The King Room
A king bed, a loveseat and a work desk. Made for couples, solo travelers and TDY stays.
Fort Walton Beach, the way locals love it
A comfortable, newly refreshed hotel on Highway 98: five minutes from Hurlburt Field and ten from the sugar-white sand of Okaloosa Island.
Plan your stay
Welcome to The Gulf House
Coastal stay. Local soul.
Spend the day on emerald water and sugar-white sand, then come back to a clean, comfortable room. We're five minutes from Hurlburt Field, ten from Okaloosa Island's beaches and an easy drive to Destin.
Stay
Four ways to stay
Clean, comfortable rooms with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and mini fridges. Book direct for our best rate.
The Double Queen Room
Two queen beds in a freshly updated room. Great for families and friends.
The Double King Room
Two king beds and a separate sitting area with a sofa bed. Room for the whole crew.
The Accessible Queen Room
A queen bed and an accessible bathroom with a roll-in shower and grab bars. Tell us your needs and we'll have everything ready.
Open during renovation
Freshening up, one wing at a time
We're renovating The Gulf House in phases while we stay open. Newly finished rooms come online as each wing is done, and you may see crews at work during the day.
On the water
Experiences
Jet skis, pontoon days at Crab Island, sunset dolphin cruises and deep-sea charters. We'll point you to the best of Fort Walton Beach and Destin, and reserve most of it for you.
Between the Sound and the Gulf
A true Fort Walton & Destin retreat
The bridge to Okaloosa Island, the pier at sunset, boats rafted up at Crab Island and fireworks over Destin Harbor. This is the stretch of coast we call home, and it's all a short drive from your room.
Explore the local guide
Hurlburt Field · Eglin AFB
Military & base stays
Here on TDY, PCS orders, or in town for a graduation or change of command? Hurlburt's main gate is about five minutes down Highway 98 and Eglin is about twenty, with extended-stay rates and a Military Appreciation Rate for active duty and retirees.
- Hurlburt Field main gate≈ 5 min
- Eglin AFB west gate≈ 20 min
- Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport≈ 20 min
Offers & rates
Ways to save
Seasonal escapes and special rates for military families, Florida residents and longer stays. Your savings apply automatically when you book.
See all offers
Good to know
Before you arrive
Quick answers to what guests ask most. Anything else, call the front desk at (850) 243-7700.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in starts at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. You can add early check-in or late check-out while you book, subject to availability.
Is the hotel open during the renovation?
Yes. We're renovating in phases and stay open throughout. Work happens during the day and is kept away from occupied rooms whenever possible.
Where are you located?
480 E Miracle Strip Pkwy, Mary Esther, FL 32569, on Highway 98 between downtown Fort Walton Beach and Hurlburt Field. Get directions or see drive times.
Is parking included?
Yes. Free on-site parking. Boat trailers and oversized vehicles, please call ahead.
How far is the beach?
Okaloosa Island's public beaches are about ten minutes east over the Brooks Bridge, and Destin is about twenty to twenty-five.
Are you close to Hurlburt Field and Eglin AFB?
Yes. Hurlburt Field's main gate is about five minutes west on Highway 98, and Eglin's west gate is about twenty minutes. We offer a Military Appreciation Rate and extended stays for TDY and PCS. See military stays.
What is your cancellation policy?
Flexible rates can be cancelled free up to 24 hours before arrival. Advance purchase rates are non-refundable. Holiday weekends may have different terms, shown when you book.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, free Wi-Fi in every room.
Packages & specials
Find the offer that fits your trip
Seasonal savings and exclusive rates, all bookable in a few clicks.
View all offers