Newman C. Brackin Park at the Boardwalk Okaloosa Island, Florida, is a great beach park with picnic tables, restrooms, beach volleyball nets, and plenty of parking available.
Wayside Park
Newman C. Brackin Wayside Park, more commonly known as The Boardwalk park or simply Wayside Park, sits on Okaloosa Island right next to the fishing pier.
If you are looking for easy beach access on Okaloosa Island near Fort Walton Beach, this is a great option. There is a large parking area, restaurants at The Boardwalk, and lifeguards stationed on the beach (seasonal).
Park Amenities
- Several covered picnic pavilions with tables
- Restrooms with changing rooms
- Volleyball nets
- Dune walkovers leading to the beach
- Plenty of parking
Why you will love Wayside Park
- Right next to the Okaloosa Island Pier and The Boardwalk, easy to combine into one beach day
- Covered pavilions mean you're not stuck fighting for shade
- Volleyball nets are a fun bonus if you bring a group
- Changing rooms in the restrooms make it easy to rinse off and change before heading out
- Plenty of free-flowing parking right on site
Things to know when planning a visit to Wayside Park
Address - 1300 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Next to the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk.
Hours - No overnight parking in the parking lot
Accessibility - Call to see if a beach wheelchair is available. There is accessible parking available
Plus Size Seating - There are picnic tables but we suggest bringing your favorite comfortable beach chair.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Beach casual
Pets - Pets are not allowed on the beach
Parking - There is a large parking lot for the Okaloosa Boardwalk
Fort Walton Beach Restaurants and Attractions
The Boardwalk Okaloosa Island - Fun shopping, restaurants, and beach access, all in one central location.
Okaloosa Island Pier - A 1,262-foot pier great for fishing, sunrises, sunsets, and spotting marine wildlife.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park - See dolphins, sea lions, penguins, sharks, and more, right across from the Boardwalk.
Asiago's Skillet - A great local Fort Walton Beach breakfast restaurant.
John Beasley Park - Another free beach access on Okaloosa Island with covered pavilions and 200 free parking spaces.
Rockin Tacos - Fantastic tacos and burritos on the top level of the Boardwalk
Oasis Cafe - Grab a smoothie, iced coffee, or sweet treat before heading out on the beach
Additional Gulf Coast Articles
Gulf Islands National Seashore - Okaloosa Area - Protected natural coastline near Okaloosa Island with great beach access.
Okaloosa Donuts/Yummies - Artisan donuts, hand-decorated pastries, and breakfast burritos in Fort Walton Beach.
Henderson Beach State Park - A gorgeous white sand beach park with coastal dune lake trails, a short drive from Fort Walton Beach.
Fudpucker's Beachside Bar & Grill - A lively Destin restaurant with a free alligator show at Gator Beach.
The Donut Hole - Destin - A beloved Destin bakery and restaurant with unbelievable donuts.
Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and Grill - A one-of-a-kind under-the-sea themed bowling alley at Destin Commons.
The Back Porch - Gulf-front dining right on Destin Harbor with amazing views.
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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