Fort Walton Beach near Destin, FL is most famous for its beautiful white sandy beaches. Just ‘down the road’ from Destin, it is the perfect location for those travelers wishing to enjoy the gorgeous Emerald Shores in a peaceful atmosphere with southern manners. This quaint city offers many interesting events throughout the year such as its renowned Billy Bowleg’s Festival, with pirates, parades and fireworks. Year-round fishing is an attraction for many visitors to this area. They are also known for their great restaurants, lodging choices and the Indian Temple Mound Museum with a historic walking tour. The Air Force Armament Museum at Eglin Air Force Base and the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk and Fishing Pier are popular attractions as well.
There are many great options for lodging. The Best Western Fort Walton Beachfront is a funky boutique style hotel with playful art deco design. Destin West Beach & Bay Resort offers luxury condominiums with gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico from their Gulfside units, while the Bayside condos overlook Choctawhatchee Bay. The Breakers is a favorite of many visitors to the area, with their great service and outstanding sights. And the newly renovated Emerald Coast Inn and Suites is popular for its vast amenities and great value.
Most locations tend to have a “best kept secret” when it comes to options for lodging. In Fort Walton Beach, that secret would have to be Aunt Martha’s Bed and Breakfast. This beautiful B&B, nestled among 300 year old oak trees, is a fairly new construction, but was designed with the atmosphere of an older home. The porch with its wicker chairs and rockers provide a charming place to relax and get away from it all. Wake up to coffee as early as 7:15 am, while you wait for one of the best breakfasts you’ve ever had. Breakfast starts the day off with delicious offerings such as fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, bacon, tasty grits and even bread pudding. The generous servings will quench your appetite until well after lunch time. Aunt Martha’s is a great value, on top of providing a beautifully designed location to get away from it all.
Though there are many great restaurants to choose from in Fort Walton Beach, there are definitely some favorites. Big City Bistro has earned a reputation for great service and excellent food. Guests love their fresh seafood, chicken salad and crème brulee. The Bay Cafe is another wonderful choice for dining. Their melt in your mouth filet mignon and chicken piccata are among the best. Top it off with their delicious tiramisu. Some other terrific restaurants worthy of mention are Old Bay Steamer and Mullhollows Bistro 215. Fort Walton provides a nice change in dining from the usual tourist style restaurants.
Okaloosa Island, the beach front community of Fort Walton, is considered to be one of the best beaches in the area. This is also a popular attraction to the region as visitors find a terrific locale to enjoy the beach and water, restaurants, hotels and condos, shopping and entertainment. They also have volleyball nets and covered picnic areas.
The Fishing Pier at Okaloosa Island is famous for the large fish that can be caught from the pier. This extraordinarily long pier extend 1,262 feet from the shore. That is almost 1/4 mile! Fish anywhere along the pier or make your spot at the octagonal shaped area at the end. Anglers fishing from this pier have been known to reel in 100 pound tarpon, 40 pound king mackerel, a rare sailfish, tasty pompano and various other great catches. The pier welcomes the young and old, experienced and amateur.
Fort Walton Beach is a wonderful vacation spot to relax and enjoy nature and luxury. The friendly people and convenient location encountered here, cause visitors to return year after year.
Aunt Martha’s Bed and Breakfast
http://www.auntmarthasbedandbreakfast.com/
Okaloosa Island Boardwalk
http://www.theboardwalkoi.com/
Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier
http://www.okaloosaislandpier.com/
