[Sonic]

Hi all,

I'll be in Ft Walton for a month due to work and would like some advice from people who are familiar with the area of places to visit or things to do.

What cities should I visit and what activities would you recommend?

Thanks

[BlueWillowPlate]

There are miles of beautiful white sand beaches and emerald Gulf.
Grayton Beach, have a rum drink and crabcakes at the Red Bar (and live music), visit the House Of Art, if it rains go to the Silver Sands Outlet Mall in Destin.
Check out the old world architecture at Rosemary Beach, see the old Florida homes in WaterColor (Live music at Cerulean's) the funky houses at new urbanism pioneer Seaside.
Have lunch at Bud and Alley's at Seaside.
Lots of books and other things at Sundog Books at Seaside.
That's a start, hopefully Sunrico will have something to add.

[bgirldeb]

You MUST visit the sowal.com website before your trip

[Sonic]

Thanks for the replies.

One more question, is seaside a city?

[AustinTraveler]

Seaside is a village east of Destin. It is very much a planned community which you'll see when/if you visit. It's where they filmed the Jim Carrey movie "The Truman Show". One of the great things about Seaside is that it was built behind the dunes which is basically unheard of in Florida. They also left the native vegetation. It's a fun place to visit. Lots of art galleries and shops and such.

[BlueWillowPlate]

Originally Posted by Sonic

One more question, is seaside a city?

From what I read, it is an "unincorporated beach community."
It is definitely a little community in and of itself, but precisely right next to it is another development, Watercolor.

[sunrico90]

Many places to visit:

The Boardwalk in Okaloosa Island has a number of superb restaurants and the aquarium. Many beaches in the area and depending on the weather the folks might be around. The Indian Temple is another place to visit in old FWB. The USAF Museum of Aviation is located near Eglin AFB and is a FREE place to visit.

The Navarre beach area is also another place to enjoy an afternoon Cocodries Restaurant and Juana’s are excellent places to eat. In Pcola Navy Museum of Aviation is the largest one and is also free. Aircrafts from Navy/Marines/USAF are in displayed. Pensacola Beach is another great place with superb restaurants and sport bars.

Destin has many attractions, restaurants, and shopping capabilities

Many parks that are worth your time:
* Gulf Islands National Seashore
1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze
(850) 934-2600

* Blackwater River State Park
7720 Deaton Bridge Road
Holt
(850) 983-5363

* Fort Pickens – Visitor’s Center
Western 7 miles of Santa Rosa Island
(850) 934-2635

Check the following site for more info: http://www.emeraldcoast.com/

[AustinTraveler]

sunrico,

Ft. Pickens is still closed. They haven't rebuilt the road since Hurricane Ivan wiped it out.

[sunrico90]

Originally Posted by AustinTraveler

sunrico,

Ft. Pickens is still closed. They haven't rebuilt the road since Hurricane Ivan wiped it out.

Yes, is closed.