Fort Walton Beach, FL, is located on the Emerald Coast of the Gulf of Mexico, in northern Florida's Okaloosa County. A city of approximately 20,000 people, it is a tourist destination and is primarily known for its beautiful wide beaches, its focus on family-friendly activities, and its year-round mild climate.
Is Fort Walton cheaper than Destin?
Destin is 28.5% more expensive than Fort Walton Beach . Destin housing costs are 99.5% more expensive than Fort Walton Beach housing costs.
Is Fort Walton a nice beach?
Fort Walton Beach, FL, is known for its picture-perfect beaches, family-friendly atmosphere, and beautiful natural areas . This beach town is a popular destination for snowbirds and summer vacationers.
What city in Florida has the best food?
3 of nation's top 4 foodie cities are in Florida
Orlando ranked first , with Miami third, Tampa fourth and St. Petersburg 48th. 2. Portland, Ore.
Is Fort Walton Beach walkable?
Downtown Fort Walton Beach is steeped in small-town charm, rich in history, and chock-full of things to do and see. The small downtown area is walkable and bikable so you can venture easily around town from your Destin vacation rental.
Is Fort Walton Beach Clear Water?
While the sunshine state may offer over 1,800 miles of coastline, the shores of Destin-Fort Walton Beach provide access to the clear, emerald green water of the Gulf of Mexico unlike any other.
Is it better to stay in Destin or Ft Walton beach?
While Destin is nice, we prefer FWB . FWB is not nearly as crowded as Destin and is just a short drive away- we drive to Destin to eat, go to the Track, etc. Also, the prices are much more reasonable at FWB.
Can you drink alcohol on Fort Walton Beach?
ALCOHOL — Alcohol is allowed on the beach but not in the state parks . Again, no glass bottles, etc. Underage drinking is not permitted. LITTERING — No littering on the beach, and no glass containers on the beach.
How safe is Fort Walton Beach?
The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Fort Walton Beach is 1 in 39. Based on FBI crime data, Fort Walton Beach is not one of the safest communities in America . Relative to Florida, Fort Walton Beach has a crime rate that is higher than 72% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.
Which beach has the clearest water in Florida?
Destin . Destin is commonly referred to as the Florida beach with the clearest water. Why this beach in particular? It's because of the Choctawhatchee Bay just beyond the beach that acts as a filtration, taking in the darker sediment and leaving clear waters atop Destin's fine quartz sand.
Is Fort Walton Beach or Panama City beach Better?
The main difference is the area attractions. Destin is more upscale yuppie, the beaches of S. Walton (30A) are more private and quiet , and Panama City is somewhat more of a “blue collar” vacation spot, lots of touristy attractions like mini-golf and Ripley's Believe it or Not museum.
What is the difference between Destin and Fort Walton Beach?
Okaloosa Island (FWB) is less walkable than Destin . Having said that Destin is not extremely walkable either. You'll have better luck finding a place to eat or drink within walking distance of a condo in Destin.
What city in Florida has the most restaurants?
In fact, Orlando was tied #1 for having the “Most Restaurants per Capita”. Orlando, Miami and Tampa were all tied at the top spot for ‘Most Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Shops per Capita”.
Does Fort Walton Beach have a pier?
The Island Pier has everything your family needs for some serious fishing fun.
Is Okaloosa Island safe?
Is Okaloosa County, FL Safe? The A- grade means the rate of crime is lower than the average US county. Okaloosa County is in the 80th percentile for safety , meaning 20% of counties are safer and 80% of counties are more dangerous. This analysis applies to Okaloosa County's proper boundaries only.
How long is Fort Walton Pier?
Stretching out 1,262 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, The Island Pier provides breath taking views of magnificent sunrises and sunsets.
What is the prettiest beach in Destin Florida?
- Henderson Beach State Park.
- James Lee Beach.
- Crab Island.
- Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.
Does Fort Walton Beach have white sand?
Beaches of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida
The white sands and sunlight combine to give these Gulf waters their emerald green vibrance. No matter what else you experience on your trip, the calming, pristine beaches of Destin-Fort Walton Beach form a picturesque backdrop for your dream vacation.
Which beach is better Pensacola or Destin?
Destin is a more crowded and ‘touristy' location, but it also offers more things to do and more selections for shopping and dining. Pensacola Beach, on the other hand, offers a smaller area, fewer things to do, but a more authentic experience overall .
Is Destin and Miramar Beach the same?
Claiming the spot due East of Destin proper, Miramar Beach is often included in greater Destin but in fact it has its own zip code and is even in a different county . None of this is noticeable of course as you meander along scenic highway 98.
Is Okaloosa Island same as Destin?
At its west-most point Okaloosa Island is 6.5 Miles from Destin and at its east-most point Okaloosa Island is just 1.7 miles from Destin . You'll drive over the Destin Bridge and pass Crab Island on your way to Okaloosa Island.
Is Panama City beach better than Destin?
If your family wants to fish, eat seafood, play golf, enjoy a vibrant nightlife, and go shopping, then Destin is the perfect vacation spot for you . However, if you want a more laid-back family vacation with excellent waterfront lodging and many children's activities, then Panama City Beach is the way to go.
Are thongs allowed in Destin Florida?
Please do not skip any beaches. Thongs are on our beaches everyday, especially now during the spring breaks . The most private beaches in our area are on Okaloosa Island about a mile or two west of the Destin Pass (Marler Bridge) you'll see a spot to park along HWY 98 and then walk through the dunes.
Can you buy alcohol on Sunday in Fort Walton Beach Florida?
Fort Walton Beach – 4am-7am – Daily . Niceville – 4am-7am – Mon-Saturday – 4am-1pm on Sunday. Crestview – 4am-7am – Mon-Saturday – 4am-1pm on Sunday.
Can you sleep on the beach in Destin?
For more information about City of Destin event permits, please call the City of Destin Parks & Recreation Department at (850) 837-4242. 11. Can I camp overnight on the beach? Overnight camping is NOT ALLOWED on the beaches in Destin .
