| Q. Are there any bike trails on the Emerald Coast? |
A. We do have bike trails a half hour drive from the Ft. Walton Beach/Destin beach area. A permit is required to ride the Timberlake Bike Trail at Eglin Air Force Base. To obtain a permit contact Jackson Guard at 850-882-4164. To the west of us, between Navarre and Gulf Breeze, is a trail at Gulf Islands National Seashore. To the east of us, beginning at Blue Mountain Beach and proceeding 13.5 miles, is another bike trail along a public roadway.
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| Q. When do Seaweed and Jellyfish wash ashore? |
A. Seaweed and jellyfish are always present in the Gulf of Mexico waters. They are usually carried to beaches by rough seas generated from storm conditions and high winds. They can appear on any given day. Jellyfish will evaporate when exposed to the sun while stranded on the beaches.
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| Q. Where can we obtain a Beach Wheelchair? |
A. Beach wheelchairs are available without charge for use at all County Parks on Okaloosa Island from 7am-3pm Monday-Friday, and 8am-4pm Saturday and Sunday. For more information call 850-546-0342 or 850-546-0341.
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| Q. Can I walk my Dog on the Beach? |
A. For safety reasons dogs are not allowed on the beaches in Okaloosa County. This policy is mandated by County Ordinance No. 77-19, Section 6, restricting dogs in public parks, beaches, school grounds, restaurants and food stores (except seeing eye & hearing ear dogs).
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| Q. Can I drive my vehicle on the Beach? |
A. Here in the Destin/Fort Walton Beach area we promote optimal safety measures for our beaches. Vehicles are not permitted on the beach, County Ordinance No. 80-12, which restricts motor vehicles operating in areas not posted for vehicular traffic, in, on or over any public land, right of way, or recreational areas will be cited, (public beaches included).
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| Q. Can we have a Bonfire on the Beach? |
A. Fires are illegal on the beach between the water’s edge and mean high water mark or vegetation line, whichever is further. Okaloosa County Ordinance 79-41.
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| Q. Do You Have Shopping Malls? |
A. Many. There are several shopping plazas in the Destin and Fort Walton Beach area. The newest shopping center is Destin Commons…an open air, upscale shopping center in Destin near the Mid-Bay Bridge. Santa Rosa Shopping Mall, located in Mary Esther, has more than 100 stores to shop. Silver Sands Factory Stores is the nation’s largest designer outlet center, located 8 miles east of Destin.
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| Q. Are Weddings Permitted On The Beach? |
A. Yes. Here at the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau we have a “Beach Wedding Guide” brochure. Inside this brochure you will find all the information needed to get started in planning your wedding on the beach or in the local area. Information includes wedding planners and coordinators, facilities and halls information, bakeries, florists, caterers, musicians, limousine services, marriage licenses and more.
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| Q. What Medical Facilities Are In The Local Area? |
A. Fort Walton Beach Medical Center is a full service medical hospital and comprehensive heart center. Visitors lodging in the Destin area are close to Sacred Heart Hospital located East of Destin.
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| Q. What Airports Service the Emerald Coast Area? |
A. Okaloosa Regional Airport (VPS), 10 miles north of Fort Walton Beach near Eglin Air Force Base. Pensacola Regional Airport is 45 miles west of our area.
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| Q. What is there to do on the Emerald Coast? |
A. We have lots to do! Sugar-white sand beaches, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, water park, miniature golf, shopping, dolphin & sightseeing cruises, museums, marine life shows, watercraft rentals, parasailing, zoos, fun family festivals & events, camping, canoeing, live music concerts, wonderful restaurants and more!
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| Q. Are There Pet Friendly Accommodations? |
A. Yes, there are several hotels & condominiums in the area that allow small to medium, well behaved pets.
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| Q. Are there Golf Courses in the Area? |
A. Yes, boasting more than 1,080 holes of golf, the Emerald Coast located on Florida’s upper Gulf of Mexico recently ranked as one of the top ten “Best Golf Towns in America,” by Golf Digest. With inviting temperatures and daily gentle breezes, golfers enjoy the simple pleasures…24 miles of sugar-white sand and emerald green waters…after a long day’s play.
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| Q. Is there good fishing? |
A. Yes, The 100 Fathom curve draws closer to Destin than to any other spot in Florida -- creating the speediest deep-water access on the Gulf. This phenomenon makes the area one of the top five shelling destinations in the world, the "Billfish Capital of the World" and a sensational seafood harbor offering over four times more types of fresh fish per season than any other Florida destination (except for Key West 14 hours away).
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| Q. Are there sea shells on the Beach? |
A. Although the sugary shores are swept bare, about a mile out an aquarium of treasures is discovered, from sea horses to bucketfuls of cockles, clams and other shells. A bit further out, a ribboning reef of limestone (the pre-Ice Age shoreline) captures thousands of beach bound, large seashells -- often up to 20 inches (51cm) in length and perfectly formed. Sunset-hued lion's paws and true tulips to queen helmet shells and Florida's signature shell horse conchs are found along the ledge.
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| Q. What is the weather like? |
A. The average monthly high & low temperatures are as follows:
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