Fort Walton Beach

Okaloosa County in Florida is an attractive region for tourists and Fort Walton Beach is a popular beach resort on the Emerald Coast.  Visitors flock there during summer and Spring Break, swelling the normal population of almost 20,000.  The economy of the city is reliant on tourism and the presence of military bases and the industries dependent on them. There are two large Air Force bases on the outskirts of Fort Walton, Hurlburt Field and Eglin AFB. The city is a great base for exploring the coastline, steeped in history and wildlife.

There are plenty of opportunities to participate in sports and enjoy outdoor activities, such as fishing all year round, tennis and kayaking. Golfers also enjoy the region's facilities and the mild climate means that a lot of golf can be played throughout the year.  There are two championship 18-hole golf courses at Fort Walton Beach for membership and visitors, where they can also have a meal at their course restaurants.

The coastline has a fascinating history, involving piracy on the high seas. The most infamous, local pirate was Billy Bowlegs and he gives his name to the annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival. This involves a torch lit parade, fireworks, treasure hunt and other events. Modern boat owners congregate at the annual Fort Walton Beach Santa Rosa Mall Boat Show, where the latest in state of the art boating can be viewed indoors and outdoors.

Marine life is varied and abundant off this stretch of coast. Many visitors hire pontoon boats or waverunners and some companies run guided trips round the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay from Fort Walton Beach. These excursions are an opportunity to see varied species of sea birds, dolphins and stingrays. More marine animals can be seen at Florida's Gulfarium, a marine park that entertains its visitors with bottlenose dolphin shows and sea lion shows. Other animals on display include otters, penguins and sharks and there are educational camps and special events.

The Indian Temple Mound and Museum is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the history of Native Americans in Fort Walton Beach and Northwest Florida. The project focuses on the prehistory of 12,000 BC up until the 1950s. There are educational programs and displays of more than 6,000 artifacts, including a large collection of ceramics. There are also exhibits associated with local pirates, pioneer settlers, European explorers and men who fought in the Civil War.