Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Crestview, FL

  • Published 2022/09/27

Crestview, known as the “Hub City,” is a central transportation hub since it lies at the crossroads of Interstate 10, U.S. Route 90, State Road 85, and the Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad.

The town of Crestview got its name because it sits atop a long forested ridge between the Yellow and Shoal rivers.

Historically, it was known as the “Icebox of Florida” because its elevated location helped cause the harshest winters in the state.

The 7th Special Forces Group of the United States Army made Crestview their home in 2005.

They are located about six miles south of Crestview on the northern side of the Eglin Air Force Base reservation.

Get ready to do the best things in Crestview, Florida!

Feed the Fish, Ducks, and Turtles at the Twin Hills Park

The Twin Hills Park covers 24 acres, found off East Highway 90.

Twin Hills Park is conveniently situated in the heart of the city.

There are two ponds with paths around them, gazebos, multiple pavilions with picnic tables, a beach volleyball court, and basketball and tennis courts.

There’s something for everyone, from a water park to a strolling route.

There is also a community center, a children’s playground, and a dog park.

In Twin Hills Park, you can also check out sports fields for football, soccer, and basketball.

There are a lot of trees, shade, and lovely views among the abundant vegetation.

It is a fantastic spot for some quiet reflection or a picnic.

The ducks, fish, and turtles love people feeding them from the covered dock.

Play Ball at the Crestview Spanish Trail Park

Crestview is home to various developments, including the 26-acre Crestview Spanish Trail Park.

Located on Stillwell Boulevard just off North Ferdon Boulevard, this park is easily accessible.

The park is peaceful and well-maintained, ideal for younger children to play.

It is also the location of old Spanish Tail, a historical site in Crestview.

In addition, the park hosts a soccer league in the fall and features a softball complex for adults.

Aside from the two softball fields, the park also features a senior center, grills, restrooms, and a pavilion.

The park’s other large undeveloped area serves as the setting for many events, such as the annual fair, baseball games, private rentals, and community gatherings year round.

In addition, there is a farmer’s market, some public facilities, and a tiny playground for kids to enjoy.

The Crestview Spanish Trail Park also hosts senior exercise classes in their facilities.

Visit the Carver-Hill Museum

In the early 1950s, the Okaloosa Negro Civic Club constructed a park for the local community.

Mrs. Caroline Baker Allen established the Carver-Hill Museum, which holds the most extensive collection of artifacts from Okaloosa’s African American history.

The Carver-Hill Memorial and Historical Society, Inc. runs the expanded and renovated facility at McClelland St. Crestview.

The Carver-Hill Museum not only offers museum visits but also hosts numerous citywide events in Crestview.

One such commemorative event is the Carver-Hill May Day Festival and Museum Day.

Enjoy some food and drinks while watching your children engage in amateur sports.

They also organize a procession for residents.

It’s a day to honor and reflect on the past, present, and future of this remarkable museum and Crestview’s Historic Carver-Hill High School.

Try Disc Golf at Countryview Park

One of the newest parks to join the Crestview Parks and Recreation system is Countryview Park.

It is a beautiful little park with activity areas and a playground for the kids.

This grassy 33-acre facility features a playground, covered picnic pavilion, restrooms, and drinking fountains.

The fenced-in field is perfect for kids, dogs, and adults to run around and play on.

The disc golf course here is about 2.7 miles long, so plan accordingly.

Since the driving surfaces are turf and not concrete, they may become flooded after a downpour.

Park visitors can access the facility through Northview Drive, west of Jeffryscot Drive.

Residents of the Countryview Subdivision and the southern part of Crestview can take pride in Countryview Park as a neighborhood attraction.

Relax and Enjoy at Allen Park

Allen Park is one of the best areas in the city to take the kids to play in the park with the fresh air and natural scenery.

Located on McClelland Street, this eight-acre leisure complex features a picnic area, children’s playground, outdoor basketball court, softball field, and a youth activity center.

Young people can enjoy a safe space to play pool and other table games, watch TV, complete homework, or hang out while getting adult supervision.

The water park is fantastic, especially for youngsters.

They also provide a free weekly Line Dancing class every Wednesday, which is a lot of fun.

In addition, the park features a beautiful track for walking or running, a covered workout area, covered picnic tables, and a splash pad for use during the summer months.

Unwind at Beaver Creek Park

Beaver Creek Park is a great place to go if you’re looking for a cozy and quiet spot to unwind.

The John King Road area residents can enjoy a peaceful respite at Beaver Creek Park, located at the end of the cul-de-sac on Mill Pond Cove.

It’s a nice place to bring the family for a picnic, as there are BBQ grills and a little pond for fishing.

Enjoy a family picnic in the late afternoon after a long day of work.

You can also take the kids fishing, although the ponds often overgrow with hydrilla and lilypads.

Play Baseball at the Durell Lee Park

Durell Lee Park is one of Northwest Florida’s best kids’ baseball and softball venues.

This ten-acre park includes a regulation T-ball field, three baseball/softball fields, a concession stand, and a press box structure.

The fields are well-maintained and well-lit, perfect for night games.

However, only bench seats are available, and there is no shelter for spectators.

Fortunately, the team dugouts are covered, so your kids can receive some shade.

If you are not interested in baseball or softball, you can utilize the park for running or walking.

Durell Lee Park is on First Avenue, which you can reach via Valley Road or Brackin Street.

See the Animals at Emerald Coast Zoo

Get up close and personal with sloths, kangaroos, lemurs, and bears, among many other animals, at the Emerald Coast Zoo.

In addition, you can feed giraffes, zebras, and parakeets.

Watch the majestic lion eat its prey in front of a live audience every day at noon.

You can get up close and personal with an alligator, ride a camel, and feed the birds.

Check out Rick the Reptile Guy and his family, who are regulars at the zoo.

They also have a great gift shop where you may find one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

You can find the Emerald Coast Zoo at Deer Springs Drive, Crestview.

Try Sports Shooting at Shoal River Shooting Center

Shoal River Shooting Center is a great option if you want to shake things up.

Shoal River Shooting Center is an excellent target practice range.

Set against a backdrop of pine and scrub oak, the 73-acre Shoal River is a beautiful location to try out shooting.

Anyone, from a seasoned pro to a novice, can use this range to hone their shooting skills.

You are assured of a fun time visiting one of their shooting ranges.

They have excellent service and reasonable prices.

In addition, their sporting goods store has a large variety of firearms and shooting accessories for both new and pre-owned firearms.

You may find them at East Highway, Crestview.

Play a Round of Golf at Blackstone Country Club

Blackstone Golf Course, located in the heart of Walton County, Florida, features 18 holes of spectacular golf, superb amenities, and outstanding service.

The golf course is tricky, but the speed of play is satisfactory.

Since it has earned renown as one of the top courses in the area, Blackstone Golf Course has become a local landmark.

Although a round of golf at Blackstone will challenge your skills, you will appreciate the tranquil setting.

Typical of Florida’s courses, the layout has a variety of elevation variations and sloping fairways because of the environment.

Their fairways, water hazards, and sand traps will put your aim to the test and help you hone your golfing skills.

You get a lot of bang for your buck at the Blackstone Country Club.

Go Fishing at Shoal River Wayside Park

Just south of Crestview, Florida, off Highway 85, you’ll find the beautiful 5.5-acre Shoal River, Wayside Park.

The park is well-kept and has a boat ramp on the Shoal River.

Likewise, it has clean facilities, handicap parking, eight picnic pavilions with garbage cans, and playground equipment for the kids.

This rest spot is a pleasant small oasis in the countryside.

Before launching your boat or casting your line, you can prepare grilled food at one of their Pavillions.

The lawn is regularly cut to maintain its neat look.

Mosquitoes can be an issue during certain times of the year, so pack some bug spray before visiting Shoal River Wayside Park.

Other Things To Do Nearby

Go Back in Time at Baker Block Museum

Exterior of the Baker Block Museum

Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Baker Block Museum is an impressive museum showcasing regional artifacts.

Located in Baker, Florida, the Baker Block Museum is a local history and genealogy museum focusing on the history of the Florida Panhandle, particularly that of Okaloosa County.

You can find numerous past artifacts within the park’s old structures.

The park features a post office, mill, log cabin, blacksmith shop, corn crib, and outhouse as part of its history park, which also features antiques, tools, and period displays.

There was also an assortment of vintage garments, uniforms, and exhibitions.

Facade of the Baker Block Museum

Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Shop for a one-of-a-kind souvenir or thoughtful present in the gift shop.

In 1992, Jeanette and Charles Henderson created the North Okaloosa Historical Association, Inc., which serves as the museum’s benefactor.

Its purpose is to teach people about the evolution of technology and the significance of past events.

For example, learn about the arrival of the Spanish, the influence of Native American culture, the growth of the railroad industry, and the establishment of the United States military.

The Baker Block Museum is 13 minutes from Crestview.

Learn to Ride Horses at Palmer Riding Academy

Palmer Riding Academy is an outstanding equestrian center that recently expanded to serve the communities of Fort Walton Beach, Holt, Baker, Milton, and Crestview.

You can find the academy in Holt, Florida, 14 minutes from Crestview.

The proprietors of Palmer Riding Academy focus on making their riders’ time with the horses rewarding and enjoyable.

You may count on the different trainers to cater to your horse’s specific needs.

Each horse receives loving attention from the owners, experts in all things related to horseback riding.

They also have horse camps and overnight camps during the summer.

Enjoy reasonably priced lessons, making them accessible to everyone interested.

Your kids won’t have a dull moment here, as there are competitions throughout the year.

Go for a Ride at Reichert Performance Horses

Reichert Performance Horses is the place to go if you want a one-of-a-kind experience on horseback.

Reichert Performance Horses stands out among the many great stables in the Trawick Creek Road area.

The trainers consistently go above and beyond for their customers and the horses in their care.

They are very competent expert stable who caters to riders of all experience levels.

In addition, they offer a calisthenics-focused pyramid training and riding program.

This ensures that the emotional and physical well-being of all horses is maintained.

This program caters to each horse and rider’s individual needs and skill level in training.

You can find this stable in Holt, 17 minutes from Crestview.

Watch the Rodeo at Baker Arena

The Baker Arena is a fantastic venue for exciting and entertaining events.

It is an excellent venue for dog and horse shows.

Baker Arena hosts numerous working cow events, community meetings, weddings and reunions, and horse exhibitions.

During the spring, this campground hosts the Baker Area Rodeo.

The venue features two arenas, 196 stalls, refreshment kiosks, and 29 RV sites with water and electricity.

They provide a warm ambiance in a scenic setting on Hwy 4, designed for your safety, security, and enjoyment.

Check out the recreation center, a walking route, an archery range, a playground, and picnic tables.

You can find Baker Arena in Baker, 12 minutes from Crestview.

Grab a Bite at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is a great place to grab a bite and unwind after a day of sightseeing in Crestview.

Easily accessible from exit 56 on Interstate 10, this Cracker Barrel offers consistently superb home-style cooking.

A fireplace and exciting Americana adorn the walls of one section of the eatery.

All vehicle sizes, including RVs and tractor trailers, can park here without a problem.

The Cracker Barrel Old Country Store also has a well-stocked souvenir shop inside.

Final Thoughts

Crestview offers plenty of opportunities for nature lovers and those who want tranquility.

Main Street is also home to several excellent dining establishments, antique shops, jewelry stores, and other unique wares.

Plan your trip today and discover the best things to do in Crestview, Florida!

© All rights reserved.