Okaloosa Island Pier, Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Experience one of the best views on the Florida Panhandle from the Okaloosa Island Pier in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Okaloosa Island Pier

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The Island Pier was formerly known as the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier. The pier stretches 1,262 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, providing epic beach views, sunrise and sunset, and marine wildlife.

There is a bait and snack shop right when you enter the pier building. You can grab a drink to take with you while walking along the pier or fishing.

Walking the pier is pretty smooth. There is a slight incline as you start walking out onto the pier.

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The views are gorgeous and well worth looking over both sides of the pier to see what marine wildlife is present.

During my recent walk, I kept hearing people excited to see sharks and big fish. I sadly did not see any sharks during my walk.

We stayed at the Four Points by Sheraton Destin Fort Walton Beach and our balcony looked over the Island Pier. It was amazing watching sunrise over the pier.

Looking down the pier at people fishing off the sides, blue sky day with some fluffly clouds

Fishing from the Okaloosa Island Pier

Fish caught from the Okaloosa Pier include Large Tarpon, King Mackerel, Cobia, Black Fin Tuna, Sailfish, Red Drum, Bonito, Jack Cravelle, Spanish Mackerel, Whiting, Ladyfish, Bluefish, Pompanoa, and Blue Runners.

A Florida Fishing License is included in your fishing daily fee.

Rental Rates

Fishing Rod Rentals - $30
Premium Rental Fishing Rod (King Mackeral & Tarpon) - $45

There is a large selection of bait and tackle available from the tackle shop.

If you are walking the pier, make sure to keep an eye out for fishing lines and hooks flying through the air as people cast.

Looking down the pier to a building and person at the end. Gulf of Mexico on both sides and blue skies

Why you will love the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier

Great spot to watch sunrise and sunset
View marine life including dolphins, sharks, and fish
Birdwatching for herons, pelicans, and more
Watch fisherman reel in their catch
Locals and visitors will enjoy the views

Looking down the Okaloosa Pier with blue green Gulf of Mexico on either side, white sand beach in the distance with the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk buildings

Events at the Okaloosa Pier

1st Catch of the Year - The 1st angler that catches the 1st legal fish of the year for the following 4 species (Pompano, King Mackerel, Black-fin Tuna, and Cobia) wins an annual pass.

Spring Fishing Tournament - Every spring there are fishing tournaments.

Wednesday night Fireworks Show - From Memorial Day through Labor Day enjoy a fireworks display at 9pm.

Take a Kid Fishing Day - Every September, kids under 18 fish for free with local anglers and pier staff.

The Island Pier Okaloosa Island Pier Rules on a white board.

Things to know when planning a visit to the Okaloosa Pier

Address - 1030 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Located directly behind Anglers Beachside Grill

Phone - 850-244-1023

Entrance/Fishing Fees

Adult Fishing Pass - $8
Child Fishing Pass (6 to 12 yr old) - $5
Children (5 and under) - Free
Senior Citizen (65+) - $7
Walking Pass - $2

Ice, beer, soda, snacks, ice cream, and sandwiches are also available at the tackle shop.

Hours - 5 am - 9 pm

Check to make sure the hours have not changed.

Accessibility - There is a ramp leading to the entrance to the pier. Accessible parking is available near the main entrance.

Plus Size Seating - There are a few benches spread along the pier.

Dress Code/Suggestions - Beach Casual. Please make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and sun protection. There is no shade along the pier and the Florida Gulf Coast sun is no joke.

Pets - Pets are not allowed on the Okaloosa Island Pier.

Parking - There is a large parking area in front of the pier.

Looking down the pier at wooden benches and people standing along the sides

Destin & Fort Walton Beach Restaurants and Attractions nearby

Rockin Taco - Enjoy Tacos and drinks with a gorgeous view!

The Boardwalk Okaloosa Island - Filled with fun shopping, great restaurants, and beach access. Check out Pino Gelato for a sweet treat.

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

Crab Trap - Delicious seafood restaurant with a view of the Gulf of Mexico.

Floyd's Shrimp House - Shrimp, Seafood, Steaks and more at this fun restaurant.

Okaloosa Island Boardwalk - Enjoy a great meal at one of the epic restaurants, fun shopping, and easy beach access.

Gulf Islands National Seashore - Okaloosa Area - Check out this fun National Park Site near the pier.

Asiago's Skillet - Great local breakfast restaurant with big portions.

Metal grates in the middle of the pier wtih a blue building with rule signs on it, looking out to the Gulf of Mexico

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.

Balcony with lounge chair and chair looking out to sunset over the Gulf of Mexico and white sand 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

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Okaloosa Island Pier - Fort Walton Beach