Fort Walton Beach, FL Vacations on a Budget

Nestled in the heart of what has come to be known as the Emerald Coast, a magnificent stretch of beach that glistens between Panama City Beach and Pensacola, Florida, the town of Fort Walton Beach has a storied history to go right along with its small town charm and plenty of intriguing coastline. Fortune Magazine rated it the tenth best place to live in all of America back in 1999, citing plenty of sunshine and a low cost of living as top reasons to relocate to this relatively unknown corner of Florida. Apparently the locals are keen to pass on the low cost of living to we tourists who frequent their hotels, restaurants, and beaches year in and year out. We really do appreciate it, guys!

My family usually chooses a hotel off the beach to avoid the higher prices. However, the best thing about this area is that you don't have to be directly on the Gulf of Mexico to still enjoy a stunning waterfront view. The region is also well known for a huge bay, called Choctawhatchee Bay, after a local Native American tribe. There's also a healthy sound that separates the town of Fort Walton Beach from nearby Okaloosa Island. This narrow but beautiful stretch of water makes up the area's contribution to the Intracoastal Waterway, which is an incredible network of shipping canals that allow ships to avoid the wave ridden waters of the gulf.

Ordinarily we stay at the Quality Inn Bayside, which is on the sound. The rates are pretty reasonable year round, which is important for me. In the off season, which runs roughly from Labor Day to Memorial Day, I've seen room for as low as $45. Even in the peak season the prices are still reasonable, sometimes as low as $80 for two double beds. The staff is friendly, but it really doesn't matter. We use this solely as a place to crash in between marathon sessions in the waves and sun, which are by far the area's most attractive qualities.

When we get hungry we usually check out the Old Bay Steamer, which is just over the Brooks Bridge on the aforementioned Okaloosa Island, literally a three minute drive to the east. Here the diner is enthralled to see gigantic plates of the freshest steamed seafood money can buy, and money can buy a lot here! The shrimp platter takes the cake and leaves me feeling satisfied every time. Other favorites include the Orchid House thai restaurant on Eglin Parkway, where the whole family can fill up on the lunch special for less than $25, including tip. A real winner!