This Florida Destination Is Unlike Any Other Part of the State — Experiencing All 4 Seasons

Destin-Fort Walton Beach in Florida has outdoor adventures, tasty seafood, and of course, gorgeous beaches.

Florida hits differently in the Panhandle, where the sand is a brighter a shade of white, the water a deeper hue of emerald and blue, and a distinct and delightful Southern inflection permeates the air.

“Destin-Fort Walton Beach is not like the rest of Florida. You won’t see a skyline full of high-rises. This is a place to experience the best that a beach town has to offer, but diving into all the adventure opportunities is where we really pull away,” says Alex Fogg, Coastal Resource Manager of Destin Fort-Walton Beach. “Snorkel the Gulf of Mexico, paddle a spring-fed creek, and hike the Florida Trail. This is a place to adventure, and to be able to do it all without the large city atmosphere makes it even better.”

It’s all about getting outdoors in this rare part of the Sunshine State that actually experiences four seasons, thanks to its location in the northwestern part of Florida. Eglin Air Force Base draws families from around the country and world — some just passing through on deployments and others who settle in and stay for longer after falling in love with the place.

And when it comes to beautiful beaches, you’ll be spoiled for choice in places like Okaloosa Island and Henderson Beach State Park.

“Destin-Fort Walton Beach is the perfect beach town, from our unique white sand that squeaks when you walk to our beautiful emerald waters shining in the sun,” says Chelsea Wimberly, one of Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s official Online Scouts.

The best days here are spent maximizing the area’s natural beauty, she says, which often plays out along the following lines: “Beach, snorkel, reel in dinner, and watch the beautiful sunset."

For anglers or those who simply love a delicious seafood meal, this part of Florida is a special paradise, too. “Destin-Fort Walton Beach has one of the nation's last true working waterfronts at the Destin Harbor, and this is something to experience,” says Fogg. “There are plenty of places that have beaches, natural lakes, rivers, trails, or so-called ‘wilderness.’  But where can you find those things all together?

“To truly adventure here, take the time and enjoy it all, and find ways to make it your own,” he suggests.

And below, we’ve laid out a game plan for doing just that on your next visit to Destin-Fort Walton Beach.

Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida

• Enjoy the beach and explore all the nature trails at gorgeous Henderson Beach State Park.

• Settle in for the fresh catch while watching boats off-load their fish at an atmospheric restaurant like Harbor Docks at the Destin Harbor.

• Kayak through the tannic waters of Blackwater River State Park.

• Watch the sunrise and sunset over the Gulf of Mexico at some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

• Head out on a fishing charter or scuba dive or snorkel in the area’s incredible artificial reef system.

• Alex Fogg is the Coastal Resource Manager of Destin Fort-Walton Beach.

• Chelsea Wimberly was born and raised in Fort Walton Beach and now serves as one of the destination's official Online Scouts.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Henderson Beach Resort

Rooms with sunken bathtubs and gracious balconies — plus loft- and condo-style accommodations, all with views overlooking the sparkling Gulf of Mexico — await at one of the best beachfront hotels in Destin, right next door to Destin’s most glorious beach, Henderson Beach State Park.

The many amenities at Henderson Beach Resort include multiple pools, a lazy river, beachfront fire pits, a kids club open during the spring and summer months, and a spa with a Himalayan salt suite overlooking the state park.

Beal House Fort Walton Beachfront, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Right on the sugar-fine sands of Fort Walton Beach, this stylish property beckons with a heated pool overlooking the dunes, private boardwalk access to the beach, and a gorgeous little beachfront restaurant, The Remedy, that puts a Cajun twist on fresh, local seafood and makes a mean craft martini.

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach

It’s all about location at this pet-friendly hotel on Okaloosa Island, about six miles west of Destin. “It’s close to a lot of action, so visitors can choose what they want to do,” says Fogg, who suggests a stroll to the Okaloosa Island Pier or Veterans Park, right across the street. On-site amenities include direct beach access, a grotto-style pool, and fire pits for maximizing sunset right on the sand.

Emerald Grande at Harborwalk Village

Guests at this beachfront hotel with one-, two-, and three-bedroom condo-style accommodations, all with full kitchens and washers and dryers, “experience one of the best views of Destin’s East Pass and the Gulf of Mexico,” says Fogg. You can walk right down to the harbor and head out on a fishing charter or browse the many shops, restaurants, and entertainment offerings at HarborWalk Village.

Best Things to Do

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park

Some of Florida’s most spectacular state parks await in this stretch of the state. Wimberly recommends checking out Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, a former WWII bombing range in Niceville for a back-to-nature surprise, fun hikes and fantastic birding.

“It’s right along the Rocky Bayou, a trailing arm from Choctawhatchee Bay, and the perfect place for fishing, paddling, and camping. The nature trails are known for bird-watching with more than 100 species,” she says.

Henderson Beach State Park

“With numerous hiking trails, camping, and easy beach access, you won’t find a similar park in the heart of a beach destination,” says Fogg of Henderson Beach State Park. This 208-acre oasis right on the Gulf of Mexico has pet-friendly trails, a playground for kids, towering sand dunes, bike trails, 60 campsites, and a mile-long beachfront considered among the most beautiful in the country.

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Artificial Reefs

“Our vessel deployments make for a great spot for divers to go down and explore. And our artificial reefs, close to shore, make for a great spot for snorkelers to explore,” says Wimberly of the many human-made structures along the coastline, with some 428 sites in and around Destin-Fort Walton Beach that serve as a habitat for marine life as well as an underwater playground for humans.

For shallower fun, Wimberly recommends visiting the tide pools at Norriego Point, a roped-off area of East Pass where kids can scout for hermit crabs and other intertidal zone denizens.

Turkey Creek Nature Trail

Hiking, tubing, kayaking, and swimming in a cool, spring-fed creek await at this lovely Niceville park where the waters are a constant, refreshing 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. “Easily launch your tube, kayak, or paddleboard just off Highway 85 at the Range Road 232 bridge,” says Fogg. “Paddle for 3.5 miles until you get to Turkey Creek Park.” Once there, you can explore the park or continue paddling to where Turkey Creek empties into Boggy Bayou, with more calm waters for exploring.

Blackwater River State Park

A backcountry paddling paradise awaits along the gorgeous Blackwater River, which flows through the northern portion of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Rest assured the dark water is due to tannins from the roots of shoreline vegetation, says Fogg. “Plan a paddle or float the river for a relaxing day on the water,” he says. “Numerous bends in the river create white sandy points that can be accessed for a break before finishing your paddle.” Wilderness Landing is just one of the public parks that have access to the river.

Best Restaurants

Harbor Docks

Watch the fresh catch being off-loaded right at the docks at one of the oldest restaurants in Destin Harbor. Harbor Docks is known for specialties like house-smoked yellowfin tuna dip, shrimp and grits made with the fresh catch (blackened) and juicy Gulf shrimp, and fish tacos.

“Fishing photos of multiple generations line the walls, and the old feel of the restaurant makes it a cozy spot to enjoy a meal,” says Fogg. “There's also an award-winning sushi bar and an assortment of Thai-flavored dishes, making it hard to choose just one item.”

La Paz Restaurante & Cantina

If you’re craving Tex-Mex, but want a local spin, this downtown Destin restaurant on Holiday Isle is the spot for you. “You won’t find a restaurant like this anywhere else,” says Fogg. “La Paz combines traditional Tex-Mex and fresh Gulf seafood for a tasty experience.” Even the ambience at La Paz Restaurante & Cantina blends cultures, with eclectic Mexican decor sharing space with photos of fish caught in the area over the years. “It’s the perfect blend of food and traditional Destin fishing culture,” says Fogg.

The Boathouse Landing

Go off the beaten path in Valparaiso at this waterfront restaurant on the Boggy Bayou. Many diners arrive by boat to enjoy beautiful views matched by delicious food (start with the award-winning smoked tuna dip to share). Bayou flavors come through in dishes like mahi and shrimp étouffée, shrimp and grits, and Cajun crawfish tails over fried green tomatoes. “As with all of the restaurants in the area, the seafood is fresh and constantly changing based on what’s in season,” says Fogg.

Hub City Smokehouse and Grill

Should you want a break from all the fresh Gulf seafood, consider a detour from the coast and opt for some of the best barbecue in the region at this Crestview smokehouse. “After a meal, go for a walk downtown, check out the shops, and stop by the Crestview History Museum around the corner,” says Fogg. St. Louis-style ribs, smoked sausage brisket, pulled pork and chicken, collard greens, fried okra, and sweet potato fries are all on the menu.

Marina Cafe

Ideal for a romantic date night, with candlelit tables and sparkling harbor views, Marina Cafe is one of Wimberly’s favorite restaurants in Destin. It has one of the Emerald Coast’s most extensive wine lists and an innovative menu featuring items like bruschetta oysters, tempura redfish, and wagyu beef carpaccio.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Destin-Fort Walton Beach is during the fall months, from mid- to late September through early November, when the air temperatures drop, but the Gulf of Mexico waters remain inviting.

Fall is also an idyllic time for hikes and paddling the region’s many waterways. “The weather in October can’t be beat. With it still being warm, but not humid, it’s the perfect climate to be out on the water and outdoors,” says Wimberly. “The water is absolutely gorgeous and shows off all the beautiful emerald colors we are known for.”

Fall brings some great festivals, too, including the Destin Seafood Festival and Destin Fishing Rodeo, which takes place during the entire month of October and attracts crowds for daily weigh-ins at the marina.

How to Get There

Destin-Fort Walton Beach is a drive-to destination for many people across Florida, the South, and even points in the Midwest. Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is served by major commercial airlines, including Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, with roughly 40 direct routes. The airport is just 10 minutes from the beach. For more flight options, Pensacola International Airport is located roughly 51 miles west of Destin. Rental cars and shuttles are available at both airports.

Cities, Neighborhoods, and Islands to Visit

Okaloosa Island: With plenty of public access points to gorgeous beaches, Okaloosa Island fronts three miles of bright white sand to explore. “No matter where you stay on Okaloosa Island, you’re just a few steps from a public access point to the beach,” says Fogg. The island’s highlights include the Okaloosa Island Pier and the Women Veterans Monuments at Veterans Park.

Niceville: “Many visitors stay here to easily access Eglin Air Force Base and more land- and river-based activities, but a short car ride gets you to the beach,” says Fogg of the community of Niceville, just north of Destin across Choctawhatchee Bay. Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park is also located here, with hikes, saltwater fishing on the bay, and more to explore.

Destin: “Destin's quick access to the depths of the Gulf of Mexico makes it the world's luckiest fishing village,” says Wimberly. Here, you'll find Henderson Beach State Park, where you can swim, fish, hike, camp, and more. Destin has a beachy urban vibe, too, at spots like Holiday Isle, HarborWalk Village, and the Destin Harbor Boardwalk.

Fort Walton Beach: Right across the bridge from Destin and Okaloosa Island’s gorgeous beaches, Fort Walton Beach fronts the Intracoastal Waterway and Choctawhatchee Bay, plus it has all the supermarkets and big-box stores you might need to stock your vacation rental. Popular spots here include waterfront park The Landing and Liza Jackson Park, with picnic pavilions and a pier boat launch.

How to Get Around

Renting a car is the best way to be independent during your visit to Destin-Fort Walton Beach, as well as to cover as much ground as possible. Car rentals are available at the airports. For something fun and beachy, consider going top-down and renting a Jeep Wrangler from Jeep Destin for a day or longer.

Emerald Coast Rider is Okaloosa County’s public transportation service, with bus routes around Okaloosa Island and Destin and South Walton.

Locally owned Destin Harbor Haulers works on tips only, with a fleet of six- to eight-seat electric carts for transporting locals and visitors around town. Download the app on the website to book your ride. “This small business provides complimentary rides throughout the Destin Harbor area, and it can offer numerous suggestions on where to go,” says Fogg.

Destin Water Taxi operates seven days a week during early spring to late fall only, offering transportation by water between places like Holiday Isle, Norriego Point, HarborWalk Village, and Destin Harbor. “This is a great experience and worth hopping on if in the area,” says Fogg.

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