Nestled between the bustling cities of Fort Walton Beach and Destin, Okaloosa Island, Florida, is a serene slice of paradise on the Emerald Coast. Known for its stunning sugar-white sandy beaches, emerald green waters, bustling fishing pier, and a laid-back vibe that captivates tourists and locals alike, Okaloosa Island offers an idyllic escape.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Okaloosa island promises a memorable experience with its unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and vibrant local beach culture.
Where is Okaloosa Island?
Many people are not sure if Okaloosa Island is in Destin or Fort Walton Beach. It’s technically part of the city of Fort Walton Beach, but it’s actually a strip of land in-between the 2 places, so the confusion is understandable. Okaloosa Island is accessed from the Destin Marler Bridge on east side of the island or the Brooks Bridge on the west side.
Okaloosa Island is just a quick drive from Destin, so it’s definitely worth a visit even if you are staying in Destin or Miramar Beach. In fact, it’s only 5 miles from Destin Harbor and Harborwalk Village, so it’s closer than many beaches and places in the Destin and Miramar Beach area.
This 2024 guide to Okaloosa Island has everything you need to know about Okaloosa Island, including the must-see attractions and activities, the best beaches, top restaurants, most exciting events, and much more.
Top Attractions on Okaloosa Island
Whether you’re looking for family fun, exciting marine life encounters, or vibrant festivities, Okaloosa Island offers a treasure trove of experiences that capture the heart of Florida’s famed Gulf Coast. Below are the top attractions not to miss when you visit Okaloosa Island.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
A must-visit for families and marine life enthusiasts, the Gulfarium offers interactive experiences with dolphins, sea lions, and more. Learn about marine conservation, enjoy live shows, and even participate in hands-on encounters.
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, located on the scenic shores of Okaloosa Island, Florida, stands as a testament to the beauty and mystery of the marine world. Since its opening in 1955, the Gulfarium has been dedicated to educating and entertaining visitors of all ages about the wonders of marine life, offering a unique blend of learning experiences and close-up encounters with a variety of sea creatures.
As one of the oldest marine parks in the United States, it has a rich history of conservation, research, and wildlife rescue efforts, contributing significantly to the understanding and preservation of marine habitats.
Visitors to the Gulfarium can expect to meet an impressive array of marine life, from the majestic dolphins and playful sea lions that star in the park’s live shows to the gentle stingrays and sea turtles that glide through their tanks.
The park also houses seals, otters, penguins, and a colorful assortment of tropical fish and invertebrates. Each exhibit is designed not only to showcase the beauty and diversity of marine life but also to educate visitors about the importance of conservation and the roles these creatures play in their natural ecosystems.
Beyond merely observing, the Gulfarium offers interactive experiences that bring visitors face-to-face with these aquatic animals. Guests can participate in hands-on encounters, such as feeding penguins, snorkeling with stingrays, or even meeting a dolphin up close. These encounters are guided by knowledgeable staff who share fascinating facts and insights, making each interaction both educational and unforgettable.
The Gulfarium’s commitment to education extends to its daily shows and demonstrations, where visitors can learn about animal behaviors, training techniques, and conservation efforts. These presentations are not only informative but also highlight the park’s efforts in animal care and rehabilitation, especially for species that are endangered or at risk.
For those planning a visit, it’s advisable to check the Gulfarium’s schedule in advance, as it offers seasonal events and programs that enhance the visitor experience. Additionally, the park is involved in conservation initiatives, so your visit supports their efforts in marine life rescue and rehabilitation.
Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier
The Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier, located in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, is a renowned spot for both avid fishermen and visitors looking to soak in the panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Stretching over 1,200 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, it offers a prime vantage point for fishing, dolphin watching, and enjoying stunning sunrises and sunsets.
The impressive length of the pier provides a habitat for a variety of marine life, making it a popular spot for anglers of all skill levels. Common catches include Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, tarpon, and even sharks. The pier’s convenience is enhanced by an on-site bait and tackle shop, where visitors can rent fishing equipment or purchase bait.
Apart from fishing, the pier is a fantastic location for observing marine life. Dolphins are frequently seen frolicking in the waters nearby, and during certain times of the year, sea turtles can be spotted.
Bird watching is also popular, with pelicans and other seabirds often seen in the area. You will probably see a lot of great blue herons on the posts along the pier. It’s a popular hangout for them waiting to steal some fish.
There are restrooms located at the base of the pier and also at the end. Snacks and drinks are also available to purchase. There is a small charge to walk the pier and a few dollars more to fish.
The Pier is also a fun place to go when there are double red flags at the beach. You can’t swim on double red flag days, so walking the pier is a good alternative. Watch the waves crashing and look for surfers.
The Boardwalk
The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island is a popular beachfront destination known for its beautiful beach and fishing pier, a variety of dining options, shops, and events, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors.
The Boardwalk provides easy access to the soft, white sands of Okaloosa Island, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and beach volleyball. While enjoying the beach, visitors can also take advantage of the convenience of having shopping, dining and events all in one spot.
Visitors can explore a selection of shops selling beach gear, souvenirs, clothing, and local crafts, perfect for picking up a memento of their visit.
At the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, you’ll find a variety of restaurants that cater to different tastes and preferences, ensuring that there’s something for everyone–and all offering scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Restaurants at the Boardwalk
The Crab Trap: This beachfront spot is known for its seafood offerings, including a highly praised hot crab dip appetizer. It’s a great place to enjoy a meal with a view of the beach.
Rockin’ Taco: Offering a fresh take on Mexican cuisine, Rockin’ Taco stands out with its unique dishes like fried avocado fries and a diverse selection of sangrias. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to try something new while enjoying spectacular beach views.
Angler’s Beachside Grill & Sports Bar: Located at the base of the pier, Angler’s offers a mix of casual American and seafood dishes, along with a variety of cocktails. There is seating inside, outside and even right on the pier just in front of the bait shop. Anglers is a lively spot where people are always coming and going to and from the pier.
Floyd’s Shrimp House: Known for its all-you-can-eat shrimp and other seafood specialties, Floyd’s also boasts an upper deck for dining with a stunning beach view. Their Fish Hook cocktail comes highly recommended in their reviews.
Al’s Beach Club Burger Bar: For those craving something a bit different, Al’s serves up delicious burgers alongside unique treats like colossal beer-battered onion rings and a key lime shake that’s a hit with visitors. Als is on the lower level, so you can walk right out to the sand and the kids play area, making it a popular choice for families.
Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone
Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone on Okaloosa Island is a family-friendly entertainment complex that offers a diverse array of activities and attractions designed to engage visitors of all ages. Its unique blend of indoor and outdoor attractions makes it an ideal spot for families looking to enjoy fun-filled adventures, regardless of the weather.
Wild Willy’s features two themed mini-golf courses that take players on a journey through prehistoric dinosaur landscapes or a tropical island adventure. There is also an indoor arcade is packed with a wide range of games, from classic arcade favorites to the latest interactive video games.
Test your agility and stealth in the Laser Maze, where you navigate through a room crisscrossed with laser beams as quickly as possible without breaking the beams or check out the a 4D movie theater that combines 3D film technology with physical effects, such as seat movements, wind, and water, to create an immersive experience.
For those seeking a bit of adventure, the ropes course presents a series of aerial challenges at varying heights, including tightropes, suspended platforms, and bridges. The bumper boats are a wet and wild activity perfect for cooling off. Many of the boats are equipped with water squirters, adding an extra element of fun to the bumping action.
There is also a dinosaur exhibit featuring life-sized models of dinosaurs, offering an educational and exciting walk-through experience that’s especially popular with younger children.
Women Veterans Monuments at Veteran’s Park
Nestled in the heart of a community that honors the bravery and sacrifice of its service members, the Women’s Veteran Memorial Park stands as a poignant tribute to the often-unsung heroines of our nation’s military history. This serene sanctuary commemorates the valor and dedication of women who have served, while educating visitors about their pivotal roles.
There’s plenty of free parking at the Emerald Coast Convention Center to visit this park. You will see where the entrance is just east of the convention center building.
As you embark on the short nature trail loop through the Women’s Veteran Memorial Park, you’re greeted by statues and plaques that tell a story of struggle, triumph, and unwavering patriotism, crafting a narrative that intertwines the legacy of women veterans with the fabric of our national identity.
While you are here, you can also explore a side trail that goes off to the right near the park entrance and winds through trees and along sandy beaches of the bay. This is a popular nesting area for blue herons, so you will probably see a lot of them–especially in the spring.
Great Blue Herons are colony nesters, often establishing rookeries in tall trees near water sources such as marshes, rivers, ponds, and coastal areas. These colonies can sometimes include hundreds of nests, with each nest made from sticks and lined with softer materials.
I was shocked by how many nests I saw here last spring when I visited. Bring your binoculars and look high up into the tall trees.
Best Beaches on Okaloosa Island
Okaloosa Island has a lot of public beach access, so there’s a lot of options for the best spots. The crowds will vary depending on the time of year, with March, June, July, August, and October being the busiest.
John Beasley Park
John Beasley Park is a popular public beach park located on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. It’s well-known for its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear Gulf waters, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy the Florida sun, sea, and sand.
John Beasley Park is equipped with a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable and convenient beach day including restrooms, changing areas, and outdoor showers to rinse off the salt and sand.
There are covered picnic areas and pavilions available, making it perfect for family outings or group picnics. Ample free parking is available, which is a significant convenience during the busy season when beach spots can be hard to find.
One of the best features of John Beasley Park is it’s away from high-rise buildings and commercial development allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the Florida Gulf Coast, with stunning views. You can even see the fishing pier in the distance from here which is a beautiful backdrop for sunset.
Boardwalk Public Beach
The public beach at the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, convenience, and entertainment. Its expansive free parking lot and proximity to a wide range of dining and shopping options ensures that visitors can enjoy a full day of beach fun, relaxation, and exploration in one location.
The beach itself is a picturesque stretch of soft, white sand against the backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico’s emerald waters and the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier. It’s an ideal setting for sunbathing, building sandcastles, or simply enjoying the serene views.
The Boardwalk public beach area is well-equipped with amenities that enhance the visitor experience including public restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic pavilions, and lifeguard services during peak times.
The combination of convenient facilities, a variety of nearby eateries and shops, a playground on the sand, and even a beach volleyball net, makes this beach particularly appealing for families. There’s something for every age group.
Beach Access #1 through #7
Okaloosa Island, located in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, has several public beach access points, ensuring that visitors and residents alike can enjoy the beautiful Gulf of Mexico shores.
The exact number of public beach accesses can vary due to changes in local regulations or developments, but traditionally, there are about a dozen designated public beach access points along Okaloosa Island. These include popular spots with additional amenities like restrooms and showers, as well as simpler access points that offer just the basics for beach entry.
Best Restaurants on Okaloosa Island
Here are some of the best restaurants on Okaloosa Island. These are both my favorites and also the top-rated by visitors.
The Gulf Seafood Restaurant
Offering stunning views, this beachfront restaurant is renowned for its fresh seafood and vibrant atmosphere. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy a meal while watching the sunset. The menu is on a chalkboard and you walk up to the window and order. Then grab a seat and they will bring it out to you.
I recently recorded a podcast episode here on location with my co-host Danica and we talked more about it and answered some frequently asked questions from listeners. Be sure to follow our podcast (The Good Life Destin Podcast) on Spotify or iTunes. Links are here and you can also listen on my website player: The Good Life Destin Podcast Episodes
Rockin’ Tacos
Located on The Boardwalk, this lively spot serves up delicious tacos, tequila flights, and boasts an energetic ambiance perfect for a fun night out. My favorites here are the fresh guacamole that they make right at your table and the fish tacos. Aside from the great food, the beach view from Rockin’ Tacos is amazing!
AJ’s Oyster Shanty
Known for its casual indoor/outdoor dining experience, AJ’s Oyster Shanty offers a variety of local seafood dishes, po’boys, and oysters in a family-friendly setting. AJ’s has another location in Fort Walton Beach as well as the original more popular one on Destin Harbor.
Aj’s Oyster Shanty also has karaoke on Wednesday nights. It’s a really popular fun night! If you want to check out other karaoke spots in the area, check out my post here: Best Karaoke spots in Destin, Miramar Beach, & Okaloosa Island
Best Events on Okaloosa Island
Okaloosa Island Boardwalk Fireworks
The Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier is the launch site for spectacular fireworks displays that light up the night sky every Wednesday night all summer. A season tradition, these fireworks can be enjoyed from the beach, the Boardwalk, or right from the pier for a unique experience.
In addition to Wednesday nights in summer, there are additional fireworks shows at the Boardwalk on the Sunday night of Memorial Day weekend, the Sunday night of Labor Day weekend, and Halloween. If you want more information about the Okaloosa Island fireworks, including the full schedule of shows, check out my post here: Best Places to Watch the Okaloosa Island Fireworks
Emerald Coast Volleyball Week
Attracting thousands of players and spectators, this event is one of the largest four-player volleyball tournaments in the United States. Hosted at The Boardwalk, it combines competitive sport with beachside fun.
Kitty Hawk Kite Festival
Kitty Hawk Kite Festival Join Kitty Hawk Kites and the Emerald Coast Kite Fliers Club for two days of kite-flying fun at the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk Beach. Featuring larger-than-life show kites, professional stunt kite flying demonstrations, free kite flying lessons, a family fun fly perfect for any age, and special activities at the Kitty Hawk Kites store at The Boardwalk.
I hope this post helps you plan the perfect visit to Okaloosa Island!
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Hi, I’m Sarah–the creator, writer and photographer behind this site. I sell prints, books, journals, and calendars all made from my Emerald Coast photography and I also manage a few vacation rentals on beautiful Holiday Isle in Destin if you want me to be your helpful, knowledgeable host when you visit.
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