John Beasley Park on Okaloosa Island is a fantastic free beach park with easy access to the sugar white sand the Emerald Coast is known for. Visitors can enjoy great amenities, including covered pavilions, restrooms, outdoor showers, and a ramp leading down to the gorgeous beach.
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John Beasley Park: Free Beach Access on Okaloosa Island
John Beasley Park is one of our favorite places to visit in Fort Walton Beach/Okaloosa Island. We stop to enjoy the beach every time we are in the area. The views are unbelievable and the beach sand is so soft and nice to walk in.
The Beach Experience
The beach at John Beasley Park showcases everything that makes the Emerald Coast special. The views are absolutely stunning, with miles of pristine coastline stretching in both directions and the iconic Okaloosa Island Pier visible in the distance.
The sand is incredibly soft and perfect for walking barefoot, building sandcastles, or just wiggling your toes while you relax under an umbrella.
Lifeguard Service
During summer months, lifeguards are on duty at John Beasley Park, providing an extra layer of safety and peace of mind, especially for families with children.
Outside of peak summer season, there may not be lifeguard coverage, so always check current conditions.
What to Bring for Your Beach Day
- Beach umbrella or pop-up canopy for shade
- Beach chairs (the park suggests bringing your own comfortable chairs)
- Cooler with drinks, snacks, and lunch
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+ and reapply frequently!)
- Beach toys for kids (sand toys, floats, boogie boards)
- Beach towels
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag
- Hat and sunglasses
- Beach cart or wagon to haul gear from parking to beach
What NOT to bring:
- Pets (dogs and pets are not allowed on public beaches in this area)
- Glass containers (No glass for safety)
Pavilions and Shade Options
One of the best features of John Beasley Park is the covered pavilion area with picnic tables, providing much-needed shade when you need a break from the intense Florida sun.
The shaded picnic area is perfect for lunch, snacks, or just cooling off between beach sessions. These covered spaces are first-come, first-served, so arriving earlier in the day (especially on summer weekends) gives you the best chance of snagging a shaded table.
Florida Gulf Coast sun is intense year-round, and having shade options is essential for comfortable all-day beach visits.
Restrooms and Outdoor Showers
John Beasley Park provides clean, well-maintained restrooms conveniently located near the beach access point. Having actual restroom facilities (rather than portable toilets) is a huge plus, especially for families with young children or anyone planning to spend several hours at the beach.
The showers are cold water only, but on a hot Florida day, that cool rinse feels refreshing after hours in the sun and surf.
Why you will love John Beasley Park
- Large Free parking area
- Sugar white sand beaches with lots of space
- Shaded picnic area
- Lifeguard on duty during the summer months
Things to know when planning a visit to John Beasley Park
Address - 1500 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
The park sits right along the main road (US-98/Miracle Strip Parkway), making it easy to find and access.
Accessibility - A ramp leads from the parking area down to the beach level, making it easier to access the sand with beach carts, wagons, coolers, and beach gear.
While the ramp helps with the initial access, note that there is not an accessibility mat extending across the sand to the water's edge, so wheelchair users or those with mobility limitations may find navigating the soft sand challenging. The park does have accessible parking spaces close to the beach access point.
Plus Size Seating - We suggest bringing a comfortable beach chair.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Beach attire, Please be prepared for the Florida Gulf Coast Sunshine, heat and humidity!
Pets - Dogs and pets are not allowed on public beaches.
Parking - 200 parking spaces and 8 accessible spaces. The parking lot is paved and well-maintained, with clearly marked spaces. Accessible parking is located closest to the beach access ramp for convenient access.
Parking tips:
- Don't leave valuables visible in your vehicle
- Arrive earlier in the day during summer weekends and holidays for best parking availability
- Weekdays are typically less crowded than weekends
Fort Walton Beach Restaurants and Attractions Near John Beasley Park
Asiago Skillett - A local favorite for breakfast and brunch, Asiago's Skillet serves up delicious omelets, pancakes, and hearty breakfast plates. Perfect for fueling up before a beach day or enjoying a late breakfast after an early morning beach walk. Located just minutes from the park.
Gulfarium - One of the oldest marine parks in Florida, the Gulfarium offers interactive experiences with dolphins, sea lions, penguins, and sea turtles. Located right on Okaloosa Island, it's a perfect activity for families.
Okaloosa Island Pier - This iconic fishing pier extends into the Gulf of Mexico and offers fantastic views, fishing opportunities, and a great spot for sunset watching. You can walk the pier for a small fee even if you're not fishing. The pier is visible from John Beasley Park beach and makes for a nice evening stroll.
The Boardwalk Okaloosa Island - A collection of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues right on the water. Perfect for grabbing dinner after your beach day, shopping for souvenirs, or enjoying live music and nightlife.
Okaloosa Area, Gulf Islands National Seashore - Part of the protected national seashore system, this area offers pristine beaches, nature trails, and undeveloped coastal ecosystems. If you love John Beasley Park, you'll enjoy exploring more of the Gulf Islands National Seashore's beautiful preserved coastline.
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!
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