Best Golf Courses Near Ft. Walton Beach

Best Golf Courses Near Fort Walton Beach, FL

Fort Walton Beach sits in the middle of one of the densest concentrations of golf courses on the Gulf Coast. Destin is right next door, Niceville is a short drive north, and the Sandestin resort complex is just east on Highway 98. For golfers staying in or around FWB, the options within 20 minutes are genuinely excellent — a mix of municipal value, semi-private quality, and full resort experience.

Here’s what’s worth playing.

Fort Walton Beach Golf Club — Oaks Course & Pines Course

The Fort Walton Beach Golf Club is a city-owned, 36-hole facility sitting just off Miracle Strip Parkway. It’s the home course for a lot of local players and offers some of the best value on the Emerald Coast.

The two courses share the same property but play quite differently. The Oaks Course is the more challenging of the two, with water hazards on several holes that punish errant approaches. The Pines Course has a more open layout winding through a pine forest, which makes it friendlier for higher handicappers. As of late 2025, the Pines Course was undergoing renovation and closed to public play — worth confirming current status before you book.

The facility includes a lighted driving range, restaurant, and pro shop. Public rates for the Oaks Course run around $58 for an 18-hole cart round during morning hours. Membership is available to Okaloosa County residents for nominal annual fees. If you want a reliable, no-frills round at a fair price, this is your spot.

Address: 1849 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547

Shalimar Pointe Golf Club

Shalimar Pointe is consistently called one of the best-kept secrets in Northwest Florida, and it earns that reputation. The 18-hole layout sits along the north shore of Choctawhatchee Bay in Shalimar, just a few minutes north of downtown FWB.

The course uses a Dye-Finger design with deliberately placed bunkers and tightly protected greens. Towering pines and water features frame most holes, and the bay views on several back-nine holes are among the best scenery on any public course in the region. It’s a fair but demanding track — ball-strikers will enjoy it, and anyone who struggles with accuracy will find it educational.

The recently renovated clubhouse includes a bar and grill open to the public. The practice facility covers the full range of needs: driving range, putting green, and chipping area. It’s a course that could easily charge more than it does.

Address: 302 Yacht Club Dr, Shalimar, FL 32579

Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club

Technically in Destin, Regatta Bay is close enough to Fort Walton Beach (about 10 minutes east on 98) that most FWB visitors consider it part of the local rotation. It’s one of the most highly regarded public-access courses on the Emerald Coast.

The course was designed by Robert C. Walker, who worked extensively with Arnold Palmer, and completed a $2.25 million renovation in 2019 that included green and bunker work. Despite being bordered by residential development on some holes, the layout uses coastal marshlands and pine corridors to create a surprisingly secluded feel.

The par-3s at Regatta Bay are among the best on the coast — well-designed, visually memorable, and varied in length and demand. The course plays 6,853 yards from the back tees and carries a rating of around 73, making it a legitimate test without being punishing. Green fees are on the higher end locally, but the condition and design justify it for serious players.

Address: 465 Regatta Bay Blvd, Destin, FL 32541

Emerald Bay Golf Club

Emerald Bay sits between Destin and the South Walton beaches off Highway 98, adjacent to Choctawhatchee Bay. The course was fully renovated in 2014, and the updated clubhouse includes indoor and outdoor dining that makes it a solid full-day destination.

The layout uses the bay and natural wetlands as recurring features throughout the round. Several holes offer direct bay views, and the combination of water hazards and strategically placed bunkers gives the course a more resort-like feel than some of its neighbors. It plays around 6,800 yards from the back tees and handles a range of skill levels reasonably well.

It’s a scenic, enjoyable round — not the most challenging on the coast but consistently well-maintained and worth the drive from FWB.

Address: 40 Emerald Bay Dr, Destin, FL 32541 (near Niceville/Bluewater Bay area)

Bluewater Bay Golf Club

Bluewater Bay is one of the older and more storied golf destinations in Okaloosa County. Located in Niceville, the property sits on the north shore of the Choctawhatchee Bay with a layout that winds through pine forest and bay-front terrain.

The course was originally designed as multiple nines and has evolved over decades. It’s a quieter, less-trafficked option compared to the resort corridors along Highway 98, which means tee times are generally easier to get and the pace of play is more relaxed. Locals speak highly of the course conditions and the staff.

For FWB golfers looking for something different from the Highway 98 corridor, Bluewater Bay is worth a look.

Address: 1950 Bluewater Blvd, Niceville, FL 32578

Quick-Reference Comparison

When to Play

The Emerald Coast plays golf nearly year-round. Summer mornings (tee off by 8 a.m.) are the best way to beat the heat from June through September. Fall and spring offer the most comfortable conditions, and many courses discount rates during the slower winter months. If you’re visiting during peak summer season and want to play multiple courses, book tee times at least a few days in advance — courses near the beach can fill quickly on vacation weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best golf course near Fort Walton Beach? Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club and Shalimar Pointe Golf Club are the most consistently praised courses within 15 minutes of FWB. Regatta Bay offers the highest-end experience; Shalimar Pointe is the best value for a high-quality round.

Are there public golf courses in Fort Walton Beach? Yes. The Fort Walton Beach Golf Club is a city-owned, 36-hole public facility with two distinct courses (Oaks and Pines) and is open to non-residents for a fee.

How far is Destin from Fort Walton Beach for golf? Most Destin courses like Regatta Bay and Emerald Bay are 10–15 minutes east of downtown FWB via Highway 98. Kelly Plantation and the Sandestin courses are 20–30 minutes away.

Is golf year-round near Fort Walton Beach? Yes. Northwest Florida’s climate allows for year-round play. Summers are hot and humid; mornings are manageable. Fall through spring is the most comfortable window.