The Fort Walton Beach - Destin center is approximately 3 miles northeast of Silver Sands Factory Store and 4 miles northeast of Destin Fort Walton Beach Airport.
Spring offers the perfect opportunity to visit Fort Walton Beach. The temperatures have warmed up considerably, so you can spend as much time on the beach as you want, but the summer crowds have yet to arrive. Hotels advertise much lower prices than they do later in the season, and you'll enjoy more space on the beach to yourself thanks to the reduced crowds.
Summer visits can get uncomfortable because of the heat and the influx of tourists. While it's not as popular as nearby Destin, Fort Walton Beach experiences its fair share of the tourist trade. In fall, temperatures remain high enough to hit the water, but you might have to get out of the water if a sudden storm strikes the area. Precipitation increases dramatically during the fall.
You can score discounts for AAA members, senior citizens, and military personnel at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Destin, the Hampton Inn & Suites Destin-Sandestin Area, and the Best Western Sugar Sands Inn & Suites - Destin. Other hotels in the area might offer discounts for early-bird reservations or for booking large groups of rooms at the same time. It never hurts to ask about a discount even if one isn't advertised on a booking website.
To get the most value out of your lodgings near Fort Walton Beach, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Destin works nicely. It's an upscale hotel with reasonable prices and excellent beach access. The rooms are spacious and minimalist, with only pops of color to draw the eye. The crisp white bedding and modern headboards lend a spa-like atmosphere to the guest rooms, and you can choose from several room arrangements.
On-site amenities include a free hot buffet breakfast, an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. You'll love the cozy lobby, which beckons guests to gather, relax, and talk amongst themselves. It's also a great place to curl up with a good book in front of the fire. There's also a market that's open 24/7 so you can stock up on snacks, beverages, and other sundries.
Alternatively, stay at the well-reviewed Hampton Inn & Suites Destin-Sandestin Area. It's a high-value choice thanks to its low price point and upscale perks. It's only a quarter of a mile from the beach, so you can walk to the water whenever you want, and it's equipped with free wireless internet in all guest rooms and common areas. You'll also like the outdoor pool, spacious gym, and convenient business center.
You can choose from guest rooms and suites, so think about how much space you need and what amenities are most important to you. The suites, for instance, add separate seating areas. You can choose from two queen beds or one king bed.
You have plenty of dining options to choose from in Fort Walton Beach, so prepare to leave every meal with a full belly. If you're in the mood for authentic Mexican food, for example, stop by Tijuana Flats. Instead of bringing one or two salsas to your table to enjoy with your tortilla chips, you can visit the salsa bar and sample all the ones you like. Its reasonable prices and upbeat atmosphere make it a memorable experience as well as a great place to sample delicious food.
For Thai cuisine, head to The Bangkok House Thai Restaurant. It serves healthy fare, such as steamed kale with delicious Asian sauces and lemongrass coconut soup. If you're never tried Thai food before, this is the place to get your feet wet. Alternatively, if your tastes run more toward the Italian food genre, try Clemenza's at Uptown. It's a little pricey if you visit for dinner, but if you're on a budget, you can take advantage of the slimmed-down lunch menu. Get your fill of wood-fired pizza, delicious pasta, and satisfying salads.
Other restaurants to try in Fort Walton Beach include the Fusion Bistro, the Old Bay Steamer, and Ali's Bistro. Once you've scouted food, entertainment, and lodging, you're ready to start planning your trip to Fort Walton Beach.
Below are reviews of the city of Fort Walton Beach - Destin, FL from an actual visitor's perspective.
Variety of restaurants and shopping.
I love the area and come every year!
Very clean and very courteous staff. Friendly people, and OfCourse a BEAUTIFUL place to visit!
Great shopping and the feel of Fort Walton felt like home.