Fort Walton Beach Area Nightlife

Club kids looking for velvet-roped discotheques needn't visit Fort Walton Beach. This is a laid back town where flip-flops and cowboy boots are the norm. Resorts and restaurants offer kinder, gentler live entertainment in the form of jazz trios and standup comics, but the scene is decidedly rowdy at its most popular clubs. Rock bands, country line dancing, and jukeboxes are the name of the game. Go for the longnecks and the margaritas, and stay for the old-fashioned good time.

Capt. Anderson's Marina
5550 North Lagoon Drive
Panama City Beach, FL
(Located on Grand Lagoon at Thomas Drive)
(850) 234-5940 or 1-800-360-0510

Enjoy an evening dinner cruise on the elegant Lady Anderson dining yacht, trips to Shell Island, dolphin encounters, deep-sea and charter fishing boats, gift shop, Anderson Seafood Market or Mel's Dockside Restaurant.

Club Bimini / AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar
116 Highway 98 E
Destin, FL
(850) 857-1913

AJ's is a Tiki-themed local seafood favorite with a great view of Destin Harbor. Upstairs at Club Bimini, revelers shake the thatched roof to live reggae bands. Go for the tunes and the cocktails, and stay for the view: the bar is regularly voted "Best Outdoor Bar" and "Best Place to Watch the Sunset" by local papers.

Funky’s
707 Harbor Blvd (next to McDonalds)
Destin,FL
(850) 654-3839

The Funky’s stage hosts some incredible regional talent as well as some of the area’s brightest up and coming performers. From bluegrass to experimental funk, you wont find a more relaxed, eclectic local spot for entertainment.

Fudpucker's Beachside Bar & Grill
108 Santa Rosa Boulevard
Fort Walton Beach, FL
(850) 243-3833

“The original” on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach, this is where beachgoers can kick back in a casual island atmosphere and enjoy live music and entertainment. Hear songs by Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, Van Morrison, James Taylor and other classic favorites. Great food, world-famous T-shirts and “the friendliest people on the beaches,” according to the regulars.

Howl at the Moon
1450 Miracle Strip Parkway
Fort Walton Beach, FL
(850) 301-0111

This dueling piano rock ‘n’ roll show delights every generation and all music lovers. Dance to your favorite rock ‘n’ roll hits until 2am and take advantage of the drink specials which change nightly. Inside tip - early birds arriving between 7 and 8pm get in without a cover.

Hog's Breath Saloon
541 Highway 98 E
Destin, FL
(850) 837-5991

The first in this famous chain of rowdy pubs got its humble start in nearby Fort Walton Beach. Today, the club is arguably Destin's hippest live music scene, booking up-and coming roots, rock and Americana acts seven nights a week.

McGuire's Irish Pub   
Next to the Destin Bridge
Destin, FL
(850) 650-0000

Situated on Destin Harbor, you can enjoy the beautiful sunsets from the deck, while enjoying the best live Irish entertainment. 

SunQuest Cruises Solaris
Baytowne Marina
9300 Emerald Coast Parkway West
Destin, FL
(850) 650-2519

Dine, dance and enjoy the cruise aboard the area's premiere dining and entertainment yacht. The perfect choice for intimate gatherings, celebrations, weddings and corporate events. Live entertainment and breathtaking sunsets! Baytowne Marina, Sandestin Golf and Beach.

The Boathouse and Oyster Bar 
288-B Harbor Blvd. East
Destin, FL 
( 850) 837-3645

A great tradition at The Boathouse is the excellent musical talent! Many talented local musicians play at The Boathouse with a variety of music. They also love to take requests from the audience and watch out - if you can sing, they'll drag you onstage and you just might find that you're the next Boathouse Idol!

The Swamp
1450 Miracle Strip Parkway
Fort Walton Beach, FL
(850) 796-1300

This large beach-front club is known for edgy music and spring-break crowds. The Swamp caters to the MTV set with drink specials and performances by national pop, hard-rock, and big-name country acts. Enjoy the people-watching and the pure spectacle, but don't forget your earplugs.