Taking time out of a busy schedule to enjoy some time away is an important part of achieving that work-life balance we all crave. Even a day of stepping away from the routine can work wonders for refreshing your outlook on life! When you’re ready for a day trip somewhere scenic and exciting, there’s no better place to find yourself than Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Between the sun, sand, surf, and access to fun, it’s easy to see why visitors linger longer than they originally planned. The following are just a few of the many inviting activities to add to your itinerary when you’re looking to make your day trip to Fort Walton Beach one-of-a-kind!
Rent a Pontoon with Island Watersports
Making the most of a day trip to Fort Walton Beach starts with spending some quality time on the water. When you’re looking to explore your scenic surroundings at your own pace, renting a pontoon boat through Island Watersports is the way to go. This company provides guests with everything from double decker pontoons with waterslides to rent to kayaks and paddleboards to enjoy as well! Island Watersports is located at 1318 Miracle Strip Parkway SE and is open daily from 8:30 until sunset. Once you’ve decided which pontoon will be yours for a few hours, you can freely explore places like the National Seashore, Santa Rosa Sound or Choctawhatchee Bay just to name a few.
Explore the Beaches
A day in Fort Walton Beach should certainly include some well-earned time on the sand as well. When you’re excited to explore the shorelines, heading across the bridge to Okaloosa Island is a good choice. This area is packed with sugar-white sands that are just right for settling into a beach chair, soaking up the sun, or even spending some time in the water. Don’t forget to pack your snorkel gear when you head this way.
Stroll the Pier
A great place to make the most of the view when you’re enjoying the day in Fort Walton Beach is the Island Pier. Stretching out 1,262 feet over the waves, this pier offers up a great place to stroll, people watch and enjoy vistas over the water that are one-of-a-kind. If you’re looking to get an early jump on your day, the pier provides a tranquil place to enjoy a sunrise view or even cast a line. Anglers often head this way to try their luck reeling in everything from redfish and black drum to pompano and blue runner as well. After enjoying time at the pier, you won’t have to go far to find the fun at the nearby boardwalk. This destination is brimming over with savory restaurants to try as well as unique shops to check out.
Check Out the Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park and Cultural Center
When you only have a day in Fort Walton Beach, experiencing the area’s history is an important part of the journey. This is best achieved when you make time for a trip to the Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park and Cultural Center. This comprehensive place offers up a plethora of options for bringing the past to life in style. Start your adventure at the Indian Temple Mound Museum with artifacts dating back to the 12th century on-site! The mound itself is a testament to the works of ancient tribes while the museum houses upwards of 1,000 artifacts related to tribal life, early European settlers in the area and even pirate activity! A trip to the Camp Walton Schoolhouse can also be paired with this excursion. Here, guests can step inside a two-room schoolhouse that was utilized during the early 20th century.
Explore the Destin Harbor Boardwalk
Not far from Fort Walton Beach, guests who are looking to top off their day in style will want to spend the evening exploring the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. This vibrant and exciting place is a popular spot to enjoy a sunset, explore a variety of eateries, and make the most of watching boats sail by under the changing colors of the evening sky as well. The Destin Harbor Boardwalk often hosts live musical performances and is dotted with unique shops to check out when you’re on the hunt for just the right souvenir. Many on-the-water tours leave from the boardwalk, making this the perfect place to find yourself when you have opted to end your day with a sunset dolphin spotting cruise.
Book Your Stay for Your Next Vacation to Fort Walton Beach
No matter how long you have set aside in the name of a fun vacation to Fort Walton Beach, this exciting place promises to be amazing for exploring year-round. When you know you’ll be needing incredible, luxurious, and conveniently located accommodations to match, The Breakers of Fort Walton Beach have you covered. Reach out today to learn more about our incredible property options that pair comfort, and style with access to area fun. We can’t wait to help you plan your exciting trip and see you in Fort Walton Beach soon!