The Fort Walton Beach center is approximately the area of Indian Temple Mound and Museum and the area of Emerald Coast Science Center.
If you want to avoid the hot humidity of summer but still go when it's warm enough to enjoy the beach, April to June and September through October are the best times to visit. Just note that you're likely to run into families on spring break if you head there in late March and April, which can add to the cost of accommodations and how crowded the beach is. Also, seasonal amenities often don't open until May or June, so you might miss out. Highs in April usually hit around 77 degrees, while May highs hit about 84 and June highs around 89. Though the temperatures are high in June, it's a bit of a drier heat than July and August, making it more bearable. September high temperatures are about 87 while October temperatures land at about 80 with humidity dropping in late September. Note that the water temperatures are a little cool in April in May. Many visitors mention that the water is much more enjoyable June through October.
The high temperatures and humidity of July and August make the area a little less comfortable. Also, once school lets out, the beaches become crowded with vacationers, making May a great time to go to avoid spring breakers, summer vacationers, and high hotel prices. If you're not planning on going in the water and just want to enjoy walking along the beach, you can save money on hotels by booking rooms in the winter. Typical highs land around 60 degrees with lows around 40, making it very comfortable to wear a light jacket and look for seashells during the day.
The Best Western Fort Walton Beach hotel is a beachfront hotel with many amenities for guests to enjoy. With a 10 percent discount for government/military, it also has one of the best hotel discounts in the area. Amenities include complimentary wireless Internet access throughout the hotel property, a seasonal cabana bar, and free breakfast. Be sure to check out the Swizzle Stick Martini Bar located on-site. Because it's a green hotel, it's designed to help protect the environment, including the turtle lights that are used outdoors to protect the turtles during nesting time. Rooms include Art Deco design, Serta Presidential Suite pillowtop beds, refrigerators, microwaves, and your private balcony. Suites are available as well for those who really want to enjoy luxury, including junior suites that are spacious, have beach views, and have a Jacuzzi tub in the bathroom.
If you're looking for a hotel that offers a discount to AAA members or seniors, consider Quality Inn Bayside Fort Walton Beach. Here you'll get about 10 percent off of one of their beautiful rooms that were remodeled in 2014 and feature TVs with cable channels, refrigerators, and coffee makers. All guests enjoy free Wi-Fi and breakfast. Enjoy the outdoor pool, exercise room, and business center. This hotel is one of the more affordable choices in the area, yet rooms that face the bay (especially those on the second floor) have beautiful views of the water.
If you're looking for a hotel that has lots of amenities without paying too much, consider La Quinta Inn & Suites Ft. Walton Beach. Located a mile from the beach, rooms sport an updated modern decor. Some amenities include refrigerators, microwaves, a coffee maker, and 32-inch flat screen TV with premium cable. Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi to stay connected during your stay. Every morning, enjoy the Bright Side Breakfast, a buffet that includes hot foods, such as eggs, waffles, and biscuits and gravy, and cold items, such as pastries, bagels, fruit, and cereal, along with coffee and juice. Don't forget to take a dip in the outdoor pool or relax in the hot tub.
For those traveling with family, the Marina Bay Resort might be just the place. If you need more space, head to the Retro Room where you can play games or watch one of the TVs. There's even a weekly movie night. The Snack Shoppe is located right across from the check-in desk and has gourmet coffee, sodas, ice cream, and snacks. If you want to enjoy the outdoors, the patio and courtyard have places to sit and enjoy a meal or just chat. Other amenities include the game room, sand volleyball court, exercise room, and sauna. If you choose one of the suites, you'll get a kitchenette that includes a stove, oven, and refrigerator.
As you head to Fort Walton Beach, FL, you might be wondering which beach is the best for you and those you are traveling with. Of course, the answer might just be whichever one is closest to your accommodations, especially if it means not having to drive anywhere, but here are some things to consider about beaches in the Fort Walton Beach area.
James Lee County Park is popular with families. This is because the water here is clear and shallow, so it's easier for the little ones to enjoy the water without being engulfed. If you want to do a little surfing or snorkeling, consider John Beasley Beach Park on Okaloosa Island. Newman Brackin Beach Park is a great option if you want to do some shopping and eat out during your day at the beach because it's right on the boardwalk.
The town is a common destination for many families and tourists - there are over 300 cheap hotels in the town. You can choose from a wide selection ranging from 1-star to 4-star class hotels at very low prices, but still get great services.
Days Inn and Days Inn Destin hotels are located just a mile from the beach. There are many shopping malls and restaurants nearby and two airports 10 km away. The hotels offer nicely furnished rooms with standard equipment and services. There is cable TV, high speed wireless internet, outdoor pools and a sun deck. Days Inn hotel offers free accommodation for children under 17 years of age. Parking is free and can accommodate bigger trucks.
Village Inn Destin and Destin Inn & Suites, are both located in Destin, just a mile away from the Destin Harbor. The hotels offer classic guest rooms equipped with modern facilities and services. There is free parking, can make free local calls, ice machines, daily housekeeping services, hairdryers and they serve buffet breakfast every morning.
If still undecided, please take a look at the following cheap hotels: Regency Inn Fort Walton Beach, Super 8 Ft Walton Beach, Regency Inn Niceville, Fairway Inn, Motel 6 Destin and Hotel Lodge and Suites.
Most hotels in Fort Walton Beach offer discounts on particular days, so if you are here, just get information on this and save some money!
There are 3 hotels in Fort Walton Beach that offer top notch services. Hotel Magnolia House by Wyndham Vacation Rentals is a mid rise resort that offers condo styled units, giving you the full comfort like that of your home. Apart from having modern facilities, each room has a balcony overlooking the seasonally heated outdoor pool. There is a free parking and a fitness center within the hotel. With a very warm climate, this hotel is just a perfect place to be if you want to have a comfortable vacation indoors.
Another Fort Walton Beach hotel that is popular among travelers is the Silver Shells Resort & Spa by Wyndham Vacation Rentals. It offers 280 rooms with different bed sizes, villas and pent houses within the five 15-floor buildings of the hotel, with the most modern amenities. You will be baffled by the 7500 square foot lagoon pool with waterfall, a kids' pool and side cabanas. Meals and drinks are served at the on-site steakhouse and beach front bar.
The Terrace at Pelican Beach hotel is equipped with a private beach with the most modern facilities and services. Fort Walton Beach hotels, despite being relatively cheap, offers great services due to the influx of tourists in the town. Whatever your choice is, be assured of receiving the best service.
There are a lot of small and independent hotels in the town. Quality Inn Bayside, Gulf Side, Island Echos, Ramada Plaza Beach Resort, Sea Breeze Inn, Pirates Bay and Marina, Marina Bay Resort and Islander Beach Resort, are among the best in this class. Fort Walton Beach is a truly great city to be, with its warm climate, you will enjoy the unique corner of Florida.
Below are reviews of the city of Fort Walton Beach, FL from an actual visitor's perspective.
Love Ft Walton Beach!
The Gulf
Close to the beach!
Thanks!
Fort Walton is a cute town!
Fort Walton is very close to the beach and it's easy to get around the city.
Beach view!
Ease of getting around.
Excellent!
Fort Walton Beach is beautiful!
Beaches and food!
Fort Walton is a nice place!
Love Ft. Walton beach!! Have been going there for 18 years!
Beaches and great restaurants!
Everything was great, just continue doing what you do!
The beach and the ocean was beautiful, the weather was great, small town feel. The food was good and on the whole, everybody was very nice.
The restaurants have fantastic seafood and the shopping is great with unique stores. The scenery with all the boats is amazing.
Beach!
Great food. Beaches were fantastic and shopping very, very fun. AJ's on the Bayou was excellent. Best cheeseburger EVER!! We'll be back!!
It was amazing!
Outstanding restaurants!
Ft Walton Beach is fine. Things to do and places to see!
The beautiful beach and the boardwalks. All dining was great as well!
I love the beaches here! Beautiful!
We absolutely enjoyed the breakfast carts & the seating outside.
Nice location.
Great restaurants & the beach was beautiful!
Beautiful
Really liked the town.
Beautiful water front beach, nice restaurants.
The people, the cleanness of the city, and of course the beaches!
The Pier and the beach!
Clean
TRAVELING AROUND WAS EASY.
The city was beautiful.
KC's Sand Bar is a great place to visit.
It's a real nice hotel and we have been going to Fort Walton for years
Its a real nice hotel and we have been going to Fort Walton for years.