Brooks Bridge
A vital connector undergoing a major transformation, Brooks Bridge links Fort Walton Beach to Okaloosa Island, with a new structure replacing the old.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and construction
Brooks Bridge
Best Time
Beat the crowds and construction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vital connector undergoing a major transformation, Brooks Bridge links Fort Walton Beach to Okaloosa Island, with a new structure replacing the old.
"It is a squat, gray, generically named, ugly little bridge with no sidewalks or room for cyclists."
🚗 Check Traffic Before You Go
Construction can cause delays. Use traffic apps for real-time updates. :red_car:
🚶♀️ Explore the Boardwalk
Great for a stroll with shops and dining. Beautiful at night! :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Brooks Bridge Replacement Project
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Witness a significant infrastructure project as the old bridge makes way for a modern, wider structure.
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Okaloosa Island Boardwalk
Okaloosa Island
Enjoy a scenic walk with shops, restaurants, and stunning nighttime beach views. Free and family-friendly.
Bridge to Bridge Multi-Use Path
Okaloosa Island to Crab Island
Cycle or walk this new path connecting Brooks Bridge to Crab Island, offering scenic coastal views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Construction Zone Ahead
+1Beyond the Bridge
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Check Traffic Before You Go
Construction can cause delays. Use traffic apps for real-time updates.
🚶♀️ Explore the Boardwalk
Great for a stroll with shops and dining. Beautiful at night! :walking:
📸 Capture the Old Bridge
The original Brooks Bridge is being replaced; get photos before it's gone!
🚲 Ride the New Path
The Bridge to Bridge path offers great views for cyclists and walkers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Check Traffic Before You Go
Construction can cause delays. Use traffic apps for real-time updates.
🚶♀️ Explore the Boardwalk
Great for a stroll with shops and dining. Beautiful at night! :walking:
📸 Capture the Old Bridge
The original Brooks Bridge is being replaced; get photos before it's gone!
🚲 Ride the New Path
The Bridge to Bridge path offers great views for cyclists and walkers.
🍔 Try Local Eats
TOPS offers great burgers, and East Pass Coffee Co. has acai bowls. +1 :hamburger:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for Brooks Bridge are mixed, with many focusing on its functional, albeit uninspired, design and the ongoing construction. While some appreciate its practical purpose and the new multi-use path, others find it aesthetically lacking and a symbol of generic urban development. The presence of homeless individuals underneath the bridge is also noted by some visitors.
"This bridge is as bare minimum as it gets without breaking the law. The design achieves the goal it sets out for, that is to say, it is up to code and allows for the movement of vehicles, where the bridge fails however is in its lack of any sort of creative flair. Think of all the great bridges of the world, The Golden Gate Bridge, Tower Bridge, The Brooklyn Bridge, etc. While obviously the practical purpose of these bridges was the foremost consideration during their construction, they still look nice. They were made for people to actually take notice of rather than being a mere unfeeling extension of the road. Is Brooks Bridge pretty? Does Brooks Bridge feel welcoming? Is anyone ever going to excitedly inform their friends that they went over Brooks Bridge? No. It is a squat, gray, generically named, ugly little bridge with no sidewalks or room for cyclists. It is a perfect encapsulation of the urban hell the United States is becoming. It was designed for people who can afford cars, with no attention to the enjoyment of its users, contains no beauty, and its blueprints were probably approved by old men in a meeting room somewhere who will never actually drive on it."
Colin Keohane
"It's under construction. I don't really recommend touring this area right now"
Keith Benson
"Clean fun fishing how's about that"
Kevin Kesinger
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Brooks Bridge is located in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, connecting the mainland to Okaloosa Island. Access may be affected by ongoing construction, so it's best to check local traffic advisories.
Information on public transport directly serving the bridge area is limited. Driving is the most common way to access the bridge and surrounding attractions.
The bridge is a key artery connecting US Highway 98 to Okaloosa Island. Expect detours and potential delays due to the replacement project.
Parking availability can vary due to construction. The Okaloosa Island Boardwalk area offers parking, but it may be busy.
The Brooks Bridge is undergoing a major replacement project. While the old bridge is still in use, expect significant construction activity and potential lane closures.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, crossing Brooks Bridge is free. It's a public roadway connecting Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island.
The Okaloosa Island Boardwalk itself is free to access. Individual shops and restaurants will have their own pricing.
Brooks Bridge is a public roadway and is open 24/7. However, construction may lead to temporary lane closures or detours.
The new Brooks Bridge is designed with wider lanes and a multi-use path, accommodating pedestrians and cyclists.
The Bridge to Bridge Multi-Use Path is free to use for walking and cycling.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Besides observing the construction, you can enjoy the beaches on Okaloosa Island, explore the boardwalk, and dine at local eateries. +2
Yes, especially to capture the historic bridge before its demolition and the ongoing construction. The surrounding coastline also offers scenic photo opportunities.
The original Brooks Bridge was a historic structure, and its replacement is a significant event for the area. Some locals have even gotten tattoos of the old bridge.
Okaloosa Island is generally considered laid-back, with beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, appealing to those who aren't looking for a party scene.
While the bridge itself is safe, some reviews mention an abundance of homeless individuals living underneath the bridge, though they are generally reported to keep to themselves. [^Review]
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
TOPS is recommended for greasy burgers, and East Pass Coffee Co. offers acai bowls and harvest bowls. Many other restaurants are available on Okaloosa Island. +1
Yes, many establishments on Okaloosa Island cater to families, offering a variety of dining options.
Absolutely. The Okaloosa Island Boardwalk and surrounding areas have numerous casual dining spots and quick-service restaurants. +1
While not directly on the bridge, many restaurants on Okaloosa Island offer beautiful views of the water.
Seafood is popular, but you'll also find American classics, burgers, and various international options. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the old bridge before it's gone, the construction progress, and the scenic views from the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk.
Yes, the beaches on Okaloosa Island offer beautiful sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico.
Drone footage can capture the scale of the bridge replacement project and the coastal landscape. Always check local drone regulations.
Documenting the demolition of the old bridge and the construction of the new one offers a unique, time-sensitive photographic opportunity.
Early morning and late afternoon offer softer light, while nighttime provides a different perspective with the boardwalk lights.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the bridge construction might be a point of interest, focus on the recreational aspects of the island. The Bridge to Bridge Multi-Use Path is also a fun, safe option for families to explore on bikes or on foot.
Remember to check for local events like fireworks, which are sometimes offered for free. 🚗 Budget Travelers
Observing the Brooks Bridge replacement project itself is a free activity, offering a unique glimpse into local infrastructure development.
+1 Consider packing your own snacks and drinks for beach days to save on expenses. Many accommodations in the area can also be more budget-friendly compared to prime Destin locations. 📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 Capture the scale of the project from various angles, perhaps utilizing drone footage (check local regulations). The surrounding coastal scenery, especially during sunrise and sunset, also provides stunning backdrops. Beyond the bridge, the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk at night offers vibrant lighting for urban-style shots, while the beaches provide classic Florida coastal imagery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Brooks Bridge Replacement Project
+1The project involves extensive construction, which has been a visible part of the landscape for some time. Travelers can expect ongoing work, potential traffic disruptions, and detours. Social media content often captures the scale of this engineering feat, with creators documenting the progress and the eventual demolition of the old bridge.
+1While the construction is a major focus, the new bridge is also designed with enhanced features for cyclists and pedestrians, including a multi-use path that connects to other recreational routes, such as the Bridge to Bridge Multi-Use Path. This aims to create a more integrated and accessible transportation network for the community.
Exploring Okaloosa Island and Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach provides a more local feel, with a mix of residential areas and commercial centers. Visitors can find diverse dining options, from casual burger joints like TOPS to cafes offering healthy bowls.
For those seeking a laid-back vibe, Okaloosa Island is often described as more relaxed than some of its more bustling neighbors, making it ideal for couples and families looking for a less intense vacation experience.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit