Elizabeth's Guidebook
Sightseeing, Food & Entertainment
In our travel guide we give you tips and tricks to save money and eat were locals shop. Check out downtown Fort Walton Beach which is literally two minutes away. You can walk eat and shop. Check local listings for live entertainment, outdoor movies, and more information.
If you like fishing or just want a place to look at fish, go check this out.
101 locals recommend
Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier
1030 Miracle Strip Pkwy SEIf you like fishing or just want a place to look at fish, go check this out.
If you love marine life and want to see a show on Gulf Coast, make a trip to the Gulfarium with friends and family.
232 locals recommend
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SEIf you love marine life and want to see a show on Gulf Coast, make a trip to the Gulfarium with friends and family.
Want a day off the beach and at a waterpark, try Big Kahuna's Water Park.
314 locals recommend
Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park
1007 US-98Want a day off the beach and at a waterpark, try Big Kahuna's Water Park.
Okaloosa Island has FREE public parking starting at Beach Access #1-11. Showers, bathrooms and boardwalk are easily accessed for your Gulf of Mexico visit.
Open at sunrise and closes at sunset.
9 locals recommend
Okaloosa Island Beach Access #1
372 Santa Rosa BlvdOkaloosa Island has FREE public parking starting at Beach Access #1-11. Showers, bathrooms and boardwalk are easily accessed for your Gulf of Mexico visit.
Open at sunrise and closes at sunset.
Visit Harborwalk in Destin to eat, drink and see the local fishing village.
295 locals recommend
HarborWalk Village
34 Harbor BlvdVisit Harborwalk in Destin to eat, drink and see the local fishing village.
Village of Baytowne Wharf
9300 Baytowne Wharf BlvdFort Walton Beach Landing Park
139 Brooks St SEThe Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island
1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy SEFood scene
Live like a local and eat like a King/Queen!
A must on Okaloosa Island or in town. It is a local favorite and fresh seafood from the Gulf. No Alcohol but you can sit inside or outside.
155 locals recommend
Stewby's Seafood Shanty
235 Santa Rosa BlvdA must on Okaloosa Island or in town. It is a local favorite and fresh seafood from the Gulf. No Alcohol but you can sit inside or outside.
This is a local favorite and a chain in Northwest Florida. Sit outside or inside and enjoy the view.
39 locals recommend
AJ's on the Bayou
200 Eglin Pkwy NEThis is a local favorite and a chain in Northwest Florida. Sit outside or inside and enjoy the view.
Famous McGuire's Irish Pub has great grub and atmosphere. Come hungry but prepare to wait as there is always a line for entry. They have large food portions, great drinks and local music.
318 locals recommend
McGuire's Irish Pub of Destin
33 US-98Famous McGuire's Irish Pub has great grub and atmosphere. Come hungry but prepare to wait as there is always a line for entry. They have large food portions, great drinks and local music.
Best Italian restaurant in town. Suggest a reservation if you are a large party.
32 locals recommend
Clemenza's at Uptown
75 Eglin Pkwy NEBest Italian restaurant in town. Suggest a reservation if you are a large party.
Great local seafood restaurant & bar located on Okaloosa Island. The BEST for oysters, gumbo and if you have never tried a TRIGGER fish sandwich, get one here!!!
***NOT open on Sunday night.
27 locals recommend
Hightide Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar
1203 Miracle Strip Pkwy SEGreat local seafood restaurant & bar located on Okaloosa Island. The BEST for oysters, gumbo and if you have never tried a TRIGGER fish sandwich, get one here!!!
***NOT open on Sunday night.
Dive bar & local favorite in Old Fort Walton Beach downtown. Wear flip flops and shorts, put your feet in the SANDBAR & drink listening to local music.
54 locals recommend
KC's Sandbar & Grille
190 Miracle Strip Pkwy SEDive bar & local favorite in Old Fort Walton Beach downtown. Wear flip flops and shorts, put your feet in the SANDBAR & drink listening to local music.
A romantic hidden gem under the Brooks Bridge in Fort Walton. If you need a date night or just want to eat great food & wine on the water in peace, this is the PLACE.
Reservations recommended. Go by boat or car as it located on the Intracoastal waterway.
29 locals recommend
Bay Cafe French Restaurant
233 Alconese Ave SEA romantic hidden gem under the Brooks Bridge in Fort Walton. If you need a date night or just want to eat great food & wine on the water in peace, this is the PLACE.
Reservations recommended. Go by boat or car as it located on the Intracoastal waterway.
The Gulf
1284 Marler AvenueGreat views and good food on the Intracoastal waterway.
If you like Tex Mex food and want to site onside and view the Gulf of Mexico, this is the place.
65 locals recommend
Rockin Tacos
1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy SEIf you like Tex Mex food and want to site onside and view the Gulf of Mexico, this is the place.
Located in Old Fort Walton Beach off of Hwy 98, taste has a full bar and tapas to satisfy the hungry. Brunch on weekends are great for Mimosas & Bloody Mary's.
38 locals recommend
Taste Tapas & Wine Bar
196 Miracle Strip Pkwy SELocated in Old Fort Walton Beach off of Hwy 98, taste has a full bar and tapas to satisfy the hungry. Brunch on weekends are great for Mimosas & Bloody Mary's.
If you are on Okaloosa Island, don't miss this spot for food, drink and music.
47 locals recommend
AJ's Oyster Shanty
108 Santa Rosa BlvdIf you are on Okaloosa Island, don't miss this spot for food, drink and music.
If you are in Destin and walking on the harbor, stop in and visit AJ's and enjoy local music and food. Upstairs bar late night has great entertainment.
192 locals recommend
AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
116 Harbor BlvdIf you are in Destin and walking on the harbor, stop in and visit AJ's and enjoy local music and food. Upstairs bar late night has great entertainment.
SAX GRILLE
10 Eglin Pkwy SEBest burgers and fries in town.
Old Bay Steamer
102 Santa Rosa BlvdThe Boardroom Pub and Grub
158 Miracle Strip Pkwy SEParlor Doughnuts
191 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE
Ivy and Ale
222 Staff Drive NortheastG.I. Jade Tiki Bar & Bistro
38 Miracle Strip Pkwy SWRobinson's Cruse Thru
104 Ferry Rd SE
The Gulf
1284 Marler AvenueNeighborhoods
If you like to walk around and try local food and fare, make sure you visit Old Downtown in Fort Walton Beach. Parking is located off Hwy 98 at The Landing.
45 locals recommend
Fort Walton Beach
If you like to walk around and try local food and fare, make sure you visit Old Downtown in Fort Walton Beach. Parking is located off Hwy 98 at The Landing.
This small town is just North of the VPS Airport & has great spots to eat and enjoy that only locals know about. Eat on the bayou, buy local seafood and float down Turkey Creek while enjoying the local wildlife.
You won’t be disappointed when you get off the beaten path.
Valparaiso
This small town is just North of the VPS Airport & has great spots to eat and enjoy that only locals know about. Eat on the bayou, buy local seafood and float down Turkey Creek while enjoying the local wildlife.
You won’t be disappointed when you get off the beaten path.
State Parks, Local Parks & Recreation Areas
Northwest Florida has some of the best parks and many are free! Ask about the Florida State Annual Park pass or pay for a day.
Turkey Creek Nature Trail and Pavilion is one of the premiere attractions in Niceville. The City prides itself on providing an enjoyable experience for all who visit. The Pavilion is a prime location for gatherings, the swimming areas offer a fun place for the family to cool off, and there are quiet spots to relax and take in nature's beauty. You'll see folks of all ages canoeing, kayaking, and tubing down the creek. Trail markers describe the vegetation found along the boardwalk, and you never know which animals you will spot. There is truly something for everyone at Turkey Creek.
43 locals recommend
Turkey Creek Park
340 W John Sims PkwyTurkey Creek Nature Trail and Pavilion is one of the premiere attractions in Niceville. The City prides itself on providing an enjoyable experience for all who visit. The Pavilion is a prime location for gatherings, the swimming areas offer a fun place for the family to cool off, and there are quiet spots to relax and take in nature's beauty. You'll see folks of all ages canoeing, kayaking, and tubing down the creek. Trail markers describe the vegetation found along the boardwalk, and you never know which animals you will spot. There is truly something for everyone at Turkey Creek.
Did you know that Henderson State Park is right across the street from Wal-Mart in Destin?
Get away from the crazy traffic and enjoy nature in this beachfront park.
208 locals recommend
Henderson Beach State Park
Emerald Coast PkwyDid you know that Henderson State Park is right across the street from Wal-Mart in Destin?
Get away from the crazy traffic and enjoy nature in this beachfront park.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is a 1,640-acre Florida State Park located in Santa Rosa Beach, ten miles (16 km) east of Destin, off U.S. 98, in northwestern Florida. The address is 7525 W. Scenic Highway 30A. The park has over three miles of white sand beaches, as well as sand dunes, lakes, unique plant and animal life, and wetlands. It is named for a sand dune which stands nearly 25 feet above sea level.
84 locals recommend
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
7525 W County Hwy 30ATopsail Hill Preserve State Park is a 1,640-acre Florida State Park located in Santa Rosa Beach, ten miles (16 km) east of Destin, off U.S. 98, in northwestern Florida. The address is 7525 W. Scenic Highway 30A. The park has over three miles of white sand beaches, as well as sand dunes, lakes, unique plant and animal life, and wetlands. It is named for a sand dune which stands nearly 25 feet above sea level.
Beautiful public beach access for FREE on Okaloosa Island with boardwalk, showers and close to entertainment & food.
55 locals recommend
John C Beasley Park
1550 Miracle Strip Pkwy SEBeautiful public beach access for FREE on Okaloosa Island with boardwalk, showers and close to entertainment & food.
City advice
What to pack
Flip Flops and Sunscreen
Did you know that our beaches sand is actually crystal? It is and that makes the sun radiate even brighter off your skin and on the water. Make sure you bring your sunscreen and flip-flops. We had beach chairs umbrellas and toys in our laundry room for your use.
Travelling with kids
Kid Friendly Activities
Don’t forget to visit the Gulfarium on Okaloosa Island and check out The Pier. In Destin, you must visit HarborWalk! Play, eat & sail away on any of the local cruises offered. Make sure you book a trip to see the dolphins on the dolphin cruise or take a ride on a real Pirates Ship! Try the zip line, food trucks, and other activities geared towards your kids on the harbor.If you like water parks, big Kahuna’s is a must. There are also activities, such as go carts, sky fall & arcades located right next door.
Don't miss
U.S. Air Force Armament Museum
On any given day you can hear the sound of freedom flying over your head. Why not check out all the planes at our local museum?!! Experience the aviation warfare armament from the early days of World War I right through to today's high tech planes and bombs. Inside, you'll find an extensive collection of weaponry and interactive displays that will amaze and intrigue. Outside displays include vintage military aircraft including the fastest plane ever built - the SR-71 Blackbird!