Introduction
What to do
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Fort Walton Beach travel guide

Fort Walton Beach Tourism | Fort Walton Beach Guide

You're Going to Love Fort Walton Beach

With a population of 19,507, Fort Walton Beach is a must-see destination in Florida, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Fort Walton Beach has to offer.

Activities & attractions in Fort Walton Beach

Crab Island Watersports + Dolphin Tour
Tours•Boat Tour

When to visit Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach in January
Estimated hotel price
$119
1 night at 3-star hotel
Fort Walton Beach in January
Estimated hotel price
$119
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Fort Walton Beach in July, when the average temperature is 80.6 °F, and the highest can go up to 87.8 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 41 °F, with an average temperature of 50 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in August, when precipitation is around 7.1″. In contrast, May is usually the driest month of the year in Fort Walton Beach, with an average rainfall of 3.1″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Fort Walton Beach

Plane

When flying to Fort Walton Beach, you’ll arrive at Valparaiso Destin-Ft Walton Beach (VPS), which is located 6 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Fort Walton Beach include American Airlines, Delta and WestJet. The shortest domestic flight to Fort Walton Beach departs from Fayetteville and takes around 1h 37m.

Car

Another option to get to Fort Walton Beach is to pick up a car rental from Pensacola, which is about 36 miles from Fort Walton Beach. You’ll find branches of Ace and Turo, among others, in Pensacola.

Plane

When flying to Fort Walton Beach, you’ll arrive at Valparaiso Destin-Ft Walton Beach (VPS), which is located 6 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Fort Walton Beach include American Airlines, Delta and WestJet. The shortest domestic flight to Fort Walton Beach departs from Fayetteville and takes around 1h 37m.

Car

Another option to get to Fort Walton Beach is to pick up a car rental from Pensacola, which is about 36 miles from Fort Walton Beach. You’ll find branches of Ace and Turo, among others, in Pensacola.

Airports near Fort Walton Beach

ECPPanama City NW Florida Beaches
PNSPensacola
VPSValparaiso Destin-Ft Walton Beach

Airlines serving Fort Walton Beach

KLM
Good (1,448 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,758 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,711 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,135 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,101 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,232 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,729 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,531 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,495 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,676 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,676 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,357 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,831 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,893 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (3,052 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (1,082 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,697 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,188 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,918 reviews)
Spirit Airlines
Good (8,399 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Fort Walton Beach

Where to stay in Fort Walton Beach

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Comfort Inn & Suites Fort Walton Beach - Destin West and Extended Stay America Select Suites - Fort Walton Beach.

Where to stay in popular areas of Fort Walton Beach

Most booked hotels in Fort Walton Beach

See all
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Niceville - Eglin Area By IHG
2 stars
Excellent (9.2, 246 reviews)
$82+
View
Hampton Inn and Suites Mary Esther-Fort Walton Beach
2 stars
Excellent (9.1, 246 reviews)
$88+
View
Comfort Suites Niceville Near Eglin Air Force Base
3 stars
Excellent (9, 779 reviews)
$70+
View
Beal House Fort Walton Beachfront, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 331 reviews)
$108+
View
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Walton Beach
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1284 reviews)
$63+
View
Four Points by Sheraton Destin-Fort Walton Beach
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 1414 reviews)
$93+
View

Renting a car in Fort Walton Beach

Renting a car in Fort Walton Beach costs $57 per day, on average, or $170 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 10% more expensive than at Valparaiso Destin-Ft Walton Beach.

Expect to pay $3.22 per gallon in Fort Walton Beach (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $38.61 and $51.48. Compact (Chevrolet Trax or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Fort Walton Beach, while also 58% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Fort Walton Beach costs $57 per day, on average, or $170 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 10% more expensive than at Valparaiso Destin-Ft Walton Beach.

Expect to pay $3.22 per gallon in Fort Walton Beach (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $38.61 and $51.48. Compact (Chevrolet Trax or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Fort Walton Beach, while also 58% cheaper than other types, on average.

Best car rental deals in Fort Walton Beach

Economy

2 Adults, 2 Bags

$25/day

Economy

Compact

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$25/day

Compact
Find car rentals in Fort Walton Beach