Fort Walton Beach Sightseeing

Fort Walton Beach is famously beautiful, home to pristine white sand beaches and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico that characterize the Emerald Coast. However, there’s more to see in Fort Walton than just the beach! Below, we’ve put together a brief guide to some of the greatest Fort Walton Beach sightseeing spots in the area. Read on to learn more!

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

This attraction provides visitors with the best of both worlds: the educational aspect of an aquarium and enchanting up-close encounters with marine life in a safe environment. Here, visitors can pet African penguins and young alligators, swim with sharks and stingrays, see bottle-nosed dolphins face-to-face, feed loggerhead turtles, and more.

Emerald Coast Science Center

Geared towards children but still fascinating regardless, the Emerald Coast Science Center has hands-on exhibits and demonstrations in all things science, including biology in the live animal exhibit, robotics, a hurricane simulator, and a natural gas exhibit sponsored by Okaloosa Gas.

Heritage Park & Cultural Center

Heritage Park & Cultural Center is really more like five attractions in one, home to a collection of museums and a National Historic Landmark that help tell the story of Fort Walton Beach and the region from the prehistoric period of 12,000 years ago through the modern day.

Downtown Arts & Entertainment District

This section of town is home to extraordinary restaurants and shops, as well as attractions like the Emerald Coast Science Center and the Heritage Park & Cultural Center. The downtown district also hosts a fun farmers market each month, where you can pick up fresh ingredients for dining at your vacation rental and unique souvenirs for back home.

Air Force Armament Museum

Specializing in the history of the United States Air Force, this intriguing museum has upwards of 15,000 artifacts on display that range from the early days of aviation in World War I through present-day bombs and airplanes.

No matter where you decide to visit during your time in Fort Walton Beach, there’s fun to be had!

John Beasley Park

For those travelers to Fort Walton Beach who know they can’t wait to spend as much time as possible in the great outdoors, soaking up the sights and enjoying the fun, there’s no better place to make time for on the itinerary than John Beasley Park. Located at 1550 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, John Beasley Park is an inviting and undeniably beautiful beachside park for visitors to enjoy that doesn’t require a fee to enter. John Beasley Park is dotted with delightful picnic pavilions for those who are looking forward to an alfresco meal by the water, but there’s also a snack bar if you’re just looking to add a little something savory into the mix. Visitors who are excited to go for a swim in the gentle waves will find that the on-site changing rooms and showers offer up an added convenience.

Of course, if you’re more interested in simply soaking up the sun and working on that Florida tan, the sugar white shorelines here promise a perfect spot to do exactly that. In total, John Beasley Park enjoys two dune walkovers leading to the Gulf of Mexico that are thrilling to explore and just as exciting for photographers to capture on film. The park is also an appealing place for those with a passion for birding to check out the many shorebirds that call this area home year-round, or simply utilize is along their migration trail. If you’ve packed your binoculars for this occasion and you’re hoping to catch glimpses of a variety of species, be sure to utilize the park’s large octagonal observation platform for easy viewing.

Liza Jackson Park

Another wonderful place for outdoor adventure seekers in Fort Walton Beach to explore is Liza Jackson Park. This scenic destination is found at 338 Miracle Strip Parkway and provides locals and visitors alike with a beautiful and inviting place to settle in by the water. In fact, the park hosts over 1,000 feet of waterfront space to savor as well as a collection of boat ramps and fishing piers for those who are looking forward to getting out on the waves or making the most of a day spent casting a line. Liza Jackson Park is designed with a maze of trails to explore when wildlife or bird watching is just your style. The park also hosts plenty of pavilions for outdoor picnics and playground equipment for those who are heading this way with little ones in tow who could use a place to burn off excess energy. The inclusion of on-site restrooms and showers is a welcome added convenience to guests year-round.