Fort Walton Beach is an exciting destination for so many reasons! From discovering hidden gems in the area to exploring local attractions like the Gulfarium on Okaloosa Island, you’ll create vacation memories to last a lifetime. If you’re staying for a while, you’ll want to mix in some more accessible activities with the more expensive and exciting ones. Don’t worry, there are plenty of free activities in Destin to explore! One of our favorites is a classic: going to the park! Ross Marler Park is right down the street from our vacation rentals and is the perfect spot for young kids to let out some excess energy.
Where is Ross Marler Park?
Ross Marler Park is located in Fort Walton Beach, just a ten-minute drive from our El Matador vacation rentals. How convenient!
It’s always nice to know there’s a green space somewhere nearby where you can take your kids for a day of fun. They’ll have a blast here! Let’s learn more about what they can get into at the park.
Is There a Playground at Ross Marler Park?
Yes, there’s a brand-new playground at Ross Marler Park! It was unveiled in March of 2025. Your kids will love climbing all over it!
Here, you’ll find everything you’d expect at a playground, with slides, monkey bars, climbing ropes, and more! It also incorporates educational interactive elements to teach kids about marine life and has a whimsical nautical theme.
The new playground was revealed this year! Watch the Ross Marler Park Playground Ribbon Cutting here:
What is There to Do at Ross Marler Park?
There’s plenty to do beyond the playground, too. These are the top things to do at Ross Marler Park!
Fishing
Enjoy fishing off of an ADA-accessible fishing platform! You can catch plenty of fish here, including Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead, and Spanish Mackerel. Keep in mind that anyone over the age of 16 must secure a Florida fishing license before casting a line, though.
Enjoy a Picnic
When it comes time to eat, have a picnic at the park. There’s a covered pavilion here in case of any inclement weather, and plenty of green space to lie down a blanket if you’d prefer. You can also use one of the provided grills if you’re in the mood for some barbecue! Yum.
Go For A Walk
There’s a nice walking trail at the park for everyone to enjoy. It’s a short loop, coming in at just over a half mile (.6 to be exact), but you can still get some steps in before heading to the beach!
Launch Your Boat
Did you bring your boat with you on vacation? If so, you can launch it here! There’s even boat trailer parking if you’re only using the boat for the day.
Book Your Stay in Fort Walton Beach Directly with El Matador!
We can’t wait to see you here in Fort Walton Beach! When you stay with El Matador, you save time, stress, and money by booking your Fort Walton Beach trip directly with us. We have an extensive selection of Fort Walton Beach vacation rentals that will be perfect for your vacation!
Be sure to check out our specials page for any upcoming deals, and remember to book your trip directly with El Matador!