Getting around Okaloosa Island and Fort Walton Beach
Getting around Okaloosa Island and Fort Walton Beach from The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach is easy on foot: the resort sits directly on roughly 600 feet of private Gulf beach and many local attractions are walkable. For destinations off the island or farther afield, the resort arranges boat transfers and onward ground transport — check with the concierge for schedules and bookings.
In this guide
Resort layout and where things are
The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach is set on a beachfront site with four buildings named The Beach House, Sunrise, Sunset and Sunshine. The Beach House is a six-story building with interior corridors and Gulf Front and Pool View rooms; Sunrise, Sunset and Sunshine are two-story structures with exterior corridors that face the gardens and pool.
Public resort facilities — pools, Grotto Bar, The Beach Bar, Cabana Cantina & Tequileria, Sea Oats Kitchen & Bar, The Island Green lawn and meeting ballrooms — are grouped around the central pool and beachfront lawn areas for easy walking between rooms and venues.
- Pools: year-round heated pool and the seasonal Grotto Pool with swim-up Grotto Bar
- Dining: Sea Oats Kitchen & Bar, Cabana Cantina & Tequileria, The Beach Bar, The Frosty Palm and Sizzle & Smash food trucks
- Event spaces: Island Green lawn, Maui Ballroom, Aruba and Capri Ballrooms
| Building | Typical views |
|---|---|
| The Beach House | Gulf Front or Pool View (interior corridors) |
| Sunrise / Sunset / Sunshine | Garden and pool views (exterior corridors) |
Getting to the resort and check-in basics
The hotel's address is 1500 Miracle Strip Parkway Southeast, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; confirm travel arrangements with the resort or your agent before you go. Check-in begins at 4:00 PM and guests must present a photo ID and credit card at check-in; check-out is before 11:00 AM.
The property may charge a refundable deposit and a daily resort fee that covers enhanced Wi‑Fi, daily entertainment, kids' activities and private beach access. The resort also applies a card-transaction surcharge to card payments.
- Check-in time: 4:00 PM
- Check-out time: before 11:00 AM
- Bring photo ID and credit card for check-in
| Guest contact | Phone |
|---|---|
| BookResorts agents (24/7) | +1 (888) 605-1350 |
Walking and getting around Okaloosa Island from the resort
Many local Okaloosa Island attractions are walkable from the resort: the Okaloosa Island Pier, Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, Wild Willy's Adventure Zone and Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park are all listed as short walks from the property. The Island Green lawn, beach access and the Beach Bar are immediately adjacent to resort grounds.
Staying on foot is the simplest option for exploring the island’s shops, casual restaurants and beaches. Sidewalks and boardwalk routes around the resort make it straightforward to walk between the resort and nearby island attractions.
- Okaloosa Island Pier — about a 5-minute walk from the resort
- The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island — about a 5-minute walk
- Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park — a short walk down the street
| Attraction | Walk time (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Okaloosa Island Pier | 5 min walk |
| Wild Willy's Adventure Zone | 5 min walk |
| Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park | 5 min walk |
Reaching off-island destinations
If you want excursions beyond Okaloosa Island — for example, Destin Harbor, Henderson Beach State Park, Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park or Crab Island — ask the resort concierge about boat transfers and onward ground transportation. The resort arranges transfers to common regional attractions.
The nearest major commercial airport serving the area is Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS). For specific transfer bookings or private shuttles from the airport, contact the concierge or your ground-transportation provider; the resort can advise on available options.
- Ask concierge about boat transfer plus ground transport for off-island trips
- Common off-island picks: Destin Harbor, Big Kahuna’s, Henderson Beach State Park, Crab Island
- Nearest major airport: Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS)
| Off-island spot | How to get there |
|---|---|
| Destin Harbor | Resort-arranged boat transfer + ground transport |
| Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park | Resort-arranged transfer (ask concierge) |
| Henderson Beach State Park | Resort-arranged transfer (ask concierge) |
Parking, cars and pets
Self-parking at the resort is available for a daily fee; select promotional packages may include complimentary overnight self-parking for one vehicle per room. RV, trailer and boat parking are not permitted on property. Check current parking terms with the front desk before arrival.
The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach is pet-friendly and accepts dogs for a flat per-stay fee: $75 for stays up to four nights and $125 for stays of five nights or more. Guests bringing a pet must sign a pet agreement that covers noise, cleaning and in-room restrictions.
- Self-parking: daily fee (promotions sometimes include parking)
- No RV/trailer/boat parking on property
- Pet fee: $75 per stay (≤4 nights) or $125 per stay (5+ nights); pet agreement required
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Self-parking | Daily fee; some packages include parking |
| RV/Trailer/Boat parking | Not permitted on property |
| Pet policy | Dogs allowed; flat per-stay fees and pet agreement |
Getting around the resort (amenities and access)
Within the resort you can walk between your room, pools, restaurants and event spaces. The property provides pool and beach towels and has an on-site fitness center and mini golf that are included with your stay.
Pools typically stay open into the evening; the Grotto Pool includes a seasonal swim-up bar and the hot tub/whirlpool is adjacent to the pool complex. If you need an ADA-accessible room or public spaces, the resort offers accessible rooms and facilities — mention accessibility needs when booking.
- Two outdoor pools (including Grotto Pool) and an outdoor hot tub/whirlpool
- Fitness center access included with stay
- Pool/beach towels provided as part of the daily resort fee
| Amenity | Included with stay? |
|---|---|
| Fitness center | Yes |
| Mini golf | Yes (on-site recreation) |
| Pool/beach towels | Provided (covered by resort fee) |
Practical walking tips and safety
Okaloosa Island is best explored on foot for short trips; bring sun protection and comfortable shoes for boardwalks and sidewalks. During sea turtle nesting season (May–October), be mindful of local lighting and beach rules to protect nesting activity.
For rain or cooler days, check with the concierge about indoor alternatives like the Emerald Coast Science Center or Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Always confirm hours and availability for attractions and resort activities before you go.
- Sea turtle nesting season: May–October — follow posted beach rules
- Check operating hours for pools, bars and restaurants with concierge
- Carry water, sunscreen and a hat for daytime walks on the island
| When to visit | Notes |
|---|---|
| Best months (shoulder seasons) | April and October often offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds |
| Summer | Busiest season; warmer water and higher crowds |
| Winter | Cooler water and fewer beach swimmers |
