Hidden Perks of Living Near Eglin & Hurlburt: Not Just the Beach!

When military families get PCS orders to Eglin Air Force Base or Hurlburt Field, everyone talks about the beaches. And yeah, the Emerald Coast is absolutely stunning: but there’s so much more to this area that most newcomers never discover until they’ve been here for months.

As someone who’s helped countless military families find their perfect home here, I’ve learned about all the hidden gems that make this region special. These are the spots and perks that turn a PCS assignment into a place you might never want to leave.

Parks That Aren’t Packed With Tourists

The Bud Astin Recreation Area sits right on base at Eglin, but most people drive right past it. This 50-acre park has fishing piers, boat launches, and picnic areas that feel like your own private retreat. The best part? It’s free for military families and rarely crowded, even during peak tourist season.

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park in Niceville offers hiking trails through longleaf pine forests and along Choctawhatchee Bay. The park charges a small entrance fee, but it’s worth it for the peaceful trails and excellent fishing spots. Most tourists stick to the beaches, so you’ll often have the trails to yourself.

For families with kids, Clement Taylor Park in Crestview features multiple playgrounds, walking trails, and sports fields. It’s where locals go, not tourists, which means your kids can actually get on the playground equipment without waiting in line.

Food Truck Paradise (If You Know Where to Look)

The Hub Food Truck Park in downtown Crestview operates Thursday through Sunday and rotates different trucks throughout the week. Local favorites include Coastal Cravings for seafood and Big Daddy’s BBQ. The atmosphere is laid-back, prices are reasonable, and you’re eating alongside locals, not tourists.

AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar technically isn’t a food truck, but their outdoor setup on the harbor feels like elevated food truck dining. Military families get a 10% discount, and the sunset views over the harbor are free entertainment while you eat.

Keep an eye out for food trucks that set up at the Crestview Community Center during local events. These often feature authentic cuisine from military families who’ve turned their cultural dishes into small businesses.

Free and Nearly-Free Military Family Activities

Eglin Beach requires base access, but it’s essentially a private beach for military families. No parking fees, no crowded boardwalks: just miles of pristine coastline. The fishing is excellent, and you can often spot dolphins just offshore.

The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida in Valparaiso offers free admission to active duty military and frequently hosts family-friendly events. Their exhibits cover local military history, including special operations heritage that connects directly to Hurlburt Field.

Niceville Children’s Park features a massive wooden playground structure that was built by community volunteers. It’s free, well-maintained, and designed to handle energetic kids for hours. The adjacent walking trail connects to Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, where families can spot local wildlife.

Movies in the Park events happen throughout the year in various communities. Crestview, Niceville, and Fort Walton Beach all host these free outdoor movie nights, typically featuring recent releases or family classics.

Secret Fishing Spots (That Locals Actually Share)

Choctawhatchee Bay offers some of the best fishing in the region, and most of it requires no boat. The Shoal River near Crestview provides excellent freshwater fishing for bass and bream, with multiple public access points that locals are happy to point out.

Yellow River runs through Okaloosa County and offers both freshwater fishing and canoe rentals. The section near Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park is particularly productive and peaceful.

For saltwater fishing without the boat costs, the Indian Bayou area near Fort Walton Beach provides excellent shore fishing. Local bait shops will give you specific recommendations based on the season and what’s running.

LaRd’s Marina in Shalimar isn’t just for boat owners: they rent equipment and offer guided fishing trips at military discounts. The staff knows exactly where fish are biting and will set you up for success.

Community Centers and Recreation Most People Miss

The Emerald Coast Conference Center in Fort Walton Beach hosts everything from craft fairs to antique shows throughout the year. Entry fees are minimal, and it’s a great way to connect with the local community while finding unique items.

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport isn’t just for flights: they host an annual air show and static displays that are free to attend. Kids love seeing the aircraft up close, and it’s a great way to appreciate the military aviation history of the area.

Northwest Florida State College in Niceville offers community classes, cultural events, and sports programs that are open to military families. Their Mattie Kelly Arts Center features professional performances at much lower prices than you’d find in major cities.

Local Shopping Gems Beyond Tourist Traps

McEwen Shopping Center in Niceville provides everything from grocery stores to specialty shops without the tourist markup. The Bealls Outlet here consistently offers quality clothing at prices that work with military budgets.

Crestview Commons features a mix of chain stores and local businesses, including Books-A-Million where kids can participate in story time events, and Academy Sports + Outdoors for all your recreation needs.

Downtown Fort Walton Beach has been revitalized in recent years with local boutiques, cafes, and art galleries. The Boardroom offers board game nights, and Marker 1 Marina provides waterfront dining without Destin prices.

For military families who enjoy farmers markets, Niceville Farmers Market operates Saturday mornings and features local produce, homemade goods, and often live music. Prices are reasonable, and vendors frequently offer military discounts.

Year-Round Outdoor Activities

Blackwater River State Park sits about 30 minutes northeast of the bases and offers some of the clearest water in Florida for swimming, tubing, and canoeing. The river maintains comfortable temperatures most of the year, making it perfect for families who want water activities without beach crowds.

Point Washington State Forest provides over 15,000 acres of hiking and biking trails. The Eastern Lake Trail is particularly family-friendly and connects to Grayton Beach State Park: but most visitors never venture into the forest section.

Gulf Islands National Seashore extends beyond the popular beach areas into wilderness sections perfect for camping, hiking, and wildlife photography. Naval Live Oaks Area near Gulf Breeze offers historical significance along with natural beauty.

Community Events That Build Connections

Crestview Fall Festival happens annually in October and features local vendors, live music, and activities specifically designed for military families. It’s where you’ll meet neighbors and discover local businesses that offer military discounts.

Niceville Wine and Food Festival provides upscale dining experiences at community event prices. Local restaurants participate, giving you a chance to sample cuisine you might not otherwise try.

Fort Walton Beach Landing hosts regular outdoor concerts and festivals throughout the year. The waterfront location provides natural entertainment for kids while adults enjoy live music and local food vendors.

Getting Connected: Military Spouse Networks

Hurlburt Field Spouses Club and Eglin Spouses Club both maintain active Facebook groups and host regular events. These organizations go beyond typical spouse activities to include professional development, volunteer opportunities, and genuine friendship building.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) groups meet at several local churches and welcome military families regardless of religious affiliation. They provide childcare during meetings and often organize family activities.

Making the Most of Your Assignment

The key to discovering these hidden perks is getting involved locally rather than just staying within military circles. Join community Facebook groups, attend city council meetings, and shop at local businesses. Most locals are genuinely excited to share their favorite spots with military families.

Military families who embrace the local community often find that their “temporary” assignment to Eglin or Hurlburt becomes a place they want to call home permanently. The combination of military amenities, natural beauty, and genuine community connection creates a quality of life that’s hard to find elsewhere.

When you’re ready to explore military relocation options or want to discuss the local housing market, I’m here to help you find not just a house, but a true home in this