History of Fort Walton Beach, Florida

People from all over the world look to Fort Walton Beach for a great all-around Florida vacation. Located in Florida's Panhandle on what is fondly known as the Emerald Coast, Fort Walton Beach offers great golf, fishing, sailing, dining, shopping and of course white sand beaches and emerald green waters. The best weather is from October through April, when you will enjoy temperatures in the 70s and 80s plus cooling breezes from the Gulf of Mexico. There is also the Choctawhatchee Bay and the Santa Rosa Sound for even more water activities and enjoyment. Fishing is abundant, sailing in the Bay is world renown, and any other water activity you can think of can be experienced here. The area has a long and somewhat colorful history, capped off with the antics and adventures of one William Augustus Bowles or Billy Bowlegs during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Known as a pirate to some and a leader of men to others, Billy Bowlegs carved out his own piece of history in these parts, and is remembered each June with a celebration in his honor, or dishonor, depending on how you look at it. Vacation accommodations in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, vary in style, size and location to cover all visitor needs. You will find great beach condo and nice single family home rentals, quaint cottages or luxury resorts that will make your Fort Walton Beach vacation everything you expect, and more.