Things to Do in Niceville Florida – Niceville is an urban area with approximately 13,000 residents in Florida’s western part of Okaloosa County. Together with Destin and Fort Walton Beach
It is among the biggest population centers in the panhandle, which is largely rural. Its most popular natural tourist attractions are its Gulf of Mexico, Boggy Bayou, and Choctawhatchee Bay.
The first day of mail service was July 21st, 1868. The city was initially referred to as Boggy, but on November 5th, 1910, Boggy became official. It was changed back to Niceville.
Niceville and the Panhandle generally attract visitors looking for natural beauty and an unhurried pace than is typically found in the state’s Atlantic coast resorts such as Daytona Beach and Miami.
Water sports and fishing are very popular, and many cultural and historical tourist attractions are close by too.
If you’re looking to learn more about the reasons that make this city “nice,” then don’t overlook these top activities that you should do when visiting Niceville, FL. Here are 20 things you can explore during your time in Niceville, Florida.
Table of Contents
20. Turkey Creek Nature Trail
Turkey Creek Nature Trail is a 2.3-mile route near Niceville, a recreation park with trails, lush grasslands, an open-air boardwalk, and wildlife.
The trail has an elevated boardwalk as well as sections that wind through lush natural settings. There are plenty of benches and informational markers. You can walk along the boardwalk and look out for the area’s turtles, birds, and ducks.
It is equipped with the ability to launch canoes as well as kayaks. They are both unique and exciting ways to discover the park’s waterways. Visitors are invited to take a hike, tube, or walk through the park.
When it is hot, the kids may jump in the sea from platforms that have been designated. Turkey Creek is a perfect spot for family trips with an ebb and flow, beautiful wildlife, and an enthralling display of natural beauty.
19. Garnier Post Office Museum
For most vacationers visiting the blog post, an office museum is almost as attractive as painting a stranger’s garage; however, for those looking to get off the well-worn paths for a bit, a visit to the Garnier Post Office Museum would be a well-spent time.
It is part of Fort Walton Beach Heritage and Cultural Center, and the grounds contain a schoolhouse that was once a museum and country store.
The post office and schoolhouse are from the beginning of the early 20th century. They provide visitors with a fascinating look into the area’s history, economics, development, and economy. It should take less than an hour to look around all the sights.
18. Reel Talk Charters
Reel Talk Charters is a privately piloted fishing charter managed and held by Captain Joshua Sepulveda. Troll and understand the sea phenomena while you appreciate the thrills that fishing brings from your stunning white vessel.
Being one of the most enjoyable activities to enjoy when you visit Niceville, FL, this bonding time with your family isn’t one you’ll like to miss out on. Learn the fundamentals of fishing, and then indulge in the first fish you catch.
If you’re more knowledgeable, the guide will know the right thing. Take in the sights, enjoy your boat trip, create memories, and have fun.
17. Fort Walton Beach Flea Market
As the Fort Walton Beach Flea Market is an indoor shopping place chilled by air conditioning. It also has numerous vendors offering everything from books and artwork to old-fashioned clothes and musical instruments.
The market covers more than 14,000 square feet and is a favorite destination for those in desperate need of a respite from the hot Florida heat.
As with most flea markets, it’s possible to come across one or two rare items, particularly if you have the patience and time to go through the objects meticulously.
There are numerous inexpensive choices for meals and drinks, and a percentage of every sale is used to create a local wildlife refuge.
16. 3rd Planet Brewing
It was established in April 2016 3rd Planet Brewing is Niceville’s first craft brewery offering craft beer in a lively location.
Engineers and military veterans Tim McCool and Jason Doster started this brewery. They craft top-quality beers in a pleasant atmosphere.
The idea was to serve excellent-tasting, refreshing beer in a chilled taproom. They launched their “Launchpad,” brewing eight high-quality craft beers that are brewed in taprooms.
The brewery is equipped with 14 tap handles pouring out special drinks and craft brews. You can sip a drink or enjoy great company and outdoor games such as Jenga and cornholes.
Beers taste great, such as Dark Side of the Moon with its delicious hop flavor and aroma, or Bear Fruit Bramber with nutty toffee notes and dark fruits.
Visit their food trucks, including Curry in a Hurry, Real Taste of Philly, Kansas City Wings, and Tonies Gumbo House.
15. Emerald Coast Science Center
The Emerald Coast Science Center is situated at Memorial Parkway in Fort Walton Beach. It is among the few vacation destinations that keep minds young and old entertained and engaged while having fun simultaneously.
The interactive exhibits at the center touch on animals, nature, robotics, aviation, and even Physics. Whatever the age and preferences of the people you’re traveling with, there’s bound to be something that is suitable for them.
The staff at the center offers regularly scheduled workshops and programs. Many of these take place during the summer when school is closed.
Past guests have reported that although it wasn’t inexpensive, the cost of admission was fair and to the point of their experience.
14. Bluewater Bay Tennis Center
Bluewater Bay Tennis Center is the biggest tennis association in Niceville and covers more than 5 acres of the property comprised of 12 courts lit with clay and a fully-serviced clubhouse.
BWB Tennis Center was rated the top club in Northwest Florida in 2018. Emerald Coast Tennis Management recently acquired it on March 1st, 2021.
Train your swing arm tennis at one of the many inexpensive things to do in your area. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art tennis courts and equipment ideal for your next game of tennis.
Learn to master this sport, or begin with a fresh start if you’re new to the sport.
13. Frist Art Museum
The Destin Frist Art Museum takes place in October and is among the most anticipated annual celebrations.
Approximately 200 artists from all over the globe display their work yearly. There’s also an open competition judged by jurors that incorporates various media, styles, and cultural influences, making it truly individual.
The Frist Art Museum is renowned for its live entertainment and delicious food and drink choices. There is the chance not just to watch many of the artists’ work, however, but also to meet and talk with them. It’s the perfect spot to buy a unique piece and support your local community.
12. Children’s Park
The Niceville Children’s Park is located within the Civic Center Complex on Partin Drive North, directly across from Ruckel Middle School.
The park was inaugurated, The Spray Park, in 2006 for the kids to relax. Children are fidgety on days when the sun is too hot and everyone is stressed. This park is the perfect solution to that.
This is among the best places to visit in Niceville. If you’re searching for an area where your children can enjoy themselves, take some cool down time and have fun with other children.
Have your children play in Spray Park and this park’s other playgrounds. There’s a bubble maker. There are dinosaurs and monkey bars, a rock climbing structure, and slides and sandboxes in which your children can play.
11. Niceville Valparaiso Christmas Parade
The Christmas season in Florida is an unforgettable event that always captivates people from all over the country who are typically confronted with snow and ice in the winter.
Each year, the towns of Niceville and Valparaiso join forces to celebrate Christmas. The theme changes every year.
The parade serves as the main event, but there are many activities and vendors that sell delicious food and drinks, arts and crafts, and other Florida and holiday-related products.
10. Niceville Dog Park
It is located in Niceville Dog Park and is small, with a total of 4 acres in size. It is open every day until 10 after 10. Here are some exciting activities to enjoy while in Niceville, FL, with your pet or best friend. Allow your dog to play with other dogs and enjoy being at the park.
There are areas for unleashing that allow dogs to run freely and even have a watering area in case they become thirsty. Have your picnic in the grass and watch your dog play around freely. Shaded spaces and picnic tables are available to do just that.Keep watch on them and tidy their mess.
9. Rocky Bayou Country Club
Rocky Bayou Country Club is one of the most popular golf destinations for visitors to areas like Niceville, Destin, and Fort Walton Beach. The course spans an area of more than 100 acres. It is renowned for its well-maintained fairways and greens, numerous water hazards, sand, and beautiful surroundings.
The club has a range of short and long-term options with discounts for members who prefer to begin their rounds after 3:30. If you decide to go with the one you pick, you’ll be able to use the practice range and the swimming pool. There’s a fantastic bar and restaurant on site too.
8. Lions Park
Lions Park can be described as a tiny community park located in Niceville close to the marina. It is a family-friendly park with amenities. If you’re planning to check out some interesting attractions in Niceville and the surrounding area, then the Sunset view from the park is worthy of a few photos. It’s a small, quaint park with amazing views.
A few people have complained that the park wasn’t maintained as well as it was in the past. However, that’s not stopped certain people from going. Take your loved ones or two and take a break for an afternoon picnic. It’s also great to play a short badminton game or any other outdoor game.
7. Pounders Hawaiian Grill
Pounders Hawaiian Grill is located on Palm Boulevard North in Niceville Visitors who have been there before from Hawaiian descent have reported that it’s the best authentic food they’ve ever had on the mainland. This restaurant belongs to a chain with multiple locations. Nevertheless, you wouldn’t have discovered it until you visited other eateries.
Pounders is a popular restaurant that draws crowds during lunch and dinner rushes, and many diners opt to grab a bite to leave to avoid the crowds.They provide salads, wraps, and several refreshing drinks alongside traditional Hawaiian food and some Spam-centered food items.
6. Turkey Creek Park
Turkey Creek Nature Trail is a 2.3-mile (5,000-step) route that runs through Niceville, Florida. The route is a hill gain of approximately 49.2 feet and is described as simple. The walkway is accessible daily, beginning at 6:30 am. If you’re looking to find free activities to enjoy in Niceville or just a few fun spots to take a trip to today for a picnic and a picnic, this is a trail that you be interested in exploring.
With its trees, running creek, and breathtaking wildlife, This is the perfect spot for a picnic with the family or an outing. The Pavilion is an excellent spot for the masses. The swimming areas provide a relaxing space for the whole family to cool off, and there are peaceful areas to take a break and relax and enjoy nature’s beauty. People of all ages paddle, canoe, and tubing down the creek.
5. Henderson Beach State Park
Destin’s Henderson Beach State Park is one of the largest parks in the area, and its focal point is the mile-long stretch of sparkling beach that runs along the Gulf of Mexico. The beach in the park is accessible at several points, and also, there are plenty of huge, shaded pavilions that are ideal for those who decide you need to take a break from the scorching sun.
Swimming, fishing, sunbathing, and collecting shells are popular as huge playgrounds. Nature trails run from the beach to the park’s inland sections, and pet owners are welcome so long as they’re on leashes and swept after.
4. Niceville Skate Park
The Niceville Skate Park is located on Campbell Drive in town and is a no-cost attraction that is very popular among skateboarders, bikers, and inline skaters. It is accessible from Wednesday through Sunday, from early afternoon until 8 pm. It comprises five acres brimming with ramps, droppings, and other thrilling and difficult challenges.
Helmets are required if you’re skating or riding a bicycle, so make sure you have one or consider spending some money to hire one. The park has many seating spaces near the action, and even if you do not plan to participate in the excitement, It’s still a fun spot to relax and watch.
3. L4K Charters
L4K Charters provides amazing inshore and nearshore fishing opportunities within Niceville and Destin. Captain Rob Hansill is a retired U.S. Marine and Florida native who is passionate about the benefits of fishing. He has helped people deal with their grief and enjoy life.
Patients with cancer, Purple Heart recipients, Wounded Warriors combat veterans, and families affected by the tragedy can fish for free with the charter. In the Two-Hour Inshore Fishing Trips or Memory Maker, first-time anglers and youngsters can spend the whole day in the open water.
On the Three Hour Inshore Fishing Trips or Triple-Tails and the Four Hour Inshore Fishing Trips or Grand Slam, you’ll fish for trout, sheepshead flounder, pompano, redfish, crevalle, mangrove snapper, and Jack. The Six-Hour Nearshore Fishing or Gulf Waters will take you towards the Gulf of Mexico to hunt for cobia, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, amberjack, grouper, red snapper, Mahi-Mahi, and many more.
2. Air Force Armament Museum
The Air Force Armament Museum, located at Eglin Force Air Base, is the only museum dedicated to displaying an array of U.S. Air Force armament. This location is only 13 minutes from Niceville.
It is committed to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting artifacts and memorabilia related to and relating to the U.S. Air Force armament and its platforms. There are 29 different aircraft, which include a P-51, AC-130, and F-101, along with numerous others that were part of World War II.
Additionally, you can see more than a hundred pieces of armament such as bomblets, bombs, missiles, and an arsenal of guns, including cluster bombs, the Bunker Buster, Sparrow Sidewinder, and the MOAB. On the premises of the Museum, You will see numerous aircraft on display, including the most powerful ever constructed aircraft of, the SR-71 Blackbird.
The planes surrounding it are from different eras, including the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and World Wars.
1. Boggy Fest
Boggy Fest is one of Niceville’s most famous natural features. Boggy Fest is held annually over three days from October to late October. It’s an event celebrating everything distinctive, historic, and enjoyable about Niceville’s panhandle city.
Some of the former entertainment starliners were Trace Adkins and Colt Ford. Alongside a wide variety of live entertainment, there’s a separate area for children known as Kidapalooza.
Kidapalooza’s events include pony rides, carnival rides, face painting, a petting zoo, and a range of family and team games. The event will take place on College Boulevard in town, and there’s parking for free on campus. Northwest Florida State College campus.
