Fort Walton Beach Florida for Nature Lovers

The best way to savor the nature in Fort Walton Beach is with one of the many water activities specializing in exploration. Or, wander the natural areas left relatively untouched. With so much of the land around the Island preserved as federal land, we have larges expanses of pristine beach and dunes showing off the coast’s inherent beauty.

Eglin Reservation – North of Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island is the federal Eglin Reservation with approximately 280,000 acres of land opened conditionally to the public. A permit is required to access its exceptional natural features and many outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors here can enjoy hunting, canoeing and hiking the Florida National Scenic Trail. A nature lover’s paradise, it is also home to rare plant species and animal species and is a site on the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Liza Jackson Park – On mainland Fort Walton Beach, this Park has 1,000 feet of waterfront on the Santa Rosa Sound. Facilities include boat ramps, fishing pier, restrooms, pavilions, picnic tables, grills and playground.

Marler Park – On the bay side of Okaloosa Island this community park provides a swim area with a life guard station, boat ramp, public parking, restrooms and pavilions with grills.

Natural Adventures Kayaking – Kayak through the local backwaters and intracoastal islands exploring the natural side of Fort Walton Beach. 850.622.5504

The Scuba Shop – Explore the natural limestone shelf not far from shore on a dive charter with the Scuba Shop in Fort Walton Beach. 850.243.1600