Blackwater River State Beach

Located in the town of Holt, Blackwater River State Beach is a very long and wide beach that is a part of Blackwater River State Park.  Blackwater River State Park is home to many flora and fauna species – one of the world’s largest and oldest Atlantic white cedar was recognized here in 1982. Spread over 600 acres, Blackwater River State Beach is situated in front of the Blackwater River – one of the purest sand-bottom rivers in the United States.  Blackwater River State Beach is a perfect destination for many recreational activities including swimming, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, camping, and hiking. 

Although Blackwater River State Beach does not have lifeguards, the beach welcomes pets and is well-equipped with many amenities including restrooms, showers, picnic tables, barbecues, and boat ramps. 

There are many fun activities at Blackwater River State Beach including swimming, hiking, camping, boating, and beach walking. 

To access Blackwater River State Beach, drive down to 7720 Deaton Bridge Road where you will find the beach’s large paid parking lot that charges $4 per vehicle. After parking, you will need to walk a mile east to the beach. 

If you are looking for nearby attractions, there are many options within a 20-minute drive of Blackwater River State Beach. Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone is a fun family-friendly tourist attraction site with a miniature golf course, roller coaster rides, laser tags, go-karts, bumper boats, and an arcade. The marine park Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park features swimming with dolphins, and touch tanks, as well as shows with sharks, rays, and dolphins. If you like fishing, Okaloosa Fishing Pier is a 1,262-feet long fishing pier that is known for birdwatching, diving, and watching dolphins, sea turtles, herons, pelicans, sea urchins, crabs, and salmons. Another great attraction near Blackwater River State Beach is the Pensacola Museum of Art which is home to works of many 20^th and 21^st century artists including Pablo Picasso, Alexander Calder, Salvador Dali, and Kathe Kollwitz. 

If you get hungry, you can drive 10 minutes to many restaurants near Blackwater River State Beach. Al's Beach Club and Burger Bar is an open-aired family beachfront restaurant featuring classic American burgers, homemade custard milkshakes, DJs, and weekly firework shows – it is a seasonal restaurant that remains open between March 1^st and October 31^st. Floyd's Shrimp House is a local waterfront restaurant that serves the award-winning coconut shrimp, and raw and baked oysters. Another good restaurant near Blackwater River State Beach is Rockin Tacos which offers authentic Mexican dishes including fried avocados, Baja fish tacos, and Mexican burgers with house-infused margaritas and tequila cocktails. 

If you are looking for a hotel near Blackwater River State Beach, there are many hotels within a 15-minute drive. Four Points by Sheraton Destin - Fort Walton Beach is a 3-Star hotel – it offers numerous amenities including a pool, bar, restaurant, fitness center with gym, and business center. Hilton Garden Inn Fort Walton Beach is an affordable hotel with hot tubs, an indoor pool, a poolside bar, an outdoor fireplace, a lazy river, and fire pits. If you are looking for an affordable hotel near Blackwater River State Beach, Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach has several amenities including indoor and outdoor pools with waterfalls, a fitness center, a bar, ATMs, a game arcade, and a business center.