Looking for ideas for your next night (or day) out? We’ve rounded up 15 local date ideas — from budget-friendly beach sunsets to splurge-worthy spa days.
- Whether you’re after an adventure, a hands-on activity, or a relaxing evening by the water, these date night ideas have you covered.
Here are 15 ideas to spark ideas for your next night out:
1. Check out All Things Fancy, the one-stop shop for creativity in Fort Walton Beach, for their monthly events like a Charcuterie & Wine Night with The Board Chef where you get to do an activity and enjoy a bite and drink.
2. Talk a walk in Downtown Fort Walton Beach, grab a bite to eat at one of the many local restaurants, like Burrito Del Sol, and then head to Beach Weekend’s pickleball court to play a game or two!
3. Bring snacks, a blanket, and watch the sunset on the beach at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. Even better – bring a volleyball if you want to get an activity in on one of the beach volleyball courts.
4. Sip your favorite drink, get creative, and take home your masterpieces with Painting with a Twist in Fort Walton Beach.
5. Catch a movie in Downtown Fort Walton Beach at Suds n Cinema with dinner and drinks right at your seat.
6. Team up to solve puzzles before the clock runs out in Mr. E’s Escape Rooms. This is perfect for those with a competitive streak and then head across the street to Pink Coyote Dessert Co. to get ice cream!
7. Try salsa, ballroom, or swing at Fred Astaire Dance Studios and twirl the night away.
8. Book a single service or an all-day spa experience at The Henderson Spa. Couples can enjoy experiences together like the Himalayan Salt Suite and couples massages and leave feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
9. Enjoy a multi-course dinner and live music while cruising along the Choctawhatchee Bay on the SunQuest Cruise SOLARIS yacht on a sunset dinner cruise.
10. Choose your adventure: Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone on Okaloosa Island, Goofy Golf in Fort Walton Beach or The Track in Destin make for a playful, lighthearted evening and make you feel like a kid again!
11. Want to throw an axe or get out some frustration? Learn to throw like a pro at Battle Axes or head over to Get Smash’d for a “rage room” experience, both located in Fort Walton Beach!
12. Wanting views without the sand? Take a stroll down the beautiful Turkey Creek Nature Trail in Niceville! The boardwalk is 1-mile long with trees for shade and has viewpoints of the water along the trail. You can even sometimes spot turtles, ducks, and various bird species.
13. Like to game? Head to Rad Bar in Fort Walton Beach for a fun night with old school arcade games for only $10 per person. You can have unlimited play all night for one price, no quarters necessary. Adult beverages to include a wide variety of beer, wine, cider and sake are available to purchase while you play!
14. As locals, we may not take advantage of the sunset cruises as much, but now is a great time to do just that! Head out for a private sunset cruise or rent a paddleboard from TripShock to take in the best views!
15. Love a good drink? Head to Timber Creek Distillery in Crestview on a scenic farm for a Bourbon Blending experience where you’ll get a hands-on blending workshop and create a whiskey that’s all your own.
No matter your style or budget, there’s something along the Emerald Coast to turn an ordinary night into something special. So the next time you’re stuck on where to go, pick one of these local favorites and make it a night to remember!
