FLORIDA PLACES AND DESTINATIONS:
FORT WALTON BEACH

Fort Walton Beach Florida

Part of the area known as The Emerald Coast the southern sea town of Fort Walton Beach offers a collection of area attractions that celebrate simplicity with fun “flip-flop” museums and amusements from marine to military.

Florida’s Gulfarium hosts everything from 600-pound (270kg) gray seals to two-ounce (56g) clown fish in 14 intriguing exhibits. The crowd-pleasing “Dolphin Show” features Bottlenose Dolphins jumping 18 feet (540 cm) above the water’s surface.

The Indian Temple Mound Museum and Park – guarded by the largest ancient (1400 A.D.) mound – journeys through 10,000 years of over 6,000 ceramic artifacts from four prehistoric tribes and is America’s most extensive collection.




Also in Fort Walton Beach, for more whimsical fun, the Emerald Coast Science Center is a child’s science fantasy, filled with interactive experiences and kid’s educational displays enjoyable for any age.

Although the preferred activity in this laid back slice of Florida’s upper Gulf coast is “relaxing and doing as little as possible,” visitors also enjoy teeing off on 1,080 challenging holes of famous golf, fishing from Florida’s largest charter boat fleet for the elusive big blue, sailing in the emerald-flecked surf and sun bronzing on white powdered shores.

Undoubtedly the most mesmerizing distraction on the Emerald Coast is the combination of sun-bleached, shocking white shores, stretching 24 miles like ribboning white satin, with rich, emerald-jeweled waters. Sprawling shores provide seating for performances by dancing dolphins and sandpipers, as well as postcard-perfect sunrises and sunsets over the Gulf – all compliments of Mother Nature. More than 60 percent of the area’s beaches will be preserved forever in sweeping, virgin purity. (Beware – the reflection of the white sands makes sunglasses and substantial sunscreen a must.)

Active adventures begin at the beach. Although the sugary shores are swept bare, about a mile out, an aquarium of treasures from sea horses to cockles, clams and striped cowries are discovered. Exceptional snorkeling and diving are possible close inshore – a rarity – due to the underwater 100 Fathom Curve. Pontooning, parasailing, waterskiing, sailing and windsurfing are additional Gulf and Choctawhatchee Bay water escapades.

Photo: Visit Florida