The Best Vacation Beaches Along Florida's Gulf Coast

Florida's Gulf coast is known for its miles ofto the Gulf with the Okaloosa Island annual Mardi Gras
sugar-white beaches, championship golf courses,Celebration and Ball. The celebration includes the
fishing, and endless musings (amusement parks,traditional New Orleans parade, food, beads, bauble
museums, and aquariums). One of the things thatheads, and costume.
makes the coast such a great place to vacation is itsOkaloosa Island, a barrier island separating Fort Walton
great beaches.from the Gulf, makes a nice day trip when vacationing
Orange Beachat the Fort. The beach community offers 24 miles of
Orange Beach is located along the tip of Northwestsand and surf, charter fishing tours, and the Gulfarium
Florida, along Alabama's famous Emerald Coast. Onemarine park, which is the countries second oldest sea
of the greatest parts of Orange Beach is its 30-mileslife exhibit and dolphin/sea lion entertainment
of continuous white sandy beaches and emeraldextravaganza.
shaded waters. When not at the beach, you willFort Walton is also known for its 1,080 holes of
probably find yourself at either the golf course orchampionship quality golf courses.
aboard one of the many saltwater deep sea andPanama City Beach
back bay fishing boat excursions.Panama City does its best to entertain all age groups,
Known as the home of Red Snapper fishing, Orangeand it does this no better than with its famous,
Beach has one of the largest fishing boat fleets in theaward-winning, pristine beaches. Known as the second
US. Both half-day and full-day excursions can bebest beach in all of the Florida, Panama City does not
purchased, but you'll have to pay attention to the timelimit itself to just its sandy white beaches and crystal
of year, as fishing is seasonal. If watching fish, ratherclear waters. It is also known for its pirate ship tours,
than catching them is more to your liking, the Blueturbo engine speed boats, golf courses, and water
Dolphin Cruises is a great way to see dolphins while inparks.
their natural habitat.Three noteworthy attractions of Panama City Beach
Orange Beach also has several world-class, 4/5-star,are the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise, Ripley's Believe It or
championship golf courses.Not museum, and Shipwreck Island water park. The
Fort Walton BeachSea Dragon Pirate Cruise is a two hour journey
Summer or winter, Fort Walton is always gearing upacross the Gulf on a life-like pirate ship, while Ripley's
for some sort of celebration. In June, the Billy BowlegsBelieve It or Not, located on its own massive
Festival kicks off with a four-day celebration of piratesshipwreck, features the most bizarre collection of
and mayhem. In February, The Fort brings Mardi Grasoddities and illusions you'll ever see.