Located on the Gulf side of Okaloosa Island, the park is complete with beach access, picnic pavilions, shower facilities, restrooms, playground, beach club and beach volleyball court. A popular venue for weddings, the beach is framed by sand dunes covered with sea oats and has ample parking. There are no high-rise buildings or commercial development near here, so it is easy to enjoy the miles of powdery white sand and rolling waves.
John C. Beasley Wayside Park
1550 Miracle Strip Parkway
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Across the bay from Fort Walton Beach, on Santa Rosa Island, is Newman Brackin Wayside Park. This is a 40-acre park with a fishing pier and is also known as "The Boardwalk." Frequented by local fishermen, you can test your luck catching one or just watch the pros. The park is full of things to do and see, in addition to swimming and playing in the sand. The beach has volleyball nets as well as a playground for younger kids. The boardwalk area has lots of shade in the two-level building with shops. The park also has several covered pavilions with picnic tables. The park has many restaurants such as The Crap Trap or Floyd's Shrimp House, or you can grab a snack at Sam's Gelato's or Taco's en la Playa.
Newman C. Brackin Wayside Park
1460 Miracle Strip Parkway
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Situated along a popular stretch of beach on the Walton/Okaloosa County line, this park has clean restrooms, a restaurant, lots of parking, covered pavilions, picnic tables and changing rooms. The locality the park is in is known to the locals as Crystal Beach due to the crystal clear water and deep visibly. Located along Scenic Highway 98, the beach is clear of most commercial development, which maintains the park's natural state. The park rents beach chairs and umbrellas and has 41 picnic tables in 3 covered areas for you to use.
James Lee Park
3510 Scenic Highway 98
Destin FL, 32541
