LifeStyle

With its sugary white sand and sparkling emerald waters, Fort Walton Beach is a popular destination for beach lovers from all over the world. Miles of beautiful beaches are just a short bike ride or walk away from our community. Nearby Okaloosa Island is a local favorite for its long stretch of beach and fishing pier.

Biking is a great way to explore Fort Walton Beach and our extensive network of bike trails on the north side of town. The warm weather makes it a practical way to get around as well. Nearby Timber Lake Bike Trails offers road and woods trails for cyclists of all levels.

Boating is a way of life in Fort Walton Beach. The Gulf of Mexico, Choctawhatchee Bay, and Santa Rosa Sound provide a wide range of boating experiences, from inner tubes to yachts. Kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are popular and offer an easy and affordable way to get out on the water. Fort Walton Beach is home to plenty of marinas and water access.

The fishing opportunities in Fort Walton Beach are nearly endless. Offshore and inshore fishing are both available. Neighboring Okaloosa Island is home to a public fishing pier that offers both beginners and pros easy access to deeper waters and species like tarpon, king mackerel, and cobia.

Fort Walton Beach is a nature lover's paradise. Our area is ringed by several parks, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Choctawhatchee Bay. Bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, alligators, black bears, and hundreds of species of migratory birds all call our area home. The area is a bird watcher's and nature photographer's paradise and offers great opportunities for day hikers.

Uptown Station is located in the heart of Fort Walton Beach and offers a variety of shopping options. There are other shopping centers throughout town, including the Santa Rosa Mall. And for those seeking more, Silver Sands Outlets and Destin Commons offer everything else you could possibly ask for on the Emerald Coast, within an easy driving distance.

Hundreds of restaurants are located in Fort Walton Beach, and multiple online restaurant delivery services are available. Fine dining, seafood, and fast food styles are all well-represented by both local proprietors and national chains. You'll never run out of new places to try in Fort Walton Beach. And of course, if you're a seafood lover, our area's fresh-from-the-Gulf fish, shrimp, scallops, and oysters are always delicious options.

Fort Walton Beach has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, nightclubs, and music venues. The city hosts several music events and concerts throughout the year. Fort Walton Beach's recently upgraded The Landing Park features an outdoor open area hosting weekly concerts during the summer. Within walking distance nearby are other popular bars and restaurants.

If excitement is what you seek, Fort Walton Beach will not disappoint. Waterparks, zip lines, jet skiing, kiteboarding, dolphin shows, and amusement parks are just a few of the activities waiting just outside our community's gates. The Gulfarium is a popular aquarium and dolphin show destination for visitors and locals alike.

Fort Walton Beach features plenty of recreation opportunities nearby, including pickleball and tennis courts, soccer and baseball fields, open parks, dog parks, and a very extensive trail system for mountain biking and hiking. For indoor facilities, the Fort Walton Beach recreation center features basketball courts and other fun activities for the whole family.