Travel and Explore Ft. Walton Beach/Destin, FL!

Ft. Walton Beach/Destin, FL The Ft. Walton Beach/Destin area of the upper Gulf coast, offers white sand, emerald- green water, and plenty of recreational opportunities. From marine life exhibits and performances, to unmatched saltwater fishing, visitors discover an extensive variety of vacation options. Ft. Walton Beach/Destin events include: Destin Fishing Rodeo, Carnival by the Sea, Great Southern Gumbo Cook-Off, Taste of Fort Walton Beach, and Chili Festival.  Air Force Armament Museum  SR 85, outside Eglin Air Force Base's west gate  Fort Walton Beach  Florida  (850) 882-4062  The museum includes an exhibit of restored aircraft from World War II through the Vietnam War, well-known Air Force planes, and the armament collection. The only facility in the U.S. dedicated to display Air Force armament. The SR-71 Blackbird, the B-52, the F-15, and a Russian MIG-21 are among the main attractions displayed at this museum. The Museum is opened seven days a week, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years and admission is free.  Camp Walton Schoolhouse  107 First St.  Fort Walton Beach  Florida  (850) 244-3433 or 243-6521  A one room schoolhouse that was built in 1912 and used until 1936.  Eden State Gardens and Mansion  County Road 395, Point Washington  Fort Walton Beach  Florida  (850) 231-4214  Built in 1897 by lumber baron William Wesley the historic home was restored and named Eden in 1963. The estate is located on 10-acres overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay and is enhanced with azaleas, magnolias, evergreen live oaks and flower beds.  Eglin Air Force Base Tours  State Hwy 85  Fort Walton Beach  Florida  (850) 882-3933  Eglin Air force Base is the largest military installation in the free world. There are guided tours to see the McKinley Climatic Laboratory and Armament Museum (Check with the chamber of commerce offices in Crestview, Destin, Niceville/Valparaiso and the Welcome Center in Santa Rosa Beach).  Eglin Reservation  State Hwy 85  Fort Walton Beach  Florida  (850) 882-4164  A 464,000-acre reservation. For information on camping, fishing, hunting and other activities contact the Natural Resources Branch at the Jackson Guard located on State Road 85 in Niceville.  Focus Center, The  139 Brooks Street  Fort Walton Beach  Florida  (850) 664-1261  The Focus Center offers hands-on exhibits of the science and technology world. Exhibits allow you to discover, touch, imagine and create. Exhibits include computers, space, forces of physics and more.  Fort Walton Beach Art Museum  38 S.W. Robinwood Dr.  Fort Walton Beach  Florida  (850) 244-5319  Features collections of American paintings, sculpture, pottery and chinese artifacts. Exhibits change monthly. Call for opening times.  Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce  34 S.E. Miracle Strip Pkwy.  Fort Walton Beach  Florida  (850) 244-8191  Information available about the area.  Gulfarium  US 98  Fort Walton Beach  Florida  (850) 244-5169  The Gulfarium has the Living Sea where marine animal can be seen in their natural habitats and there are live shows. The Gulfarium has Porpoises, otters, sea lions, penguins, birds, seals and alligators. The Living sea has sharks, eels , sting rays and outher sea life.  Historical Society Museum  115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso  Fort Walton Beach  Florida  (850) 678-2615  The museum focuses on the local area during the period 1800 to the 1930s. Exhibits include an old cotton gin, farm tools, furnishings, kitchen equipment and a 1920s stove. Call for times.  Indian Temple Mound Museum  139 Miracle Strip Pkwy.  Fort Walton Beach  Florida  (850) 243-6521  The museum depicts 10,000 years of the Indian occupation of the northwest Florida and the temple mound was constructed around the year 1400 A.D.  Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier  Okaloosa Island  Fort Walton Beach  Florida    A giant fishing pier of 1,261 feet. Lighted for nighttime fishing. Rod holders and benches are built onto the pier. Also includes a fish cleaning area.