Car Rental - Fort Walton Beach

 

Car rental in Fort Walton Beach opens up a world of possibilities for your next vacation.

Rent a car in Fort Walton Beach, Florida to explore the Sunshine State’s picturesque Panhandle. This attractive city sits at the heart of the beautiful Emerald Coast, featuring shimmering white sands and water that glistens under the Sunshine state’s rays.

When you rent a car in Fort Walton Beach, you can drive to nearby Okaloosa Island and attractions such as Fort Walton Beach Landing Park. By rental car, the city also enjoys fantastic links to Pensacola and Panama City, too.

We have several locations across the city, and you can also collect and drop off your rental car in Fort Walton Beach at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport.

Whatever you’re in Fort Walton Beach for, we have a rental car to suit your needs. There are small sedans for solo travelers, SUVs fit for families and minivans which are the ideal fit for larger groups.

Choose Hertz when you rent a car at Fort Walton Beach.

Fort Walton Beach Locations

A Quick Guide to Fort Walton Beach

Gulfarium_Marine_Adventure_Park

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, FL 32548

Visit the dolphins, sea lions, stingrays and sharks who call Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park their home. You’ll also have the chance to get up close to the resident dolphins and learn more about these graceful creatures, their daily routines, behaviors and habits.

The_Boardwalk_Okaloosa_Island

The Boardwalk, Okaloosa Island

1450 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, FL 32548

The Boardwalk is a year-round attraction which offers great food and shopping – and even better views. Pick from one of the many restaurants available, head towards the beach for a post meal stroll along the white sands or reserve yourself a boat ride out to the glistening ocean. Enjoy free parking for your rental car here, too.

Heritage_Park_and_Cultural_Center

Heritage Park & Cultural Center

139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, FL 32548

This park covers the area’s rich history, from prehistoric times to modern day, through a collection of intriguing museums. These include the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum, Fort Walton Temple Mound and Indian Temple Mound Museum – one of only three surviving mound complexes in the Panhandle. Parking is available here for your rental car, charged at $10 for the first seven hours and $10 per hour thereafter. When you rent a car in Fort Walton Beach, it’s easier to tour the local heritage.

Emerald Grande

10 Harbor Boulevard, Destin, FL 32541

Located just outside of Fort Walton Beach in Destin, this four-star hotel is less than a three-minute stroll from the vibrant boardwalk. All rooms include free Wi-Fi, and some offer amazing views of sugar sandy beaches and the Gulf of Mexico’s turquoise waters. Parking is available onsite for your Fort Walton Beach rental car, at a daily charge of $20.

Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach

1299 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, FL 32548

With over 150 rooms and spacious guest suites, and fantastic access to Miracle Strip Parkway, this beautiful hotel is located on peaceful Okaloosa Island. It’s just 10 minutes south of Fort Worth Beach. Enjoy amenities such as a pool with a waterfall, a relaxing lazy river and a soothing hot tub. You can also park your rental car here for around $15 per day.

Hilton Garden Inn Fort Walton Beach

1297 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, FL 32548

Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, this hotel is close to some exciting attractions, including the Air Force Armament Museum and Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone. It’s also just 10 minutes away from central Fort Walton Beach and offers guests free Wi-Fi and complimentary parking for your rental car.

Clemenza's at Uptown

99 Eglin Parkway NE, FL 32548

Located in uptown Fort Walton, Clemenza’s serves up delicious Italian classics, including homemade pasta and wood-fired pizza. While they also specialize in cooking juicy steaks and delectable chicken dishes on their diverse menu.

The Boardroom Pub & Grub

158 Miracle Strip Parkway SE Unit B, FL 32548-5883

Stop by this surf-themed venue, with a laid-back vibe, and enjoy its wide selection of tasty sandwiches. The Georgia grilled cheese, meatloaf and turkey brie are three popular fillings – with nachos a firm favorite too. Don’t forget to leave room for the white chocolate key lime pie – the perfect accompaniment to any Fort Walton Beach rental car road trip.

The Shack

104 Miracle Strip Parkway SW, FL 32548

The Shack offers food with a view, in a great waterfront location overlooking moored boats and across to Okaloosa Island. Its seafood selection includes fish tacos and gumbo, while tasty burgers are also on the menu.

Driving In and Around Fort Walton Beach

  • City of FWB Public Parking (32548) is located close by Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum, Heritage Park and Cultural Centre and the Indian Temple Mound Museum.
  • 202 Ferry Rd SE Parking (32579) allows for great access to nearby Fort Walton Beach Landing Park and the Marina Bay Resort.
  • 414 Santa Rosa Boulevard Parking (32579) is situated near to Cattywampus Aquatic Adventures, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and Gulf Islands National Seashore.

 

  • US Route 98 (US 98) runs all the way to Palm Beach on Florida’s east coast and allows you to head west to cross Perdido Bay into Alabama.
  • Florida State Road 85 (SR 85) is a north–south highway which runs from US 98 through Downtown Fort Walton Beach, past Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport and up towards the Alabama state line.

 

How to Get From Fort Walton Beach to Destin

It takes around 15 minutes to drive the nine miles from Fort Walton Beach to Destin in your rental car.

  1. Head south from out Fort Walton Beach car rental center on Hummingbird Avenue, then turn left on to Holmes Boulevard NW.
  2. Take a right on to Beal Parkway NW W.
  3. Use the left two lanes to turn left on to US-98 E.
  4. Head over Brooks Bridge and stay on this route for around seven miles.
  5. Travel over Destin Bridge and continue along Harbor Boulevard.
  6. Turn left on to Benning Drive to arrive.

 

How to Get From Fort Walton Beach to Pensacola

The westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle is little more than an hour’s drive away from Fort Walton Beach in your holiday rental car. Leave the city on Holmes Boulevard NW, then take Memorial Parkway NW to reach US 98 W. Stay on this route before taking FL-87 N, then I-10 W over Escambia Bay to reach central Pensacola.