Located along the beautiful Emerald Coast of Florida, Fort Walton Beach is a popular destination for beachgoers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, an exciting adventure, or a chance to learn about the area’s rich cultural heritage, Fort Walton Beach has something to offer everyone. And when it comes to accommodations, there are plenty of hotels in Fort Walton Beach to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly motels to luxurious resorts.
No matter what your budget or needs, you’re sure to find the perfect hotel in Fort Walton Beach. Many of the hotels are located right on the beach, offering stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. Others are situated near popular attractions, such as the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and the Emerald Coast Science Center. And still, others are nestled in quiet residential neighborhoods, providing a more peaceful and relaxing retreat.
To help you plan your stay, we’ve compiled a list of the best hotels in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. We’ve included a variety of options, from affordable to luxurious, so you can find the perfect place to stay for your next vacation.
hotels in fort walton beach florida
Relax, adventure, culture, and more.
- Beachfront bliss
- Steps from attractions
- Budget-friendly to luxurious
- Stunning Gulf views
- Waterfront dining
- Endless activities
- History and heritage
- Family-friendly fun
- Unforgettable experiences
- Your perfect beach vacation
From lavish resorts to charming motels, Fort Walton Beach hotels cater to every traveler.
Beachfront bliss
Fort Walton Beach is renowned for its stunning beaches, and many of the hotels in the area offer beachfront bliss. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing against the shore and stepping out onto your private balcony to watch the sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico. Many beachfront hotels also offer direct access to the beach, so you can spend your days swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles without ever having to leave the resort.
If you're looking for a truly luxurious beachfront experience, consider booking a room at one of the many resorts in Fort Walton Beach. These resorts offer a wide range of amenities, including private pools, spas, and fine dining restaurants. You can also enjoy activities such as golf, tennis, and water sports right on the property.
For those on a tighter budget, there are still plenty of affordable beachfront hotels to choose from in Fort Walton Beach. These hotels may not have all the amenities of a resort, but they still offer comfortable accommodations and easy access to the beach. No matter what your budget, you're sure to find the perfect beachfront hotel in Fort Walton Beach for your next vacation.
Here are some of the best beachfront hotels in Fort Walton Beach:
- Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
- The Hotel Effie Sandestin
- Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village
- The Henderson Beach Resort & Spa
- Ramada Plaza Fort Walton Beach Resort
No matter which hotel you choose, you're sure to enjoy a relaxing and unforgettable beachfront vacation in Fort Walton Beach.
Steps from attractions
Fort Walton Beach is home to a variety of attractions, including museums, parks, and waterparks. Many of the hotels in the area are located within walking distance of these attractions, making it easy to explore all that Fort Walton Beach has to offer.
- Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park: This popular marine park is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, sea lions, and sea turtles. You can also enjoy educational exhibits and shows.
- Emerald Coast Science Center: This science center features interactive exhibits on a variety of topics, including marine life, weather, and space. There's also a planetarium and an IMAX theater.
- Fort Walton Beach Park: This beachfront park offers something for everyone, including a playground, picnic areas, and a fishing pier. You can also rent kayaks and paddleboards.
- The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island: This lively boardwalk is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. You can also enjoy live music and entertainment.
No matter what your interests, you're sure to find something to enjoy within walking distance of your hotel in Fort Walton Beach.
Budget-friendly to luxurious
Fort Walton Beach offers a variety of hotels to suit every budget. Whether you're looking for a simple motel or a luxurious resort, you're sure to find something to fit your needs.
- Budget-friendly: There are a number of affordable hotels in Fort Walton Beach that offer clean and comfortable accommodations at a reasonable price. These hotels may not have all the amenities of a luxury resort, but they're still a great option for budget-minded travelers.
- Mid-range: For those who are willing to spend a little more, هناك a number of mid-range hotels in Fort Walton Beach that offer a wider range of amenities and services. These hotels may have features such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and on-site restaurants.
- Luxurious: For those who want to experience the ultimate in luxury, there are a number of high-end resorts in Fort Walton Beach that offer world-class amenities and services. These resorts may have features such as private beaches, golf courses, and spas.
No matter what your budget, you're sure to find the perfect hotel in Fort Walton Beach to fit your needs and make your vacation unforgettable.
Stunning Gulf views
Many of the hotels in Fort Walton Beach offer stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing against the shore and stepping out onto your private balcony to watch the sunrise over the water. Or, spend your evenings relaxing on your balcony and watching the sunset over the Gulf. No matter what time of day, you're sure to enjoy the breathtaking views from your hotel room.
If you're looking for a hotel with the best Gulf views, consider booking a room at one of the following:
- Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa: This resort offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico from many of its rooms. You can also enjoy Gulf views from the resort's restaurants, bars, and pools.
- The Hotel Effie Sandestin: This luxury hotel offers panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico from its rooms and suites. You can also enjoy Gulf views from the hotel's rooftop pool and bar.
- Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village: This resort offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico from its rooms and suites. You can also enjoy Gulf views from the resort's restaurants, bars, and pools.
- The Henderson Beach Resort & Spa: This resort offers private beach access and stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico from many of its rooms. You can also enjoy Gulf views from the resort's restaurants, bars, and pools.
No matter which hotel you choose, you're sure to enjoy stunning Gulf views during your stay in Fort Walton Beach.
Waterfront dining
Fort Walton Beach is home to a variety of waterfront restaurants, offering stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and delicious seafood dishes. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or a casual lunch, you're sure to find the perfect waterfront restaurant in Fort Walton Beach.
Here are a few of the best waterfront restaurants in Fort Walton Beach:
- The Crab Trap: This popular seafood restaurant offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and a wide variety of seafood dishes. You can enjoy everything from fresh seafood platters to crab legs to fried shrimp.
- AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar: This casual seafood restaurant offers a laid-back atmosphere and delicious seafood dishes. You can enjoy everything from grilled fish to po' boys to gumbo.
- Marina Cafe: This waterfront cafe offers a variety of seafood dishes, as well as sandwiches, salads, and burgers. You can enjoy your meal on the cafe's outdoor patio and watch the boats go by.
- The Boat House: This upscale seafood restaurant offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and a creative menu of seafood dishes. You can enjoy everything from grilled fish to seafood pasta to lobster.
No matter which waterfront restaurant you choose, you're sure to enjoy a delicious meal with a stunning view.
Endless activities
Fort Walton Beach offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you're looking for something to do on land or on the water, you're sure to find something to keep you busy during your stay.
- Beach activities: Fort Walton Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, which offer a variety of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and paddleboarding. You can also rent jet skis, kayaks, and other watercraft.
- Water parks: Fort Walton Beach is home to two water parks, Big Kahuna's Water Park and Emerald Coast Waterpark. These water parks offer a variety of water slides, lazy rivers, and other water features.
- Fishing: Fort Walton Beach is a great place to go fishing. You can fish from the beach, from a pier, or from a boat. There are a variety of fish species that can be caught in the waters off Fort Walton Beach, including redfish, trout, and flounder.
- Golfing: Fort Walton Beach is home to a number of golf courses, including the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and the Emerald Bay Golf Club. These golf courses offer challenging layouts and beautiful scenery.
These are just a few of the many activities that you can enjoy in Fort Walton Beach. With so much to see and do, you're sure to have a memorable vacation.
History and heritage
Fort Walton Beach has a rich history and heritage. The area was first inhabited by Native Americans, and later by Spanish and French explorers. In the 19th century, Fort Walton Beach was a major cotton-shipping port. During the Civil War, the town was occupied by Union troops. After the war, Fort Walton Beach became a popular tourist destination.
- Fort Walton Historic District: This historic district is home to a number of historic buildings, including the Old Fort Walton Schoolhouse and the Fort Walton Methodist Church. The district is a great place to learn about the history of Fort Walton Beach.
- Indian Temple Mound Museum: This museum is dedicated to the Native American history of the Fort Walton Beach area. The museum has a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the Native Americans who lived in the area for centuries.
- Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum: This museum is located in a historic schoolhouse that was built in 1893. The museum has exhibits on the history of education in Fort Walton Beach, as well as exhibits on local history and culture.
- Civil War Museum of Fort Walton Beach: This museum tells the story of the Civil War in Fort Walton Beach. The museum has a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the Union occupation of the town.
These are just a few of the many historical and heritage sites that you can visit in Fort Walton Beach. By learning about the area's past, you can gain a deeper appreciation for its present.
Family-friendly fun
Fort Walton Beach is a great place for a family vacation. The area offers a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions, including:
- The Track Family Recreation Center: This recreation center has something for everyone in the family. There's an arcade, a bowling alley, a laser tag arena, and a skating rink. There's also a playground and a splash pad for younger children.
- Wild Willy's Adventure Zone: This amusement park has a variety of rides and attractions for all ages. There's a roller coaster, a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and a giant slide. There's also a water park with a lazy river and a wave pool.
- Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park: This marine park is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, sea lions, and sea turtles. You can also enjoy educational exhibits and shows. There's also a playground and a splash pad for younger children.
- Emerald Coast Science Center: This science center features interactive exhibits on a variety of topics, including marine life, weather, and space. There's also a planetarium and an IMAX theater. There's also a playground and a splash pad for younger children.
These are just a few of the many family-friendly activities and attractions that you can enjoy in Fort Walton Beach. With so much to see and do, your family is sure to have a memorable vacation.
Unforgettable experiences
Fort Walton Beach offers a variety of unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation, an exciting adventure, or a chance to learn about the area's rich cultural heritage, you're sure to find something to make your trip to Fort Walton Beach truly memorable.
Here are a few ideas for unforgettable experiences in Fort Walton Beach:
- Watch a sunrise or sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. The sunsets in Fort Walton Beach are particularly stunning. Find a spot on the beach or at one of the many waterfront restaurants and bars to enjoy the show.
- Take a dolphin-watching cruise. There are a number of companies that offer dolphin-watching cruises in Fort Walton Beach. This is a great way to see these amazing creatures up close.
- Go parasailing. Parasailing is a great way to get a bird's-eye view of Fort Walton Beach. You'll be strapped into a parachute and towed behind a boat. It's an exhilarating experience that you'll never forget.
- Visit the Emerald Coast Science Center. This science center has a variety of interactive exhibits on a variety of topics, including marine life, weather, and space. There's also a planetarium and an IMAX theater. It's a great place to learn about science in a fun and engaging way.
These are just a few of the many unforgettable experiences that you can have in Fort Walton Beach. With so much to see and do, you're sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Your perfect beach vacation
Fort Walton Beach has everything you need for a perfect beach vacation. With its sugar-white sand beaches, emerald-green waters, and abundance of sunshine, Fort Walton Beach is the ideal place to relax and soak up the sun.
- Find your perfect beach. Fort Walton Beach has 24 miles of beaches, so you're sure to find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the sand and surf. Whether you're looking for a secluded spot to soak up the sun or a lively beach with plenty of activities, you'll find it in Fort Walton Beach.
- Enjoy water sports. Fort Walton Beach is a great place to enjoy a variety of water sports, such as swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. You can also rent jet skis and other watercraft.
- Build sandcastles. Sandcastle building is a classic beach activity that's fun for people of all ages. Fort Walton Beach has some of the best sand for building sandcastles, so be sure to bring your creativity and imagination.
- Go for a walk or bike ride on the beach. Fort Walton Beach has a paved bike path that runs along the beach. This is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the scenery.
These are just a few of the many things you can do to enjoy your perfect beach vacation in Fort Walton Beach. With so much to see and do, you're sure to have a memorable vacation.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Florida:
Question 1: What are some of the most popular tourist destinations in Florida?
Answer 1: Florida is home to a variety of popular tourist destinations, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, Miami Beach, and Everglades National Park.
Question 2: What are some of the best beaches in Florida?
Answer 2: Florida has some of the best beaches in the world, including Clearwater Beach, Siesta Key Beach, and Pensacola Beach.
Question 3: What are some of the most popular activities in Florida?
Answer 3: Florida offers a wide variety of activities for visitors of all ages, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, boating, and hiking.
Question 4: What are some of the best restaurants in Florida?
Answer 4: Florida has a diverse culinary scene, with restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to Cuban cuisine.
Question 5: What are some of the best places to stay in Florida?
Answer 5: Florida has a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly motels to luxury resorts.
Question 6: What are some of the best ways to get around Florida?
Answer 6: Florida is a large state, so the best way to get around depends on your destination. You can drive, fly, or take a train or bus.
Question 7: What are some of the best times to visit Florida?
Answer 7: Florida is a great place to visit year-round, but the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) when the weather is still warm but the crowds are smaller.
Closing Paragraph: I hope this FAQ has answered some of your questions about Florida. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.
Now that you know more about Florida, here are some tips for planning your trip:
Tips
Here are a few tips for planning your trip to Florida:
Tip 1: Plan your trip in advance. Florida is a popular tourist destination, so it's important to plan your trip in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak season. This will help you avoid crowds and get the best deals on flights, hotels, and rental cars.
Tip 2: Pack light. Florida is a warm state, so you won't need to pack heavy clothes. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
Tip 3: Be prepared for rain. Florida is known for its unpredictable weather, so it's always a good idea to pack a raincoat or umbrella. You may also want to consider purchasing travel insurance in case your trip is interrupted by bad weather.
Tip 4: Take advantage of the many free activities. Florida has a variety of free activities to offer visitors, such as swimming, sunbathing, and hiking. You can also visit many of the state's museums and parks for free.
Closing Paragraph: I hope these tips help you plan a memorable trip to Florida. With its beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and endless activities, Florida is the perfect place to enjoy a vacation.
Now that you know more about Florida and have some tips for planning your trip, it's time to start dreaming about all the amazing things you'll see and do.
Conclusion
Florida is a state with something to offer everyone. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation, an exciting adventure, or a chance to learn about the state's rich history and culture, you're sure to find it in Florida.
In this article, we've explored some of the many reasons why Florida is such a popular tourist destination. We've discussed the state's beautiful beaches, its stunning scenery, its endless activities, and its delicious food. We've also provided some tips for planning your trip and answered some frequently asked questions.
We hope this article has inspired you to visit Florida. With its warm weather, friendly people, and endless attractions, Florida is the perfect place to create memories that will last a lifetime.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Florida today!