Best Restaurants In Ft Walton Beach Fl (2024)

FAQs

Which is nicer Destin or Fort Walton Beach? ›

Answer: Destin is more dynamic and offers a wide range of activities, like fishing, snorkeling, and water sports. It has a mix of beach mansions and condos, with limited hotel options. Fort Walton Beach is quieter, with a focus on natural beauty and more hotel options.

Walk the Beach

Many beaches in Fort Walton are open at night, so you're free to roam around.

Twenty-four miles of soft, sugar-white sand make Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida. 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.

Fort Walton Beach is a town in Florida with a population of 20,919. Fort Walton Beach is in Okaloosa County and is one of the best places to live in Florida. Living in Fort Walton Beach offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes.

How far is it from Fort Walton Beach to Destin? The distance between Fort Walton Beach and Destin is 9 miles. The road distance is 8.7 miles.

1. Henderson Beach State Park. There is a roughly half-mile nature trail that winds between high sand dunes with wildlife and trees, shrubs, grasses...

» Alcohol: Alcohol is allowed on the beach except in the state parks. Again, no glass. Underage drinking is not permitted. » Vehicles: Here in the Destin/Fort Walton Beach area we promote optimal safety measures for our beaches.

After the sun sets, the beach is a whole new playground!

Bring a bucket and some red flashlights (the red light protects local sea turtles) and search for ghost crabs scurrying across the sand.

At night, you'll see people taking flashlights to the beach. They're out there because you can spot crabs making their way across the sand. However, the light from your flashlight may confuse sea turtles who think it's moonlight, causing them to head in the wrong direction.

I've read from previous years' June posts that Sargassum/seaweed/June grass situation could be pretty bad in June-July.

Where is the prettiest beach in Florida? ›

Verdict on Destin vs Fort Walton Beach Beaches

After spending time on both beaches, I can guarantee that both are lovely places and you won't be disappointed with either. Both Destin and Fort Walton Beach have gorgeous soft white sand and beautiful views, and there are plenty of beach access points in both cities.

The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Fort Walton Beach is 1 in 46. 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 74% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Beautiful beaches, calm Gulf waters and tons of things to do make Destin-Fort Walton Beach perfect for families.

Destin, FL, has everything a tourist might desire for a perfect vacation: pristine beaches, clear blue water, excellent fishing, world-class golf, thrilling adventure tours, educational museums, and the finest in upscale shopping and good eating.

The Verdict: A Win-Win Coastal Conundrum

In the epic showdown of Destin vs Gulf Shores, there's no clear winner – only winners, because both destinations bring something special to the table.

Notably, the water in Destin isn't just clear; it possesses a captivating luminescence with glowing green and blue tones. These tones change, creating a stunning spectrum of colors ranging from Emerald Green and Turquoise to Aquamarine and Sapphire Blue. It's not just in the name – the scenery is a true gem!

Santa Rosa Beach boasts a more laid-back and serene atmosphere, with fewer bustling crowds than Destin. Its pristine beaches, picturesque dune lakes, and charming local establishments create a tranquil retreat for those seeking a quieter escape.