Things to Do in Fort Walton Beach This Weekend

Okaloosa Island is the top choice for easy beach access, white sand, and clear Gulf waters.

• Soft white sand beaches
• Clear green Gulf waters
• Ideal for swimming and sunbathing
• Water sports like jet skiing and parasailing

Okaloosa Island offers some of the best beaches on Florida's Emerald Coast. The sand is soft and white, the water is calm and clear. It's a great place for swimming, sunbathing, sandcastle building, and shell collecting. Beach conditions are usually calm, with gentle waves. For more adventure, try water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. You can rent equipment nearby. Keep in mind that on holiday weekends, the beaches get crowded from Saturday through Monday. Arriving early helps you claim a good spot. The weather is warm, with temperatures in the mid-80s, but brief afternoon showers can happen. The water is typically warm enough for swimming.

The Gulfarium offers up-close encounters with dolphins, sea lions, and other marine life.

• Dolphin encounters
• Sea lion shows
• Family-friendly attraction
• Educational marine life experiences

The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is a popular attraction for families. You can see dolphins, sea lions, and other marine animals up close. It's perfect for kids and adults alike. The park offers shows and interactive experiences. During holiday weekends, it can be crowded, so plan ahead.

The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island is the place for dining, shopping, and events.

• Fireworks shows on special holidays
• Annual Halloween event - Tricks and Treasures
• Dining and shopping options
• Live music at nearby venues

The Okaloosa Island Boardwalk is a central spot for entertainment. It often hosts fireworks displays, especially on Memorial Day weekend. There's also an annual family-friendly Halloween event called Tricks and Treasures. The boardwalk area has restaurants and shops for visitors. At night, live music can be found at beachfront restaurants and local bars. It's a great place to walk around and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.

This public golf course on Hurlburt Field welcomes everyone to play.

• Open to the public
• Weekly Pizza Scramble events
• Golf tournaments and fundraisers
• Located on Hurlburt Field

Gator Lakes Golf Course is located on Hurlburt Field and is open to the public. They host weekly Pizza Scramble events every Wednesday. The course also holds tournaments like the annual Hole-in-ONE Golf Tournament benefiting local causes. It's a nice option for golfers visiting the area. You can play a round and enjoy the military base atmosphere.

Downtown Fort Walton Beach offers shopping, dining, and weekly events.

• Saturday market with local vendors
• Trivia nights at local venues
• Restaurants and shops
• Community events year-round

Downtown Fort Walton Beach is the heart of the city for local culture. On Saturdays, the Downtown FWB Saturday Market takes place, featuring local vendors and goods. There are also regular trivia nights on Mondays and other community events. You'll find restaurants and shops along the streets. It's a good place to spend an afternoon or evening away from the beach.

A local brewpub hosting workshops and events.

• Local brewery
• Hosts Dwarf Umbrella Bonsai Workshop
• Sponsors cornhole tournaments
• Casual hangout spot

Wood Foot Beer Co. is a Fort Walton Beach brewery that doubles as an event space. They have hosted a Dwarf Umbrella Bonsai Workshop in partnership with Zen Den. They also sponsored the Destin vs Fort Walton Beach vs Navarre Young Professionals Cornhole Tournament. It's a place to grab a drink and join in local events. Check their schedule for upcoming activities during your visit.