Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Fort Walton Beach is situated on the Gulf of Mexico, and is home to 19,973 people. The city is located in Florida's Panhandle region, immediately south of Elgin Air Force Base, and 40 miles (64 kilometers) east of Pensacola and 170 miles (274 kilometers) west of Tallahassee. Fort Walton Beach is part of Okaloosa County.

Naturally, life in Fort Walton Beach revolves around the beach and the waters. The region is blessed with 24 miles (39 kilometers) of white, sandy beaches, making it heaven on earth for beachcombers and sun-worshippers. The Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay provide wonderful opportunities for watersports, and pontoon boating, parasailing, water-skiing, and windsurfing are all popular local pastimes. Fishing enthusiasts have a variety of habitats to choose from, including deep offshore waters, inshore waters, bays and bayous, and the water's edge just off the pier. All of this translates into more species of fish and more fishing adventures. In fact, this area provides the widest variety of catches in the Florida Gulf! These diverse habitats also provide an underwater paradise for divers and snorkelers. Here, deep waters are found close to the shore, and attract an amazing array of marine life. Manta rays, loggerhead sea turtles, colorful corals, and schools of migrating fish are just a few of the sights that await you. Timber Hole is a great diving destination, and offers a submerged petrified forest teeming with sea creatures, along with sunken ships and railroad cars to discover. As if all this weren't enough, the Gulf of Mexico is also home to many dolphins, which can often be seen frolicking in the waters.

Want to get a closer look at these playful and fascinating creatures? Hop on a dolphin cruise or head to Florida's Gulfarium. The Gulfarium offers "dolphin encounters," sealife shows featuring dolphins and sea lions, and animal exhibits, and has attracted millions of visitors since its opening in 1955. Another well-known attraction is the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club, which offers two beautiful 18-hole championship courses. History buffs should visit the Indian Temple Mound Museum, the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum, and the Air Force Armament Museum, while art fans can find a great collection of American works and Chinese artifacts at the Fort Walton Beach Art Museum. Wondering where to take the kids next weekend? Try any of Fort Walton Beach fantastic family attractions. The Emerald Coast Science Center offers interactive exhibits and classes on science and technology. The Zoo is located just 15 miles (24 kilometers) west of the city, and features 750 animals and 125 bird species. Lastly, check out Big Kahuna's Water Park, which offers more than 40 watery attractions, such as slides, wave pools, and slow-flowing rivers for tubing, as well as an Adventure Park with mini golf, midway rides, and an arcade.

Offering great family attractions, superb beaches, and amazing recreational opportunities in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Fort Walton Beach is a wonderful place to live and play!

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