Okaloosa Island Travel Guide

Fort Walton Beach

A lifeguard tower on a sandy beach with a clear blue sky.
A sunset over a calm beach with a pier extending into the water.
A beach volleyball net on a sandy beach with a clear blue sky and a pier in the background.
A beach at sunset with waves crashing onto the shore.
A sign with the text "NO NO NO NO SHOE SHIRT PROBLEM Welcome Back Crab".

The perfect place for a romantic getaway or a family weekend retreat, this is an unforgettable shoreline delight.

When you first arrive in Okaloosa, remove your shoes and walk on the white beach sands. Stare out over bright blue water and the endless horizon. You will know instantly why people regularly escape cities to relax here with their families. Arrive ready to swim and stay for a peaceful nap on the uncrowded beach.

Play a round of beach volleyball on delightfully clean and soft sand. Hug a dolphin or make friends with a sea lion at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Pick up speed on a rented Jet Ski from Fudpucker’s Water Sports. Whatever you usually do at the beach, Okaloosa will have it ready for you.

Meander back and forth along the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk. Set behind the mass of sunbathers on the shore, this walkway is filled with dining spots. Find fresh seafood, including abundant preparations of crab and shrimp.

Watch a bull buck off a cowboy at the Bulls on the Beach Rock n’ Roll Rodeo. Listen to a nationally renowned band play a show at The Swamp concert venue. Embark on the Boardwalk Beer Tour. The consolidated Okaloosa Island Boardwalk makes it convenient to wander from something you love to something that’s new.

Spend a quiet afternoon on the dock watching the tide and casting a line at the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier. Rent a fishing pole and buy tackle and bait on the pier or bring your own equipment. Catches from this pier can get quite large, so be ready to deal with lots of fish.

Continue driving along the coast or sleep here for a night. Rent a holiday home facing the ocean, stay at a beach resort right on the water or find a hotel in nearby Fort Walton Beach. Get around on foot.

If you stay in Okaloosa for a few nights, you’ll be in good company. You may end up part of the group of people who return here every year for generations.


Stay near popular Okaloosa Island attractions

Things to do


Top hotels in Okaloosa Island

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach

4 out of 5
Miracle Strip Parkway Southeast, 1500 Fort Walton Beach FL
The price is £101 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
£101
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very good! (3,742 reviews)
"Everything was nice. Walls are thin and unfortunately I was on the floor with some racists people and college student on fall break"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2026

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach
Wavecrest Lodge

Wavecrest Lodge

2.5 out of 5
540 Santa Rosa Blvd Fort Walton Beach FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £101 per night from 28 Oct to 29 Oct
£101
28 Oct - 29 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,010 reviews)
"Good breakfast. Clean hallways. Good beach access. Suggest umbrellas and chairs for guests, like the competitors are offering"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2026

Wavecrest Lodge
Wyndham Garden Fort Walton Beach Destin

Wyndham Garden Fort Walton Beach Destin

3 out of 5
573 Santa Rosa Blvd Fort Walton Beach FL
The price is £76 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
£76
11 Nov - 12 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
Wyndham Garden Fort Walton Beach Destin
Sundrift Inn

Sundrift Inn

3 out of 5
414 Santa Rosa Boulevard Fort Walton Beach FL
The price is £90 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
£90
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Okaloosa Island Beach ...
Sundrift Inn
Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach by IHG

Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach by IHG

3 out of 5
1299 Miracle Strip Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach FL
The price is £114 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
£114
10 Nov - 11 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Rooms were clean and staff was very helpful"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2026

Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach by IHG
Hilton Garden Inn Ft. Walton Beach

Hilton Garden Inn Ft. Walton Beach

3 out of 5
1297 Miracle Strip PKWY SE Fort Walton Beach FL
The price is £122 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
£122
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
Hilton Garden Inn Ft. Walton Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Where to stay in Okaloosa Island

Find the best Okaloosa Island areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Okaloosa Island
Learn more about Okaloosa Island

Downtown Fort Walton Beach

If you're spending some time in Downtown Fort Walton Beach, Santa Rosa Sound and Indian Temple Mound Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Beal Parkway

When in Beal Parkway, you can plan a visit to Okaloosa Island Beach and Wild Willy's Adventure Zone, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Seabreeze

While visiting Seabreeze, you might make a stop by sights like Emerald Coast Science Center and Santa Rosa Sound.

Elliot's Point

While visiting Elliot's Point, you might make a stop by sights like Choctawhatchee Bay and Santa Rosa Sound.

Ferry Park

While Ferry Park isn't home to many top sights, Okaloosa Island Beach and Wild Willy's Adventure Zone are some notable places to visit nearby.



Okaloosa Island Travel Guide

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