Okaloosa Island Boardwalk
Okaloosa Island Boardwalk
The Okaloosa Island Boardwalk in Fort Walton Beach, FL
The Okaloosa Island Boardwalk is a Destin-FWB staple, and has a history dating back to the 1930’s. At that time this area was called, “Tower Beach,” and was a resort destination with restaurants, casinos, and an amusement park, until it burned down in 1942. Since then, this area has been booming, and is now known as a fantastic family-friendly destination with beautiful beaches, shopping, dining, entertainment, and more!
Positioned between downtown Fort Walton Beach and the Destin HarborWalk Village, the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk is centrally and conveniently located, and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Some of the top activities to enjoy here include sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, beach volleyball, and more! This is also a great place to test your luck and skill behind a rod and reel, as The Boardwalk sits adjacent to The Island Pier, formerly known as the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier.
The Island Pier stretches out 1,262 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, and has been attracting anglers from all over since its construction in 1972. Popular types of fish to reel in at the pier, depending on the season, include pompano, king mackerel, black drum, sheepshead, sailfish, and more! This is also a great place to see the sunset, as the pier boasts breathtakingly beautiful panoramic views.
POPULAR THINGS TO DO AT THE OKALOOSA ISLAND BOARDWALK
Whenever you decide to visit, you’re practically guaranteed a good time at the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk! With that being said, this amazing area is more popular during the spring and summer months, as the weather is perfect for swimming and soaking up the sun. However, the fall and winter months are a great time for activities like beach photography, fishing, and more!
As you can see, fun in the sun is abundant at the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk! Not only that, this dazzling destination is also known for hosting some awesome events. Popular annual events that take place at the pier, for example, include the Spring Fishing Tournament, Tarpon Tournament, and the Destin Fishing Rodeo – Pier Bridge & Jetties Division. And that’s just to name a few! Rest assured, no matter when you go, you’re in for a treat!
Fishing
Destin-FWB
Fishing from The Island Pier is a must when visiting the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk. This is a great way to catch keepers like redfish, black fin tuna, spanish mackerel, and more! Discover more great places to fish on Okaloosa Island.
Volleyball
DESTIN-FWB
The Okaloosa Island Boardwalk is a great place to enjoy a little friendly competition, and a round of beach volleyball is a great way to do so. The winning team gets bragging rights for the duration of your vacation!
Shopping
DESTIN-FWB
Shop for the top swimwear and coastal trends at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island! This is a great place to pick up the top surf brand clothing, beach necessities, accessories, souvenirs, and more.
Dining
DESTIN-FWB
Fill up on fun, and delicious food, at the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk! From fresh, local seafood, to tasty tacos, burgers, and other casual eats, The Boardwalk offers something to please even the pickiest palates.
Sunbathing
DESTIN-FWB
The Okaloosa Island Boardwalk is the perfect place to simply soak up the sun, relax to the sounds of the waves crashing, and reconnect with nature. With that being said, don’t forget to bring sunscreen!
Swimming
DESTIN-FWB
Make a splash in the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico at the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk! With sparkling emerald waters and scenic views galore, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to a tropical island oasis.
Watersports
DESTIN-FWB
Watersports are a wonderful way to enjoy the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk, and take advantage of the Gulf of Mexico’s breathtakingly beautiful waters. Popular watersports to enjoy here include snorkeling, surfing, skimboarding, kayaking, and more!
Wildlife Viewing
DESTIN-FWB
Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for whimsical wildlife when visiting the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk. Amazing animals you may encounter include herons, pelicans, osprey, sea turtles, dolphins, and more!
FISHING ON THE ISLAND PIER
Destin and the Emerald Coast are known far and wide as, “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” and one would be remiss to not cast a line in the local waters. Luckily, the Destin-FWB area is home to an abundance of ways for anglers to drop a line and reel in the big one! From action-packed Destin deep sea fishing charters, to slow and steady shore fishing, the options are practically endless.
When it comes to choosing the best place to go fishing, however, it doesn’t get much better than dropping a line at The Island Pier. The Island Pier is a fishing pier that sits adjacent to the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk, and stretches over 1,200 feet into the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico. The Island Pier is the place to be for fishing, fun, and fabulous views of the Emerald Coast!
The Island Pier is a popular fishing hotspot, and is a great place to reel in a variety of fish species. Types of fish you can expect to reel in from the pier include red fish, pompano, king mackerel, spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, black drum, sheepshead, sailfish, and more. No matter what you reel in, you’re sure to head home with an epic fish tale!
OTHER NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
WILD WILLY’S ADVENTURE ZONE
If you’re looking for family-fun, then you’re in the right place! Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone boasts over 17,000 square feet of indoor entertainment, as well as other awesome outdoor attractions, that are sure to keep the whole family entertained for hours. From scoring big at the arcade, to reaching new heights on their ropes course, the options are practically endless!
GULFARIUM MARINE ADVENTURE PARK
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park has been bringing fun-filled memories and environmental education to the Emerald Coast for more than 60 years. This amazing aquarium offers exciting animal encounters, daily shows, animal feedings, and more! Not only is the Gulfarium dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for their guests, but also to marine animal conservation, research, and rehabilitation.
FORT WALTON BEACH PONTOON RENTALS
Pontoon rentals are available near The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, and are a must for any traveler to Destin-FWB. This activity is fun for the whole family, and is a great way to make lasting memories. From searching for dolphins along the Gulf Islands National Seashore, to spending a day of family fun at the famous Crab Island sandbar, there are plenty of ways to have a blast aboard a Destin-FWB pontoon boat rental!
Okaloosa Island Boardwalk FAQ
For those who are wanting to fish from The Island Pier on Okaloosa Island, a daily fishing pass can be purchased at the tackle shop located at the base of the pier. These daily passes include your fishing license, and are $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for children ages 6-12, and children ages 5 and under are free. Annual fishing passes can also be bought here, as well as bait, tackle, rental rods, snacks, drinks, and more!
Lifeguards can be found at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island daily from March through October. The lifeguard stand is located directly behind The Crab Trap, which can be found on the second floor of The Boardwalk.
The beaches at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island are stunning, and are the perfect example of what the Emerald Coast has to offer. The beaches here boast crystal-clear, emerald waters, white sand, spectacular scenic views and sunsets, wonderful wildlife, and watersports galore.
Yes, The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island and The Island Pier are handicap accessible. The pier itself is wheelchair accessible, with access ramps and handicap parking available. The Boardwalk is also accessible, with ramps and an elevator to the second floor. There are also a limited number of complementary beach wheelchair rentals that are available on a first come first served basis. These can be found at the lifeguard stand behind The Crab Trap, and are available from 10:00am until 4:00pm throughout the summer.
The Boardwalk and The Island Pier are both located on Okaloosa Island, just minutes away from downtown Fort Walton Beach and the Destin Harbor. The pier sits adjacent to the Boardwalk, and the pier’s physical address is 1030 Miracle Strip Parkway S.E., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. The physical address for The Boardwalk is 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. Free parking is available onsite for both The Boardwalk and The Island Pier.
