Fort Walton Beach has a rich history beginning with the Indians who inhabited the area starting about 12,000 years ago.  Known as the Fort Walton Culture, they were mound builders.  The Heritage Park and Cultural Center in the center of Downtown Fort Walton Beach is home to the Indian Temple Mound Museum as well as the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum and the Garnier Post Office Museum.  The ceremonial mound is one of the few intact mounds in Florida.  The museum houses thousands of artifacts from the mound itself and the surrounding area.  In fact, Pirates Bay is a significant archaeological site. 

Another rich archaeological site is the Fort Walton Landing which is situated on Santa Rosa Sound behind the downtown area on Brooks Street.  The Landing hosts many events throughout the year including the Musical Echoes Native American Flute Festival every April, the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival every June, and the Fourth of July festivities every year.  Also at the Landing is the Emerald Coast Science Center, a fun and fascinating interactive museum. 

Information about the walking tour of the Downtown Historic District is available at the Indian Temple Mound Museum.  Along with its historical sites, Downtown Fort Walton Beach is a vibrant entertainment center with many unique shops, restaurants and nightlife.  Every Friday night area merchants, artists and craftsman display their work during the Art Walk.  You will find everything from fine art to handcrafted jewelry.

Over the Brooks Bridge, on Okaloosa Isand are The Boardwalk and The Gulfarium.  The Boardwalk is a public park with easy access to our pristine white beaches and also has restaurants and nightclubs.  Next to the Boardwalk is The Gulfarium, home to dolphins, sea lions, seals and many species of Gulf of Mexico sealife.

Southern rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd will be playing a free concert August 15th at 7pm at the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island as part of the Rock the Beach concert series.