By Christopher Manson with Shantelle Dedicke
Few attractions along the Emerald Coast offer a more striking view of the Gulf than The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. Located right on the beach, The Boardwalk (Newman C. Brackin Wayside Park) is a vibrant community hub for locals and visitors alike, offering must-attend events for the entire family and nationally recognized restaurants. For a real-time glimpse of the stunning shoreline, visit theboardwalkoi.com for the live “Beach Cam.”
The Boardwalk features free parking, pavilions, picnic tables, public restrooms, and outdoor showers for returning beachgoers. Recurring events include weekly fireworks, coastal beach cleanups, the Kitty Hawk Kite Festival, the New Year’s Day Pelican Plunge, and two popular volleyball tournaments—Emerald Coast Volleyball Week in the spring and the Emerald Coast Fall Classic.
Beginning May 28, seasonal fireworks will light up the night sky over the Gulf., blasting off from the pier every Wednesday at 9 p.m. through Aug. 6. Additional fireworks spectaculars are scheduled for Sunday, May 25 (Memorial Day weekend), Labor Day weekend, and New Year’s Eve. Other family-friendly events include tropical-themed luaus, outdoor movie screenings, and performances by award-winning local bands on the Al’s Beach Club stage.
The Boardwalk is part of the Saltwater Restaurants family, a group known for delivering exceptional dining experiences with a commitment to quality, fresh ingredients, and “memorable coastal cuisine.” In recent years, the company has built a vibrant dining scene on The Boardwalk and beyond while voicing support for beach safety efforts and organizations that protect and fight for the environment. Learn more at saltwaterrestaurants.com.
Dining Highlights
Floyd’s Shrimp and Steak House: A longtime favorite along The Boardwalk, Floyd’s specializes in fresh Gulf seafood, hand-cut steaks, and their famous “shrimptizers.” Don’t miss their “notorious all-you-can-eat fish and shrimp platters,” as highlighted at floydsshrimphouse.com. Whether you crave surf, turf, or both, Floyd’s offers unforgettable dining with spectacular sunset views.
Rockin’ Tacos Grill & Tequila Bar: Located on The Boardwalk’s upper level, Rockin’ Tacos is bursting with atmosphere and colorful beachside décor. Savor coastal-inspired tacos, over 75 tequilas and house-infused craft margaritas while enjoying live DJ music. The restaurant rolls out 1,000 made-from-scratch tortillas a day, and their footlong blackened shrimp burrito was featured on the Travel Channel. Discover more at rockintacos.com.
The Crab Trap: With its family-friendly, beachy vibe, The Crab Trap offers a menu full of fresh fish like grouper, snapper, mahi-mahi, cobia, wahoo, and amberjack, alongside crab, shrimp, and a variety of specialty drinks. For authentic Gulf flavor and atmosphere, look no further. The Crab Trap also has locations in Miramar Beach and Pensacola. Visit crabtrapflorida.com for details.
Al’s Beach Club & Burger Bar: Reopened for the season on March 1, Al’s offers build-your-own burgers, specialty sandwiches (including the popular Island Chicken Sandwich, a tuna burger, and a “Beyond” vegan burger), and a full bar. Family-friendly by day and lively at night, Al’s is beloved for its custard shakes, handcrafted cocktails, and beachfront vibes. More at alsbeachclub.com.
The Boardwalk is a choice spot for dining, entertainment, and breathtaking views. Locals can enjoy a casual night out while visitors experience authentic coastal experience. Whether you’re flying solo, out for a date night, or enjoying time with family, there’s something for everyone.
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