Escape to Waterscape!
Imagine the sound of the crashing waves and the feel of warm sunshine on your skin. You take a deep breath and you’re intoxicated with the smell of coconut sunscreen and salt in the air. A gentle sea breeze washes over you as you sip a frozen pina colada. To your left, a sparkling pool awaits. In front of you: a view of the turquoise blue waters and sugar-white sand of Fort Walton Beach at Waterscape Resort Okaloosa Island. Relax, you’re in paradise now.
Amenities at Waterscape
Waterscape Resort at Fort Walton Beach is one of the area’s premier luxury resorts. Nestled on 10 acres of Okaloosa Island with 500 feet of beachfront, Waterscape is highly sought after for its beautiful setting, vast amenities, and convenience to area activities.
The centerpiece of the resort — and one of the main reasons people book Waterscape — is its pool area. But it’s not just one pool that Waterscape has: you’ll find multiple pools including a zero-entry pool, a lazy river, and a children’s splash pad area with slides and climbing features. Cool down under a 10-foot waterfall and float the day away on the long, curving lazy river. One outdoor pool is seasonally heated so you can enjoy swimming year-round. Or relax during cooler months in one of the spacious hot tubs.
Other on-site amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the pool area and multiple shaded gazebo areas with loungers. Play shuffleboard on one of the resort’s courts while you’re waiting for your dinner to finish up on the nearby community gas grills. While you’re by the pool, order a drink or some food from the resort’s snack bar.
Waterscape Resort Map
Waterscape has a variety of condos that fit every family’s — or couple’s or individual’s — needs. The resort has options for one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos. Most of them have been recently updated, and all of them have private balconies facing either the pool area, beach or the community. The three-bedroom condos have the best beachfront views. Many condos have separate bunk rooms with an extra half bath that kids love.
When you’re ready to hit the beach, all you have to do is walk out the door. When you book on BeachGuide, the rental chairs and umbrellas are almost always included in the rental price — call or check online to double check since each condo is individually owned and managed. (Seasonal beach service is March through October.) After a day spent basking in the sun and splashing in the waves, watch the sunset from your balcony or beach chair.
Restaurants near Waterscape
In addition to proximity to stores such as Publix and Walgreens, Waterscape Resort is conveniently located within walking distance of many of the area’s fabulous restaurants. Here’s an alphabetical list of some of Fort Walton’s best with a brief description of each:
- AJ’s Oyster Shanty – Live music, fresh seafood and an extensive landlubber selection, wine, beer and cocktails.
- Asiago’s Skillet – The mantra “Breakfast at its Best” says it all. Cocktails.
- FUBAR Pizza Bar – Live music by the bay and sports-bar fare such as pizza and wings. Wine, beer and cocktails.
- High Tide Restaurant & Oyster Bar – Fresh seafood, steaks, sandwiches, soups, salads, gumbo, chowder, and more. Wine, beer and cocktails.
- Old Bay Steamer (right across the street)- Fresh seafood, steaks, surf & turf, and fresh veggies. Wine, beer and cocktails.
- Stewby’s Seafood Shanty – Fresh seafood, gumbo, signature sandwiches with coleslaw and tater sauce on a sesame seed bun. Drive-through for convenience.
Nearby Attractions
Other Fort Walton Beach attractions great for families include the recently renovated Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park with its new Dolphin Oasis habitat. The Gulfarium has been honing its craft of introducing and teaching the public all about marinelife since 1955. Guests can enjoy encounters with dolphins, penguins, sea lions, gators, harbor seals, stingrays and turtles, to name a few. And the spectacular live shows draw vacationers back year after year.
Another popular attraction is The Island Pier, formerly known as the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier, which stretches out 1,262 feet into the Gulf of Mexico. The pier enlarges into an octagon at the end to provide more space for anglers to fish and haul in their catches. The entire length of the pier provides lots of opportunities for guests to watch beautiful sunrises and sunsets, as well as a variety of wildlife ranging from dolphins and sea turtles to herons and pelicans.
The Fort Walton Beach Landing, a waterfront park with play areas, a rock-climbing wall, and a concert stage provides a fun alternative to another day at the beach. Located on the sound, this park is the site for local events such as Billy Bowlegs, the Native American Festival, and even a local farmer’s markets selling local fruits, vegetables and honey.
History buffs will enjoy the Heritage Park and Cultural Center, an archaeological site featuring multiple museums that showcase local history from 14,000 BCE to modern times. Also nearby, The Boardwalk puts on weekly fireworks shows. Check BeachGuide for details on all Fort Walton Beach events.
If spending the day on the water appeals to you, Waterscape is just a short drive over the bridge from Destin Harbor, home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the country. You can also rent a pontoon boat, jet ski, or take a tiki cruise to Crab Island for a fun-filled adventure and memories you’ll cherish forever.
Book your Stay at Waterscape
Waterscape Resort is available to book on BeachGuide’s website directly through a number of profesional management companies. With BeachGuide you’ll know you’re getting the best rates and best selection available. Check the website for the latest promotional offer, including tiki cruises and local dining gift certificates.
BeachGuide vacation planners are familiar with all of the Waterscape condo rentals, locations and policies, and are happy to answer any questions or book your stay on the phone seven days a week at 888-404-2602.
Book your Waterscape Condo rental today, and before you know it, you’ll be sitting in a pool chair overlooking Fort Walton Beach without a care in the world.
This article was originally written by Julia in 2021 and updated by BeachGuide editors in 2024.
