Jan

A Great Family Destination: Fort Walton Beach Vacations

By Eric

With miles of beach and dozens of attractions that appeal to all ages Fort Walton Beach is a family vacationer’s paradise. Year around mild weather and warm Gulf of Mexico waters make it an ideal winter or summer vacation destination. Far from the crowded cities beaches of Florida’s better known vacation spots, Fort Walton Beach has the feel of Old Florida with every modern amenity added.

Accommodations range from well known chain hotels to spectacular resorts. Families on a budget will find hotels with refrigerators and microwaves for eating in, complimentary breakfasts, family style sleeping accommodations and pools. Restaurants and lounges are either within each facility or nearby.

Up-scale lodging might include the fabulous Breakers or one of the magnificent Brooks and Shore Resorts. Both famous beachfront condominium complexes provide elegant dining facilities and every vacation luxury for families of any size. Providing everything from free beach chairs to videos and Internet access, these extraordinary resorts pamper every guest, from toddlers to grandparents.

A trip to Florida is not complete without seeing the states most unique attraction; alligators. Nearby Gator Beach, offers exciting viewing and visitors can safely feed the alligators or have their picture taken with one.

The Gulfarium, located on the Miracle Strip Parkway will delight every member of the family. It is home to hundreds of tiny Ridley Sea Turtles, the smallest known sea turtle species, declared endangered in 1970, and the torpedo-like Peruvian penguins. The Guflarium hosts some very unusual sea animals, but none delight children and adults more than the playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins or the noisy Pacific Coast sea lions.

Fort Walton Beach vacations combine education with exciting activities when family’s scuba dive or snorkel together. Several outlets in the area provide diving or snorkeling gear, along with private or class instruction. Boarding a scuba diving charter boat into the Gulf waters for a day of underwater exploration makes a memorable family adventure.

History buffs will be captivated by the Southeastern American Indian pottery at the Heritage Park and Cultural Center. With over 6,000 pieces this amazing display is America’s largest collection of its type. Beside the museum is an Indian burial mound dating back to 1400 AD. The Garnier Post Office and Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museums round out the Cultural Center complex.

Fort Walton Beach, with its numerous and diverse attractions is truly a great family destination for vacationing together.