We like to park at this park and walk around the downtown area. The park is on the water and it's…read morealways nice to walk around the area. There's a kids play park a historical site, a free library. Free parking.

When visiting the Destin/Fort Walton Beach (FWB) area as a tourist, especially with kids or dogs in…read moretow, it's good to know about wholesome, outdoor-but-non-beach destinations where you will have access to shade, entertainment, restrooms, and provisions. Even better if entrance and parking (2 hours) are free. Fort Walton Landing Park in the "FWB Downtown Marketplace" zone (aka "East Miracle Strip") fits all of those checkboxes. There are grassy knolls, tall trees, cheeky squirrels, many shaded seating areas, and a large playscape structure, plus bay views and a peek of homes and hotels on Okaloosa Island across the water. There is NOT a beach here (the white sandy beaches are on the island; this is the bay/channel side - other reviewers posting gulf beach pics are confused). The two piers / docks and associated boardwalk are unfortunately still out of commission after storms in 2020, but will hopefully be rebuilt soon. Note that dogs must be on leash at all times. The shops across the street include a mixture of apparel, gifts, art, and sports, so you're sure to find a souvenir or three to take home while you explore the area on foot. We especially liked Buccaneer Shop (local flavor), Run with It! (running and pickleball gear), and Coral Reef Shop (tacky t-shirts with Destin & FWB logos). The FWB Farmers Market is held here 8a - 1p on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, year-round. Holiday concerts and fireworks are often held here, as well. Check out social media and the individual vendor websites for current information on other park events. For a map of all FWB municipal parks, see https://www.fwb.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/public_works_amp_utility_services/page/7171/parksrecmap.pdf (zoom in on the green spaces). For a list of all FWB municipal parks, see https://www.fwb.org/parksrec/page/city-parks

Awesome experience! Clean and safe. If you can bring two cars, and park one at the bottom then…read moredrive the other to the top to put in, you will save a mile walk with your float in 95degree heat. They have a great snack bar too! Enjoy!!!

Niceville was my home in the late 1980s. I moved out of state 22 years ago. There used to be a…read morelanding at the creek but not much else. Now, there is a developed parking area, a mile-long boardwalk with lots of places to rest, walk down to the water, swim, etc. There are signs describing flora and fauna. The park even has a Pavillion large enough for sizable gatherings and events. There is security present and it seems very family friendly. I am impressed. Niceville has grown up. I loved walking the boardwalk and memory lane simultaneously...

Another top 5 beach for us while visiting the Emerald Coast…read more Parking is more hectic here than the other beaches as a lot of timeshare and hotels sit on their beachside. After finding parking though, we enjoyed a few hours playing in the sand and enjoying the crystal clear water. This beach had a bit of seaweed but no jellyfish like Pensacola so we enjoyed some splashes and met a few new friends . You can't go wrong with the beaches on the emerald coast , make sure you visit each one !

Really pretty park with a dock nearby. A great place to collect your thoughts or enjoy the…read moreserenity. There weren't a lot of people so it was really quiet. It's also romantic if you bring a date here.

A nice little park on the water with pavilions and picnic tables.It has playgrounds,walkways,boat…read moredocks,boat ramps,etc.You can boat,fish,walk,play,pic nic,etc..The only takeaway is the bathrooms.I would suggest a total renovation and cameras added to keep them in good shape and locking it down at night.This was done back home and made a world of a difference.Still a nice park on the water.Check out the next The Working Man Review.

VERY awesome spot to bring your pup! I am new to the area and thought there would be more pet…read morefriendly places to go but this one saved the day.

Great views. Average food. The pier is really nice. Fireworks on Thursdays. Very family friendly…read more Next time, I want to fish at the pier.

Sun, sand, shopping and good food. You couldn't ask for a better beach party!…read more The boardwalk at Fort Walton Beach near Okaloosa Island is a fun location that opens out onto the beach. There is a kite shop, a gelato shop, several boutiques and restaurants. The bottom area is shaded with several different seating areas. There is a huge parking lot, but it can be really crowded. We have always been able to find a parking space, but sometimes it has been way in the back. There are handicap parking spaces near the front. The pier is located next door. With the beach, ocean and three sand volleyball courts, in the front, and the pier next door you could make a day of it at The Boardwalk. At night, AJs, one of the restaurants, offers live music. Every Wednesday night at nine pm there is a fireworks show shot from the pier. The Boardwalk also offers other events throughout the year.

Lake Stanley Park is a small but pleasant park that is a popular destination within the community…read more Nice enough place to meet with friends, or swim or fish. Overall, I would recommend a visit here to Lake Stanley Park.

This is a very cool smaller park with a few cool statues on property. Probably my favorite was a…read morestatue of two parents and two young children dressed in period clothing sitting on a bench. There is not much to this park, but the statues and water view should be more than enough. The park is located on a main strip through Fort Walton Beach, Florida and I would recommend a visit here if you find yourself in this town and just want to chill for a moment or two, hey, go for three. Again, it is a small park and parking is definitely a challenge, but otherwise a nice place to chill at for a bit.

Admission and parking is free. This is a cute little park. Maybe be good for older children or…read moreadults. Has a lot of seating with benches along the water and a gazebo. It have a dock that you can fish off of. "Homeless" people or professional panhandlers tend to beg for money in this area during peak tourist seasons, but that can be witnessed in most of the downtown areas.

Always a good time ...my pretty moment full of sunshine and Beach vibes on the Gulfstream.. Destin…read morewhite sand. .warm clean water. Family and friends come down to your peace on the Southeast!!

Nice white sand. Clean beach. Parking available. Calm waters. Restaurants nearby. Great for…read morefamilies or alone for relaxation.