3 MILES ALONG THE COASTLINE
Walk in the Sand at Okaloosa Island
Okaloosa Island is the part of Santa Rosa Island in Fort Walton Beach. What makes Okaloosa Island stand out, is that it offers some of the best access points for residents and visitors. Each accessway has parking, bathrooms, picnic area, showers and boardwalk to the beach. And parking is free.
The beach on Okaloosa Island is lined with mostly condos but includes the 7 accessways along the stretch of the island just west of the Pier. The pier and Beasley Park on the east of the pier, are the two large public beach areas.
The Walk in the Sand
Because we walked west to east across the panhandle, we started at accessway #7 and walked toward the pier. The complete hike across the beachfront is 3 miles. You can also walk further on either end into the Gulf Islands National Seashore areas if you want to walk more miles or start at a different accessway if you want to walk less. The sand and shoreline is soft on the feet so kick off your shoes if you like to walk barefoot.
The Okaloosa Island Pier
The Okaloosa Island Pier and Boardwalk is a perfect spot for the whole family. The Boardwalk features shopping, dining, playground, picnic areas and a marine center.
Beasley Park
To the east of the Pier is Beasley Park with gorgeous coastal dunes along the Gulf Islands National Seashore. We walked about a mile along the Seashore. It is a gorgeous beachfront to take a hike on.
Gulf Islands National Seashore River Side
On the other side of the island is the riverside beach area of Gulf Islands National Seashore. The sand here is not as white or fluffy soft, but the waves are calm and it’s a nice spot to take a walk. Keep you shoes on for this one. Walk about a mile down the shoreline and enjoy the views.
A Perfect Beach Hike
Our day along Okaloosa Island was an absolutely gorgeous day. The water was perfect, calm, shallow, and crystal clear.
The Sand
Okaloosa Island’s sand is just as soft and snowy white as the other Pensacola & Destin area beaches.
For more details about Okaloosa Island and Fort Walton Beach with things to do, where to eat and stay, see the Ultimate Guide to Okaloosa Island Beaches.
