If you’re searching for the perfect beach destination that blends natural beauty, family-friendly fun, and relaxed coastal charm, you’ve struck emerald! Nestled between the renowned vacation spots of Destin and Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island awaits to provide your family and friends with a memorable beach getaway filled with sun, sand, and countless smiles on the Emerald Coast.
Nestled in Northwest Florida, Okaloosa Island is a picturesque barrier island that truly lives up to its name. With the emerald green waves of the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the tranquil waters of Choctawhatchee Bay on the other, Okaloosa Island offers an escape to a world where the rhythms of the ocean set the pace, and the radiant Florida sun paints every day with hues of joy. Whether you’re planning on building epic sandcastles, indulging in the freshest seafood, or embarking on exciting marine adventures, Okaloosa Island is the place to be!
Let’s take a virtual tour of what your dream family vacation or weekend with friends on Okaloosa Island could look like. From beach access tips to the scoop on the best vacation rentals and must-visit attractions, we’ve got it all covered.
Welcome to Okaloosa Island
Located in the heart of the Florida Panhandle, Okaloosa Island offers the perfect setting for travelers seeking gorgeous ocean views, recreational activities, and rich cultural experiences.
Okaloosa Island is a stunning 3-mile stretch of land that connects the bustling city of Destin to the laid-back community of Fort Walton Beach. Lined with powdery white sand beaches and sparkling emerald waters, the island offers an immersive retreat into coastal life. Here, each day can start with a glorious sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico and end with a sunset over Choctawhatchee Bay.
Vacationing on Okaloosa Island means easy access to an array of beachfront activities that range from sunbathing and beachcombing to exhilarating water sports such as surfing, paddle boarding, and jet skiing. The island’s many beaches also provide opportunities for beachside volleyball, bonfires, and kayaking.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, Okaloosa Island and its surrounding areas across Okaloosa County have something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to explore The Emerald Coast — a paradise waiting to be discovered!
Explore Pristine Beaches
Okaloosa Island boasts some of the most pristine beaches on the Emerald Coast — great for sunbathing, swimming in the ocean, building sandcastles, snorkeling, flying kites, and enjoying a picnic lunch. With 7 easy-to-reach beach access points, Okaloosa Island makes it a breeze for visitors to enjoy its sugar-white sand, the lull of lapping waves, and loads of outdoor activities on the Florida Panhandle.
Among these, the Jerry Melvin Beachwalk stands out for its secluded charm, between Pelican Isle and The Nautilus. For a more lively beach experience, head to John Beasley Park on Miracle Strip Parkway. With plenty of amenities and ocean activities, you’ll never run out of fun things to do on the beaches of Okaloosa Island!
Visit The Boardwalk
Imagine a classic wooden walkway running along a pristine beach with bright, blue-green waters as far as the eye can see. This is The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, a fun and lively spot filled with activities, good food, and a relaxed beach atmosphere.
The Boardwalk isn’t just a walkway — it’s your ticket to all the best parts of a beach vacation. With plenty of spots to reach the beach, it’s the perfect place to start a day full of fun in the sand, splashing in the waves, and soaking up the sun. Plus, it’s a fantastic place to watch the sun go down, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange.
But there’s more to The Boardwalk than just pretty views. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, beach supplies, or the latest beachwear, you can find it here. There’s even a playground in the sand the kids can enjoy while you catch some sun. And watch for events — The Boardwalk regularly hosts live music shows and special events that add to its lively, fun atmosphere.
Savor the Flavors of Okaloosa Island — with Ocean Views
After soaking up the sun, indulge in the island’s tantalizing food scene. From fresh seafood to delightful desserts, Okaloosa Island promises a gastronomical adventure to remember.
Imagine enjoying a delectable meal while watching the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Sounds dreamy, right? Here’s the good news: Okaloosa Island and nearby Fort Walton Beach feature some of the best food options around!
- Al’s Beach Club & Burger Bar: Located right on The Boardwalk, Al’s is a popular spot offering delicious food, a variety of beverages, and live entertainment. Their open-air setting allows you to enjoy the ocean breeze while you eat, drink, and dance the night away.
- Rockin’ Tacos Grill & Tequila Bar: Another Boardwalk restaurant, Rockin’ Tacos offers outdoor seating with incredible views of the Emerald Coast. Kick things off with their delectable fish tacos plus sip-slow margaritas for a refreshing meal before or after hitting the beach.
- AJ’s Club Bimini in Destin: A short drive from Okaloosa Island, AJ’s Club Bimini — aka AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar — is a legendary spot known for its great music and vibrant atmosphere. With live bands and DJs playing into the night, it’s a great place to dance and let loose.
Dive into Adventure at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Get up close and personal with marine life at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. This family-friendly attraction is home to dolphins, seals, sea lions, penguins, and more. Visitors can enjoy live shows, exhibits, and even book an animal encounter for an unforgettable experience on your Florida vacation.
Animal Exhibits & Shows
From playful dolphins and comical sea lions to penguins, turtles, sharks, and a variety of tropical birds, the park’s residents represent a cross-section of the planet’s amazing marine and tropical wildlife. Each day, trainers and handlers conduct interactive shows and informative chats that not only entertain but also educate visitors about these fascinating creatures and their natural habitats.
Animal Encounters
Want a closer look? Gulfarium offers interactive animal encounters that provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the park’s residents. Each encounter is designed to foster a deeper appreciation for these creatures and the importance of conservation. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with stingrays, and play with sea lions…for starters! You can also tour the C.A.R.E. Center for wild sea turtle rehabilitation.
Visit the Okaloosa Island Pier
The Island Pier is a must-visit for fishing enthusiasts. Extending 1,200 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, the pier is a great spot to cast a line. You can fish a variety of species, including grouper, snapper, mackerel, and redfish.
This expansive fishing pier is open 24 hours a day — try moonlight fishing for a unique experience — and offers stunning views of the coast. The pier also features a variety of amenities, including restrooms, showers, bait and tackle shops, and snack bars.
The pier is also home to Anglers Restaurant, a popular seafood joint with a deck that overlooks the Gulf. Here, you can enjoy a delicious meal or a cool drink while taking in the gorgeous views.
Feel the Thrill at Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone
For a fun-filled day away from the beach, head to Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone. This family entertainment center offers a range of indoor activities and is the perfect spot for a family outing or a fun day with friends.
- Dinosaur-themed Mini-Golf: Wild Willy’s offers 2 dinosaur-themed mini-golf courses! Named T-Rex Island Adventure Golf, the courses transport you back in time with animatronic dinosaurs, a smoking volcano, and jungle-like landscaping. It’s a unique and fun experience for mini-golf lovers of all ages.
- Ropes Course: The adventurous at heart will love the Tree Top Challenge. This 3-level ropes course tests your agility and balance, all while offering a bird’s-eye view of the park.
- Arcade: Step into Wild Willy’s state-of-the-art arcade with over 65 popular games. Whether you’re into classic pinball or the latest virtual reality games, this arcade has something for everyone. Plus, you can redeem your game winnings for fun prizes!
- 4D Movie Theater: Take a break from the Florida heat and enjoy a thrilling experience in the 4D movie theater. These short films combine 3D projection with physical effects like seat movement and wind for a truly immersive experience.
- Laser Maze & Laser Tag: Channel your inner spy navigating the laser maze or engage in a friendly battle with your family in the laser tag arena. Both are great options for some family-friendly competition.
Embark on a Shopping Spree
Whether looking for fashion trends, unique gifts, or beach essentials, The Emerald Coast has you covered. From The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island to Harborwalk Village in Destin, the area offers a variety of shopping options to satisfy your retail cravings on your next romantic retreat, beach vacation, holiday getaway, or spring break in Florida.
- The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island: The Boardwalk isn’t just for beach access and dining — it’s also a shopper’s paradise! You’ll find stores offering beach essentials, trendy apparel, unique jewelry, and delightful souvenirs here.
- Uptown Station in Fort Walton Beach: This outdoor shopping center is home to 60+ national and local retail stores, making it a one-stop shop for all your needs, from clothing and accessories to home decor and electronics. Plus, it’s a family-friendly shopping destination with a kids’ play area and numerous dining options.
- Downtown Fort Walton Beach: Stroll through the streets of downtown Fort Walton Beach to discover a collection of quaint boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries. Here, you can find unique, locally-made goods you won’t find anywhere else! Don’t miss the monthly Art Walk, where local artists display and sell their work.
- HarborWalk Village: Located by Destin Harbor, this bustling area offers a unique shopping experience with a stunning waterfront view. Shops here offer everything from beachwear and fishing gear to local art and gourmet food items. After shopping, you can enjoy various water activities or grab a bite at one of the many restaurants.
Wade in the Sand Bar at Crab Island
No trip to the Emerald Coast would be complete without a visit to Crab Island, an underwater sandbar accessible only by boat. Here, you can swim in waist-deep waters, dine at floating restaurants, or simply relax and soak in the sun. It’s a little secret just minutes from Okaloosa Island and an experience you won’t soon forget.
This underwater sandbar is an incredibly popular daytime spot and offers unique nighttime experiences. Take a sunset cruise around Crab Island to soak in the breathtaking views. Some companies even offer special moonlight cruises, letting you experience Crab Island under the starlit sky.
Discover the Hidden Gems of Fort Walton Beach
Right over Brooks Bridge, you’ll find Fort Walton Beach, a charming coastal city steeped in history and known for its family-friendly attractions. Here, you can dive into the area’s rich past at the Indian Temple Mound Museum, explore the Emerald Coast Science Center with the kids, or picnic at the beautiful Liza Jackson Park.
The city’s downtown area is brimming with unique boutiques, art galleries, and a variety of eateries that range from upscale seafood restaurants to cozy, kid-friendly diners. Fort Walton Beach is a great place to take a stroll, spend a rainy day inside museums or coffee shops, or just experience the local coastal culture — a nice addition to your Okaloosa Island vacation.
Make the Most of Your Stay with Florida CFY
There’s no better way to fully immerse yourself in the laid-back, beachy vibe of Okaloosa Island and the Emerald Coast than by staying in a local vacation rental or beach rental. And when it comes to finding the perfect home-away-from-home, Florida CFY stands out as the leader in Florida rentals!
Our Emerald Coast beach rentals catalog will help you plan the perfect getaway for your family and friends. With beachfront houses, condos, and townhomes on the shores of Destin nearby, you can experience all the beauty the area offers and head to Okaloosa Island with ease.
Amenities include private balconies, king and queen suites, full kitchens, big screen TVs, beach toys, and resort extras — like swimming pools, hot tubs, fitness centers, golf, tennis, and more!
Plan YOUR Okaloosa Island vacation at a Destin vacation rental today!
