Fort Walton Beach FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
1. Okaloosa Island
EMERALD WATERS AND WHITE SAND
Okaloosa Island offers visitors pristine white sandy beaches and emerald-green waters that Florida's Gulf Coast is famous for. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and various water activities while taking in the stunning natural beauty of the coastline. The island also features numerous access points, seasonal lifeguards, and family-friendly amenities that make it perfect for a relaxing beach day.
2. John Beasley Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY BEACH EXPERIENCE
John Beasley Park provides access to beautiful white sandy beaches and the emerald waters that Fort Walton Beach is famous for. The park is equipped with two pavilions ideal for picnic lunches, boardwalk access to the beach, restrooms, and ample parking space. With its low-key family-friendly vibe and seasonal lifeguards, John Beasley Park offers a superior beach experience for visitors looking to swim, fish, or simply soak up the sun.
3. Okaloosa Island Boardwalk
DINING, SHOPPING AND SWIMMING
The Okaloosa Island Boardwalk serves as both a fantastic public beach access point and a hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment during a Fort Walton Beach vacation. Visitors can soak up the sun on the beach or enjoy volleyball on the public courts before making their way up to the boardwalk for refreshments and beach essentials. The boardwalk hosts free community events, including Wednesday night fireworks that take place weekly throughout the summer season.
4. Okaloosa Island Pier
FISHING AND PANORAMIC VIEWS
Okaloosa Island Pier stretches 1,262 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, offering breathtaking views of magnificent sunrises and sunsets. Visitors can observe marine life including dolphins, sea turtles, herons, and pelicans while enjoying fishing adventures or a relaxing stroll. The pier's proximity to sugar-white beaches and vibrant green waters makes it an ideal spot for photography and re-energizing in nature.
5. Henderson Beach State Park
NATURAL BEAUTY AND RECREATION
Henderson Beach State Park features over a mile of pristine shoreline along the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico just a short drive from Fort Walton Beach. The park preserves the last remaining coastal scrub area in the Destin area, featuring 30-foot white sand dunes and a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, nature trails, and picnicking in this natural sanctuary that offers full facilities including restrooms, showers, and a playground.
6. Crab Island
UNDERWATER SANDBAR PARADISE
Crab Island is a famous underwater sandbar located in Destin's Choctawhatchee Bay where boats anchor in shallow, crystal-clear water that's typically only 1-4 feet deep. This popular gathering spot features floating restaurants, water slides, inflatable obstacle courses, and live music during peak season. Accessible only by boat, kayak, or jet ski, Crab Island offers a unique social atmosphere where visitors can wade in the water, enjoy water activities, and experience one of the area's most beloved attractions.
7. James Lee Park
PRISTINE BEACH WITH AMENITIES
James Lee Park offers visitors access to one of Destin's most beautiful beaches with its crystal-clear emerald waters and powder-white sand. The park features excellent amenities including free parking, restrooms, changing areas, outdoor showers, and covered pavilions with picnic tables. Beachgoers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and spectacular sunset views in this well-maintained public beach area.
8. Norriego Point
SECLUDED HARBOR PENINSULA
Norriego Point is a peninsula of sand that forms the east side of the Destin Harbor entrance, offering visitors a unique beach experience where they can watch boats coming and going through the Destin Pass. This recently restored beach area features both harbor-side and Gulf-side beaches, allowing visitors to choose between the calmer waters of the harbor or the more energetic Gulf waves. The point's somewhat secluded nature makes it a favorite among locals looking for a less crowded beach experience within reach of Destin's attractions.
9. Navarre Beach
LONGEST FISHING PIER
Navarre Beach is known for its 1,545-foot fishing pier, the longest in Florida and on the Gulf of Mexico, offering spectacular views and excellent fishing opportunities. The beach features 12 miles of pristine white shoreline with crystal clear water, providing a less crowded alternative to other nearby beaches. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and wildlife viewing, including frequent dolphin sightings and sea turtle nesting during the summer months.
10. Grayton Beach State Park
COASTAL DUNE LAKE WONDER
Grayton Beach State Park encompasses one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States with its sugar-white sand and emerald-green waters, consistently ranking among the nation's top beaches. The park features the rare natural phenomenon of Western Lake, one of Florida's coastal dune lakes that intermittently connects with the Gulf of Mexico, creating a unique ecosystem where saltwater and freshwater species coexist. Visitors can enjoy swimming, paddling, hiking nature trails, camping, and exploring the dunes while experiencing the park's perfect balance between recreational amenities and natural preservation.