Destination Guide: Okaloosa Island
Nestled along Florida’s stunning Emerald Coast, Okaloosa Island is one of the most popular destinations in Fort Walton Beach. Known for its sugar-white beaches, emerald green waters, and friendly locals, this island combines natural beauty with activities for every type of traveler! While the beaches are undoubtedly the main attraction, there’s much more to see and do beyond the sun and sand. Okaloosa Island is home to lots of family-friendly attractions, waterfront dining, and seasonal events that bring visitors year after year. Packing so much fun into three miles isn’t easy, but one trip to Okaloosa Island and you’ll see what makes it such a fun beach destination for groups of all sizes!
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Where is Okaloosa Island?
Okaloosa Island, in Fort Walton Beach, sits along Santa Rosa Island, a barrier island in the Florida Panhandle between Destin and Navarre. Situated between the Santa Rosa Sound and the Gulf, locals know it as “the island,” and it’s an ideal spot for plenty of outdoor play!
Getting here is simple. It’s a quick drive from much of the Southeast, including Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, and about five hours from Atlanta via I-85. Those traveling along the I-10 corridor from Mobile, New Orleans, and Biloxi can reach our beautiful beaches in just a few hours! By air, Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is the most popular option, located about 30 minutes from Okaloosa Island. Destin Executive Airport accommodates chartered flights and sits less than ten miles away. Pensacola International Airport and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport are both about an hour away, offering additional convenient entry points to our beautiful beaches.
Things to do on Okaloosa Island
Time on Fort Walton Beach’s Okaloosa Island centers around the beach, whether that means long walks along the shoreline, bike rides along scenic stretches, or just spending the day on the water. The island’s location also places you close to downtown Fort Walton Beach and Destin, opening the door to even more dining, shopping, and family-friendly activities.
Water Activities on Okaloosa Island
Okaloosa Island offers multiple beach access points, with parking, restrooms, and picnic areas, so you’ll have no problem settling in for a day by the water. While the beaches are spacious, parking can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays, so it’s best to arrive earlier in the day.
Pack some snacks, ice down the cooler, and plan to make a whole day of it! La Dolce Vita can outfit you with your favorite beach toys, offering everything from bikes and golf carts to pontoon boats and jet skis.
Our warm Gulf waters make outdoor activities enjoyable throughout the year, and you can take your pick from a variety of water sports. Try parasailing, kayaking, or paddle boarding; rent a wave runner at Crab Island Water Sports, or book a dolphin or snorkel cruise with Cattywampus.
Family-Friendly Activities on Okaloosa Island
When you’re ready to step away from the beach for a bit, there are plenty of nearby activities to keep all ages engaged and having fun!
The Gulfarium
The Gulfarium offers a fun way to connect with marine life through exhibits, chats, and interactive encounters. See stingrays, penguins, dolphins, and more, or book a private function to commemorate a celebratory event!
Wild Willie’s Adventure Zone
Wild Willie’s Adventure Zone brings a mix of active play and light-hearted competition just minutes from Okaloosa Island. A ropes course, a bungee trampoline, and a bumper boat pool give families plenty of ways to stay active beyond the beach. Challenge each other on the go-karts, catch a 4D movie, then cool off with some refreshing frozen yogurt.
The Boardwalk
Eat, shop, and watch movies on the beach at The Boardwalk, a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Located right on the beach, you’ll have a front-row seat to take in all the action during Emerald Coast Volleyball Week. Check out their live beach cam for current weather and surf conditions before heading out.
The Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier
Watch fishermen reel in their catch, view our local wildlife, and catch gorgeous sunsets each evening at the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier. Anglers can purchase their daily fishing pass, rent equipment, grab refreshments, and purchase souvenirs at the tackle shop on-site.
Okaloosa National Mini Golf and Ice Cream
With 36 fun and challenging holes, the Okaloosa National Mini Golf and Ice Cream is a fun pitstop after dinner, offering 24 flavors of ice cream for a refreshing treat at the end of the day.
Uptown Station
Need a few last-minute essentials? Uptown Station offers convenient shopping and dining, including a grocery store for snacks, beverages, and vacation necessities. Grab a bite at Clemenza’s or Think Poke, then finish with a sweet treat at Baskin-Robbins or nearby Pink Coyote Dessert Company.
Family Fun Nearby
Just over Brooks Bridge, downtown Fort Walton Beach brings boutique shopping, restaurants, and live music venues that keep evenings lively after a day on the sand. Swing by the Landing overlooking the Santa Rosa Sound for seasonal concerts, movies, and a local farmer’s market. Plus, with Destin just a few miles away, staying on Fort Walton Beach’s Okaloosa Island gives you easy access to Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park and The Track, less than ten miles away!
Where to Eat on Okaloosa Island
Okaloosa Island dining ranges from longtime local favorites to newer waterfront restaurants serving fresh Gulf seafood and casual fare. Many sit just steps from the water or within walking distance of our vacation rentals, making it easy to grab a meal and enjoy a nice evening stroll.
- AJ’s Oyster Shanty– start with smoked tuna dip or a dozen raw oysters, then move on to the crab cakes while taking in the balmy breezes and live music.
- Old Bay Steamer – known for its signature steamed seafood, the diverse menu also features steaks, pasta, and ribs.
- Floyd’s Shrimp House – specializing in everything shrimp (all-you-can-eat daily during limited hours), steak, pasta, and fish also grace the menu.
- The Crab Trap – with three locations, it’s bound to be delicious; try the hot crab dip, Southern-style crab cakes, and Alaska snow crab and lobster with a frozen margarita.
- Fubar Pizza Bar – wings, pizza, live entertainment, and gorgeous views make this a fun local joint offering a free slice on Mondays to active-duty military and first responders.
- The Gulf – it’s all about the outdoor environment here, along with a seasonal menu, delicious cocktails, and fun games. You can also snag souvenirs at the gift shop!
- Rockin’ Taco’s – for tacos, tortillas, and tequila made to order at this fun open-air restaurant directly overlooking the Gulf.
- AJ’s Beach Club – you’ll love the craft beer, the kids will go crazy for the milkshakes, and everyone will agree the burgers and specialty sandwiches are the life of the party.
- Stewby's – for freshly fried or grilled Gulf seafood, sandwiches, tacos, kids' meals, and more, all at family-friendly prices.
- Vincenzo’s Italian Bistro- – for delicious Italian cuisine, live entertainment, and gorgeous Gulf views that pair nicely with their signature cocktails.
Okaloosa Island Events
Fort Walton Beach’s Okaloosa Island keeps the calendar full with plenty of outdoor events and seasonal festivals throughout the year. Here are a few of our favorites:
- The Fly Into Spring Kite Festival features free kite flying lessons, stunt kite demonstrations, and massive kites soaring over the beach. It’s a fun way to spend the afternoon, and you can treat the kids to a kite at the Kitty Hawk Kite store while there!
- The Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival brings a pirate-themed celebration to the Landing, with a jam-packed weekend of pub crawls, fireworks, block parties, and concerts. Popular highlights include a parade and re-enactment featuring Billy the Pirate and his crew arriving on the shores to take Fort Walton Beach.
- For those who like to stay active while on vacation, local running events bring together walkers, joggers, and runners to exercise and enjoy the Florida sunshine, while supporting community charities.
- Evenings on the sand take on a different feel with movies shown on a giant inflatable screen at The Boardwalk. Bring a blanket and your favorite beverage, and share a memorable experience with the whole family.
- Harborwalk Village in nearby Destin hosts annual events celebrating the changing seasons. Spring brings family-friendly activities, including the St. Paddy’s Day family party and Visit the Easter Bunny. Summer brings Fourth of July on the Harbor, and the ever-popular Destin Seafood Festival and the Destin Fishing Rodeo, both signature events, are eagerly anticipated by locals and visitors alike every fall.
Okaloosa Island Weather
Okaloosa Island enjoys mild temperatures year-round, making it a comfortable (and popular) beach destination every season. Summers are warm, typically ranging from the mid-to-upper eighties, while spring generally sees temperatures in the mid-seventies. Winters are very mild, and our beautiful coastline rarely sees temperatures dipping below forty degrees. Although water temperatures range from the mid-fifties to the upper-eighties, they are warmest in summer, making it the most popular season for visitors. No matter when you come to Fort Walton Beach’s Okaloosa Island, we’re confident we’ll see you back again!
