape from the hustle and bustle and have an entire day of fun. If you are looking for a clean beach with all amenities and less crowd, John Beasley is the ideal choice. Swim and paddleboard in the sea and collect shells from the soft, gorgeous sand.
11. Relax in Liza Jackson Park
It is a serene park where you can spot a variety of wildlife while going on a walk along the waterfront. Learn about the local vegetation by visiting the wetlands. It is a great option for fishing, boating, swimming, and other outdoor activities. Enjoy a picnic with your loved ones in the calm green atmosphere. Kids love to play on swings, slides, climbing jacks, and other rides in the playground. There are many things to do in Fort Walton Beach, making it a perfect destination for family fun and relaxation.
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12. Splash in the Norriego Point Tide Pools
The place provides several swimming areas and protected tide pools to splash. Walk along the soft sands of the beach to watch herons and other birds. You have plenty of boating options, including paddle boats, yachts, jet skis, and tiki tour boats. Get the best snorkelling adventure by getting a close look at underwater life like sea turtles, dolphins, octopuses, and other fish. Go on a dolphin cruise to watch the beautiful mammals playing in the sea.
13. Try Axe Throwing at Ratchet Hatchet
If you love axe throwing, an old game from the 19th century, you will love this place. Test your axe-throwing skills and hit the bullseye. There are different types of axes, and you can try all of them for a duration of 1 or 2 hours. Bring out the Viking in you with your friends and family. This is one of the most exciting things to do in Fort Walton Beach!
14. Visit the Downtown
Fort Walton downtown has a lot to offer when it comes to things to do in Fort Walton Beach. Watch live concerts on Friday nights at the Landing. Enjoying vibrant music, breathing fresh, and snacking on your favourites can be a real bliss. Participate in art festivals and pick beautiful souvenirs for yourself and your friends. The downtown is lined with unique shops and restaurants. Shop in them and relish the best seafood.
Concluding Words
Fort Walton Beach is a place of natural beauty meant to have fun in groups, be it family or friends. Indulge in thrilling adventures and immerse in the beautiful nature here. There are plenty of things to do in Fort Walton Beach. Pack your bags and get ready to go to Fort Walton Beach on your next vacation.
