With a reported 343 average days of sunshine per year, Fort Walton Beach is a sun lover’s paradise.  Combine beautiful weather with magnificent beaches, great attractions, dolphins playing in the surf, a host of activities, as well as great food and entertainment, and you have the ideal formula for a perfect vacation.

There is even significant evidence of pirates visiting the area, the most notorious being Billy Bowlegs, between 1500 – 1800; not to mention artifacts dating back thousands of year.  Be sure to visit the Indian Temple Mound and Museum which offers glimpses into Indian civilizations of the past 10,000 years.

When it comes to near perfect weather, Fort Walton Beach can top the list.  With a moderate climate year round due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and its western Florida location, each season has something special to offer.  Winter and summer are the two busiest times of year, although late February and the entire month of March become quite crowded when thousands of spring break students hit the area.  In the winter, people from the north enjoy coming south for the warmer temperatures and numerous activities the city has to offer.  With so many sunny days, any time of year is perfect for watching the dolphins display their “dancing” abilities in their natural surroundings while you sip on a cool drink.

For a change of pace, visit the US Air Force Armament Museum.  This indoor-outdoor museum is located on one of the world's largest air force bases and displays aircraft and weaponry of the American military from WWII to the Gulf War. The museum's showpiece is the SR-71 Blackbird spy plane, but a variety of other fighter and bomber planes are on exhibit as well.  It’s an interesting and educational experience not to be missed.

For a day with the family, there are numerous opportunities available.  The Gulfarium is one of America’s oldest marine parks. It hosts Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, Peruvian penguins, Ridley turtles and more in fascinating Gulf-edged exhibits. Watch these amazing animals fascinate adults and children alike as they soar towards the clouds while performing the “Dolphin Dance”.

For top enjoyment in water sports, visit the Okaloosa Island Pier.  It’s a perfect vantage point for surfing and fishing as well as people-watching and catching a quick bite to eat.

Special events abound throughout the year including Spring Break, the annual Boat Show, as well as concerts, ballet and the performing arts.  No matter what the interest, Fort Walton Beach has it. 

Easily accessible and quite affordable, this Florida Panhandle destination has just the right mix of things to do and see to make it a “let’s do it again” destination.  Bring your camera, Fort Walton Beach is waiting.