This Family-Friendly City On Florida's Panhandle Boasts Endless White Sand Beaches

Florida's panhandle is also known as the Emerald Coast, thanks primarily to the vibrantly colored waters along the Gulf of Mexico. While this stretch of land is well-known for its white sand beaches, you can have hidden gem nature excursions with an under-the-radar coastal road trip or spend time in the beachfront cities large and small. A place that combines a little bit of city and nature is Fort Walton Beach, a destination just across the inlet that separates Okaloosa Island from Destin.

The variety of activities at Fort Walton Beach makes it the perfect spot for a family-friendly beach vacation. Fort Walton Beach has centuries of history and present-day marvels to explore at local museums. Combine this with park areas right on the water, and you'll definitely find something for everyone — and leave plenty of room for beachside relaxation. The miles of white sand beaches also pair wonderfully with clear water for snorkeling and other aquatic adventures from adrenaline-inducing speedboats to leisurely cruising.

If you want to do more than stretch out and catch some rays along Fort Walton Beach's white sands, try beachcombing. Sand dollars are common here but only remove white sand dollars. If you find one that is brownish purple, do not remove it — it is alive and needs to continue contributing to its ecosystem. Sand dollars also lie beneath the ocean surface, so grab some goggles and see what you can find. To get close to more wildlife and support conservation work, head to the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center. The scientists here take in injured marine animals like sea turtles and release them back into the wild when they are healthy. 

To get further out onto the water, look to Destiny Water Adventures, headquartered at the Fort Walton Beach Quality Inn. Through this company, you can rent pontoon boats, jet skis, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. Destiny Water Adventures offers guided tours through the surrounding areas, including Crab Island, a unique, bustling sandbar island at the eastern end of Okaloosa Island. Try to spot dolphins while you navigate around the coast.

Take a break from the sun and learn about the Florida panhandle's history at the Indian Temple Mound Museum. This museum showcases artifacts of daily life for indigenous tribes, early European settlers, and even pirates along the Emerald Coast. Such artifacts include ceramics, schoolhouse materials, and items from Civil War soldiers. In total, this museum's displays span thousands of years of local history.

Keep the education going at the kid- and budget-friendly Emerald Coast Science Center. What makes this museum special is the sheer amount of things to discover. Spend time with intelligent birds like macaws and cockatoos, learn about how you can help cut down on plastic pollution, and so much more. The interactive exhibits here will inspire the kid in all of us and also teach adults a few things.

City parks are a dime a dozen, but how about one that overlooks the ocean? Fort Walton Beach Landing Park has a playground, a rock climbing wall, and a boardwalk. Finish your exciting yet relaxing vacation by watching the sunset from this quaint waterside park that the whole family will love.