Fort Walton is part of the Fort Walton Beach-Destin Metropolitan Statistical Area. Located on the Emerald Coast in northwest Florida, it has a population of just under 20,000 but because of its popularity as a resort town and spring break destination, the population swells up to more than 50,000 at certain times of the year. While you will not find free golfing here, free entertainment in the area abounds and can be a nice break from your time on the putting green.
The Beach
Fort Walton's main attraction is its coastline. Pristine beaches, good surfing and diving waters, and plenty of chances to canoe or kayak make this a perfect destination for those who love the outdoors. There are also four waterfront parks along the coast and numerous places where picnicking is an option (fires are not permitted on the beach itself). If you bring your own equipment, snorkeling in the area is free and a great opportunity to catch sight of the colorful marine life in the area. Between April and November, sea turtles come to Fort Walton Beach to lay eggs. The animals are protected and are a sight hard to forget, especially at night, when the newly hatched turtles make their way to the water.
Fort Walton Beaches and Emerald Coast Line
www.destin-fwb.com/Beaches
Summer Festivals
Summer brings plenty of outdoor fun to Fort Walton. For a week and a half in August, visitors can enjoy the Emerald Coast Boat Week, which offers a chance to see, tour and ride great boats for free. There's also a beauty contest in which the public has a vote and plenty of open celebrations where you can simply walk around and enjoy the live music and scenery or buy yourself a drink if you decide to spend some money. During summer weekends, live concerts at the beach are common, usually followed by fireworks. Another popular festival is the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival, which honors a local legend and has a Mardi Gras flavor. It's held on the first of June every year.
Events and Festivals for Fort Walton
destinsharks.com
Air Force Armament Museum
This free museum offers both outdoor and indoor exhibits that include WWI planes and an extensive collection of weapons and vintage military aircraft. The SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest plane ever built, as well as planes used during the Vietnam and Korean wars, missiles, bombs and open cockpit planes (many of which can be climbed and experienced first-hand) can all be found here. Video clips, multimedia presentations and hands-on exhibits make this not only an educational place but also a fun one for all ages.
Air Force Armament Museum
100 Museum Drive
Eglin Air Force Base, FL 32542
(850) 651-1808
Afarmamentmuseum.com
About The Author
Sarah Dray has been writing since 1996. She specializes in health, wellness and travel topics and has credits in various publications, including "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." She is also a seasoned independent traveler and a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. Dray is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Penn Foster College.
