Fort Walton Pier is a surf spot located in Gulf of Mexico, Florida. The spot provides both left and right waves. It’s situated on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach, known for its consistent beach breaks. Waves typically range from knee-high to a few feet overhead, suitable for various skill levels. The best surf conditions occur from September to March, with southerly swells more frequent. Waves break over sandbars, and the pier helps form and enhance them, creating defined peaks. Ideal wind direction is from the north or northwest, and the spot works well at all tides. Fort Walton Pier can get crowded during peak conditions, attracting surfers from the Panhandle region. Always check the surf etiquette when the spot is busy and respect the locals. Be aware of potential hazards like pollution, sharks, jellyfish, old pier pilings, lightning, and heat stroke. Access is convenient with free public parking in the pier lot. The spot is near other surf locations like Okaloosa Pier, The Back Porch, Navarre Beach Pier, Calle Hermosa, and 17th Avenue. Fort Walton Pier is considered a regional classic in terms of wave quality. The bottom is sandy, and it’s suitable for all experience levels. Waves are regular, with a length of less than 50m. On smaller days, waves can be slightly bigger right beside the pier on the left side. There’s also a nice sandbar in front of the gulfarium on the right side. The break offers a steep takeoff with various sections to hit, followed by a mushier section that reforms into a fun shorebreak. Check your skills before paddling out to ensure the spot and conditions match your surfing level. Fort Walton Beach has a rich history, with prehistoric settlements attributed to the mound-building ‘Fort Walton Culture’ that flourished from approximately 1100-1550 CE. The area was later explored by Spanish expeditions in the 16th century. Today, Fort Walton Beach is a year-round fishing and beach resort community, with its busiest season during the summer months. Check out the good surf at Fort Walton Pier in the next 7 days, the webcams, the full forecast report, or see the spot on the surf map.
Best tide at Fort Walton Pier
All tides are good (best tide movement: Rising tide)
Check the full tide tableTides play a role in determining wave quality at many surf spots, but some locations like Fort Walton Pier remain consistent regardless of tidal changes. In these spots, the depth of the water over the seabed stays relatively stable, meaning the waves break in a similar way throughout the tidal cycle. Whether it's high, medium, or low tide, the wave conditions at these spots are largely unaffected, offering consistent surf sessions at any time of day.
Near spots
There are 11 surf spots within a range of 100 km from Fort Walton Pier. Use this section to find alternative spots that may be less crowded, better suited for your surfing skills, or offer a better forecast report for the next 7 days. Each spot includes detailed surf reports, forecast updates, and webcam views to help you plan. Whether you're seeking less crowded alternatives or simply exploring a region, the list of nearby surf spots is an essential tool.
See all 11 surf spots