Attractions and Places To See around Hurlburt Field - Top 6

The area offers several historical sites. You can explore the Air Force Armament Museum, which is dedicated to air force armaments. Additionally, the Hurlburt Field Memorial Air Park showcases the heritage of the Air Force Special Operations Command with iconic aircraft and memorials. Nearby, the Heritage Park & Cultural Center in Fort Walton Beach provides a comprehensive look into the region's past, including the ancient Indian Temple Mound.

Yes, the region is known for its natural beauty. You can enjoy scenic views from Brooks Bridge, which crosses the Intracoastal Waterway and offers a pedestrian path. Fort Walton Landing Park also provides excellent waterfront views with its boardwalk along the water. Beyond these, the Emerald Coast boasts stunning white sand beaches and emerald green waters, and Hurlburt Field itself includes protected wetlands and the Santa Rosa Sound, home to diverse aquatic species.

The area around Hurlburt Field is great for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find trails like Carbo and Stinky Creek Trail, which are popular for mountain biking and offer a good mix of terrain. For running, there are several routes available, including loops from Hurlburt Field, Fort Walton Landing Park, and Brooks Bridge. You can find more details on these activities in the Running Trails around Hurlburt Field guide.

Absolutely. Several attractions are suitable for families. The Brooks Bridge offers a safe pedestrian path for walks with views. Fort Walton Landing Park is a great spot with pavilions and a boardwalk, perfect for a family outing by the water. The Air Force Armament Museum is also a fascinating and educational experience for all ages.

The Hurlburt Field Memorial Air Park is a significant site dedicated to educating visitors about the rich heritage of the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). It features iconic aircraft like the MC-130P Combat Shadow and the AC47D Spooky, along with the John A. Chapman Medal of Honor Memorial Statue. An upcoming Air Commando Museum will also be located within this airpark, aiming to preserve the stories of the Air Commandos.

The Air Commando Museum is planned to be located within the Hurlburt Field Memorial Air Park. For more information on its development and the Air Commando heritage, you can visit the Air Commando Heritage Foundation website.

For cycling, you'll find trails like Carbo and Stinky Creek Trail, which are categorized as intermediate and feature forest terrain. These trails are suitable for mountain biking and offer a good workout with varied elevation.

Beyond the famous Emerald Coast beaches, Hurlburt Field is unique for its extensive protected wetlands, which make up more than half of its acreage. These wetlands are vital habitats for 16 rare, threatened, and endangered plant and animal species. The area also features swamps, marshes, ponds, and bayous, along with the Santa Rosa Sound, contributing to its rich ecological diversity.

The Heritage Park & Cultural Center in Fort Walton Beach offers a deep dive into the region's history. It includes the Indian Temple Mound Museum, a Civil War exhibit, the Garnier Post Office Museum, and the Schoolhouse Museum. The Fort Walton Temple Mound itself is a National Historic Landmark, dating back to between 800 and 1400 A.D., making it a key site for understanding local indigenous history.

Yes, Hurlburt Field hosts several memorials honoring specific aircrews and operations. These include the Combat Talon Aircrew Memorial, the A-37 Dragonfly Memorial, the AC-119 Gunship Memorial, the U-10A Super Courier, the Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial, and the 1st Air Commando Group B-25 Medium Bomber memorial. These sites provide a place for reflection on military history and service.

Fort Walton Landing Park, located in the heart of Fort Walton Beach, offers some of the best waterfront views in the area. It features several pavilions for relaxation and over 700 feet of boardwalk along the water, making it an ideal spot to enjoy the scenery and perhaps have a picnic.

The Emerald Coast region generally enjoys pleasant weather for outdoor activities for much of the year. Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) typically offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, making them ideal for exploring both historical sites and natural attractions. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are generally mild.

Due to its extensive protected wetlands and proximity to the Santa Rosa Sound, Hurlburt Field is home to a variety of wildlife. The wetlands support 16 rare, threatened, and endangered plant and animal species. Visitors might spot various bird species, aquatic life in the sound, and other native Florida wildlife within the managed natural habitats.