Start with where you are staying
Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island are west of Destin. Staying near downtown or on the island? Picking up at VPS or in Fort Walton Beach can save you a long drive in the wrong direction. If you’re staying in Destin, Miramar Beach, or Sandestin, compare a nearby branch with VPS and include the cost and time of getting there.
Pick up at VPS
If you’re flying in, picking up at the airport is usually the simplest option: the rental counters are near baggage claim, and you can head out once you have your bags. Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island are closer than Destin. See our VPS airport rental guide.
Pick up in Fort Walton Beach
A Fort Walton Beach branch may make sense if you’re already in town or extending your stay. Several are along Eglin Parkway and Beal Parkway. Before booking, check whether the branch can pick you up and when it closes; many don’t stay open around the clock.
Pick up closer to Destin
If you only need a car for part of your trip, you could take a shuttle or rideshare to Destin and pick one up there. Just include that first ride in your budget, and plan how you’ll get back to VPS on departure day. For current locations, check the rental company’s own store locator.
Roads and tolls that change the decision
- U.S. 98 / Miracle Strip Parkway: Runs along the coast between Fort Walton Beach and Destin. Traffic can slow down in busy season.
- State Road 85 / Eglin Parkway: The main route north and south from VPS toward Fort Walton Beach.
- Mid-Bay Bridge / Spence Parkway (SR 293): A toll route across Choctawhatchee Bay toward Destin. The published two-axle rates are $4 cash or $3 with SunPass for the bridge, and $2 Toll-By-Plate or $1.50 with SunPass for the parkway.
Before you choose, compare
- Your flight arrival time and the branch’s hours
- The full airport price versus the city price plus your ride there
- How often you plan to drive between Destin and Fort Walton Beach
- Tolls and how the rental company bills them
- How you’ll return the car on departure day
For more help, see the Fort Walton Beach car rental guide and the rental price guide.