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 4 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 October
Estimated package price
$92
2 travelers
Flight to Fort Walton Beach
3 nights at hotel
Fort Walton Beach in October
Estimated package price
$92
2 travelers
Flight to Fort Walton Beach
3 nights at 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, Allegiant Air and Delta. The shortest domestic flight to Fort Walton Beach departs from Cincinnati and takes around 1h 47m.

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 Turo and Ace, 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, Allegiant Air and Delta. The shortest domestic flight to Fort Walton Beach departs from Cincinnati and takes around 1h 47m.

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 Turo and Ace, 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

Lufthansa
Good (8,245 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,577 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,238 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,246 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,606 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,651 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,730 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,664 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,246 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,998 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,701 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,432 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Good (12,982 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (3,039 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (1,319 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (2,569 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,926 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,457 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,977 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,218 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, 276 reviews)
$76+
View
Hampton Inn and Suites Mary Esther-Fort Walton Beach
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 263 reviews)
$89+
View
Best Western Niceville - Eglin AFB Hotel
2 stars
Excellent (8.7, 480 reviews)
$84+
View
Home2 Suites by Hilton Niceville Eglin Air Force Base
3 stars
Excellent (9, 35 reviews)
$116+
View
Hilton Garden Inn Ft. Walton Beach
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 813 reviews)
$142+
View
Four Points by Sheraton Destin-Fort Walton Beach
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 1456 reviews)
$134+
View

Renting a car in Fort Walton Beach

Renting a car in Fort Walton Beach costs $58 per day, on average, or $233 if you want to rent if for 4 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 $4.81 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 $57.69 and $76.92. The most frequently booked car type in Fort Walton Beach is Standard (Chevrolet Blazer or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Ford Focus or similar) are, on average, 47% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Fort Walton Beach costs $58 per day, on average, or $233 if you want to rent if for 4 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 $4.81 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 $57.69 and $76.92. The most frequently booked car type in Fort Walton Beach is Standard (Chevrolet Blazer or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Ford Focus or similar) are, on average, 47% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Fort Walton Beach

Economy

2 Adults, 2 Bags

$25/day

Economy

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$29/day

Supplier choice
Find car rentals in Fort Walton Beach