The Boardwalk Okaloosa Island is the place to go for great restaurants, beach side bars, entertainment, shopping, and more.
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The Boardwalk Okaloosa Island
One of the top places to visit along the Emerald Coast of Florida. The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island is a great place for locals and visitors to enjoy amazing restaurants, beach front shopping, scenic views, and more.
Enjoy a wide range of activities including the gorgeous beach, Okaloosa Pier, local events, and weekly fireworks.
Its fun to think that the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk has history dating back to the 1930s. It was called Tower Beach in the 30s and was a resort destination that included an amusement park.
The original boardwalk burned down in 1942. Today's boardwalk is centrally located between downtown Fort Walton Beach and the Destin HarborWalk Village.
When you first park in the giant parking lot, it looks like you are entering a giant building with not much happening. Once you enter the main entrance, you quickly realize that there are fun restaurants and shops spread throughout the Boardwalk.
We love that you can enjoy easy beach access, a great meal, and fun shopping all in one location.
Okaloosa Island Boardwalk Restaurants
Rockin Tacos
Get ready for tacos, tequila, and tortilla beachfront dining! Rockin Taco has a designated gluten-free and vegetarian menu, making it easy for everyone to find something they will enjoy.
The views from the restaurant are epic!
The Crab Trap Seafood and Oyster Bar
The Crab Trap Seafood & Oyster Bar serves daily specials with food the entire family will enjoy.
They are located on the 2nd floor with fantastic views of the Gulf.
Floyd's Shrimp House
Floyd's Shrimp House is a family-friendly restaurant with a view! Enjoy fresh shrimp ,seafood dishes, and more.
Located above Al's Beach Club Burger Bar this restaurant can't be missed with their giant entrance sign.
Al's Beach Club Burger Bar
Closed for winter until March 1, 2025.
Al's Beach Club serves burgers, frozen custard shakes, craft beer, and fun! Located on the lower level this Boardwalk restaurant is easy to reach from the beach.
Oasis Okaloosa Island Desserts & Coffee
This super cute coffee and gift shop is located right when you enter the main entrance to the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk.
They have a great coffee and tea menu with fun seasonal specials. The gift shop is a must-visit! There are so many cute items that you will want to keep for yourself.
Pino Gelato
Grab a cup or cone of delicious gelato at this cute Okaloosa Island ice cream shop.
The Boardwalk Okaloosa Island Shops
Coastal Currents - Great gift shop with really fun shopping.
Kitty Hawk Kites - Great selection of kites and gear, they host an annual Fly into Spring Kite Festival on the beach
Surfside Outfitters at the Boardwalk - Everything you need to hit the waves. Grab your beach gear and get ready for fun.
Islanders Coastal Outfitter - Great coastal clothes from the brands you love.
Tropical Trends - Super cute gift shop with so many fun things. I always find something I need when I visit.
Oasis Okaloosa Island - Coffee shop filled with cute t-shirts, gifts, and souvenirs.
Things to do at the Boardwalk Okaloosa Island
Okaloosa Island Pier
Enjoy views of the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico while taking a stroll down the pier. Keep an eye out for pelicans, dolphins, stingrays, sea turtles, and more local marine life.
The Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier has an onsite bait shop for bait & tackle. Enjoy fishing for popular types of fish including pompano, black drum, sheepshead, king mackerel, sailfish, and more.
Wayside Park Okaloosa Island
Wayside Park Okaloosa Island is adjacent to the Okaloosa Island Pier and includes public restrooms, beach volleyball,
Beach and water fun
Lifeguards can be found on the beach from March through October. Make sure to check out the beach flags for any warnings.
Events at the Boardwalk Okaloosa Island
New Year's Eve Fireworks - Celebrate the beginning of the New Year with NYE Fireworks on the beach.
Pelican Plunge - Start the new year by taking a dash into the Gulf of Mexic.o
Waterfront Fireworks - Every Wednesday night at 9 pm, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, you can enjoy fireworks from the end of the Okaloosa Pier.
Why you will love the Okaloosa Boardwalk
- Easy beach access
- Great restaurants and shopping all in one place
- Something for everyone in the family to enjoy
- Huge parking lot with lots of spaces
Things to know when planning a visit to the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island
Address - 1450 Miracle Strip Pkway, Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
Hours - Please confirm with each restaurant to ensure that the hours have not changed.
Accessibility - There are ramps leading into the Boardwalk with an elevator near the main entrance to reach the 2nd floor.
Accessible parking is right near the main entrance, which has large spaces.
Plus Size Seating - Seating will depend in each individual restaurant.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual, beach gear.
Please make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, if you plan to enjoy the beach.
Pets - Dogs are not permitted on the beach or in the park.
Free Parking - There is a large parking area in front of the boardwalk.
Destin and Fort Walton Beach Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park - See dolphins, sea lions, penquins, sharks, and more. Grab tickets HERE
Wild Willy's Adventure Zone - Fun for all ages with mini-golf, Island grand prix, bumper cars, ropes course, and more.
John Beasley Park - Great beach access park with a nice size parking lot.
Angler's Beachside Grill - Located at the base of the Okaloosa Island Pier is a great 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.
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