Fort Walton Beach Vacation Information

A Civil War encampment, eighteenth-century pirates, and Indian civilizations dating to prehistoric times – Fort Walton Beach visitors can still see reminders of them all. But the attractions that keep people coming back to this Northwest Florida city today are the pure-white beaches and the glittering waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Part of the famed Emerald Coast, which enjoys an average of 343 sunny days per year, Fort Walton Beach is a popular vacation destination year-round. And that means there are plenty of things to do, even for those whose vacation expectations go beyond lounging on the beach and wallowing in the surf. Swimming, fishing, diving, snorkeling, and sailing are all popular pastimes with Fort Walton Beach visitors.

Golfers have a choice of more than 1,080 holes on courses whose natural beauty can actually be a distraction to the game. Other land-based activities include shopping, skating, biking, bungee jumping, and miniature golf.

Fort Walton Beach is also home to Florida’s Gulfarium, a marine park with exhibits sure to fascinate visitors of all ages. And its Heritage Park and Cultural Center, a museum complex documenting local history, received national attention when it was featured in Smithsonian magazine.

An annual event, the Billy Bowlegs Festival, commemorates the city’s piratical past. And there’s a Mardi Gras celebration on Okaloosa Island, the barrier island that separates the city from the Gulf of Mexico. Other special events – concerts, arts and crafts shows, seafood festivals, and more – keep visitors entertained throughout the year.


Upcoming Events

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St. Markella & Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Greek Festival

Enjoy this annual, family-friendly Greek festival at Saints Markella and Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. With free admission, the 34th festival features homemade food, live music, dancing and more. And, with kids activities like a balloon twister and a bounce house, there's fun for everyone.

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Oct 17 - Oct 19, 2025

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Tricks and Treasures

This Halloween, head to the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island for a spooky, family-friendly celebration. Grab a treasure map and visit each merchant to get a special treat from the Crab Trap as you take in all the fun. The event will feature everything from carnival games and costume contests to special guests and an epic 8 p.m. fireworks show. 

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Oct 31 - Oct 31, 2025

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Fort Walton Beach Christmas Parade

Join the Fort Walton Beach community and celebrate the start of this year's holiday season with the annual Christmas parade! Festive floats will travel along Elgin Parkway, starting at First Street and ending at Hughes Street, and feature a special visit from Santa Clause, himself. 

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Dec 01 - Dec 01, 2025