Gulf Islands National Seashore - Okaloosa Area​

Gulf Islands National Seashore - Okaloosa Area is managed by the National Park Service and offers gorgeous beach access and a boat ramp.

Gulf Islands National Seashore - Okaloosa Area

Gulf Islands National Seashore has multiple areas in Florida and Mississippi. Visitors to the Okaloosa Area can enjoy picnic tables, outdoor showers, and easy access to the beach on Choctawhatchee Bay.

This portion of the park does not have a visitor center or services.

Please make sure you stay off of the sand dunes and out of any shorebird enclosures.

The Okaloosa Area park is located in a gorgeous stretch of sand dunes along the Emerald Coast of Florida.

There are trails leading out to the white sands of the beach.

This is a great beach for relaxing with a book, watching kite surfers, or enjoying the gorgeous Florida Panhandle weather.

TL;DR Don't have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
📍Tours
🐬Save on Attractions, Museums, and Waterparks!

Boat Launch

The boat launch is set up for kayak, canoe, and paddleboard launches. Trailer launching is not recommended.

Kite surfing is allowed except from April 1 through September 1.

Why you will love the Okaloosa Area Gulf Islands National Seashore

• Great location between Fort Walton Beach and Destin
• Look for dolphins, sea turtles, osprey, and other wildlife
• Barbecue Grill available

Things to know when planning a visit

Address - 1 Gulf National Sea Shore Dr, Okaloosa Island, FL, 32548

Entrance Fees - Visitors will need to have a National Park Pass or purchase a day pass.

Hours - 8 am to sunset

Accessibility - The parking area and restrooms are accessible. Access to the beach is via a sand trail that does not have accessibility mats.

Dress Code/Suggestions - Beach and casual clothes. Please make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

The Florida panhandle sun can surprise you with how warm it gets.

Pets - Pets are not allowed in this area of the park.

Parking  - There is paved parking near the restrooms and beach access.

Camping - Camping and overnight parking are not permitted.

Additional Gulf Island National Seashore Areas include Fort Barrancas area, Fort Pickens area, Naval Live Oaks area, Perdido Key Area, Opal Beach, Johnson Beach, and Santa Roasa Area.

Mississippi Gulf Island National Seashore areas include Davis Bayou area, Cat Island, Horn Island, Petit Bois Island, Ship Island, and West Petit Bois Island.

Of the barrier islands in Mississippi you can visit Ship Island on a boat tour.

Destin Fort Walton Beach Restaurants and Attractions nearby

John Beasley Park - Great beach park with a nice size parking area.

The Boardwalk Okaloosa Island - Fun shopping and restaurants right on the beach.

Gulfarium - See dolphins, sea lions, penguins, sharks, and more. Grab tickets HERE

Okaloosa Island Pier - Just down the street is a great pier perfect for watching marine life in the Gulf.

Asiago's Skillet - Great local Fort Walton Beach breakfast restaurant.

Okaloosa Island and Fort Walton Beach Tours & Attractions

Dolphin Cruises - Head out on the water looking for Bottlenose dolphins and other marine wildlife on these great tours. Book tours HERE

Crab Island Tours - World-famous Crab Island is a must visit! Book a tour or private boat HERE.

Pontoon Boat Rentals - Enjoy the day out on the water in a fantastic pontoon boat. Check out Boat Rentals HERE

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park - See dolphins, sea lions, penquins, sharks, and more. Grab tickets HERE

Deep Sea Fishing Charters - Enjoy some of the world's best fishing! Book tours HERE

Sunset Cruises - One of our favorite things to do is enjoy a sunset cruise. The sunsets over the water are truly amazing. Book tours HERE

Click HERE to see all of the top rated tours and activities in Okaloosa Island & Fort Walton Beach.

Okaloosa Island Hotels and Lodging

If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations.

Four Points by Sheraton Destin Fort Walton Beach - We loved our stay at this resort. The Gulf views are amazing. Book here.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Walton Beach - Great Gulf front hotel with easy beach access. Book here.

The Island Resort - Enjoy a Gulf friend hotel with onsite dining and a great pool. Book here

Hilton Garden Inn Fort Walton Beach - Beachfront pool, full service restaurant, and gorgeous Gulf views. Book here

Waterscape - Beachfront property with one and two bedroom apartments. Book here

The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability

We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, Sanibel and Captiva Island, and more.

Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!

Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!

Check out our Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok pages for more great ideas for the Gulf Coast.