Okaloosa Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

White beaches, a lively boardwalk and an interactive marine adventure park await at this sandy barrier island on Florida’s Emerald Coast.

Immerse yourself in a landscape of white beaches and gorgeous views on Okaloosa Island. Look across the sparkling Gulf of Mexico while enjoying fun in the sun. The area is a popular vacation destination for families and students on spring break.

Okaloosa Island is a bit of a misnomer. It is actually part of Santa Rosa Island, a 80-kilometre (50-mile) barrier island. Okaloosa makes up its eastern end between Fort Walton Beach and Destin. Much of the island is owned by the U.S. government for military purposes, but you’ll find plenty of public space to explore and enjoy.

Put on your swimsuit and thongs and head to the ocean. The beaches on Okaloosa Island are renowned for their pristine white sand and clean conditions. Play beach volleyball or look for shells in the surf. A stretch of shoreline is protected as part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Begin and end your day on the Boardwalk. Cool off with a drink or enjoy a meal and stunning views across the Gulf of Mexico. After sundown, go dancing or listen to live music at one of its many clubs and bars.

Grab your tackle box and head to Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier. Jutting over 2,000 metres (1,200 feet) into the water, this sturdy concrete pier makes saltwater fishing easy. Rent equipment or just stroll along and see what the fishermen are reeling in.

Kiss a harbour seal and snorkel among stingrays at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Watch dolphins flip, spin and splash their way through the water. Become a VIP trainer for the day and get to know the porpoises and other marine animals at the park a little better. Touch juvenile alligators, penguins and turtles.

For a change of beach surroundings, visit Destin or Fort Walton Beach. These cities have sandy stretches similar to Okaloosa Beach, but on a larger scale. Take the Destin Bridge west to Destin or the Brooks Bridge east to Fort Walton Beach.

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
The price is AU$259 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$259
20 Oct - 21 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,881 reviews)
"The property was very nice and the staff was very very friendly. Everyone went above and beyond to make our stay wonderful. The only thing I would say I was unhappy with was the bathroom in our room. I don’t know if all the rooms are the same, but there was no countertop space whatsoever to really ..."

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach
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 AU$204 per night from 23 Oct to 24 Oct
AU$204
23 Oct - 24 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,926 reviews)
"staff was friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on 21 Sept 2025

Wyndham Garden Fort Walton Beach Destin
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 AU$238 per night from 9 Oct to 10 Oct
AU$238
9 Oct - 10 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,015 reviews)
"The breakfast unfortunately lacked flavor. Perhaps some additional elements could be introduced to enhance the experience for your guests. The coffee did not meet expectations. Royal Cup might be a suitable alternative. I would be pleased to offer five suggestions to encourage your team."

Reviewed on 20 Sept 2025

Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Walton Beach-West Destin
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.
Waterscape Condominiums

Waterscape Condominiums

3.5 out of 5
1110 Santa Rosa Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Okaloosa Island Beach and HarborWalk ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (235 reviews)
"Everything from top to bottom was 💯 i brought my mom for her birthday, Everything was top notch. We will be back Again"

Reviewed on 16 Sept 2025

Waterscape Condominiums
Island Echos Condominiums

Island Echos Condominiums

3.5 out of 5
676 Santa Rosa Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (149 reviews)
Great vacay stay
"Island echos is literally like vacay on an island, especially when out on the beach under the umbrellas. Amazing time. The condo was fabulous, amazing view with balcony!"

Reviewed on 4 Sept 2025

Island Echos Condominiums
Azure Condominiums

Azure Condominiums

3.5 out of 5
1150 Santa Rosa Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Okaloosa Island Beach and HarborWalk ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (21 reviews)
Complete Relaxation Panhandle Style
"Everything was great, but the renovations left the property a bit dirty. Paint, scaffolding, etc. When the renovations are done, I am sure this property will pop. The pool area was AMAZING and the large beach front was PERFECT too. The porches were really big too!"

Reviewed on 5 Sept 2025

Azure Condominiums
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.

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