5 Ways to Spend a Saturday in Okaloosa County, FL
Fort Walton Beach native Chelsea Wimberley is so enamored with her hometown that she makes a living talking it up. The mom of two works as an online scout for Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism. When she’s not enjoying Okaloosa County’s great outdoors, she talks to area visitors via online chat, recommending local activities, attractions and resources. Naturally, she has plenty of ideas for Saturday schedules that take advantage of hiking, biking, camping and – of course – the water. Looking for some fun things to do in Fort Walton Beach and the surrounding communities? Here are five ways to spend a Saturday in beautiful Okaloosa County.
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1. Henderson Beach State Park
“It’s a beautiful park,” Wimberley says of Henderson Beach State Park in Destin. “It’s a Gulf-side park, and it’s great for families who want to come to the area.”
She points to the park’s waterfront pavilions equipped with grills near a playground, a three-quarter mile nature trail, a mile-long paved road (accessible to wheelchairs and bikes), and a boardwalk. The setup is ideal for energetic children who want to play or hike after a picnic lunch. The park also sports a 60-spot campground that’s currently undergoing a renovation and, of course, the white sugar-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters the area is famous for.
“There’s an artificial reef there, as well,” she says. “You can paddle or swim out there and see starfish, sand dollars and sea urchins.”
2. Downtown Saturday Market
Chelsea Wimberley
Reserve the second and fourth Saturdays of the month for a trip to Fort Walton Beach’s Downtown Saturday Market.
Vendors set up shop at the Fort Walton Beach Landing Park year-round, where they enjoy views of the Gulf of Mexico in between selling fruits and veggies, flowers, apparel, baked goods, plants, crafts and more.
Products change as the seasons do, so it’s worth visiting throughout the year. “They have live music, food trucks and refreshments,” says Wimberley, who says the nearby playground makes it easy for her to shop while her husband supervises the kids.
“It’s right on the water,” she says. “It’s a great view, and there are restaurants and a little brewery nearby.”
For an early lunch, try The Cowhead, which is less than a 10-minute walk from the market. “We love their burgers, and their milkshakes are really, really good,” says Wimberley, who opts for “good old classic vanilla” when she visits.
3. Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
The former military practice range in Niceville is now better known for wildlife (though remnants of World War II-era bombs and materiel can be found on its 357 acres). “You can rent kayaks there, and it’s known to have the most birding in the area,” Wimberley says.
Also on-site are a playground, campsite and trio of hiking trails that are one mile or shorter. “We also like to take the paddleboard out with the kids,” she says.
The landscape here differs from sandy ocean shores. Pine and cedar trees line the trails and shores of Rocky Bayou, and Wimberley says, the water is flatter than some of the other beaches the family frequents, making it an especially good spot for young kids to enjoy.
4. Timberlake Pond Recreation Area
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Fort Walton Beach that not many people may know about, get ready to try this unique adventure. Part of the Eglin Air Force Base, Timberlake Pond Recreation Area takes some planning to visit, as an outdoor recreation permit is required to access the land, and visitors must verify with the base that the area is not closed for military training operations. But it’s worth the effort, especially for runners and mountain bikers, who will enjoy 20 miles of beginner, intermediate and expert trails.
“I took my kids there last week and let them walk through the little trails they have worn down,” says Wimberley, who prefers to hike. “It’s a great place. There’s a little pond deep in the woods with a picnic table right at the front.”
Afterward, tacos at Rockin’ Tacos Grill & Tequila Bar are a satisfying meal (Wimberley opts for the fish tacos), especially when paired with the stellar views of the Fort Walton Beach Boardwalk.
5. Scallywag Charters
For an adults-only adventure, Wimberley, suggests some time out on the water. “We would probably go out kayaking or charter fishing,” she says.
She recommends Scallywag Charters in Destin, where Captain Nick brings “pure excitement to every catch. Our trip was amazing. I’d definitely go out with him again.” (Scallywag does offer shorter, kid-friendly fishing trips, as well.) A craft beer at Wood Foot Beer Co. in Fort Walton Beach makes for a refreshing hydration break after disembarking, and dinner at “white tablecloth” restaurant Louisiana Lagniappe, where the kitchen turns out Creole-accented seafood, like jumbo shrimp stuffed with crab meat, makes for the perfect end to the day.
If you are looking for more fun things to do in Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa County, be sure to check out the latest edition of Livability Okaloosa County – Greater Fort Walton Beach Area, Florida.
