I made a trip to an island of Florida that looks like the Caribbean

2025-05-07T11: 48: 01Z

My family and I made a trip to Okaloosa Island, located on the emerald coast of Florida.
The breathtaking white sandy beaches made me feel that I was in the Caribbean.
I also loved how much the region is family and how many good local restaurants.

During family vacation planning last summer, I knew I wanted to travel somewhere with white sandy beaches, hot and clear blue water and sunny weather. However, I did not want to spend a ton of money on the Caribbean vacation.

Instead, I reserved a trip to Okaloosa Island, which is located on the begging of Florida in an area nicknamed the emerald coast.

Okaloosa, which is a section of the largest island of Santa Rosa, is only a short distance by car from the Fort-Fort Walton Beach airport, which allows an easy getaway from my home in New York.

Whether for a quick weekend or relaxing family holidays, this destination under the radar is the perfect alternative and respectful of the Caribbean wallets.

In my opinion, the beaches of the island of Okaloosa compete with those of the Caribbean.

I was blown away by the white sandy beaches.

Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock

Although I knew I was in Florida, the beaches of the island of Okaloosa reminded me of Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos.

The shiny white sand, which is almost as soft as the flour, is made from fine -eroded quartz crystals from the Appalachian mountains.

The bright blue-green color of the water is another aspect that distinguishes these beaches from the others to which I went.

Okaloosa island is close to other main destinations from Florida beach.

People walking in a shopping district with food trucks and a read panel, — The island of Okaloosa is close to Destiny, in Florida.

Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock

The island of Okaloosa is located near other lively cities like Fort Walton Beach and Destiny, offering tons of activity and restaurant options.

We spent a fun afternoon in Destiny Harbor Boardwalk, taking advantage of attractions such as elastic trampoline and the many ice cream spots.

However, the best part was that we could escape in our quieter seaside town at the end of the day.

We have found great local places for food.

Three catering trucks parked along a road, with palm trees behind them. — I appreciated the food trucks in the city center of Fort Walton Beach, nearby.

Janine Clements

I love to try local restaurants on vacation, and I found places surprisingly cool to have coffee or food in the region.

Some of our favorites included the Gulf, an outdoor restaurant built from old shipping containers in the Bayfront and the catering trucks in the city center of Fort Walton Beach.

Another funny place is Lulus to Destin, which belongs to the sister of the legendary singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett.

We have found a lot to do in the region.

Five paddleboarding people on a partially cloudy day. — During our trip, we rented paddle boards.

Janine Clements

Although I like to relax on the beach, I also like to go out. During our trip, we found a variety of activities on Okaloosa Island and beyond.

One day, we made a trip in apnea in Pontoon at Specter Island and saw Lamantins near the boat. We have also rented padded and padded boards in Choctawhatchee bay.

Okaloosa island is suitable for families.

A family of four stands outside a beach hut with a read panel, — The Little Adventurers program presents activities such as surfing, apnea diving and pin fishing.

Janine Clements

Another thing that I like on Okaloosa island is how much it is to entertain the little ones.

A highlight of our trip was the Little Adventurers program, which offers free lessons for children of all ages. The courses are intended to present them with activities such as surfing, apnea diving and the pioneer.

There were outposts on the beach where we signed up for daily activities. My younger daughter tried the punishment and was very proud of her to catch one.

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