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 NZ$345 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
NZ$345
24 Aug - 25 Aug
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! (2,752 reviews)
"Nice beach"

Reviewed on 14 Aug. 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$229 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
NZ$229
14 Sept - 15 Sept
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! (1,811 reviews)
"The hot tub wasn't ever in service. Pool was nice. Room was clean."

Reviewed on 14 Aug. 2025

Wyndham Garden Fort Walton Beach Destin
Four Points by Sheraton Destin-Fort Walton Beach

Four Points by Sheraton Destin-Fort Walton Beach

3 out of 5
1325 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL
The price is NZ$275 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
NZ$275
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (265 reviews)
"Rooms weren’t the cleanest but it was ok"

Reviewed on 15 Aug. 2025

Four Points by Sheraton Destin-Fort Walton Beach
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (222 reviews)
"Great property with plenty to do for both adults and kids.. Each unit is individual, so some are in better shape than others.. My only complaint with our unit, was that the outdoor furniture on the back patio overlooking the pool was a cheap plastic set. If we're paying the money we are for a unit ..."

Reviewed on 10 Aug. 2025

Waterscape 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! (20 reviews)
"Loved the beach access and walkable to Stewby's...delicious seafood right across the street."

Reviewed on 14 May 2025

Azure 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! (147 reviews)
"This was better than what I expected. Very quiet, clean, and close to the beach. We will definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 7 Aug. 2025

Island Echos 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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