Princess Beach takes its name from the Island Princess condominium development in Fort Walton Beach, situated on Okaloosa Island along Florida's Emerald Coast between Panama City and Pensacola in Okaloosa County. The region's ancient history traces to the Fort Walton Culture mound-building civilization that flourished approximately 1100–1550 CE, evolving from Weeden Island culture through contact with major Mississippian centers, representing northwest Florida's most complex prehistoric culture. Spanish explorer Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca's party became the first Europeans reaching what is now Okaloosa County in 1528, traveling by boat from Panama City Beach. Okaloosa County formed in 1915 from eastern Santa Rosa County and western Walton County ranges, with the name meaning 'black water' in Choctaw language. Fort Walton itself began as Camp Walton, an 1861 Confederate Army fortified post manned by the Walton Guards. The community officially changed from Fort Walton to Fort Walton Beach on June 15, 1953, by state legislature agreement, incorporating Tower Beach portions of Santa Rosa Island into the growing Emerald Coast resort destination.
Swimming in pristine white quartz-sand beaches and warm emerald-green Gulf waters provides exceptional recreation on Okaloosa Island, a favorite among visitors offering clear conditions perfect for sunbathing year-round. The Island Resort features the Emerald Coast's only swim-up bar for unique beach experiences. Snorkeling and diving reveal underwater Gulf ecosystems in the crystal-clear emerald waters. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing attract water sports enthusiasts enjoying the calm Gulf conditions. The Boardwalk welcomes sandy toes and salty swimsuits with shopping treasures and restaurants. Lounging on cool quartz-sand beaches that remain comfortable despite intense sunshine draws beachgoers seeking relaxation. The beach proximity to Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park offers families opportunities to see turtles, dolphins, seals, penguins, stingrays, and alligators. Fresh 'Gulf-to-table' seafood dining, beachside burgers, and award-winning craft beer complement beach recreation along Fort Walton Beach's stunning Emerald Coast shoreline between Destin and Pensacola.
The Bay Cafe stands as one of Florida's Emerald Coast finest restaurants, earning acclaim beyond Fort Walton Beach. Stewby's Seafood Shanty provides casual atmosphere with fresh seafood dishes characteristic of the region's Gulf fishing heritage. The Crab Trap offers delicious seafood with stunning ocean views from its waterfront location. The Boardwalk features incredible restaurant selection welcoming beachgoers directly from the sand and surf. Restaurants throughout Fort Walton Beach serve fresh Gulf catches, representing the area's commercial fishing traditions. The Island Resort's dining establishments provide both casual and upscale options showcasing Emerald Coast culinary culture. The concentration of waterfront dining combined with pristine white-sand beaches and emerald-green waters establishes Fort Walton Beach as a premier Emerald Coast destination, offering the complete Florida Panhandle beach experience between Panama City and Pensacola along Okaloosa County's Gulf shoreline.
