There’s something for everyone among the many attractions at or near Fort Walton Beach. One of the most popular places is The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. Located just off the iconic Miracle Strip Parkway, The Boardwalk is the largest collective location for dining and entertainment in the area. It serves as a county park and public beach access point, and offers a full range of waterfront dining, gift shops and beachfront amenities.

Another popular attraction is Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, an aquarium, tourist attraction and scientific research center all in one that allows guests to get up-close and personal with its diverse animal population. At the Adventure Park, visitors can experience wildlife encounters with dolphins, penguins, sea lions, alligators, harbor seals and more while learning about marine habitats and ecosystems. Tourists can discover the element of surprise at the nearby Emerald Coast Science Center, where exhibits blend astronomy, robotics, engineering and physics with a cast of birds, mammals and reptiles that call the Science Center home.

History lovers won’t want to miss the Indian Temple Mound Museum, an educational and cultural institution of long-standing traditions that exhibits more than 12,000 years of Native American artifacts and prehistoric ceramics. Fort Walton Beach is also home to Eglin Air Force Base and the Air Force Armament Museum, the only museum in the world dedicated to the collection, preservation and exhibition of artifacts and memorabilia associated with Air Force Armament and its platforms of delivery. Just 16 minutes away, the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum offers a historic look into the two-room structure that maintains and interprets items from the early history of Camp Walton and education in the county covering the years 1911 to the 1930s. During your visit, you can also discover the array of public events held in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, including live music, art exhibits, restaurant tastings and more.