Base Survival Guide: Eglin Air Force Base + Hurlburt Air Base

February 16, 2024

This base survival guide is brought to you by Lindsey Tanner and me! Lindsey was raised in an Air Force household. She also served in the Air Force herself. In 2017, she married into the Army. Her husband, Clay, is part of the EOD community. They have twin boys and a dog and are currently stationed at Eglin. Lindsey is actually from the Eglin area and considers it her hometown. She loves being back! Fun fact: her boys were born at the same exact hospital on Eglin that she was born at. Full circle moment! I'm a Marine Corps EOD wife and fun fact, my husband and Lindsey's husband went to EOD school together!

What's the weather like at this base?

Humid and hot!

It can be really hot and sticky in the summer, but the fall and winter are crisp and beautiful.

What's your favorite time of year there?

Spring is the best time of the year here in Florida!

I'd have to say fall and spring are my favorite times of the year.

What's your favorite thing about living at this duty station?

The area is extremely military and family friendly.

I love how close the beaches are, they're beautiful! It's also a slower pace of life, which I love. If you like to explore and travel, there's a lot within a close proximity.

What's your least favorite thing about living at this duty station?

Traffic in the summertime, Mosquitos, and humidity.

The traffic jams with the snow birds can be really bad. I also hate that to get to Destin you have to either pay a toll every time, or go WAY out of your way around. The mosquitos and other bugs can be awful too and because of the humidity mold grows easily.

Is there anything you wish you knew about this duty station before your PCS there?

Be prepared for loud aircraft flyovers.

I wish I knew how easily mold and mildew grew. Also the bugs...the bugs are everywhere.

What amenities are on base? And what are they like? For example: Is the commissary large or small? Well stocked? Pool on base? Parks? How many? Etc.

Outdoor Recreation is amazing! They provide a ton of outdoor rentals. You can rent out their pontoon boats and go to Crab Island. The commissary is big and fully stocked. The BX has downsized, which is a bummer! It's nothing too impressive honestly. There's a pool on base and two gyms. There are also multiple tracks throughout the base for running and walking. There's a private beach area on the base called Post'l Point (great for taking the kids, less crowded).

What tips or hacks would you give a military spouse who just PCSed to that base?

Totally random but helpful! If you plan to live off base and are buying a house, make sure the roof is less than 15 years old. Florida has a new law where all roofs must be replaced if older than 15 years old. Insurance companies can refuse coverage.

Get out! Make friends in your husband's unit or outside the unit. Base spouse pages are a great place to start. I'd also recommend exploring and enjoying the many beaches there are!

Do you live on or off base? What is/was your experience like?

We live off base in Niceville. We love living close to all the stores and restaurants.

When we lived there we lived in Niceville. We had a small, quiet neighborhood that was great for walking with the kids.

For on base housing:

JNCO housing in Hidden Oaks Community (Eglin)

SNCO housing in Warrior Landing Community (Eglin)

Hurlburt housing

For off base housing:

Niceville

Crestview

Fort Walton Beach

What are your favorite hang out spots on base? Why?

Post'l Point is our favorite spot to hangout on base. It's a small beach area on the base where you can soak up the sun and go swimming! A great way to avoid the crowded Destin beaches.

Did you do a DITY move or military move?

Military move.

Are there any base specific traditions that take place? What is the culture like?

The culture of the base is very family centered! They host a Gate To Gate Memorial Run every year in May.

Are there any base FB pages, bloggers, or accounts/websites people should follow for the base or area?

There are a ton of Facebook pages for the area. Eglin & Hurlburt Military Spouses.

Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field PCS Pay-it-Forward.

What is your favorite coffee shop there? Why? What is your favorite order?

Starbucks. There's a Starbucks on Eglin at the BX and there's one in Niceville. There is also a Tango 3 Coffee in Bluewater & Black Rifle Coffee Company in Niceville.

What are your favorite spots for date night?

Destin is great for date nights! You can visit Baytowne Wharf, Harbor Boardwalk, AMC Movie Theater at the Destin Commons, and Mini Golf.

McGuire's Irish Pub is also a fun place to go.

What are your favorite restaurants? What is your go to order?

McGuires Irish Pub in Destin. Their steaks are great and they have live music. We also love Cracklings in Destin for breakfast and brunch. I love their french toast and hot cocoa!

Are there any fun things to do in the area or close to base like amusements parks etc?

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and Big Kahuna's Water Park in Destin. There is also a zoo in Gulf Breeze. You could also make the drive down to Orlando to Walt Disney World which is about a 6 hour drive.