Plan your Fort Walton Beach trip

Our favorite things to do and places to eat near the condo.

Top picks

Top pick

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

All Ages (especially 3+)$$$

Dolphin and sea lion shows, interactive animal encounters (some extra cost), touch tanks, educational exhibits. Great for hands-on learning about marine life. Offers both indoor and outdoor components.

Top pick

John Beasley Park

All AgesFree

Beautiful beach access with soft, white sand and gentle surf. Features picnic pavilions, restrooms, and outdoor showers. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles, and nature walks.

Top pick

Air Force Armament Museum

All Ages (especially 6+)Free

Extensive collection of military aircraft, weapons, and artifacts from WWI to modern conflicts. Includes interactive cockpit simulators. Excellent for history and aviation enthusiasts.

Top pick

The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island

All AgesFree (shopping/dining extra)

Oceanfront complex with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Offers a great fishing pier, scenic views, and direct beach access. Often has live music or events.

Things to do

Ideas for every age, from little ones to teens. $ is budget-friendly, $$$$ is a splurge.

More favorites

Emerald Coast Science Center

All Ages (especially 4+)$$

Hands-on exhibits covering physics, robotics, light, and more. Features animals like parakeets and snakes. Great for stimulating curiosity and learning.

Wild Willy's Adventure Zone

All Ages (especially 6+)$$$-$$$$

Large entertainment complex with two mini-golf courses, go-karts, laser tag, a 4D movie theater, arcade games, and bumper boats. A full day of varied entertainment.

Toddlers and Young Children

John Beasley Park

0-5 yearsFree

Gentle surf, soft sand for playing, picnic areas. Ideal for splashing, sandcastle building, and supervised beach play.

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

0-5 years$$$

Engaging animal shows (dolphins, sea lions) are captivating. Touch tanks with marine invertebrates (hermit crabs, starfish) are perfect for little hands. Some encounters are for ages 3+.

Local Beaches (Okaloosa Island Beach)

0-5 yearsFree

Directly accessible from Sundial Ct. Soft, white sand and clear, shallow water. Perfect for a relaxing beach day and digging in the sand.

Emerald Coast Science Center

0-5 years$$

Many hands-on exhibits are suitable for young children, encouraging sensory exploration and simple scientific concepts. Features animals that toddlers enjoy seeing.

Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park (Destin)

0-5 years$$$$

Dedicated "Lazy River" and kiddie areas with shallow pools and fountains. Also offers mini-golf and other rides for older family members. *Note: Located in Destin, about a 15-20 minute drive.*

Goofy Golf

0-5 years$$-$$$

Classic, quirky mini-golf with fun, oversized sculptures. Two 17-hole courses, suitable for a relaxed game with little ones.

School-Aged Children

Wild Willy's Adventure Zone

6-12 years$$$-$$$$

Offers a wide range of activities including go-karts, challenging mini-golf courses, laser tag, and a large arcade. Ideal for active kids.

Emerald Coast Science Center

6-12 years$$

Interactive exhibits make learning fun and engaging. Kids can build and fly model planes, explore robotics, and engage with live animals.

Dolphin Cruises/Snorkeling Tours

6-12 years$$$

Several local operators offer tours to see dolphins in their natural habitat. Some tours include snorkeling opportunities in clear waters.

Crab Island (via pontoon rental)

6-12 years$$$$

A famous shallow sandbar in Destin accessible by boat. Offers clear, waist-deep water perfect for swimming, floating, and playing. Often has floating food vendors and entertainment. *Requires boat rental (pontoon is recommended for families).*

Air Force Armament Museum

6-12 yearsFree

Engaging for kids interested in aviation and history. Opportunity to see a vast array of real aircraft and weapons up close, including a cockpit simulator.

The Island Pier / Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier

6-12 years$ (fishing fee/rentals extra)

Great for a casual walk, spotting marine life, or trying some fishing. Rent poles and buy bait on-site. Offers great views of the Gulf.

Teenagers

Wild Willy's Adventure Zone

13+ years$$$-$$$$

Offers thrill rides, more challenging mini-golf courses, intense laser tag, and a large, modern arcade. Good for competitive fun.

Jet Ski Rentals / Parasailing

13+ years$$$$

High-speed adventure on the water or exhilarating aerial views. Many rental companies operate directly from Okaloosa Island or nearby Destin Harbor.

Escape Zone 60

13+ years$$

Themed escape rooms that require teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving. A fun challenge for groups of friends or families.

Destin Harbor Boardwalk (Destin)

13+ yearsFree (shopping/dining/activities extra)

Lively atmosphere with shops, diverse restaurants, and often live music. Can rent paddleboards, kayaks, or find boat tours. Great for people-watching and evening strolls.

The Track (Destin)

13+ years$$$-$$$$

Features multiple go-kart tracks (including a multi-level one), thrill rides, bumper boats, mini-golf, and a large arcade. *Note: Located in Destin, about a 15-20 minute drive.*

Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) / Kayaking

13+ years$$-$$$ (Rentals)

A great way to explore the calm bay waters or even the Gulf on a calm day. Rentals are available from various watersports companies.

Places to eat

Distances are from the condo.

Within about 3 miles

Floyd's Shrimp House

Seafood, American$$

About 1-2 miles

All-you-can-eat shrimp specials, waterfront views.

The Shack Restaurant & Marina

Seafood$$

About 1-2 miles

Casual waterfront dining, local and veteran owned.

Stewby's Seafood Shanty

Seafood$$

About 2-3 miles

Fresh Gulf seafood, Southern hospitality, drive-thru available.

Ali's Bistro

Italian, Seafood, Steaks, Pizza$$$

About 1-2 miles

Traditional Italian in an elegant, yet casual setting.

Vincenzo's Italian Bistro

Italian$$

About 2-3 miles

Handmade pasta, savory sauces, located in Marriott Courtyard.

Rockin' Tacos

Mexican, Seafood$$

About 2-3 miles

Beachfront dining, live DJ, 75+ tequilas.

Burrito del Sol

Mexican (Baja-Style)$

About 1-2 miles

Fresh ingredients, craft beer on tap, family-owned.

Angler's Beachside Grill

Seafood, American$$

About 2-3 miles

Family-friendly, laid-back atmosphere, scenic views.

Asiago's Skillet

American (Breakfast/Brunch)$$

About 2-3 miles

Classic American breakfast, skillet-prepared dishes.

Old Bay Steamer

Seafood (Steamed)$$$

About 2-3 miles

Flavorful steamed seafood, casual environment.

Sealand

Seafood, Steaks$$$

About 1-3 miles

Top-notch seafood and steaks, full bar.

Props Brewery & Taproom

American (Pub Fare), Brewery$$

About 1-3 miles

Military owned microbrewery, pub fare.

Al's Beach Club and Burger Bar

American (Burgers)$$

About 2-3 miles

Classic and craft hamburgers, shakes, beachside.

Lost Pizza Company

Pizza, Pub Fare$$

About 1-2 miles

Great pizzas, friendly staff, draft beer selection.

The Bavarian's Wirtshaus

German$$

About 1-3 miles

Authentic German food and drink.

Bangkok Bistro

Thai$$

About 1-2 miles

Thai spices, crispy belly, spicy options.

Thai Spice

Thai$$

About 1-2 miles

Traditional Thai dishes.

Pho Eva

Vietnamese$$

About 1-3 miles

Noodles soup, Vietnamese crepes.

Istanbul (Ali Baba's)

Turkish, Mediterranean$$

About 1-3 miles

Mixed grill, authentic Turkish flavors.

Kinfolks BBQ

BBQ$$

About 1-3 miles

Real-Pit, Slow Smoked BBQ.

Holi Indian Restaurant

Indian$$

About 1-3 miles

Delicious Indian food, great atmosphere, lunch specials.

Bamboo Sushi

Japanese, Sushi$$

About 1-2 miles

Sushi, rolls, tempura.

The Boardroom Pub and Grub

Pub Fare, American$$

About 1-3 miles

Pub-style food, craft beers.

Fokker's Bar & Grille

German-influence Pizzeria, Pub Fare, American$$

About 1-2 miles

German-inspired dishes, pizzas, pub fare.

TapWorks

Brewery, Bar$$

About 1-3 miles

Craft beer selection.

Jake & Henry's

Eclectic (Seafood, Steak, Vegetarian)$$$

About 1-3 miles

Diverse menu, craft cocktails, live music.

Magnolia Grill

American, Italian, Seafood, Steaks$$$

About 1-3 miles

Traditional sit-down, seafood, steaks.

The Remedy

Creole$$

About 1-3 miles

Beignets and Creole Gumbo.

Bay Cafe French Restaurant

French$$

About 1-3 miles

Informal old-school French Cuisine, romantic patio.

A short drive (3 to 7 miles)

Clemenza's at Uptown

Italian$$

About 3-4 miles

Authentic Italian, woodfired pizzas.

Papi's Tacos

Cuban, Mexican$$

About 3-5 miles

Tasty Cuban classics, fresh ingredients.

Dewey Destin's Seafood Restaurant

Seafood$$

About 5-7 miles

Waterfront dining, fresh seafood, fish feeding.

Marina Cafe

Seafood, Steaks, American$$$$

About 5-7 miles

Upscale dining, diverse menu, waterfront views.

McGuire's Irish Pub

Irish, Pub Fare, Steakhouse$$$

About 5-7 miles

Famous for Irish dishes, lively atmosphere.

Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House

Seafood, Oysters$$$

About 5-7 miles

Fresh seafood, oyster bar, waterfront.

Louisiana Lagniappe

Cajun, Creole, Seafood, Steaks$$$$

About 5-7 miles

Authentic Louisiana cuisine, fresh seafood.

Mimmo's Italian Restaurant

Italian$$$

About 5-7 miles

Traditional Italian dishes, pasta.

The Gulf on Okaloosa Island

American, Seasonal, Local Ingredients$$

About 2-4 miles

Chic and casual elegance, local ingredients.

Clubhouse Grill

American$$

About 3-5 miles

Not much detail, but listed.

AJ's on the Bayou

Seafood, American$$

About 3-5 miles

Fresh seafood, live music, waterfront seating.

The Island Resort Restaurants (Coastal Kitchen, Cabana Bar, The Beach Bar)

Seafood, American (Burgers, Pizza), Tropical$$

About 2-4 miles

Multiple dining options within a resort, beachside/poolside.

Worth the drive (8 to 10 miles)

Chapala Authentic Mexican Restaurant and Grill

Mexican$

About 8-10 miles

Delicious and authentic, extensive menu, reasonable prices.

Commelfo Restaurant

European$$$$

About 8-10 miles

Remarkable experience, intimate setting, great for dates.

Mezcal Mexican Grill

Mexican$$$$

About 8-10 miles

Mexican cuisine.

Beach Walk Café

Contemporary American$$$$

About 8-10 miles

Most romantic dining experience, stunning Gulf views.

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Destin

Steakhouse$$$$

About 8-10 miles

USDA Prime steaks, sizzling plates.

Pazzo Italiano Destin

Italian$$$$

About 8-10 miles

Italian cuisine.

Questions during your stay? Message us through your booking. Something on this list closed or changed? Let us know at info@crestrentalproperties.com. Last checked October 2026.