Fort Walton Beach, the largest city on the Emerald Coast, is the center of vacation activity. It is also well-known to the residents who call this area home year-round as a center of growth. Modern conveniences abound in this area by the sea where the lifestyle is pleasant and comfortable.

Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther, Cinco Bayou, Wright, Ocean City, and Shalimar offer a vast variety of architecture in neighborhoods to suit every taste, where residents are just minutes away from the Gulf of Mexico or the Santa Rosa Sound.

Niceville - Valparaiso
In the twin cities of Niceville and Valparaiso, facilities abound for water-skiing, sailing, snorkeling, boating, and fishing, not to mention golf and tennis.

In the cities share more than just the bayou waters an the east boundaries of the Elgin Military Reservation.  Through a combined effort to better the communities, the cities have merged their civic organizations, chambers of commerce, educational programs and medical facilities.

The area population of 11,150 enjoys a comfortable place to live and conduct business. The economy is stimulated by a sizable active and retired military community.

Navarre Beach

A community that has worked to maintain the small-town charm and natural beauty of the area. Navarre is one of the few places that has escaped the large commercial development seen in so many other local areas. There is an element of naturalness to the four-mile Navarre Beach as it is bordered on both sides by land that will forever remain in its natural state.

To the west is a 12-mile section of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, and to the east is a 22-mile stretch of land owned by Eglin Air Force Base.

There are 12,500 Navarre residents. Seasonal residents number over 2,000. Area housing costs range from $50,000 to $300,000.

Destin
Destin is home port to the largest and most elaborately equipped charter boat fleet in Florida. More billfish are caught each year here than all other Gulf ports combined. The game fish are also of the widest variety on the Gulf, from cobia to scamp to triggerfish and king mackerel. Whether a fishing first-timer or a seasoned "old salt," numerous deep sea excursions - offshore, bottom, inshore and others - are available. Catches can be cooked up for free at certain "fish-friendly" restaurants. Freshwater fishing throughout the area is plentiful, reeling in catfish, bass and bream.

The emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico present a beautiful backdrop to luxurious resorts with golf courses and conference facilities. From bed and breakfast accommodations to spacious high rises to quaint seaside houses, Destin offers it all!

This city with its population of 8,514 has a rich historical heritage dating back to American Indian inhabitants as early as the 7th century A.D. Spanish explorers also visited the area. In 1984 the city incorporated as a municipality with a city council and city government.

Located eight miles east of Destin is Sandestin, northwest Florida's largest residential resort community. It offers a wide array of amenities including golf, tennis, marina, waterfront restaurants, conference center, health club and salon, and shopping center.

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Amtrak provides passenger service to Crestview on the line that runs from Miami to New Orleans.

The Old Spanish Trail Festival draws some 35,000 visitors for the annual celebration in this friendly town.