Destin-Fort Walton

Along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, the cities of Destin and Fort Walton Beach face each other across Choctawhatchee Bay. The region is known for its superb fishing and fine seafood restaurants, including one of the oldest restaurants in Florida, Staff’s. While the beaches are the big draw along this coast, architecture, archaeology, and military history are among the attractions you’ll find. The cities are just south of Eglin Air Force Base, one of Florida’s largest bases and a draw for outdoor recreation—hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing. Coastal dune lakes are a unique natural feature along the beaches of South Walton, best seen ...

Along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, the cities of Destin and Fort Walton Beach face each other across Choctawhatchee Bay. The region is known for its superb fishing and fine seafood restaurants, including one of the oldest restaurants in Florida, Staff’s. While the beaches are the big draw along this coast, architecture, archaeology, and military history are among the attractions you’ll find. The cities are just south of Eglin Air Force Base, one of Florida’s largest bases and a draw for outdoor recreation—hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing. Coastal dune lakes are a unique natural feature along the beaches of South Walton, best seen along Scenic 30A and protected by a strong of coastal Florida State Parks. These rare freshwater lakes are right along the beach, and spill out occasionally into the Gulf of Mexico. At Santa Rosa Beach, the resort area of Sandestin offers shopping, dining, and golf in a large bayfront lodging complex. Fort Walton has a classic old-fashioned downtown, and the small historic communities on the bay, including Point Washington, preserve early pioneer history.

About the Expert

Sandra Friend has written 12 books about Florida, including the Explorer's Guide (Countryman Press) series to Florida.