Fun Things To Do In Fort Walton Beach
Here are our picks for the most fun things to do in Fort Walton Beach, Fl.
Ratchet Hatchet
Time to let loose with some ax throwing! At Ratchet Hatchet, you and your friends or family can rent a lane and have at it! A staff member will take you through the basics of ax throwing, and then you’re on your own.
This is a BYOB location so pack a cooler with your favorite drinks, and the perfect night awaits.
If you have more than six people in your group, it is best to rent a second lane. You will all be more comfortable and have more throwing opportunities.
Visit Historical Museums
The Florida panhandle is rich in history. If you are curious and want to learn more during your visit, here are a few of our favorite museums.
Indian Temple Mound Museum
Located within the Heritage Park and Cultural Center, the Indian Temple Mound Museum contains interpretive exhibits that span over 12,000 years of Native American occupation and history. Among the more than 1000 artifacts are items made from stone, shell, bone, and clay.
The exhibits include artifacts from early settlers, European explorers, and pirates. This museum is also home to one of the most impressive prehistoric ceramics collections in the southeast United States.
If you are interested in the land’s history and Native American history, this is a must-visit location!
Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum
If you have made the trip to the Heritage Park and Cultural Center, pay a visit to the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum.
While not in its original location, the building itself has been carefully preserved since 1974. The original structure was built in 1911 from native pine and oak. When the school opened in 1912, there were 15 students and one teacher, with eight grades taught in this single room. In 1927, a second room was added to accommodate high school students.
If you’re curious about what it was like to attend school in the 1910s, 1920s, and 1930s, the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum has you covered.
Destin History and Fishing Museum
The waters around Destin and Fort Walton Beach, Florida, are world renowned for incredible fishing. The Destin History and Fishing Museum seeks to preserve Destin history and educate visitors who come through the door.
You will find exhibits exploring the famous Destin Fishing Rodeo and the history of Diving in Destin. The fishing rodeo is one of the longest-running fishing events in the world and has a fascinating, rich history. And clear waters and abundant marine life have made diving and snorkeling popular past times in the region for more than 70 years.
You can also explore the Mike Long Memorial Fish Wall, where you will find over 100 fish mounts, all caught in the waters off Destin. This wall also has a fabulous mural showing water depths, giving you a better understanding of why Destin is known as the “world’s luckiest fishing village.”
Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone
Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone is incredible fun for the entire family! No matter what you consider adventurous, you will find it here.
Here are just a few of the things you can do at Wild Willy’s:
- Hit the track in a go-kart
- Ride the bumper boats
- Play one of three miniature golf courses
- Ptero jump trampoline
- Treetop challenge rope course
- Play laser tag
- Enjoy a VR experience
- See a 4D movie
With so many activities, it will be easy to fill your day to the brim with all sorts of fun and adventure!
Emerald Coast Science Center
The Emerald Coast Science Center satisfies the curiosity of visitors of all ages.
Full of hands-on, interactive, science-based activities, learning has never been so much fun!
Learn about when dinosaurs roamed the earth, space, robotics, marine life, and local ecosystems. You can dig in the dino pit, explore augmented reality, and even experiment with a hurricane simulator. And if you manage to time your visit for the first or third Thursday of the month, you can check out the planetarium! Just be sure to purchase tickets for the planetarium show in advance as space is limited to 25 people.
Eat at Stewby’s
You cannot visit Fort Walton Beach without trying some of the local seafood. Our top recommendation is Stewby’s Seafood Shanty.
This small take-out seafood restaurant serves only the freshest catch and all spices and sauces are made from scratch.
Stewby’s serves up some of the best seafood imaginable and you can take it with you or stay and enjoy it on the heated/cooled deck.
Stewby’s is a family business and you can taste their passion in every bite.
We recommend eating at the location on Racetrack Road. The food itself is top shelf and it tends to be less crowded than the other locations because it is located in town and not near the water.
Of course, if you visit the location on Okaloosa Island, you can travel back over the bridge and finish your day at Salty Duck with some craft beer. As Fort Walton Beach’s premier craft beer bar, you can choose from nearly 40 craft beers, and with the taps changed every week, you can relish the variety!
Visit The Many Parks and Preserves
The Emerald Coast is home to many great parks and preserves. If you are looking to spend a day taking in the natural surroundings, here are two great places to start:
John Beasley Park
Located on Okaloosa Island, John C Beasley Park is close enough to the action that you won’t feel too isolated but expansive enough that you will have a little privacy.
With miles of sandy white beach, 2 dune walkovers, public restrooms, a dozen picnic tables, an octagonal platform, nearby food and shopping, and ample parking, this is the perfect place to enjoy the Gulf of Mexico.
Liza Jackson Park
Located on the Santa Rosa Sound, Liza Jackson Park has over 1000 feet of waterfront. With several pavilions, boat ramps, a fishing pier, 2 playground areas, and a fenced dog run, this is the perfect place for the whole family.
Enjoy the views, go fishing, and have a picnic. This park boasts many shaded areas so it is the ideal place for taking a break from the sun and spending a quiet afternoon.
Visit Downtown Fort Walton Beach
Downtown Fort Walton Beach has plenty of activities on offer.
Here are a few things worth checking out:
Friday night concerts at The Landing
Fort Walton Beach Landing, known as “the Landing,” is home to a Friday night concert series. Is there anything better than enjoying live music, fresh air, and waterfront views?
Just be sure to arrive early. Parking and seating fill up quickly. Bring along a blanket or a chair as well as a cooler filled with your favorite snacks and drinks. Make a whole evening of it!
Take in a Festival
There is always something happening in Fort Walton Beach. Aside from the Destin Fish Rodeo, the area is home to many art festivals. Depending on the timing of your visit, you can explore these art festivals and find yourself the perfect souvenir or decor piece for your home!
If you really time your trip properly, you can participate in the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Invasion & Downtown Party. This celebration has been happening for over 65 years and never fails to delight. With a pub crawl, torchlight parade, pirate-themed kids activities, live music, and a block party, it is time to embrace your inner swashbuckler.
Get Out on the Water
No trip to Florida is complete without a water adventure! And the good news is that Destiny Water Adventures has everything you need in one location.
If you are looking for an active day on the water or something fun to do with the kids, try our kayak and paddleboard rentals. We only carry top-quality equipment, include safety gear with each rental, and have plenty of free parking.
How do you get to Crab Island? If you want to visit Crab Island, the only way to get there is by water. Our pontoon boat rentals are absolutely perfect for the excursion. We only rent out the latest custom models, equip the boats with safety gear, and throw in a cooler and Bluetooth stereo so you have everything you need for a day of sun and surf. We are located only a short distance away so once you leave our slip, we’ll point you in the right direction. You can’t miss it!
For a little more guidance and a little more action, consider our jet ski island adventure package! Not only do you get a state-of-the-art jet ski to ride, but our knowledgeable and experienced guides will also take you to all the best locations. Forget the crowded tourist spots and get ready to see all the local hideaways. But don’t worry, we’ll still take you by Crab Island, Destin Harbor, and Santa Rosa Sound.
Jet skiing from Destin means a lot of slow cruising and idle time as you will be in a no-wake zone. Fort Walton Beach, on the other hand, has some of the best jet skiing waters around! And what’s more, we know where and when you are most likely to see dolphins, allowing you to get up close and personal with them in the most unique and intimate way possible. This is why our dolphin cruises are highly rated.
Fort Walton Beach Florida is Built for Fun!
Florida’s gulf shores are a place of extraordinary beauty and unbelievable fun. And nowhere is this more evident than in Fort Walton Beach.
From relaxing afternoons on the beach to art festivals, museums, and adventures on the water, the area has a little something for everyone.
And when you’re in town, pay a visit to Destiny Water Adventures. We are the most trusted water sports rental company in Fort Walton Beach and it isn’t hard to see why. With top-notch equipment, friendly and helpful staff, and excellent tour packages, we are a one-stop-shop for wet and wild fun.
Book online or call 850-754-9649 with questions!
See this post for tips on things to do in Miramar Beach.