The ancient Buddhist architecture, golden Buddha statues and pillars placed against the temples red vivid interiors make it an ideal location for some Insta-worthy photos. It would be nice to speak to residents of this neighborhood to understand what they loved, or didnt like about living here. Is Fort Walton Beach, FL a nice place to live? Is Nantucket Worth Visiting in 2023? The second building houses exhibits relating to the US Civil War. Are you considering a family vacation, a spring break getaway, or a romantic getaway to the Emerald Coast? Fort Walton Beach Vs Destin-What is There to Do for Families. Downtown is the heart of Fort Walton Beach, and should definitely be added to your itinerary. Thousands of fisherman take to the pier to catch a multitude of species including cobia, shark, and redfish. The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in Fort Walton Beach. The temple and Buddha are clad in gold paint, and the bright colors make for interesting photography. Beach Flags and Safety. For a look at the best places to visit, have a read through our list of things to do in Fort Walton Beach. Here, you'll find wide-open spaces and the ability to find your perfect patch of sand. Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. Fort Walton Beach and Destin are both popular destinations for seasoned fishermen and beginners, offering an abundance of options for freshwater and saltwater fishing. 1110 Santa Rosa Blvd The most popular activities and attractions are below: When it comes to Destin, this charming town is a true gem. Grades one through eight were taught by a single teacher. Each place has its own unique personality and entices people differently based on your personal preferences. Collegiate High School at Northwest Florida State College (#22 in state), Fort Walton Beach High School (#94 in state), Choctawhatchee Senior High School (#128 in state) are among 5 C and higher rated public high schools in the district. Having a high walk score means that there are a lot of places nearby like stores, restaurants, coffee shops, schools, and more. Whether a neighborhood is a good place to live or not could also depend on the nearby amenities. There are many towns within the total area, so if you're looking for closer places, try a smaller radius like 50 miles. All Rights Reserved. It lies at the western end of Choctawhatchee Bay (an arm of the Gulf of Mexico ), on Santa Rosa Sound (separated from the gulf by Santa Rosa Island), about 40 miles (65 km) east of Pensacola. Are they both oceanfront, or is one on an inland waterway? Youll also have the opportunity to see dolphins and other amazing marine life up close at places like the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. The mound itself is 12 feet high and is covered at the top by a small wooden building. Our best data indicates this area is generally safe. It's also important to be prepared for potential rip tides and weather by . It's one of the hot spots for fishing along Santa Rosa Island. As of the 2020 U.S. census, the population was 20,922, [8] up from 19,507 in 2010. A trip here is almost guaranteed to engage and excite children of all ages with rides and activities. Other exhibits showcase the booty of pirates and interesting items from early European settlers. Along Santa Rosa Blvd, numbered access points with parking, restrooms, and picnic areas can be found between the condos and hotels. A summer vacation will place you right in the middle of the crowds and at the pinnacle of the seasons prices. The information being provided is for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Displayed data is calculated, Overall travel experience by time of year, Oleta River State Park, the United States. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park was the first aquarium to successfully raise a stranded baby bottlenose dolphin. Aside from optic fiber which provides Gbps speeds, you can get up to 1000 mbps download speeds via DOCSIS powered by Cox Communications. Below, we'll dive into what makes each beach destination special. The City of Fort Walton Beach, "The Emerald Coast", is a popular beach and fishing community of about 20,000 residents on Florida's extreme northwest coast, almost in Alabama. Come out and play in the crystal-clear waters, but be sure to abide by the beach flag warning system and safety guidelines. FWB is far smaller and more enclosed, with a quiet and laid-back attitude, and the majority of the beaches are less developed and commercialized, with fewer lodging options. Wayside Park Fort Walton Beach 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 (850) 796-1782 Bordering the Gulf of Mexico on Okaloosa Island of Santa Rosa, Wayside Park is a 40-acre beach park featuring three miles of stunning, striking white sand beaches and an iconic 1,262-foot fishing pier. The busiest time of the year is summer, although it is also a popular destination for spring breakers. . Easily missed, the Indian Temple Mound and associated museum is well worth a stop to learn about the people who first lived here. Address: 139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Official site: https://www.fwb.org/parksrec/page/heritage-park-cultural-center. 1. Okaloosa County, of which Fort Walton. Pictured above is the Okaloosa Island/Fort Walton Beach Coast. One of the best and most unique adventure parks in the US with activities for every age group. Answer: Destin is more dynamic and offers a wide range of activities, like fishing, snorkeling, and water sports. In fact, this area is a popular option for many families to visit in comparison to larger cities such as Daytona and Miami. Which is BETTER for Vacation? Is it better to stay in Destin or Fort Walton Beach? In addition to a comfortable rental surrounded by nothing but beach, youll have unlimited access to two swimming pools, pickleball courts, a sauna, and more! When the lovely island of Okaloosa was incorporated in 1941, Fort Walton Beach was developed as the Beach to attract tourism in the early 1950s. Destin: With a diverse mix of vacation rentals that include single-family homes, gated resort communities, and luxurious beachfront condominiums, Destin provides resort-level amenities and a variety of options for visitors. Out here is where most visitors to Fort Walton Beach spend their time, and the reason for that is the incredible white-sand beaches that line the eastern shoreline. Check out this New 2024 Sea Hunt Ultra 219 for sale in FORT WALTON BEACH, FL 32547. . Sponsored. The table below shows the average cost of lodging per person in Destin and Panama City Beach. The west side of the island is home to numerous hotels and vacation homes, providing direct beach access and stunning views of the Emerald Coast shoreline. Facilities here include restrooms, changerooms, and showers. What are the public transit options in Fort Walton Beach? If you have children or plan on having in the future, checking out the nearby schools and their ratings is a good idea. We cannot find nearby things to do for Fort Walton Beach. Destin is truly the OG town of the Florida Panhandle beach scene, and where I spent most of my childhood vacationing. A food vendor usually operates when the park is busy. Fort Walton Beach is a less crowded and more relaxed option compared to Destin, making it ideal for families in search of a more low-key beach experience. Sunshine Thai Spa - Fort Walton Beach, FL - Yelp If you enjoy indoor games and entertainment, then it is the best place to be with your kids. Good place to raise a family. The 13 best nightlife in Fort Walton Beach - Wanderlog To help you decide which spot you like better, take a look at our free Vacation Guide to Fort Walton Beach. Best Places to Live in Fort Walton Beach, Florida - Sperling's BestPlaces Destin, FL 32541, Sterling Sands Condominiums by Vacasa If youre searching for what to do in downtown Fort Walton Beach for history buffs, then youre in luck! Loans. The pub also offers hand-tossed pizzas and an inviting atmosphere. With so much to offer theres no doubt that in the Fort Walton Beach vs. Gulf Shores debate, Fort Walton Beach always wins! It's unbelievable how two beach towns that are so close together can be so different! Find out everything you need to know about Destin with our insiders guide. modern city of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, takes its name from a Civil War camp. The stretch of beach to the east is undeveloped, as it's owned by the US military. While some home buyers might want a walkable city that offers ample things to do closer to where they live, others might prefer the suburbs with their tranquil streets, peace and quiet, and proximity to open spaces and nature. Address: 1030 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. When deciding what to do in downtown Fort Walton Beach, be sure to make some time to soak up the areas small town charm. An Honest and In-Depth Comparison to Help You Choose! Destin/Fort Walton Beach. Instead of staying in a big-name hotel, experience the local side of the Emerald Coastin a. ! {Read Reviews & Book Destin Deep Sea Fishing Charters Online}. Posted on 5/26/2023 Destin and Fort Walton Beach, both situated along the sugary shoreline of Northwest Florida's Emerald Coast, have unique characteristics that set them apart. The Ratchet Hatchet is an awesome indoor facility with multiple axe-throwing lanes, and a variety of throwing axes to choose from like viking axes, tomahawks, and even shovels! Count on an hour each way minimum, likely longer on the way there because you'll probably find you need to stop to soak up the beauty along Highway 399. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Destin is at its best in April and May, when the weather is nice, the sea is warm, and the sun shines (expect highs in the mid-70s and 80s). Who is the best internet provider in Fort Walton Beach, FL? Located in the Summer Place Estate neighborhood, tucked away off of the intersection of Beal Parkway and Racetrack Rd, this home is less than a mile from big box . Tourists are unlikely to visit Fort Walton Beach in November. When can you find snow in Fort Walton Beach? A visit to FWB would be completed without a stop at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Both of these sites offer enough sun, sand and seaside bliss to ensure you have a great time on your holiday. Try kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, or boating to Crab Island! However, it's not all about fishing, the pier is an ideal place for early birds to catch a sunrise. However, each destination has its own unique charm and overall vibe. Touted as the Worlds Luckiest Fishing Village, theres no shortage of outdoor experiences and activities you can enjoy with your family. Just next door to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk and Fishing Pier, and its location on the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico has been attracting visitors here for ages. The areas smooth and scenic waters are perfect for boating, as well as enjoying some family fun in the sun. Its home to numerous championship golf courses, making it an oasis for golfers. These two popular destinations come with their own attractions and personality. Climb up on its old walls and see the cannons that, at the time of their manufacture, were some of the largest in the world. Youre sure to find the perfect accommodations for your crew that appeal to your preferences and budget. 778 likes, 17 comments - @hellonwheels on Instagram: "6 years ago feels like 20. Tourism data for this area is somewhat extrapolated based on nearby areas. Near the west end of the Florida Panhandle is Fort Walton Beach, a resort and fishing community known as a prime tourist destination. All wind speeds are in knots. Store Operations at Lowe's. If youre looking for a laid-back nightlife where you can sip your cocktails beneath the stars on the beach while taking in the panoramic views, youre going to love your nights in FWB. Access is from the museum entrance area (the original street side access is closed) and up a series of steps and platforms. Whichever tour tickles your fancy, be sure to keep an eye out for scenic sunsets, playful dolphins, pelicans, herons, stingrays, sea turtles, sharks, and more! Both Fort Walton Beach and Destin provide a variety of lodging alternatives near to the pristine beaches and seaside enjoyment. First Timer's Guide to Florida Panhandle Beaches: Destin, 30A, Panama Fort Walton Beach, FL Reviews - Niche The Pier is also a terrific area to take a leisurely stroll with your family or partner and take in the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. Our private beachside property on Okaloosa Island offers the best rentals on the island! 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH. Is Fort Walton Beach, FL a Good Place To Live? | ZeroDown The Indian Temple Mound Museum in downtown Fort Walton Beach. Exchange your money for tokens and then decide what you'd like to eat as you walk around. Liza Jackson Preparatory School (#27 in state), Northwest Florida Ballet Academie (#45 in state), Okaloosa STEM Center (#31 in state) are among 5 B+ and higher rated public middle schools in the district. This year is whirling by, so it'll get here before you know it! Fishing is one of the top things to do here, attracting anglers of all ages and skill levels. The mound is 12 feet tall, has a wooden roof, and is made up of around 100,000 cubic feet of shells, dirt, and sand. For example, on the week of April 23rd there are no days of precipitation on average. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Explore the Best Pizza Spots on Fort Walton Beach. Copyright 2023 Ocean Reef Resorts. The main draw for visitors to Fort Walton Beach and Destin is, of course, the beach. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above. Pictured above is Fort Walton Beach on a map. To top it all off, for an extra cost, visitors may interact with dolphins, stingrays, turtles, penguins, and baby alligators up close. If the weather isn't cooperating, or you just feel you need a change of scenery, consider a day trip to Pensacola. Antigua Seaweed Problem 2023: Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit. Of course, at either spot youll also find plenty of great shops, restaurants and more to take advantage of! The pier stretches out 1,262 feet into the Gulf of Mexicos crystal-clear waters, providing picturesque panoramic views. FORT WALTON BEACH Deeply political comments left by a Fort Walton Beach Council member on a Facebook post about the city's Juneteenth celebration set off a council discussion on Tuesday . Still unsure of what to do in downtown Fort Walton Beach? Okaloosa Island is just a short bridge crossing from the city of Fort Walton Beach. Visit TripShock for everything you need to know about this wonderful city, including the best rates on the top Fort Walton Beach things to do, and more! The Billy Bowlegs Pirate Celebration is the largest festival on the Emerald Coast, attracting visitors of all ages from all across the country. Arriving early may result in cooler temperatures and ice-cold water. The nearby elementary school, middle school and high school quality ratings from Niche are very similar. The Okaloosa Island fishing pier spans 1262 linear feet from the shore into the brilliant blue-green waters of the Gulf, making it one of the Gulf of Mexicos longest wharfs. Note that we define significant precipitation as .1 inches or more in this section. Save these attractions for a cloudy or rainy day, and head directly to the wonderful white sands and warm waters of Okaloosa Island. from both Walton and Santa Rosa Counties. An Inside Guide to Destin and Fort Walton Beach - VISIT FLORIDA Source: Southeast Florida MLS. It's famed for its fishing, but its beaches are among the most beautiful in the world. There are plenty of spots to cast a line from shore around Fort Walton Beach, and some great fishing charters available as well. Shows change throughout the year, but generally at least seven shows take place each day. We cannot find any nearby public transit options for Fort Walton Beach. El Matador is the best place to stay with family and friends while youre on vacation. Even more so, Destin Harbor Boardwalk is the hub of entertainment with a vibrant shopping, dining, and nightlife scene, where you can find a wide range of restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Enjoy the Beach. Apart from sunbathing and scuba diving on many of Destins beaches, there are other activities both on and off the beaches that will ensure that you enjoy every minute of your time in Destin. You'll have better luck finding a place to eat or drink within walking distance of a condo in Destin. What FWB lacks in hotel choice, it makes up for with excellent oceanfront housing alternatives (which Destin lacks) that allow convenient access to the pristine beaches for families or couples on a honeymoon. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Related post: Destin Harbor Boardwalk: The Ultimate Guide to Make the Most of Your Visit! Both Fort Walton Beach and Destin are excellent options for a beach vacation in Florida. Why not channel your inner viking and hit the bullseye at The Ratchet Hatchet. Fort Walton Beach Vs Destin [What's the Difference, Which - TripShock Popular types of fish you may reel in on the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier include the following: And lets not forget to mention the breathtakingly beautiful views! Some areas are open to the public with free passes; others are restricted. It is the responsibility of the user to evaluate all sources of information. This awesome activity combines relaxation and adventure, offering the best of both worlds when it comes to watersports. Fort Walton Beach Weather Fort Walton Beach Weather 73F is the ultimate vacation destination debate. Were a little biased, but we think Fort Walton Beach beats the Gulf Shores area any day of the week. 19001 Emerald Coast Pkwy However, lodging on Okaloosa Island (FWB) is less expensive than in Destin. Marchs average wind speed of around 5 knots (5.7 MPH or 9.2 KPH) is considered a light breeze. Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in late March where average top sustained speeds reach 9.6 knots, which is considered a gentle breeze. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, located right on the beach on Okaloosa Island, is a must-see if you are a family looking to entertain the kids for an afternoon. Pros and Cons of Living in Fort Walton Beach, Florida Herons, pelicans, and other majestic water birds can be found strolling down the pier, as well. Which is Better-Fort Walton Beach or Destin? It has a mix of beach mansions and condos, with limited hotel options. In Destin, youd be more likely to locate a restaurant or a shop within walking distance of your apartment than in FWB. Save. Cayman Islands SEAWEED Problem [2023]: Everything You Need To Know! From live performances to dancing the night away and socializing with friends and locals, both areas aim to please when it comes to a night out on the town. When deciding what to do in downtown Fort Walton Beach, consider joining in on a scenic and exciting parasailing excursion! Full Time - Fulfillment Team Lead - Day in Fort Walton Beach, FL What are the activities for kids in Fort Walton Beach, FL? For a less commercial and busy beach on Okaloosa Island, head just a short distance east to John C. Beasley Park. Destin is the most visited city on the Emerald Coast with good reason. of Walton County, the guards included men. If you've had enough of the sun, sand, and surf and are looking for something completely different to do, head to Wild Willy's Adventure Zone. Located on the same grounds as the Indian Temple Mound, in Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park and Cultural Center, the school was the main educational center in the region, and housed 15 students in its two rooms. The population has reached 21845 with a population growth rate of 1.3% in the last year and 5.2% in the last 5 years.Living in Fort Walton Beach has a suburban feel, which can be nice for families looking for more space than larger densely packed cities for the money and a good area to raise children. Differences between Fort Walton beach and destin - Tripadvisor based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Its also known as the Worlds Luckiest Fishing Village and is revered for its deep sea fishing charters, making it an excellent spot for anglers. You can indulge in a multitude of beach activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and some of the hottest watersports tours in town. Another great thing to consider when choosing what to do in downtown Fort Walton Beach is its close proximity to Santa Rosa Sound and Choctawhatchee Bay. Check out this New 2024 Sea Hunt Ultra 219 for sale in FORT WALTON BEACH, FL 32547.