A visit to the Emerald Coast is never complete without a trip to Okaloosa Island nestled conveniently between the coastal cities of Fort Walton Beach and Destin. Visitors to the island are immediately struck by the contrast of the sugar-white sands and azure blue waters, an effect created by the sun’s reflection off of the almost 99% pure appalachian quartz sand lining the shore.
Okaloosa Island stretches almost seven miles in length; on one side is the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and on the other side is Choctawhatchee Bay. There are numerous parks and access points along the island including Newman C. Brackin Wayside Park, John Beasley Park, Gulf Island National Seashore and Marler Park where visitors can park and spend a day at one of the world’s top rated beaches.
In addition to sunbathing, visitors can have fun kite boarding, snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, fishing, beachcombing, kite flying, volley ball, frisbee and a variety of other beach and water related activities. Find shade and food in the shops and restaurants of the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk and put a finishing touch on the day with a picture-perfect sunset.