Things to do in the area
The Air Force Armament Museum is the only museum in the world dedicated to the collection, preservation and exhibition of artifacts and memorabilia associated with Air Force Armament and its platforms of delivery. There are over 29 different aircraft that have found a home at the Air Force Armament Museum including an AC-130, B-17, B-25, B-52, P-51, A-10, F-15, F-16, F-100, F-101, and many other aircraft from the WWII era to the present. No advance notice is necessary for groups; however, it is best to call ahead at (850) 882-4062 to insure there are no other functions occurring at the same time. Groups with children under 10 years of age must have one adult for every five to seven children. This is a free museum open 9:30am - 5pm Monday - Saturday - closed on Sundays. http://www.afarmamentmuseum.com
The Okaloosa Island Beach Access is a 5 minute walk from our home.
Crab Island is a fun way to spend a half day or a full day. Here is a link with a lot of information to help you understand what it is and why it is actually not an island. We went as a family and had a wonderful day on the water surrounded by many people who were friendly and gracious. I recommend renting a pontoon boat, bringing a picnic and a frisbee and football. I would recommend it for families with children aged 7+. Please note that boats rented or brought by renters cannot be parked in any slip at our property for any amount of time, per the state of Florida. We rented our pontoon boat at Island Watersports Company. They were very knowledgable and helpful as we were new to boat rental. They also rent pontoon boats, double decker boats with 2-3 waterslides, paddleboards, and kayaks. Their website is www.islandwatersportscompany.com. They are located 1.3 miles from our home.
https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/blog-post/crab-island-the-complete-visitors-guide-to-destins-most-popular-hangout/
Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier - rent some fishing equipment, bring your own, grab ice cream or a drink in their little store and just walk and enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds. https://www.theislandpier.com
1030 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Seaside is a lovely town to visit for an afternoon.
Activities:
Here is the website to rent Pontoon Boats, Jet Skis, and Dolphin Tours https://reservations.bookwithrs.com/destinx
Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park: http://www.bigkahunas.com/
Fishing: Our friends recommended this All day Off Shore charter:
Captain Matthew Champion his direct phone # is 850-565-0573 and email address is mjchampions4@yahoo.com Call him direct and let him know the Dodsons sent you (they are friends of ours). Here is the website link for his boat Championship with additional information. https://fishingbooker.com/charters/view/10814?booking_days=1&booking_persons=5&booking_children=0
Tennis Courts: https://www.cityofdestin.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/8 http://destintennisclub.com/rates-and-packages
Shopping:
The Destin Commons is a upscale outdoor shopping center on Hutchinson St. over the Emerald Coast Hwy across from the Publix and Bone Fish Grill Shopping Center. https://destincommons.com/
Silver Sands Outlet Mall: https://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/silver-sands/stores
PICKLEBALL!
Performance Pickleball Emerald Coast - https://performancepickleballemeraldcoast.com
224 Holmes Boulevard Northwest, Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548, United States
850-533-0937
playbetter@performancepickleballemeraldcoast.com
Mooney Park Pickleball Courts - public courts
824 Country Club Ave NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Fort Walton Beach Tennis Center
41 W Audrey Dr NW
107 Miracle Strip Parkway SW | Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 | (850) 833‑9500
https://www.fwb.org/parksrec/page/tennis-and-pickleball-courts