Where other resort towns fabricate authenticity, Fort Walton's local flavor seems effortless. Once a quiet, undeveloped stretch of the Gulf, its local economy has received a boost in recent years as the home of massive Eglin Air Force Base. A revitalization project is injecting life into its downtown, and homespun seasonal festivals feature live music and street fairs. Each June, local folk hero William Bowles is honored with the pirate-themed Billy Bowleg Festival. In January, Okaloosa Island plays host to its long-running Mardi Gras on the Island celebration, complete with a torch light parade and New Orleans-style floats.

          Golf

• A few of the many Golf Courses nearby

 Bluewater Bay Golf        Fort Walton Beach Golf Club    

  Shalimar Pointe Country Club

The Golf Garden             Kelly Pantation                          Regatta Bay 

Water Sports

• Deep Sea Fishing, pier fishing, surf fishing, crabbing, and fresh water fishing. Just minutes away, you'll find deep sea and dolphin watching charters.  Even closer, you'll find the Brooks Bridge Bait and Tackle, featuring a gas and diesel fuel dock, boat launches, pontoon boat rentals and marina or head to our 1,261 foot Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier for some exciting fishing off the pier.
• Water Sports – Including swimming, snorkeling, open water diving, water skiing, jet skiing, boating, kayaking, parasailing – on site or nearby.
• Water Park - Head for the water slides at Big Kahuna’s Water Park, they also have some rides and minature golf.
 
• Newman Brackin Wayside Park / Okaloosa Island Pier
• Okaloosa County Parks includes boat ramps, beach access, and beach parks.
• Beasley Park is on the largest stretch of public beach on the Island. 1550 Miracle Strip Parkway (Hwy 98)

Shopping

• Silver Sands Factory Outlet Stores – The nation’s largest designer outlet center located just a short drive east on Highway 98.
• Destin Commons - The newest shopping center is the 590,000-square-foot Destin Commons - an open air, upscale shopping center just 20 minutes from El Matador. Features include specialty shops and boutiques, a 14-screen RAVE Motion Picture theater and a Bass Pro Shops World Wide Sportsmen - one of only two in the United States. 
• Santa Rosa Mall
• UpTown Station

Museum's

• US Air Force Armament Museum
• Emerald Coast Science Center
• Indian Temple Mound and Museum
• Fort Walton Beach Art Museum. 38 SW Robinwood Drive, Okaloosa Symphony Building. 850-244-1893
• Old Destin Post Office Museum. Stahlman Ave, Destin, 850-837-8572.
• Heritage Museum. Valparaiso, 850-678-2615.

• Night Spots

• Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier and entertainment complex featuring The Crab Shack Restaurant, The Swamp and Howl at the Moon night club; adjacent to The Gulfarium.
• The Track Family Recreation Center:
The Track in Destin is your family headquarters for fun! Our action-packed recreation center features everything from the ultimate in go-cart tracks, like our Wild Woody three-tiered go-kart/roller coaster hybrid, to big fun for little tykes at Kids Country. Challenge your friends to miniature golf, Bumper Boats, or test your courage at our bungee jumping tower. See our website for 10% OFF and FREE shipping on tickets!
• Island Golf Center, Fenway Park Batting Cages, Lost Lagoon Golf. 1306 Miracle Strip Pkwy., 850-224-1612.
• The Gulfarium – America’s second oldest marine park (1955), it hosts Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, Peruvian penguins, Ridley turtles and more in 14 fascinating Gulf-edged exhibits. Dolphin stars Princess and Delilah delight with feats from comedic soccer games to 18-foot leaps toward the clouds.