Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
One of the most sacred sites for local Native American culture to this day, the 17ft-tall,
223ft-wide ceremonial and political temple mound, built with 500,000 basket loads of
earth and representing what is probably the largest prehistoric earthwork on the Gulf
Coast, dates back to somewhere between AD 800 and 1500. On top of the mound you'll
find a recreated temple housing a small exhibition center.
The museum offers an extensive overview of 12,000 years of Native American history,
and houses flutes, ceramics and artifacts fashioned from stone, bone and shells, as well as
a comprehensive research library.
Okaloosa Island Pier & Boardwalk LANDMARK
( 850-244-1023; www.okaloosaislandpier.com ; 1030 Miracle Strip Pkwy E, Fort Walton Beach; walk-
on $2, fishing adult/child $7.50/4.50; 24hr Apr-Oct, 5am-9pm Nov-Mar)
Stretching out almost a quarter of a mile into the Atlantic, this popular recreational-fishing
pier is open 24 hours in the summer and is illuminated for night fishing. Rental gear is
available (from $7) and there are no fishing-license requirements. Otherwise, the pier and
adjacent boardwalk are perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Gulfarium AQUARIUM
( 850-243-9046; www.gulfarium.com ; 1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach; adult/child
$20/12; 9am-4:30pm; )
This aquarium has been entertaining folks since 1955 with its myriad shows and activities,
and it has a wide range of animal encounters (at additional cost), such as Discover Stin-
grays and the Dolphin Splash Encounter . Animal-welfare groups say that interactions in
captivity are detrimental to dolphins' wellbeing; Gulfarium says that it is protecting these
graceful mammals and educating the public about them. We'll let you decide. You must be
aged eight or over to swim with the dolphins.
US Air Force Armament Museum MUSEUM
( 850-651-1808; www.afarmamentmuseum.com ; 100 Museum Dr, Eglin Air Force Base;
9:30am-4:30pm Mon-Sat)
One for military buffs. The exterior of this hangar-style museum, flanked by fighter
planes, appears small, but inside are extensive weapons displays including a frightening
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