Fort Walton Beach, FL Hotels

THE EMERALD COAST
Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island

The Emerald Coast features 24 miles (38 km) of alluring sugar white sands and sparkling emerald green waters. Encompassing the southern sea towns of Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island, the Emerald Coast boasts the most breathtakingly beautiful beaches. Every year vacationers flock to the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” to enjoy spirited seaside celebrations, links of great championship golf and undeniably fresh seafood.

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.

Many miracles of nature caress Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island.  The underwater 100 Fathom Curve draws closer to Destin than to any other spot in Florida – creating the speediest deep-water access on the Gulf. This phenomenon makes the area the “Billfish Capital of the World” with a world record catch of 1,061 lbs. and an area of sensational seafood offering over four times more types of fresh fish per season. Freshwater fishing throughout the area is plentiful, reeling in catfish, bass and bream.

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.

Other outdoor pursuits are explored within two pristine wilderness preservations. Blackwater River State Forest and Eglin Reservation offer tubing and canoeing down crystal-clear rivers, and camping and hiking amid acres of pine, hickory and maple. Horseback riding also showcases 200 acres of lush landscape. Amusement parks are popular family fun with dune buggy races, bumper boats, water parks and slides and putt-putt golf.

A collection of area attractions 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. Patriotic pleasure is found at the U.S. Air Force Armament Museum. Although somewhat riddled with bombs, it is one of only three American museums dedicated to the display of Air Force weaponry. It spans four wars with 25 planes – including the reconnaissance SR-71 “Blackbird” Spy Plane – and 5,000 other items of interest.

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

From peg-legged, patch-eyed pirates and kaleidoscope-colored sailing regattas to scrumptious seaside seafood fests, Native American celebrations and awesome angling adventures in the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” more than 400 annual special events guarantee a continuous calendar of fun. Beach town bashes range from the Billy Bowlegs Festival and Mardi Gras celebration to the month-long October Destin Fishing Rodeo and Emerald Coast Boat Week including the famous Poker Run.