Fort Walton Beach – Experience the Luxury of Coastal Living
Resting between Panama City and Pensacola along North Florida’s sparkling Gulf Coast, Fort Walton Beach is all about powdery white beaches, emerald waters, enjoyable golf courses, and more. This gorgeous beach city located in Okaloosa County—around 640 miles away from Miami—hosts many activities that can make your time here both educational and fun.
Home to family-friendly resorts, attractive neighborhoods, summer homes, and attractions like parks, museums, and aquariums, the city offers the luxury of coastal living paired with a small-town feel. The calm, green waters, and cool white sand alongside the fun major vacation spots, are what makes Fort Walton Beach a favorite family destination in northwest Florida.
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Education in Fort Walton Beach
Education is considered a crucial aspect in Fort Walton Beach. For this reason, the city holds some of the top-rated schools in the State, such as Fort Walton Beach High School, Okaloosa Academy, and Wright Elementary School. Alongside public schools, private and specialty schools are also available.
The Climate in Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach’s warm summer months are one of the primary factors that attract visitors. Summer in the city extends from late May through mid-September, autumns from mid-September to early December, winters from mid-December to late February, and spring from late February to late May. Over the course of a year, the temperature varies from 41 degrees to 90 degrees.
Public Transportation in Fort Walton Beach
Driving a car is usually the best way to explore Fort Walton Beach. While the city isn’t very transit-friendly, residents and visitors do benefit from a few bus lines. The bust stops are often not very far from the residential communities.
Whether you want to get to work or play, Fort Walton Beach offers a popular transit system, and Brooks Bridge runs services from downtown Fort Walton Beach to Okaloosa Island, Destin, and Pensacola.
Living in Fort Walton Beach
Considered the “Treasure of the Emerald Coast,” Fort Walton Beach is an ideal city for people who prefer quiet surroundings. With a low population of around 20,000, there isn’t a lot of street noise or city clamor.
The beautiful city of white beaches is linked to the rest of Florida by major State Highways, 98, 189, and 145, and features some exciting places to live.
Townhouses, single-family homes, and apartments are available inland, while high-rise apartments and condos make up the luxurious shoreline living. Fort Walton Beach’s median house value is $156,600, and the median household income is $49,552.
Whether you plan to live in Fort Walton City full-time or occasionally, you will have ample amenities at your disposal alongside fun things to do and see. Stretching over 8 miles in northern Florida, the area is mainly known for its resort-style living and the busiest time of the year here is in the summer.
Things to Do in Fort Walton Beach
Spending time in Fort Walton Beach is all about having fun with those you love. From museums to water parks, arcades, and dolphin encounters, there are a lot of things to see and do in the city regardless of your preferences or age group.
The Indian Temple Mound Museum traces local culture all the way back to the time of Spanish explorers and Native Americans. You will also get to catch a glimpse of the armor worn by conquistadors and pottery shaped by Native Americans.
If you venture into the downtown area, you will get to explore great unique shopping and dining opportunities alongside funky boutiques, antique stores, and fun entertainment. Mass Coffee Roasters is famous for their coffee.
The Fort Walton Beach Landing is ideal for those who want to take a quiet break by the water of Santa Rosa Sound. Don’t miss the BOTE store that has some of the best boards for standup paddle boarding. Finally, when it’s time to enjoy a drink, grab a pint of house-made craft beer and a bite at Fokker’s Pub or Props Brewery and Grill.
Attractions like the Emerald Coast Dirt & Vert, an extreme sports facility, can also be found in Fort Walton Beach for those who prefer a little more adventure. On the other hand, the Emerald Coast Science Center will appeal to those who want to do a little learning.
