Beach vacations are, by definition, naturally relaxing. And there’s no better free attraction than the sugary, white-sand beaches along the Emerald Coast, the slice of Northwest Florida that includes Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island.
 
But off the beach, there’s plenty for families to do that is low- or no-cost, if you know where to look.

You can usually find insider deals in brochures, special Web-only deals or perhaps promotions through the area’s convention and visitors bureau (www.destin-fwb.com). But since a Florida vacation should never be difficult to plan, we’ve gathered up some of the best deals going to help you leave with a lifetime of memories and cash in your wallet.
The natural attractions are always free – sunrise, sunset, splashing in the emerald waters and building castles on the beach. But there’s more free stuff to do than indulge in nature.

 
Reel Deals
 
Cast a line at the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier, where a family of four can fish all day for under $25. BYOB – bait, that is – and come and go as you please, as the one-time daily fee is just $7 per adult and $4 per child, with kids under 5 free. That price includes tax and a state fishing license, and rod rentals are available at an additional charge.
 
If you want to get out on the water and cast, a fishing charter can be an affordable option. Olin Marler’s Charter Cruises, for example, offers an all-inclusive four-hour boat trip that includes tackle, rods, bait and licenses; tip the deck hands, and they’ll even clean your catch for you.

Tee Time
 
There are more than a dozen courses along the Emerald Coast to challenge golfers, whether they’re working on their short game or perfecting their drive. Best of all, some of the courses offer discounts if you’re raring to tee off early or don’t mind waiting all day for a discount.

The Ron Garl-designed Club at Hidden Creek in Navarre (part of the Emerald Coast Golf Trail) offers not only fast greens and a scenic, rolling, 18-hole, par-72 course – but it also discounts its $45 greens fee. Those who reserve a tee time before 8 a.m. or between 2 and 4 p.m. pay $32; after 4 p.m., players pay only $20 for a round, including a cart. (They also offer club rentals.)
 
Free for All
 
The natural attractions are always free – sunrise, sunset, splashing in the emerald waters and building castles on the beach. But there’s more free stuff to do than indulge in nature.
 
Gator Beach is a fun and funky wonder for kids and adults alike. This miniature gator zoo just outside Fudpucker’s restaurant is always free; daily shows educate as well as entertain, and you can even feed the gators.
 
The Air Force Armament Museum in Destin is a must for anyone into warplanes. Right on the grounds of the world’s largest airbase, the museum houses everything from spy and reconnaissance planes to World War II war birds, including fighters and bombers.
 
Discount Deals
 
Sometimes the deals are hidden in plain sight, especially when it comes to local attractions.
 
For instance, visitors from Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, Tennessee, Indiana and Louisiana get a free admission with purchase of admission to the museums of Fort Walton Beach at the Heritage Park and Cultural Center, including the Indian Temple Mound, the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum and the Garnier Post Office Museum. These museums encompass thousands of centuries of area history, from ancient times to the first school and original post office.
 
At Big Kahuna’s, the fun-for-all-ages water park, those who want to spend just a few hours but not the whole day are in luck. Twilight pricing at Big Kahuna’s saves each adult $10; buying tickets online saves $2 per ticket.
 
This article is brought to you by the Emerald Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau. Plan your own getaway at www.destin-fwb.com.