If you’ve planned a vacation get-away to Destin, Florida, you’re in for a treat. With is beautiful beaches lined by emerald-green waters, it’s a wonderful place to relax and take in the Caribbean-like scenery.
But have you considered a drive over to Okaloosa Island? This 3-mile long island, otherwise known as Santa Rosa Island, which joins Destin to Fort Walton Beach, is more than a connector of two well-known towns; it deserves a nod for it’s unique offerings for both locals and tourists.
Let’s take a look at some of what makes Okaloosa Island special.
The Gulf Islands National Sea Shore Beach of Okaloosa Island
A portion of the bayside beach on Okaloosa Island is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which is maintained by the US National Parks Service, runs for over 150 miles in the Gulf of Mexico from the state of Mississippi to Okaloosa Island, and provides recreational opportunities for the public while also preserving the beaches and the plants and animals that call this portion of the US home.
This park provides the only public access to the beach and bay on Okaloosa Island. Because of how it’s situated, it’s an ideal location for those wanting to sip a cup of coffee while watching the sunrise over the water.
The beaches here are extremely flat, and the vegetation lining the outskirts of the beach provides privacy from the parking lot and highway. It has an honorary parking fee station with different payments for cars, motorcycles and pedestrians.
It has shallow waters which are mostly calm, and the white sand helps the waters stay clear and light green, perfect for swimmers and waders. This spot is a popular place to find kite surfers, paddle boarders and kayakers.
The park has public bathrooms and shower areas, and they allow for launching smaller watercrafts (must be brought on rooftop or single axle trailer.) There are also grills and picnic tables available for use.
John Beasley Park
Located across Miracle Strip Parkway from the Gulf National Sea Shore Beach of Okaloosa Island (and slightly west) is John Beasley Park, a public access area to the Gulf-side beach. It has a nice sized parking lot and large covered pavilions with picnic tables, restrooms and shower areas. Because of this washing area, it’s a great spot to enjoy the beach with the family and not have the worry of bringing the sandy beach back with you in the car!
The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island
Most people who visit Okaloosa Island, at some point during their stay, end up at the boardwalk, otherwise called “The Pier.” With an array of restaurants providing super casual dining to fancier fare and other shops offering desserts, drinks, music, and beach attire, there’s a little something for everyone at the boardwalk.
If entering from the large parking lot out front, you can visit numerous stores from inside the open-air building and then wind around to the boardwalk area which looks out over several beach volleyball courts, a kids’ playground area, the emerald-green waters and the Okaloosa Island pier.
The boardwalk on Okaloosa Island is a favorite for visitors and locals alike, with public access to the beach and food and beverages for a break from the sun. It’s also one of the primary spots for surfers in the area, as surfers find bigger, more organized waves here at Okaloosa Island beach versus what is found at other beaches further east in Destin.
The Okaloosa Island pier is just on the west side of the boardwalk. If you’re into pier fishing, it’s a great spot throw a line, or if you just want to watch you can walk the pier and check out the catches (both fishing and walking the pier may cost a small fee.)
Adventure Parks
Across from the boardwalk is Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone, a happening spot for kids of all ages rain or shine.
It has a large indoor arcade, an outdoor putt-putt golf course, zipline and more. Stay for an hour or prepare to stay an entire day there, but be aware that money flows fast there when you’re having fun!
Just down the highway from the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, is the Gulfarium, this coastal area’s aquarium and interaction center with marine life. Want to watch a show featuring dolphins? This is the place, Want to have the kids interact with the dolphins? It happens here, along with many other opportunities to learn about sea life.
Eglin Beach Park
Heading east on Okaloosa Island toward Destin, you’ll see natural beach landscape with rolling sand dunes. Much of this area is fenced off from the highway because it’s owned by Eglin Airforce Base. Shortly before reaching the bridge over to Destin is Eglin Beach Park, a private park dedicated to providing recreational opportunities for Department of Defense personnel. DoD personnel can gain entrance with DoD identification, and are able to bring guests if they choose to. A small fee will enable them to enjoy the multiple pavilions with picnic areas, vendors, restrooms with showers and access to the private beach and a short walk to the west jetties of the East Pass.
Coast Guard Station
Before heading over Marler Bridge to Destin from Okaloosa Island is the Coast Guard Station on the bay side of the island. This Coast Guard station is nestled away and is easy to pass without noticing; however, this station is incredibly important to the entire area. They provide safety and emergency services to boaters and swimmers along this portion of the Gulf, but also in Choctawhatchee Bay. This includes Crab Island, where tourists and locals utilize their services daily when unexpected currents create problems for swimmers and other accidents need the Coast Guard. Thank you Coast Guard!
Summary
While many may think of Okaloosa Island as just a route to get from Fort Walton Beach to Destin (or the other way around), it has many different features that deserve appreciation. If you end up in the area, be sure to visit! Like many, you may just decide that this spot becomes your go-to destination for your next get-away!
Have you had a great experience on Okaloosa Island? If so, let us know!