Here is info from a co-worker who has family in Destin, near Ft. Walton Beach. I hope you have a great trip!
A. Morris
Ft. Walton is a small city/town just west of Destin. A long time ago Ft. Walton was the only real city, Destin was just a fishing port/stop in the road. I think Okaloosa Island may be considered part of Ft. Walton. Anywhere in the Ft. Walton/Okaloosa Island/Destin/Beaches of South Walton/Sandestin/Seaside/Panama City stretch of Florida is good.
You can fly to the area from Dallas and land at either Pensacola (50 miles west of Ft. Walton) or in an airport that is designated "Ft. Walton" but is actually on one end of Eglin Air Force Base's landing area.
The drive is not bad, if you're up to 12-13 hours from Dallas.
I always stay in Destin and use ResortQuest as my rental agent. ResortQuest.com
There's another good rental company called Ocean Reef. My brother and sister-in-law use them. I think you can just google Ocean Reef and find them.
Accommodations range from hotels to condos to houses.
There are no more beautiful waters and beaches in the country. I'm biased, coming from native Floridians. But, they're my kind of beach. The eastern seabord is charming, but the white sands and emerald waters of my Gulf of Mexico cannot be beat.
If I can give any more specifics, let me know.
Babs Clay
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