Okaloosa Island Travel Guide

Fort Walton Beach

Okaloosa Island featuring a sandy beach
Okaloosa Island
Okaloosa Island which includes a sandy beach and a sporting event
Okaloosa Island showing a sunset and a beach
Okaloosa Island showing signage

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.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Okaloosa Island

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 ฿3,092 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
฿3,092
฿3,494 total
6 Nov - 7 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star 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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,972 reviews)
"Beautiful beach view"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Wyndham Garden Fort Walton Beach Destin
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿3,230 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
฿3,230
฿4,795 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,869 reviews)
"We always stay at The Island can’t wait to go back"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach
Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Walton Beach-West Destin

Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Walton Beach-West Destin

2.5 out of 5
540 Santa Rosa Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL
The price is ฿3,280 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
฿3,280
฿3,707 total
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Excellent hotel !! From check in to check out this hotel has everything you would look for. Comfort, quiet, parking, beach access, excellent breakfast and amazing staff! A no brainer for booking at a great price. See you next time!"

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Walton Beach-West Destin
Four Points by Sheraton Destin-Fort Walton Beach

Four Points by Sheraton Destin-Fort Walton Beach

3 out of 5
1325 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL
The price is ฿2,783 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
฿2,783
฿4,062 total
6 Nov - 7 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (310 reviews)
"good location"

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

Four Points by Sheraton Destin-Fort Walton Beach
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 ฿3,221 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
฿3,221
฿3,744 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Breakfast was delicious. room very nice and clean!"

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Ft. Walton Beach
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 ฿4,131 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
฿4,131
฿4,803 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach resort in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (990 reviews)
"Love this hotel"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach by IHG
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.

Other neighbourhoods around Okaloosa Island

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Downtown Fort Walton Beach

If you're spending some time in Downtown Fort Walton Beach, Timpoochee Trail and Santa Rosa Sound are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Fort Walton Beach
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Cinco Bayou

Travellers like the shopping in Cinco Bayou, and Beltway Shopping Center is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Cinco Bayou
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Ocean City

While visiting Ocean City, you might make a stop by sights like Choctawhatchee Bay and Bel-Air Shopping Center.

Ocean City
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Wright

While Wright may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Emerald Coast Science Center and Okaloosa Island Beach.

Wright


Okaloosa Island Travel Guide