For Your Dream Vacation on the Beautiful Gulf Coast of Florida

Area Information

A quintessential southern beach town, Fort Walton Beach -- Mary Esther's nearest neighbor (just a couple of miles away) offers laid-back charm and family-friendly attractions. A hub of resorts, restaurants, and beachfront clubs, known for its Coney Island-style boardwalk and white-sand beaches, Fort Walton Beach is a nostalgic and serene retreat.

Mary Esther is a city in Okaloosa County, in the Fort Walton Beach metro area. The 2½ square-mile city now boasts an estimated population of 4,400 residents.

Homespun seasonal festivals feature live music and street fairs. Each June, local folk hero William Bowles is honored with the pirate-themed Billy Bowleg Festival. In January, Okaloosa Island plays host to its long-running Mardi Gras on the Island celebration, complete with a torch light parade and New Orleans-style floats.

For children, there's the classic water park The Gulfarium, and the hands-on Emerald Science Center. For couples and singles, The Boardwalk and public esplanade provide cocktails and live music overlooking the water. Although a small community when compared to fine arts locations in the United States, Fort Walton Beach offers metropolitan sized fine arts. The wide variety of entertainment venues and offerings is enticing more acts to journey here.

Despite continued growth, large stretches of Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island remain peacefully undeveloped. Families seeking a slower-paced beach vacation will enjoy the rolling sand dunes, salt marshes, and fresh air.

Just accross the Bay (about 10 miles from the Mariner's Cove House) lies more upscale and busy Destin -- home to some of the worlds most beautiful beaches. The crystal clear water and the sugar white sands have given the Emerald Coast area a reputation as one of America's premier vacation destinations. The beautiful waters of the Emerald Coast beaches provide sunbathers, snorkelers and fisherman with a paradise beyond words. Fishing off of the beach and jetties yields catches of Whiting, Pompano and Mackerel, while snorkeling in the same locations yields views of beautiful tropical fish and great shell collecting.

Choctawhatchee Bay, a lovely body of water extending some 30 miles from east to west, comprises one of the nation's largest inland bays attracting sailing enthusiasts from all over the world. Fishing is one of the principal attractions of the area. The Gulf of Mexico offers fine bottom fishing, trolling and sport fishing, and many commercial boats operate year round with experienced captains. Charters are available for full and half day trips as well as extended trips. Everything from amberjack, grouper, snapper, king mackerel, cobia and bluefish to magnificent blue and white marlin and sailfish may be caught by the skilled fisherman. Other types of fishing available are surf fishing, fishing from bridges and piers, casting swirling nets for mullet or going after blue crab with traps or nets. All may be done in the Fort Walton Beach area .

Excellent freshwater fishing is available in North County on many scenic lakes, as well as canoeing.

The Emerald Coasts beaches are a place of sheer enjoyment and indulgence for people of all ages.

Navarre Beach (less than 12 miles away) and Santa Rosa County feature numerous attractions offering fun for the entire family. From the beautiful beaches to the unparalleled canoeing rivers, there's something to see and do for those who enjoy just relaxing on the beach and others who seek excitement. Stroll one of our nature trails or along the beach. Activities abound for nature lovers and those who love to explore the outdoors. There's even a renowned Zoo, Butterfly House and historical attractions that are as educational as they are fun.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy miles of National Seashore, inland lakes, and
natural trails in the area.

The Gulf Coast is famous for its wealth of premier golf clubs, boasting over 1,000 holes, and several championship courses. The area attracts golfers of every caliber, and hosts tournaments year-round.

Fort Walton Beach's tranquil waters are ideal for fishing, jetskiing, kayaking, and every kind of seaworthy adventure. Discover beautiful inland lakes, coastal vegetation and waterways leading out to the Gulf.

Nearby Destin offers a premier Beach and Racquet resort, with private lessons, lighted courts, and several tournaments yearly.

The area's lush scenery and peaceful nature trails offer outdoor enthusiasts miles of hiking and biking.

Parasailing is popular as well as scuba diving, snorkeling, wind-surfing and water skiing.

The Northwest Florida Panhandle, in this region known as the "Emerald Coast," enjoys warm temperatures year round.