Fort Walton Beach

A Coastal Gem Along the Emerald Coast

Fort Walton Beach, located in Okaloosa County, Florida, is a charming city nestled along Florida’s beautiful Emerald Coast, known for its sugar-white sand beaches and stunning emerald waters. With a laid-back vibe, military history, and family-friendly attractions, Fort Walton Beach offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor adventure. It’s a popular year-round destination for beach lovers, families, and retirees who are drawn to its relaxed atmosphere, thriving local community, and easy access to nearby cities like Destin and Pensacola.

What to Love in Fort Walton Beach, FL

• Emerald Coast Beaches: The city is known for its soft white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Fort Walton Beach is home to a variety of attractions, including parks, museums, and aquariums, making it ideal for families.

• Rich Military Heritage: With Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field nearby, Fort Walton Beach has a strong military presence and community support.

• Outdoor Recreation: Enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, and biking in the scenic landscapes surrounding Fort Walton Beach, including nearby Gulf Islands National Seashore and Okaloosa Island.

• Affordable Coastal Living: Fort Walton Beach offers a relatively affordable cost of living, particularly compared to other popular coastal cities in Florida.

Local Lifestyle - Living in Fort Walton Beach, FL

Living in Fort Walton Beach offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with plenty of access to nature and outdoor activities. The city’s small-town charm and friendly community make it an inviting place for families, retirees, and military personnel alike. Residents enjoy a range of recreational opportunities, from fishing and boating to beachcombing and exploring nearby parks.

Fort Walton Beach is home to a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, with Downtown Fort Walton Beach providing a vibrant hub of local businesses, restaurants, and cultural events. The area also boasts excellent schools, a variety of housing options, and a strong sense of community.

With its proximity to Destin and other nearby attractions, Fort Walton Beach allows residents to enjoy both the peace of small-town living and the convenience of being close to larger cities. It’s an ideal place for those seeking a laid-back beach lifestyle without sacrificing modern amenities.

Dining and Shopping in Fort Walton Beach, FL

Dining

• Fort Walton Beach offers a variety of dining options, from casual beachside eateries to fine dining. Stewby’s Seafood Shanty is a local favorite for fresh, casual seafood dishes. For a more upscale experience, The Bay Café offers French-inspired cuisine with beautiful waterfront views.

• Fokker’s Pub is a well-loved spot for casual dining, serving pizza, wings, and German-inspired fare. Meanwhile, Old Bay Steamer on Okaloosa Island is a go-to for steamed seafood and Southern dishes.

Shopping

• Downtown Fort Walton Beach offers a mix of local boutiques, gift shops, and art galleries, perfect for finding unique souvenirs or gifts. The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island also provides a fun shopping and dining experience with beachfront views.

• For more extensive shopping, the nearby Destin Commons and Silver Sands Premium Outlets in Miramar Beach offer a wide variety of national retailers and designer brands.

For more dining and shopping options, visit the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce website.

Things to Do in Fort Walton Beach, FL

Fort Walton Beach offers a wide range of activities and attractions for residents and visitors of all ages.

• Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park: This popular attraction allows visitors to get up close with marine life, including dolphins, sea lions, and turtles. The park offers animal encounters, daily shows, and educational exhibits, making it a family favorite.

• Beaches and Water Sports: Fort Walton Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, including Okaloosa Island. Enjoy activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and parasailing in the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

• Indian Temple Mound Museum: This historic site and museum showcase artifacts from the region’s Native American history, providing insight into the area’s rich cultural heritage.

• Liza Jackson Park: Located along the waterfront, this park offers picnic areas, walking trails, and a playground, making it a perfect spot for a family day out.

• Emerald Coast Science Center: This interactive museum features hands-on exhibits that explore science and technology, making it a great destination for families with children.

• Fishing and Boating: Fort Walton Beach is a popular destination for anglers, offering opportunities for deep-sea fishing, pier fishing, and boat rentals. Okaloosa Pier is a favorite spot for locals and visitors to cast a line or simply enjoy the stunning Gulf views.

For more activities and events, visit the Visit Fort Walton Beach website.

History and Heritage

Fort Walton Beach has a rich history that dates back to the region’s early Native American inhabitants, whose presence is commemorated at the Indian Temple Mound Museum. Over the centuries, the area evolved into a quiet fishing community before becoming a popular tourist destination in the mid-20th century.

The city’s connection to the military is significant, with Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field playing key roles in the area’s growth and development. Today, Fort Walton Beach is a proud military community, offering support and services to the men and women of the armed forces who call this area home.

Real Estate Insights

Fort Walton Beach’s real estate market offers a mix of housing options, from waterfront condos and townhomes to single-family homes in established neighborhoods. The area’s affordability and coastal charm make it a popular destination for families, retirees, and military personnel.

• Beachfront Condos: Fort Walton Beach is known for its variety of beachfront and waterfront condo developments. These properties often come with resort-style amenities like pools, fitness centers, and private beach access, making them a popular choice for both full-time residents and vacation home buyers.

• Single-Family Homes: The city’s residential neighborhoods offer affordable single-family homes, many of which are located near parks, schools, and shopping. Areas like Kenwood and Wright are popular for families seeking a quiet, suburban lifestyle.

• Investment Properties: Given its popularity as a vacation destination, Fort Walton Beach offers excellent opportunities for real estate investors. Short-term rental properties, particularly those near the beach, are in high demand year-round.

Explore available properties in Fort Walton Beach, FL today to find your next home or investment opportunity.

Education and Family Life

Fort Walton Beach is a family-friendly city with excellent schools, parks, and activities for children. The area is served by the Okaloosa County School District, which is known for its strong academic programs and extracurricular activities.

• Public Schools: Highly regarded schools in the area include Fort Walton Beach High School, Bruner Middle School, and Kenwood Elementary School. The district consistently receives high marks for academic performance and student support.

• Private Schools: Families seeking private education have several options, including Saint Mary Catholic School and Rocky Bayou Christian School.

In addition to its schools, Fort Walton Beach offers plenty of family-friendly activities, from beaches and parks to museums and community events. The city’s safe, welcoming environment makes it an ideal place for raising children.

Learn more about local schools on the Okaloosa County School District website.

Transportation and Accessibility

Fort Walton Beach is conveniently located along Florida’s Emerald Coast, offering easy access to major highways and airports.

• Highways: The city is connected to U.S. Highway 98, which runs along the coast and provides quick access to nearby cities like Destin and Pensacola.

• Airports: Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is just 10 minutes from downtown Fort Walton Beach, offering direct flights to major cities across the U.S.

• Public Transportation: The Okaloosa County Transit (OCT) system provides bus services throughout Fort Walton Beach and the surrounding area, making it easy for residents and visitors to get around without a car.

Safety and Services

Fort Walton Beach is known for its safe and welcoming environment, with low crime rates and a strong sense of community. The Fort Walton Beach Police Department works closely with the community to maintain safety and provide support to residents.

For healthcare, residents have access to top-rated medical services at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and nearby Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital in Destin, offering comprehensive healthcare and emergency services.

Economic and Employment Opportunities

Fort Walton Beach’s economy is driven by a mix of tourism, military, and healthcare industries. With Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field nearby, the military plays a significant role in the local economy, creating numerous job opportunities in defense, education, and healthcare.

Tourism is another key driver of the local economy, with the area’s beautiful beaches and family-friendly attractions drawing visitors year-round. The city’s growing real estate market and retail sector also provide additional employment opportunities.

Environmental and Sustainability Factors

Fort Walton Beach is committed to preserving its natural beauty and protecting the environment. The city works with local organizations and government agencies to promote environmental sustainability through beach conservation, water quality monitoring, and recycling programs.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to participate in beach cleanups and conservation efforts to help protect the pristine beaches and coastal ecosystems that make Fort Walton Beach such a special place.

Fort Walton Beach, FL, offers a unique coastal lifestyle with stunning beaches, family-friendly attractions, and a welcoming community. Whether you're seeking a beachfront property, a vibrant community, or an ideal location for raising a family, Fort Walton Beach provides the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure along the Emerald Coast.