Niceville, Florida

Niceville, Florida is a beautiful small town located in Okaloosa County, Florida. The city has a population of around 15,000 people and is named after the early settler John Nice, who hailed from Nice, France. The city has a lot to offer, from beautiful beaches to interesting cultural landmarks. Here are ten places you should visit and five you should avoid.

Places to Visit

1. Bluewater Bay Resort

Bluewater Bay Resort is a standout attraction in Niceville. It has a remarkable golf course, tennis courts, and biking and walking trails that offer visitors a chance to explore the beautiful outdoors. You can also find varied restaurants and shops within the resort.

2. Turkey Creek Nature Trail

The Turkey Creek Nature Trail is a popular hiking and biking trail located along the banks of Turkey Creek. It offers exquisite scenery, and you can even find a natural water slide along the trail.

3. Mattie Kelly Arts Center

The Mattie Kelly Arts Center is an excellent place to enjoy live music and performances from various, amazing artists. You can also take part in educational programs and workshops at the arts center.

4. Lions Park

Lions Park has one of the best playgrounds in the area for young children. The park also has a picnic area, a volleyball court, and a walking track.

5. Destin Harbor Boardwalk

The Destin Harbor Boardwalk is a favorite tourist attraction. Here, you can find restaurants serving fresh seafood, souvenir shops, and even boat tours.

6. Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park

With over 2,000 acres of lush forests, Rocky Bayou State Park is an excellent place for camping, hiking, kayaking, and fishing. You can also find a butterfly garden and wildlife in the park.

7. Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida

The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is a museum that showcases the region’s history. You can find exhibits about the early European settlers, the American Revolution, the Civil War, and more.

8. Henderson Beach State Park

Henderson Beach State Park is one of the most beautiful and serene beaches in the area. With crystal-clear waters and white sand, it’s an excellent place for swimming, sunbathing, and even birdwatching.

9. Niceville Farmers Market

The Niceville Farmers Market is a great place to stop over. It has many vendors selling fresh, local produce, homemade foods, and unique crafts.

10. Twin Oaks Park

Twin Oaks Park is another great place for families. Kids will love the playgrounds, and the park also has a dog park, a skate park, and a large pond with a fountain.

Places to Avoid

1. Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival

Although the festival is famous in the region, it may not be suitable for everyone. It can get loud and crowded, with many people consuming alcoholic beverages.

2. Oak Creek Shopping Center

The Oak Creek Shopping Center has had some security concerns, and incidents of theft occur regularly in the area.

3. Eglin Parkway

Eglin Parkway can be chaotic and stressful due to heavy traffic. It’s best to avoid this area during peak traffic times.

4. The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida (afterhours)

The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is a great place to visit during the day. However, it’s best to avoid it after hours since the area can be isolated, and visitors may not be safe.

5. Niceville Skate Park

The Niceville Skate Park has had some safety concerns in the past. There have been reports of skaters sustaining injuries while using the facilities.

Overview of Niceville, Florida