The 5 Top Things to Do in Winter in Fort Walton Beach
There are plenty of things to do in winter in Fort Walton Beach with the cooler weather. It’s a perfect time to visit if you love to vacation at the beach during the off-season. We rounded up the top five things you can add to your winter vacation itinerary so you can get straight to planning. From golf and museums to local shopping and dining, you’re sure to find something you love.
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5 Great Things to Do in Fort Walton Beach in Winter
Golf in Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton is in no shortage of golf courses. You can experience different variations, like regular golf or miniature golf, and even try disc golf as an offshoot of the sport. A great way to spend the day playing golf is to book a tee time at a golf course in the morning, and then later take the kids to play miniature golf that afternoon. Some great places to try are Fort Walton Beach Golf Course, Goofy Golf, and Ferry Park Disc Golf Course. Visit their websites to see times, rates, and locations.
Fishing in Winter in Fort Walton Beach
If you love to fish or are trying it for the first time, the best place to go in Fort Walton Beach is Okaloosa Island Pier. It is a one-stop location for everything you will need. You can rent equipment, purchase licenses, and bait, and start fishing right from the pier. Other great locations are the West Jetties and Marler Bridge, and beach fishing is also a favorite.
Dining
The best places to eat highly depend on what kind of food you like. Fort Walton Beach has many delicious restaurants all over the area. If you are craving seafood and want a quick bite to eat, try Stewby’s Seafood Shanty. If you want great pizza or German food, try Fokker’s Pub for something different! You can find great Thai food at Thai Town Restaurant. For a real treat head over to Rockin’ Tacos Grill & Tequila Bar. Sit out on the porch and enjoy the view of the Gulf of Mexico while eating Mexican food and drinking tequila! For a list of other great restaurants, check out our blog The Best Restaurants in Fort Walton Beach.
Local Shopping
If you want to enjoy the atmosphere while you stroll along shops and places to eat on the beach, a popular destination is The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island! There is convenient parking, and the boardwalk sits right on the Emerald Coast. Another popular retail shopping favorite is the Santa Rosa Mall. You can find your favorite retail stores like Dillard’s, Old Navy, and Bath & Body Works.
Museums in Winter in Fort Walton Beach
Learning about history is one of the best things to do in Fort Walton Beach in winter. You will not regret visiting two must-see museums in Fort Walton Beach. The Air Force Armament Museum offers free admission for everyone. You will learn about early aviation warfare and the most advanced armament systems. See exhibits of aircraft from WWII to today’s fastest airplanes.
The City of Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park hosts exhibits covering the history of Fort Walton Beach and Northwestern Florida from as far back as 12,000 B.C. to the 1950s! You can see the Indian Temple Mound and Museum, Fort Walton Temple Mound, Garnier Post Office Museum, and the Camp Walton Schoolhouse.
Winter in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, is a great time to see and do all the things you might not do on a summer beach vacation. Winter is the perfect reason to get away to Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy less traffic, cooler temperatures, and fantastic attractions and activities!
Book a Winter Getaway at El Matador
Northwest Florida is an extraordinary winter destination to escape those wintertime office blues. Reserve an oceanfront property with gorgeous views of our white sandy beaches, stylish décor, and top-of-the-line amenities like a heated pool, sauna steam room, and more. Whether you want to explore Fort Walton Beach or take a few short steps to the beach, we know you’ll love it here. Let us help you plan the perfect vacation. Contact us with any questions!