Things to Do on the Emerald Coast of Florida

Designed and built in order to help grow a scientifically focused and active community, the Emerald Coast Science Center is a museum that allows hands on experiences for visitors of all ages. Many of the exhibits are interactive, and guests can enjoy the STEM Makerspace, various animal encounters, and learn basic scientific principles. The center features over 45 exhibits within their 8,000 square foot indoor space, as well as two more acres of property that contain live animals, robotics, and more. There are many programs and events throughout the year so guests are encouraged to check with the Center before visiting.

31 SW Memorial Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, Phone: 850-664-1261

Originally created in order to give visitors an idea of what authentic country style school was like in Northwest Florida, the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum is open year round and has many exciting features. The museum is filled with actual, as well as replica, artifacts that will stimulate and assist in learning. These artifacts tell the story of what it was like when students received an authentic Okaloosa education, and in addition to the artifacts there are programs, events, historically accurate activities, and field trip opportunities year round. This museum is ADA compliant, available for group tours, and even has an onsite gift shop.

127 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, Phone: 850-833-9595

Considered to be the only museum in the entire world that is specifically dedicated to the collection, presentation, and preservation of artifacts related to Air Force Armament and its diverse platforms of delivery. The Air Force Armament Museum contains over 29 different aircrafts, including: AC-130, B-17, B-25, B-52, P-51, A-10, F-15, F-16, F-100, F-101, and more. Admittance to the museum is free of charge, and there are many rotating and permanent exhibits. Fans of Air Force Armament will be happy to know that there are special exhibits showcasing planes from the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, World War 1, World War 2, and select special operations aircrafts.

100 Museum Drive, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida 32542, Phone: 850-882-4062

The Destin History & Fishing Museum is a Florida non profit and popular tourist destination in the Destin area. Containing the history of Destin, tracing from its humble roots as a small fishing village through its growth and eventual major tourist attraction status. The museum contains boats recreated in the style originally used by village settlers, a 5,500 square foot exhibit space that tells the story of early Native Americans and their impact on the village, more than 75 mounted locally caught fish, and more. Group tours are available, and there are many ways for visitors to experience the museum; self-guided tours, audio guided tours, scavenger hunts, and even a personalized tour using QR codes.

P.O. Box 548, Destin, Florida 32541, Phone: 850-837-6611

Being the home of many key regional museums, the Heritage Park and Cultural Center is a great stop for travellers who want to learn more about the local history in the Fort Walton Beach area. Between the collection of museums guests can learn about history stretching all the way back to 14,000 BC. Some of the highlighted history includes the Indian Temple Mound Museum, which features a wide range of artifacts, the archaeological site known as Fort Walton Temple Mound, the one room Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum, the historic Garnier Post Office Museum, and an assortment of Civil War Exhibits. Hours vary depending on the time of year so be sure to call ahead or check out the website for the most up-to-date information.

139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548, Phone: 850-833-9595

Visiting the beach is a must when spending time in Florida’s Emerald Coast, and guests who find themselves able to spend time on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk are in for a real treat. The Destin Harbor Boardwalk stretches almost a full quarter of a mile and provides uninhibited access to the waterfront while preserving the harbor at the same time. For guests who are looking to spend time both on the water and near it the boardwalk is the gateway for activities, and everything from fishing to boat rentals, dolphin watching tours, and more can be accessed from the Destin Harbor Boardwalk.

4200 Indian Bayou Trail, Destin, FL 32541, Phone: 850-837-4242

When it originally opened in 1962, the Indian Temple Mound Museum was the first municipally owned and operated museum in the entire State of Florida. The museum houses many exhibits, some depicting the history of Native Americans as far back as 12,000 years ago. There are over 1,000 authentic artifacts for visitors to peruse, made of stone, bone, clay, and shell, as well as a large ceramics collection from prehistoric times. The museum does have an entrance fee, but there are group rates, free days, and discounts available if guests contact the museum directly.

139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, Phone: 850-833-9595

Offering both summer and winter hours, the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier is a must visit for any fishing enthusiast spending time in the area. Loved by locals and tourists alike, the fishing pier is open every day and offers fishing reports that are updated frequently. Located at the fishing pier are beverage and snack options, bait and tackle for sale, pole rentals, and more. Fishers do not need a fishing license to fish from the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier, and visitors that catch a fish are invited to share their catch with the community through the Okaloosa Island Pier website.

1030 Miracle Strip Parkway East, Fort Walton Beach, Fl 32548, Phone: 850-244-1023

The Oak Tree Nature Preserve is best visited by hiking the trail that runs through the preserve. Although this is considered to be a short trail, measuring in at less than a mile and a half, the Oak Tree Nature Preserve trail will help guests experience the diverse ecosystem contained within the preserve. The Oak Tree Nature Preserve contains about 25 acres of land and is home to hundreds of animals, plants, and birds. In addition to the modern nature it contains, this preserve is also home to a key regional archeological site that once harbored the remains of pottery, bone, shell, and stone tools that are now protected.

210 Hollywood Blvd, Mary Esther, FL 32569

The HarborWalk Village Mining Company offers an experience unlike any other, and is the perfect destination for families looking to spend a fun time together while learning new things in the process. The experience is simple in theory, but offers a blast of fun for kids and adults alike. The first step is to buy a bucket of dirt, after this the guests receive special mining equipment that allows them to expertly sift through the dirt and find all sorts of items: gemstones, fossils, and other treasures. Of course visitors get to keep whatever they find, and can ask the staff about the history of any items they find.

10 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541, Phone: 850-424-0600