Crestview is the largest city in Okaloosa County which is situated in Florida. Previously known as the “Icebox of Florida” for having the coldest temperatures in the state, it is now known as “Hub City” of Northwest Flordia. It was named after its location which is at the peak of the woodland range between Yellow and Shoal rivers. Despite being a small city, Crestview has a lot to offer for people who plan to visit it. Wondering what to do in Crestview? Here we have put together a list of activities and places that you can visit if you are planning to stop in this beautiful Floridian city. Keep reading for the best things to do in Crestview, Florida.
1. Emerald Coast Wildlife Park
Compared to other parks in Florida, the Emerald Coast Wildlife Park was established only in 2013. It is situated on 4 hectares (10 acres) of land making it one of the biggest wildlife parks in Crestview. The environment is ideal for children as they will get to see around 100 animals of 35 different species, including exotic animals like lions, tigers, and spider monkeys.
One of the most interesting facts about the Emerald Coast Wildlife Park is that it is a rescue zoo and is currently being run by a non-profit organization. The park staff is very professional and helpful with answering tourist questions. A small gift shop with very reasonable prices is also there if you plan on taking a souvenir home.
Emerald Coast Wildlife Park
Address: 5262 Deer Springs Rd, 32539 Crestview, FL
Website: Emerald Coast Wildlife Park
2. Bamboo Sushi Bar & Hibachi
This sushi bar is a favourite with Crestview locals, with its friendly chefs and vibrant ambience. The Bamboo Sushi Bar & Hibachi menu boasts both hot and cold dishes - sushi lovers can select from their extensive sushi and sashimi menu, while heated shrimp and fried chicken platters are available from their hibachi menu. The perfect place for a taste of Japan in the heart of Florida!
Bamboo Sushi Bar & Hibachi
Address: 2505 S Ferdon Blvd, Crestview, FL, USA
Website: Bamboo Sushi Bar & Hibachi
3. Twin Hills Park
Visiting Twin Hills Park is one of the kid-friendly things to do in Crestview. Home to the Crestview football, soccer, and basketball leagues, this 24-acre (9.71-hectare) park is located on Highway 90 East at North Hathaway Street. Outdoor facilities of the park include a stadium, playgrounds, courts for basketball and tennis, picnic tables, and a beautiful lake.
It also houses a recreation building featuring an indoor gymnasium for those interested. One of the recent additions made to the park is a Children’s Park featuring state-of-the-art play equipment and facilities.
Twin Hills Park
Address: 100 Hathaway St S, 32539 Crestview, FL
Website: Twin Hills Park
4. Marquis Cinema 10
Fancy watching a movie during your stay? Marquis Cinema 10 has got you covered. With a friendly staff and affordable prices, this theater offers good entertainment while keeping the movie selection current with what’s new. Certain movies are also offered in 3D for those who prefer the extra visual effects. The cinema also features an arcade and concessions stand with great tasting food and popcorn.
Marquis Cinema 10
Address: 2828 Richbourg Ln, 32536 Crestview, FL
Website: Marquis Cinema 10
5. Airforce Armament Museum
Founded in 1975, the Airforce Armament Museum is the only facility inside the U.S that is dedicated to the display of Air Force armament. A wide variety of Air Force planes ranging from the WWII B-17 bomber to the modern F-4 Phantom jet can be viewed. Also on display are numerous missiles and rockets including the GBU-43 MOAB which is the world’s largest conventional explosive weapon. Those interested in antique weapons will not be disappointed since the museum features the Sikes Antique Pistol collections containing well over 180 historic handguns. Entry is free and the museum also contains a gift shop with affordably priced items.
Airforce Armament Museum
Address: 100 Museum Dr, 32542 Eglin AFB, FL
Website: Airforce Armament Museum
6. Fort Walton Beach Golf Club
Featuring two distinct 18-hole courses, the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club offers a variety of tournaments throughout the year. The Pines course is a challenging layout of over 6,800 yards, taking the players through an upland pine forest. The Oaks course features over 5,850 meters (6,400 yards) of narrow fairways and challenging water hazards. A junior golf program is also promoted every summer, providing excellent golfing services for players of all ages and levels.
Fort Walton Beach Golf Club
Address: 1955 Lewis Turner Blvd, 32547 Fort Walton Beach, FL
Website: Fort Walton Beach Golf Club
7. Peaden Brothers Distillery
Why look for a whiskey bar in Crestview when you can visit a distillery? Peaden Brothers Distillery will make you feel right at home if you are a whiskey or moonshine connoisseur. Located in the old Fox Theater, this small brewery offers something for every taste bud, from straight moonshine and flavored whiskeys to small-batch bourbon. It is a family-run business and they make visitor satisfaction their top priority.
Tours of the distilling room and a variety of souvenirs are also available for guests.
Peaden Brothers Distillery
Address: 382 Main St, 32562 Crestview, FL
Website: Peaden Brothers Distillery
8. Panhandle Opry
The Panhandle Opry offers alcohol-free and clean family entertainment with nothing but some good old fashioned music. It is also very affordable with entry prices of 7 USD for seniors and 8 USD for non-seniors. A huge auction is also held there once a month where you can search for old treasures and other antique items.
Panhandle Opry
Address: 657 Deshazo Rd, 32539 Crestview, FL
Website: Panhandle Opry
9. Adiva's Ageless Aesthetics Spa
What’s a holiday without a spot of full-body pampering? To give your body the diva treatment it needs, head over to Adiva’s Ageless Aesthetics Spa. For a unique spa experience, couples may want to opt for the Red Lotus Love ritual, a romantic couple’s massage. And apart from the usual manicures and massages, the spa also offers a wide range of hydra-facials which focus on hydrating and moisturizing your skin.
Adiva's Ageless Aesthetics Spa
Address: 424 W Hwy 90 Crestview, Florida 32536
Website: Adiva’s Ageless Aesthetics Spa
10. Turkey Creek Nature Trail
Turkey Creek Nature Trail is a must-visit if you’re looking to enjoy some relaxing yet fun activities in Crestview. It offers a peaceful place to walk and relax with the family. The walkways are clean, safe, and very well kept while a beautiful picnic area with tables is also set up.
Several entry points into the creek are also present for kayaks, canoes, or swimming. The temperature of the water tends to be fairly cool, especially during the warmer days.
Turkey Creek Nature Trail
Address: 340 John Sims Parkway, 32578 Niceville, FL
Website: Turkey Creek Nature Trail
11. Emerald Isle Seafood Restaurant & Market
If you’re tired and hungry after a long day of Crestview sightseeing, head to Emerald Isle Seafood Restaurant & Market, one of the superb places to eat in Crestview. Great seafood is a family favorite when on vacation, and the menu here boasts variety. Try the fried gulf shrimp, or the scallops, oysters, black-eyed peas, and rice. Crayfish, crab cakes, and grilled grouper are popular dishes. The small restaurant serves ice-cold beer and generous glasses of wine to go with your meal.
People who eat there often rave about the smoked tuna dip and the hand-cut French fries. There’s a seafood market here as well, where you can buy some fresh fish for dinner.
Emerald Isle Seafood Restaurant & Market
Address: 1260 S Ferdon Blvd, Crestview, FL 32536-4924
Website: Emerald Isle Seafood
12. Grab some coffee at Casbah Coffee Company
Located in the heart of Crestview, Casbah Coffee Company is a local coffee shop that offers a warm and welcoming ambiance, making it a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors. As you step into Casbah Coffee Company, the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee greets you. From classic espresso-based drinks to flavorful pour-overs and specialty creations, there’s a wide range of options to satisfy every coffee lover’s preferences.
The interior of the coffee shop is often adorned with comfortable seating, cozy nooks, and perhaps even some local artwork. In addition to the excellent coffee, Casbah Coffee Company may also offer a selection of pastries, light bites, or locally sourced snacks to complement your drink.
Casbah Coffee Company
Address: 196 W Pine Ave, Crestview, FL 32536, United States
Website: Casbah Coffee Company
Opening hours: 6:30am - 4pm (Mon - Fri) / 7:30am - 3pm (Sat), Closed on Sundays
13. Have lunch at The Wild Olive
Located in the heart of Crestview, The Wild Olive is a popular restaurant known for its flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dishes and warm hospitality. The menu at The Wild Olive showcases a tantalizing array of dishes that highlight the vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients of Mediterranean cuisine. From savory appetizers and refreshing salads to hearty main courses and indulgent desserts, each dish is thoughtfully crafted to deliver a memorable dining experience.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Greek salad, a flavorful pasta dish, or a mouthwatering grilled seafood option, The Wild Olive offers a variety of options to suit different palates and dietary preferences. Vegetarian and gluten-free choices may also be available.
The Wild Olive
Address: 797 N Pearl St, Crestview, FL 32536, United States
Website: The Wild Olive
Opening hours: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 8pm (Tue - Thur) / 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm (Fri) / 5pm - 9pm (Sat) / Closed on Sundays and Mondays
14. Gulf of Mexico Dolphin Cruise (from USD 27.0)
Crestview is just half-an-hour to an hour away from the seashore. Why not take a day trip to the coast at Ft. Walton or Destin beaches? A recommended route is via Route 85 south from I-10 in Crestview to the Toll Bridge on Route 293. The Destin Gulf of Mexico Dolphin Cruise offers an excursion where you can watch the dolphins frolic and play in the waters of the Emerald Coast. The tour is complete with live narration, so you won’t miss anything. People who went on the tour love that the crew certainly know where to find the dolphins.
Gulf of Mexico Dolphin Cruise
Duration 90 minutes
Enjoy Crestview to the fullest!
With museums, golf clubs, distilleries and so much more, Crestview is definitely a city where you will not be bored. We assure you that visiting these top Crestview tourist attractions will have you coming back in the future.
If it feels that the getaway is awkwardly too short, feel free to extend the fun to a nearby town or city. Soak up the Floridian sun and return to a cabin in Destin after an eventful day. Should you fancy quaint stays for that stretched-out trip, the short-term rentals in Milton are worth checking out.