BEAUTIFUL WHITE SAND BEACHES

Okaloosa Island Boardwalk
1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy
Fort Walton Beach 32548

The Boardwalk itself is an entertainment complex with clubs and restaurants, but its beaches are expansive. Lots of people, including military guys and college kids, come to bask in the sun, swim and play volleyball at the numerous local courts. Lifeguards are on duty along the coast, and changing rooms and restrooms can be found on the Boardwalk itself. If the sun gets to be too much, drink machines and snack bars are located nearby.

Henderson Beach State Recreation Area
17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy
Destin, FL 32541 • 850-837-7550

Covering 208 acres of woodlands and coast, this state-owned park was first opened to visitors in the early 1980s. Bought from a private owner, the land was undeveloped and remains so today. Swimming and lounging are welcomed along the 6000 feet of coastline, and a hiking trail winds through local vegetation. Bathhouses are available for changing and feature outdoor showers. Picnic tables with grills are ideal for steaks or hamburgers, and 30 campsites for both tents and campers are on the premises, with more on the way.

James W. Lee County Park
3500 Old Hwy 98 E
Destin, FL 32550 • 850-650-7131>br>
This beachfront park is located right off of Old Highway 98 and is convenient for travelers driving up or down the coast. It has a large bathhouse with changing rooms, restrooms and outdoor showers. Access to the beach is easy via dune walkovers. Covered picnic areas offer a pleasant break from the sun and are great if you've brought a lunch. If not, the Crab Trap restaurant is nearby and can combat your hunger pangs. Soda machines can be found along the boardwalk, too.

Grayton Beach State Recreation Area
357 Main Park Rd
Santa Rosa Beach 32459 • 850-231-4210

Home to some of the best beaches in the area, this state park covers 1133 acres and first opened to the public in 1968. Located near the community of Grayton Beach, it attracts visitors with its unspoiled beauty and abundant wildlife. Swimming and fishing are the top recreational activities, but campsites are great for overnight stays, and an extensive nature trail directs hikers around dunes and through pine forests. Boating is available on Western Lake.

Rocky Bayou State Park and Recreation Area
4281 Hwy 20
Niceville 32578 • 850-833-9144

Situated within Eglin Air Force Base and along the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay, this state park offers a glimpse of Florida's undeveloped terrain and native wildlife. Famous for its sand pines, the park also boasts a freshwater lake within its 357 acres. Popular with fishermen and boaters, Rocky Bayou entertains swimmers and campers as well. Presently, 42 campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

John Beasley Wayside Park
Hwy 98 Okaloosa Island
Fort Walton Beach 32548 • 850-651-7131

A few yards from the Okaloosa Boardwalk, this public park grants convenient access to the beach and offers free parking as well. A large weathered-wood building with hipped metal roof houses changing areas and restrooms for men and women, along with vending machines. Sheltered picnic tables welcome families, and lifeguards are posted during the tourist season.

Topsail Hill State Preserve
7525 W. Scenic Highway 30-A
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 • 850-267-0299

Almost totally undeveloped, this 1600-acre parcel of land encompasses some of the most beautiful terrain in the state. Freshwater lakes, pine forests, towering sand dunes, and a host of wildlife occupy the area and offer a glimpse of what Florida used to be. Facilites aren't elaborate but do include a parking lot and restrooms; nature trails wind through the site, and campsites can be found nearby (although not in the preserve). The beach itself stretches for more than three miles through the park.