Famed for its pristine white sand beaches with Emerald green waters of the Gulf and laid-back vibe, Fort Walton Beach is one of the best gems on the Emerald Coast for a relaxing beach vacation.
But don’t let its laid-back vibe, spectacular beauty, and chill locals fool you into thinking that there’s nothing here to do after the sun goes down.
Fort Walton Beach has plenty of fun things to do with your loved ones after dark.
From fine dining options serving the best seafood, leisurely strolls on the beach, lively dance clubs with a range of concoctions to choose from, bowling lanes to beating your own best score at put-put golf, there’s enough to keep you busy till the wee hours of the morning.
Here are the 9 Best Things to do in Fort Walton Beach at Night
Grab a Bite to Eat
With so many great restaurants and bars to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to get your grub on.
A local favorite is The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, which offers up delicious seafood dishes with unbeatable views of the harbor.
There’s also AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar where you can get fresh oysters and other seafood specialties.
No visit to Fort Walton Beach would be complete without tasting the award-winning menu from The Shack, a restaurant loved by locals and tourists alike for dishes like crab dip, hickory-smoked wings, smoked tuna dip, blue crab claws, spicy fried (“Bangin”) volcano shrimp or crawfish and the spectacular views of the Panhandle.
And if you’re looking for live music while you dine, check out The Gulf Restaurant & Tap Room – they have nightly entertainment and a huge selection of craft beers.
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Learn About Native American Mounds By Moonlight
Fort Walton Beach is home to several theaters that feature plays, musicals, comedy shows, and more all year round.
If you’re looking for something truly unique though, take a trip over to the Indian Temple Mound Museum for their monthly “Mounds in the Moonlight” tour – an entertaining journey through one of Florida’s most mysterious archaeological sites.
These amazing guided tours by archaeological experts or park rangers began 15 years ago as a way to invite and educated people about the fascinating Native American mounds through fun and interactive programs.
Enjoy a round of put-put golf at a historic venue
Fort Walton Beach is home to the oldest surviving Goofy Golf brand of put-put Golf in the US.
This iconic venue also known by its 23- foot tall dinosaur Hammy which was started by Jimmy Haynes in 1958 has since risen in popularity for a go-to destination for enjoying put-put golf with friends and family.
Apart from its challenging holes to test your golfing skills this historic venue is also known for its several quirky collections of space aliens đź‘˝ and dinosaurs making it one of the best things to do in Fort Walton Beach at night with kiddos.
The Landing Bar and Grill
Looking for something more lively? Check out The Block Party on Okaloosa Island. This hot spot has been serving up signature cocktails since 2006.
Dance the night away with live DJs spinning all your favorite tunes in an energetic atmosphere that never fails to get people grooving on the dance floor.
What’s so great about this place is the diversity of entertainment options available for every kind of person, especially if you are confused about the best bar to enjoy your night, then The Block Party is certainly the answer to confusion.
This iconic bar features several rooms each with a different vibe, from a laid-back bar for quiet souls, local music, and a country music bar for music lovers, a bar with plenty of drinks and live TV to enjoy watching live sports with your buddies to a karaoke bar with a dance floor and mechanical bull you can ride on, there’s never a dull moment here.
Take a Night Cruise
If you want to experience something truly special during your stay in Fort Walton Beach, book yourself onto one of HarborWalk Village’s sunset cruises.
These two-hour cruises take guests around Choctawhatchee Bay while they enjoy stunning views of the city skyline and listen to informative commentary about local wildlife and history from experienced guides.
Take a Ghost Tour
For those brave enough (or curious enough!) to explore Fort Walton’s mysterious past, why not take a ghost tour?
This popular tour takes visitors on a journey through some of the town’s most haunted sites – all while learning about local folklore and ghost stories.
Enjoy Stargazing on Okaloosa Island Pier
After dinner, why not take your date or group of friends down to Okaloosa Island Pier for some stargazing?
On clear nights, nothing beats heading down there with a blanket, lying back on the beach chairs provided by the pier, and taking in all the wonders that can be seen up above.
Go Shopping
Even after dark there are plenty of places around town where you can pick up souvenirs or gifts for friends back home!
The Emerald Coast Mall is one of the best places to shop, both for locals and visitors.
With a wide choice of shops selling anything from clothing and accessories to home products and gadgets, it has everything you could possibly want and more. Additionally, they have a food court with some delectable fare.
The Uptown Station Shopping Center is another popular location. There are some distinctive boutiques and independent stores there, and the atmosphere is more relaxed. It’s a terrific spot to buy gifts or keepsakes for cherished family members back home.
If you enjoy doing your shopping outside, you should definitely check out the Village of Baytowne Wharf.
This gorgeous street is bustling with tourists in the evening with live street music performers and artists showcasing their art as you hop from one shop to the other.
Flight Deck Restaurant & Lounge
Last but not least, if you want a unique experience above ground level then head over to Flight Deck Restaurant & Lounge at Elgin Airforce Base Museum.
Enjoy delicious pub fare while watching planes take off and land – it doesn’t get much cooler than that!
Plus, they offer awesome drink specials every night which makes it perfect for budget-conscious travelers who still want to have some fun without breaking their bank accounts too much.
