Okaloosa Island
Okaloosa Island
4.5
About
Crowds flock to the beautiful beaches on this narrow strip along Florida’s Emerald Coast for the world-class clear waters and white sugar sand. The western end of the Okaloosa has family-friendly beach parks with picnic areas and playgrounds, a boardwalk with restaurants and shops, and attractions like the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. The beaches on the eastern tip tend to be more secluded and less crowded, offering a peaceful escape. Visit in April and May for warm waters and comfortable weather or during fall when fewer crowds make for a quieter experience. Book accommodation well in advance if you plan to visit in the summer. – Tripadvisor
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4.5
1,584 reviews
Excellent
1,234
Very good
264
Average
53
Poor
19
Terrible
14
saragorlick
Austin, TX15 contributions
Aug 2021
Stayed on Okaloosa island to avoid the higher prices and crowds of Destin. Loved our stay. Was quieter, cheaper, and less busy than Destin area. Went into Destin for food though as not a ton of options other than Seafood, which I don't eat a lot of. Was a short 5 minute drive across the bridge into Destin and enjoyed the view while driving. Water had more seaweed than Destin or Miramar beaches but I think that is based on tides and seasons.
Written 17 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paragone9
Carol Stream, IL81 contributions
Feb 2019
This is a quieter area of Ft Worth. It’s all about the beautiful beaches. Better for families than singles. Many oceanfront condos occupied by snowbirds (retirees) October through mid-March then college kids arrive mid- March for spring break.
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rjr88
Mebane, NC304 contributions
Sept 2022
What a great place. The water is emerald green and the sand is lily white. They had the purple flags flying every day but not too many jellyfish. Out of 7 days it only rained one time from 7pm to 6am. Not nearly as crowded as the Destin side.
Written 19 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel C
Panama City, Panama215 contributions
Aug 2022
After a week staying in Miramar Beach for a conference, we decided to spend our last night in the area on Okaloosa Island (we stayed at the Island Resort at Fort Walton). The beach itself is nice - wide with options for rental chairs and umbrellas ($40 for 2 chairs and an umbrella, which is a little cheaper than Miramar Beach where it was $60 for 2 chairs and an umbrella depending on the beach). The pier is nice and the boardwalk has a few different options for bars/restaurants.
Written 31 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AMI-OHIO
Racine, OH51 contributions
Sept 2020 • Family
This was a wonderful vacation for our family even during a pandemic. Most people wore a mask in public places. Lots of site seeing and relaxing. Beautiful white sandy beaches and blue clear water. We had beautiful weather. Some small sea weed and jelly fish during our week but seem to be worse in the morning.
Written 17 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert R
huntley, United States11 contributions
Jan 2020
My wife and I have been snow birding for several years to the Florida Panhandle. This is our first year in a condo on Okaloosa Island, previously staying around the Destin area. January and February are ideal here as the island is not terribly populated. Most all condos are right on the beach which are absolutely spectacular.. The sand (actually ground quartz) is like powder. The condos are mostly all low rise (usually 4 to 6 floors). Fort Walton Beach and Destin are very convenient for shopping, restaurants, and activities. We plan on staying at the same condo on 2021.
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ric B
Weatherford, OK450 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
I consider myself a beach freak! The beaches on Okaloosa Island are as good as they get! White sand, warm water, gentle waves. Not very crowded. Just doesn’t get any better than this. I grew up in New Jersey and spent a lot of time on Atlantic Ocean beaches with the crowds, cold water, and “knock-you-down” surf. Wonderful to discover a beach like this! Well worth the 950 mile drive from my now home in Oklahoma. Also, the many seafood restaurants are fantastic, especially if you like shrimp!
Written 13 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
February J
Texas1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Solo
I didn't like this beach.
I usually stay on Navaare beach but wanted a different beach this year.
The condo I was staying in was a 9 unit private building. My condo was ok.
The problem was all the other high rise condos surrounding me AND the people Okaloosa Island attracts.
I had a gulf view of ocean.
I was there 2 weeks in August 2021.
There was so much noise and partying going on into the wee hours every night in the surrounding high rise balconies and on the beach. These weren't college kids, these were adults with kids.
Most of the adults looked like they just got out of prison and were addicted to drugs. Trailer park trash. That's who this Island attracts.
I was woken up every night around 1-4am with drunks on the beach or a nearby balcony.
I had to call the poile 3 times and the fire department once from a group starting a bonfire in the parking lot in the middle of the night.
These people would leave cigarette butts, beer cans and trash everywhere on the beach.
Under the pier there was a homeless camp and walking through there I was concerned about stepping on needles in the sand.
I was always concerned about my car being broken into or my unit when I was gone.
There's no way I'd ever come back to this Island or Fort walton unless I'm driving through....
Thanks.
I usually stay on Navaare beach but wanted a different beach this year.
The condo I was staying in was a 9 unit private building. My condo was ok.
The problem was all the other high rise condos surrounding me AND the people Okaloosa Island attracts.
I had a gulf view of ocean.
I was there 2 weeks in August 2021.
There was so much noise and partying going on into the wee hours every night in the surrounding high rise balconies and on the beach. These weren't college kids, these were adults with kids.
Most of the adults looked like they just got out of prison and were addicted to drugs. Trailer park trash. That's who this Island attracts.
I was woken up every night around 1-4am with drunks on the beach or a nearby balcony.
I had to call the poile 3 times and the fire department once from a group starting a bonfire in the parking lot in the middle of the night.
These people would leave cigarette butts, beer cans and trash everywhere on the beach.
Under the pier there was a homeless camp and walking through there I was concerned about stepping on needles in the sand.
I was always concerned about my car being broken into or my unit when I was gone.
There's no way I'd ever come back to this Island or Fort walton unless I'm driving through....
Thanks.
Written 14 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roger C
Powell, Ohio, United States1,279 contributions
Oct 2019
I've been to beaches all over our country. East coast, west coast, east Florida, grew up in Sarasota, on the west coast which sports Siesta Key Beach, which is beautiful but just too crowded for me. I've been to Clearwater, Fort Myers, Venice, Key West, South Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Jupiter, Palm Bay, Dayton, St. Augustine, Destin.
Okaloosa Island is my favorite out of all that I have been to. I go on a beach vacation to relax. I want my toes in the sand, beverage in hand, and stare at the water until I am done. That's what Okaloosa affords you. It is remote enough that it is quiet. It isn't over crowded. There isn't much traffic. If you need something, a store isn't far away. Ditto if you want to eat. If you want something busier, Destin is only 10 minutes to the east.
If you want quiet and relaxing, this is where you want to be. There isn't much to do without going east to Destin, and that's just fine with me. I like a quiet beach with nothing to do but soak in the sun. If this describes your speed, you will love Okaloosa Island.
Okaloosa Island is my favorite out of all that I have been to. I go on a beach vacation to relax. I want my toes in the sand, beverage in hand, and stare at the water until I am done. That's what Okaloosa affords you. It is remote enough that it is quiet. It isn't over crowded. There isn't much traffic. If you need something, a store isn't far away. Ditto if you want to eat. If you want something busier, Destin is only 10 minutes to the east.
If you want quiet and relaxing, this is where you want to be. There isn't much to do without going east to Destin, and that's just fine with me. I like a quiet beach with nothing to do but soak in the sun. If this describes your speed, you will love Okaloosa Island.
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl F
Fort Walton Beach, FL12 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
Okaloosa island is a about a 15 mile long island connected by Brooks Bridge to Ft Walton Breach and Destin Bridge to Destin Florida. The main tourist attractions are the Okaloosa Board Walk, the Gulfarium, fishing pier, and Wild Willeys.
The Board Walk is a delightful mix of restaurants and small shops. Behind the complex is a playground for children and volleyball courts. The Gulfarium offers Marine shows and aquariums. This venue is not the fancy complex of a Sea World type experience, but of a old Florida road side attraction. The staff is knowledgeable and truly enjoys instigating close up contact between fish and human. Expect the opportunity to stroke a sea ray and get wet courtesy of a playful dolphin. Okaloosa fishing pier is the perfect place to enjoy a day of angling, chatting with the local fishermen or taking lovely photos. Wild Willeys is located across the highway from the boardwalk and is a fun family complex with climbing towers for the daring.
Accommodations are numerous. Hotels and condos provide waterfront views and large expansive white sand beaches.
Much of the land on this island belongs to the United States Air Force and remains in it's natural state. A truly breathtaking area of the Florida Gulf Coast. I highly recommend especially for family groups.
The Board Walk is a delightful mix of restaurants and small shops. Behind the complex is a playground for children and volleyball courts. The Gulfarium offers Marine shows and aquariums. This venue is not the fancy complex of a Sea World type experience, but of a old Florida road side attraction. The staff is knowledgeable and truly enjoys instigating close up contact between fish and human. Expect the opportunity to stroke a sea ray and get wet courtesy of a playful dolphin. Okaloosa fishing pier is the perfect place to enjoy a day of angling, chatting with the local fishermen or taking lovely photos. Wild Willeys is located across the highway from the boardwalk and is a fun family complex with climbing towers for the daring.
Accommodations are numerous. Hotels and condos provide waterfront views and large expansive white sand beaches.
Much of the land on this island belongs to the United States Air Force and remains in it's natural state. A truly breathtaking area of the Florida Gulf Coast. I highly recommend especially for family groups.
Written 24 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Typically in late February is it warm enough to be beach side?
Written 22 August 2021
The earliest in the year I have ever been to the Emerald Coast is mid March for spring break. I have visited twice on spring break; it’s pretty cool; probably the high is in the low to mid 60’s. So you can go down and enjoy the beach; but not swim in the ocean as the water is pretty cool. I do remember that the water was beautiful with no sea weed during March.
Written 23 August 2021
Looking for someone to do beach family photography on Okaloosa Island at waterscape resort mid August. I know there are many terrific professional ones there, but on tight budget. Any recommendations?
Written 13 July 2021
Hi,
We plan to travel to Fort Walton at the end of Juy. Which beach is better--Fort Walton or Okaloosa ? I read that there are June grass and jelly fish on Okaloosa beach.
Of all 4 beaches, which do you prefer and why.
1) FW beach
2) Okaloosa
3) Navarre
4) Miramar?
Thank you.
Written 18 April 2021
How busy is everything the first or2nd week in April? We don’t want big crowds. Are the beaches nice here?
Written 12 February 2021
It's only the 2nd day in April and it's very crowded. The beach not so much since the temps are only in the 60's.
Written 2 April 2021
Would you recommend renting bikes when staying on Okaloosa Island?
Written 2 February 2021
Yes we did ride on the island. But we put them in the rack and rode Highway 90A and scenic Highway 98. Better riding. Make sure to stop at Grayton Beach. Our favorite to see. Enjoy
Written 2 February 2021
We are looking for a condo/house that we can also park 2 boats w trailers in June.The condo/house would need to sleep 8 adults . If anyone has Info, please comment. Tia!!!
Written 8 January 2021
We are traveling from Columbus, Ohio in a couple of weeks and was wondering what is the best route to Okaloosa Island? Any suggestions or tips are welcome. Any construction issues??
Written 3 August 2019
The best route is outlined as the primary route on Google maps.
Written 4 August 2019
Hi there! Where would be the best place to stay for 4th of July display? Just my fiance and I are planning to fly in, neither one of us have been to Fl. I would love something close up to the beach and balcony would be great. I dont mind at all if its a simple hotel but with a great view. Please, any recommendations??
Written 28 May 2019
we always stay at pelican isle and love it, but it's probably a little more expensive since they are condo's that house 6 or more people. There are lots of other condos that might be closer to the pier, I believe that's where they set of the fireworks. You can't go wrong on the island, the white sand and water is unbelievable it's what has us keep going back. Not much traffic or crowds, but Destin is just a short drive if you want more of a night life. Hope this helps
Written 8 June 2019
Can you tell me where you stayed when visiting Okaloosa Island? We're looking for accommodations.
Thanks!
Written 27 May 2019
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