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

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.

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.

We discovered this "hidden gem" (and indeed, it is a real gem and nearly hidden) at the east end of…read moreSanta Rosa Boulevard on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach. Hidden right behind the Emerald Coast Convention Center, the park features a wealth of features from fishing access, to covered picnic pavilions with grills, to a small beach on the Choctowatchee Bay, to paved (handicap accessible) walks with interpretative signs, and to large easily accessible bath rooms. There are 2 large, shaded, rubber-surfaced children play areas, one for kids 2 to 5 years old and the other from 5 to 12 years old. Both have multiple climbing and exploring apparatus. Lots of parking is available for single cars to vehicles towing boat trailers. (Sorry, No RVs or buses allowed.) An unguarded sandy beach provides access to a very shallow wading and swimming area. And there is a plethora of wildlife and flora you can see in and around the park.

Beautiful white beach. Life guards. Free parking!!…read moreJust bring your self and relax. Sunscreen is a must. Bags for shelling. Towels and water a must!! Who wants to buy anything while chilling out? Not me!! Snorkeling?!? Why not bring all of it!

We were on vacation and needed an activity indoors for a chilly/windy day. We went on a whim with…read moreno prior research- I didn't have high expectations of the Science Center and I was wrong. It is a small building but they have packed it with activities that seem to cover a wide age range. We went on a Monday so it was mostly small kids, but my fifth-grader spent three hours going through all the indoor and outdoor exhibits before we left for lunch. We sprang for the planetarium and it was a bit long for the small kids but mine was interested the whole time. We were impressed with the inflatable planetarium.

What a fun place to visit!…read more Brought both grandsons here on a recent visit and all of us thoroughly enjoyed the visit. Lots and lots and lots of hand-on activities (although a few of the robotic ones did not function correctly or had limited range.) Excellent place for a rainy day activity or for a family picnic on a sunny day (outdoor areas are nice.) Plan to recommend this to our future condo renters. Staff is very, very helpful and congenial.

Lovely neighborhood park! Cute pond and lots of area for sports, working out, children and dogs to…read moreplay. Also has parking on site which is helpful.

This was a really nice and clean park. They had expanded since I last went to it a few years back…read more They had several walk/run paths around the park area; 1/4th mile and two 1/3 mile paths. The smallest, 1/4th mile, was around the water pond that has a water fountain going. There were two pavilions at opposite ends of that path. A few dicks have found their way here adding to the feel of the park. There is also a basketball court with benches. A playground with a couple of play gyms. I didn't venture toward that area as it was toward the back entrance of the park. Two large grass areas as well. This park was built where the old water treatment facility use to be. This place is a way better option. My only negative is it doesn't allow animals because this would be a great dog walking area. Service animals are allowed of course.

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.

I like this set up on Eglin AFB, best hours are around 5pm, when the sun is blaring down on you and…read moreits not too cold. The water is FREEZING, so its perfect for running around and going nuts in. The only downside is the ants by the benches were the parents usually chill out at. Upside is that it's right across from the Unity Park playground so the kids can go nuts between the two locations in the summer. It's a fun cool down spot. I love coming here when we get a chance.

Great place to take the kids in the warmer months. Not too crowded, no litter, just a nice peaceful…read morepark to hang out

Great spot with usually a decently amount of parking if you time it right! I love that there are…read morebathrooms as well. Beautiful beaches as you'd expect in the area!

Very clean! Life guard on duty, bathrooms, rinse off station, down the way from the island is less…read morebusy. Great for kids

Little more than a patch of grass between two neighborhoods, do I will give it that it does have a…read morenice playground for kids. There is a little pavilion with three tables that you can enjoy lunch.