Fort Walton Beach is a destination with a reputation for sun, sand, and gorgeous surf year-round. Travelers head this way to make the most of time on the shoreline, explore amazing dining options, and spend time shopping in a laid-back environment too! While the fun is expected, Fort Walton Beach is also a destination filled with surprises. The following is interesting Fort Walton Beach information you might not have already known about this appealing locale.
Interesting Fort Walton Beach Facts
When travelers make their way to Fort Walton Beach, they’re stepping foot on land that has a history dating back at least 14,000 years! For centuries, Native American tribes inhabited the land now known as Fort Walton Beach. Early settlers arrived in the area around 1821 and the landscape was used as a strategic protection point during the Civil War which saw the establishment of Camp Walton. A small town was founded in 1937 and with the arrival of the Eglin Air Force Base in 1935, the population continued to grow. Eventually, Fort Walton Beach would become the vibrant tourist destination it is today!
It’s a Haven for Dolphins
Wildlife enthusiasts will find that Fort Walton Beach is always a thrilling place to be. It’s estimated the Gulf waters surrounding Fort Walton Beach are home to around 40,000 dolphins which means a trip in this direction should most definitely include an eco-friendly dolphin-watching cruise! It’s breathtaking to see these incredible creatures thriving in their natural habitats while learning more about what it takes to ensure they thrive for generations to come.
The Picture-Perfect Sand Tells an Ice Age Story
Travelers heading to Fort Walton Beach are often enamored with the area’s picture-perfect shorelines. The signature hue these sands possess is actually the result of ecological transformations dating back to the last ice age. As glaciers melted and rivers formed, Appalachian quartz crystals washed in on the tides. Over thousands of years, these would form the powdery white sands that adorn the shorelines of Fort Walton Beach today and remain refreshingly cool to the touch.
Book Your Florida Adventure
Enjoying the very best of a getaway to Florida begins with booking accommodations through The Breakers of Fort Walton Beach. Reach out today to learn more and to get started! Our team is here to make sure you’re settled into a vacation rental that’s stylish, luxurious, and comfortable every day of your stay.