Wayside Park(Brackin Wayside Park)

Near Wayside Park, there are several excellent dining options. The Crab Trap is a popular choice for seafood lovers, offering a vibrant waterfront experience with Gulf views. Another great seafood spot is The Shack, known for its relaxed atmosphere and creative seafood dishes. For a taste of Italian-American cuisine, Magnolia Grill is a quaint option in a historic house setting. If you prefer Mexican food, Rockin' Tacos offers a fun boardwalk cantina experience with tequila cocktails and outdoor seating. Lastly, Floyd's Shrimp House provides a casual seafood dining experience with a variety of oyster dishes.

For accommodations near Wayside Park, several hotels offer a range of options. The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach is a lively beachfront hotel with pools and dining options. The Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach provides modern amenities like indoor and outdoor pools. The Hilton Garden Inn Ft. Walton Beach features a beachfront location with a lazy river and gym. For a more relaxed stay, the Four Points by Sheraton Destin - Fort Walton Beach offers informal beachfront accommodations with pools and a gym.

Wayside Park offers a variety of amenities to enhance your beach experience. The park includes restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and pavilions, making it ideal for family gatherings or group events. Visitors can also enjoy volleyball nets and a children's playground. Additionally, the park provides fire pits and barbecues for those who want to cook while enjoying the beach. Lifeguards are on duty to ensure safety, and there are rental options for bikes, kayaks, and other water sports equipment.

The nearby Boardwalk adds to the amenities with its shops and restaurants, offering everything from casual dining to souvenir shopping. The area is well-equipped to handle large groups and events, making it a popular choice for both locals and tourists.

Wayside Park offers a wide range of activities for all interests. Water enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and various water sports like jet-skiing and paddleboarding. The beach is also a popular spot for fishing, with a pier extending into the Gulf. For those who prefer land activities, there are bike paths and hiking trails nearby. Volleyball courts are available for some friendly competition, and the park's playground ensures that children have plenty of fun options as well.

The area is also great for nature lovers, with opportunities for bird-watching and spotting local wildlife like ospreys and pelicans. The nearby Boardwalk offers additional activities, including shopping and dining, making the area a lively and engaging destination.

Wayside Park and the surrounding area offer several accessibility options for visitors with disabilities. Beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis through Okaloosa County and can be delivered to beach access points. Additionally, nearby beaches like Norriego Point are improving accessibility with ramps and Mobi Mats to help navigate the sand. Many restaurants and hotels in the area also provide wheelchair-accessible facilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beach and local amenities.

Parking at Wayside Park is convenient, with both free and paid options available. The park itself offers limited paid parking, but visitors can also find free street parking nearby. This accessibility makes it easy for everyone to enjoy the beach without worrying about parking hassles. The proximity of the parking areas to the beach ensures that you can quickly transition from your vehicle to the sand.

For those planning to stay longer or prefer more secure parking, nearby hotels and resorts often offer parking facilities for guests. This combination of free and paid parking options caters to different needs and preferences, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the park without logistical worries.

Wayside Park has a rich history and natural beauty that makes it a unique destination. The park is known for its white sand beaches and clear waters, which are perfect for swimming and water sports. It's also a popular spot for bird-watching, with species like ospreys and pelicans frequently seen. The area has a strong focus on marine life, with nearby attractions like the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park offering insights into local marine ecosystems.

Historically, the area has been significant for its role in providing beach access during segregation, as seen in the history of nearby John C. Beasley Park. Today, it remains a family-friendly destination, hosting events like fireworks displays during the summer months.

Near Wayside Park, there are several attractions that add to the overall experience. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is a must-visit for marine life enthusiasts, offering dolphin and sea lion shows, as well as interactive animal encounters. Another fun spot is the Wild Willy Adventure Zone, which features a dinosaur-themed mini-golf course, roller coaster, and arcade games. For those interested in marine science, the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station provides educational programs and camps.

The nearby Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island offers additional attractions, including shopping, dining, and water activities like parasailing and kayaking. This variety of attractions ensures that there's something for everyone to enjoy.