Fort Walton Beach Travel Tips
Fort Walton Beach is an excellent vacation spot for families interested in relaxation, shopping, and exciting local events. Located in Southern Okaloosa County, FL, Fort Walton Beach has been a popular tourist destination for decades. The best way to visit this beautiful area is to stay in one of the many Fort Walton Beach condo rentals that are available. For families visiting Fort Walton Beach, condo rentals offer a more spacious, personalized experience than a standard hotel room. Read on to find out how to make the most out of your trip to Fort Walton Beach!
Transit
For families visiting Fort Walton Beach without a car,
Okaloosa County Transit offers a shuttle service with stops at Okaloosa Island, downtown Fort Walton, Fort Walton Beach, and Destin. Current fare rates, hours, and route information are available online. Taxis are also readily available for those interested in exploring areas outside of the bus route. For families who are driving, the cities of Destin, Pensacola, and Panama City can be accessed by US 98.
Climate
Fort Walton Beach has a very warm humid subtropical climate. The area experiences hot and very humid summers, generally from late May to mid-September. Autumns, from mid-September to early December, are generally warm. Winters are very short and mild, from mid-December to late February. Springs are warm, from late February to late May. Fort Walton Beach, part of the western Choctawhatchee Bay region of which Destin and Niceville are also part, is very wet, averaging 69 inches of rain each year, more than any other city in Florida, including Pensacola.
Beaches & Parks
Okaloosa Island and Grayton Beach are two top choices for families staying in a nearby house or condo.
Okaloosa Island is a beautiful secluded beach featuring deep green water and powder-white sand. It is perfect for those who want a quiet, peaceful place to relax.
Grayton Beach, located just a short drive east from Fort Walton, is another unspoiled white sand beach. Because it is privately owned, Grayton Beach is exceptionally clean and quiet.
Shopping
Here are some of the area's top shopping destinations:
Uptown Station is the premiere shopping area in Fort Walton Beach. Featuring over 60 stores, special events, dining, and fun activities for kids,
Uptown Station is a must while on your Fort Walton Beach vacation. Rentals are available for families needing a car to travel around the area. The
Downtown Arts District is a great way to explore the city's local shops and restaurants. Featuring clothing, a bakery, a cinema, and a dog park, this unique district is a fun way to spend the day.
Fun With Kids
Families with children will want to find something unique to keep their kids entertained. Miniature golf or the Emerald Coast Science Center are both excellent choices for a day with the kids.
Goofy Golf is a landmark and local favorite. Featuring a 23-foot tall T-Rex named "Hammy," this golf course is sure to be a hit with the kids. The
Emerald Coast Science Center offers many hands-on exhibits, educational programs, and even an astronomy class for kids and adults. The
Air Force Armament Museum is the #1 Fort Walton Beach Attraction on TripAdvisor - check out massive helicopters and fighter planes as well as other types of aircraft and weaponry. At the
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park where the dolphins and sea lions will perform tricks that will make your jaw drop, and you can pet some of your favorite underwater creatures.
Food
When you're hungry, Stewby's Seafood Shanty is the #1 rated restaurant on TripAdvisor, with good reason. With fresh seafood, and a laid back atmosphere, Stewby's is the perfect spot for lunch during a long day on the beach. Old Bay Steamer is another seafood joint that heaps on the helpings and keeps the fancy stuff at bay. Floyd's Shrimp House has all-you-can-eat popcorn shrimp while The Crab Trap and The Black Pearl each offer fish and chips that will blow your mind. Grab some french toast and OJ for breakfast at the Blue Collar Cafe if you need to take a break from all the delicious fish. For steaks, check out Pandora's. You'll be glad to be hungry in Fort Walton Beach.
Events
The
Fort Walton Beach Kite Festival, happening at the end of March, is a free public event on the boardwalk featuring lots of family friendly activities like face painting, kite making, and kite demonstrations. In April,
Musical Echoes is a Native American flute festival still going strong after 11 years. It is a wonderful event for those interested in learning about Native American culture. The
Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival, taking place at the end of May, offers a variety of fun activities for the whole family. Originally started in 1953 as a water skiing festival, it is now one of the most popular pirate festivals in the country. You can even register online to participate in the famous Torchlight Parade.
It is clear that Fort Walton Beach condo rentals make a ton of sense for your next vacation - from the worthwile events to the family activities and of course, the pristine beaches - FWB should make it on your list of must-visit places this year.
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