| Florida can be a lot to handle sometimes; there's so | | | | perfectly filtered, or you can establish a steady pace |
| much to see and do and so many fantastic beaches | | | | of activity. Rent a boogie board or wave runner, go |
| that it can all add up to be a delightfully overwhelming | | | | parasailing, explore the shore from the seat of a |
| flurry of sun, sand and fun. If you're not afraid to tackle | | | | canoe, or charter a fishing boat. The choices are as |
| this peninsula of perpetual amusements, your next | | | | limitless as the miles of wide open space that spread |
| vacation should definitely center around one of its | | | | before you, so scan the impressive seascape and |
| shining stars. Fort Walton Beach definitely falls into this | | | | breathe a deep sigh of contentment. |
| category, so if you need a break and suspect that | | | | If you want to keep things between you and the Gulf, |
| some time spent on the Emerald Coast would do you | | | | skip the boating options altogether and go snorkeling |
| good, pay attention. | | | | instead. Underwater sightseeing and shelling are both |
| Fort Walton Beach is located on the Florida panhandle | | | | tops on the Emerald Coast thanks to coral reefs, |
| between Pensacola and Destin. The remarkably white | | | | abundant species of colorful and inquisitive fish, and |
| soft sand and jade-tinted water have helped to propel | | | | Timber Hole, a submerged petrified forest. You'll be so |
| this region to the top of many publications' "best | | | | astonished at these unusual sights that you might just |
| beach" lists, as well as the vacation itineraries of | | | | forget to come up for air. |
| thousands of travelers each year. When it comes to | | | | After all this outdoor adventure you might want to |
| gorgeous scenery and enchanting diversions, Fort | | | | freshen yourself up and hit the town. Shopping is a |
| Walton is the cream of the crop. | | | | favorite past time in Florida, so don't worry about there |
| For fun, check out the Gulfarium, the second oldest | | | | being a shortage of souvenir obtaining possibilities. |
| marine park in the country. Dolphin shows will amaze | | | | Dining and entertainment will loosen you up at the end |
| you and make you laugh, as will the sea lions, penguins, | | | | of a sun-filled day and help to create that elusive |
| and turtles. Also worth a look is the Indian Temple | | | | feeling of utter relaxation. |
| Mound and Museum. Six thousand artifacts are | | | | If you've become convinced that a trip to Fort Walton |
| exhibited for your viewing pleasure and educational | | | | Beach would be good for you, go ahead and start |
| benefit, so take a little while to understand Florida's first | | | | planning your escape today. The sooner you begin the |
| inhabitants. The Emerald Coast Science Center is yet | | | | process, the sooner you'll be hanging out on one of the |
| another brain-nourishing opportunity, as it's an | | | | country's finest natural playgrounds, so get started. By |
| interactive wonderland for kids of all ages. These | | | | the way, if you've had one too many mediocre hotel |
| tourist hotspots should keep you busy for a while, but | | | | experiences, consider renting a vacation property this |
| don't stop here... | | | | time. Awesome amenities plus plenty of space equals |
| The beach will of course call you forth each day to | | | | a good time had by all, so do yourself and your family |
| worship its charms, and if you're smart, you'll willingly | | | | a favor and book a condo, beach house, or bungalow. |
| succumb to its siren song. You can either keep it | | | | They tend to exhibit more charm and personality than |
| laid-back by rolling out a beach towel and positioning | | | | the average accommodations, and will surely add a |
| your striped umbrella so as to keep the sun's rays | | | | little spice to an already appetizing getaway. |