Waterscape in Fort Walton Beach adds water park fun and island-style elegance to the Northwest Florida coastline when it opens this spring. It features a 10-foot-tall waterfall, free-form pool, play area for kids and even a LAY-Z-RIVER, all on the stunning Emerald Coast beachfront.

Azure, a ResortQuest property, invokes daydreams of cerulean blue water, shell hunting and long, lazy naps. This world-class resort overlooks the crystal-clear Gulf Waters of Okaloosa Island in the Fort Walton Beach area. The Gulfarium and WaterScape are two Florida water parks that keep kids of all ages busy.

Waterscape, is an elegant vacation rental property wrapped into one 10-acre site on 490 feet of beachfront. And not just any beachfront - this part of Florida is known as the Emerald   Coast for a reason. The water is stunningly blue-green, and the sand is strikingly white and fine.

Of more interest to kids, no doubt, is Waterscape's pool area. As you gaze from the model unit at this sprawling tropical courtyard, your eyes will meet a 10-foot-tall waterfall cascading into a massive, free-form pool. There are wet and dry play areas for small children - plastic pirate shipwreck and squirting water mushrooms included. Your kids won't believe there isan actual LAY-Z-RIVER, a gently winding loop around an island. You can imagine myself there, floating in the water, soaking in the sun.

Oh, and there's more: another pool, two hot tubs, Southern-style porch  swings, a white-washed gazebo (great for weddings), gas grills (perfect for  picnics) and an exercise room that would make your gym manager green with envy.

Waterscape has 339 condos. The appliances are stainless steel, the counter tops granite, the balconies 8 feet long. And the water-view rooms are complete with floor-to-ceiling glass  windows and sliding doors that let in volumes of ocean-kissed sunlight.

Conveniently, some floor plan features built-in bunks for  the kids, and the units come in one-, two- and three-bedroom suites with beachside service. Almost every room has a view. Unlike most other properties, Waterscape is built in a U-shape, offering a dramatic view of the split-level courtyard and ocean.

The Gulfarium and Beyond

For dinner, you can opt for Angler's Beachside Grill, a family-friendly  seafood restaurant with ocean views and excellent top-shelf margaritas. After a little cajoling, you'll be able to convince your kids to the Gulfarium,  the world's oldest marine show aquarium. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how fascinated they are while they watch the 20-minute sea lion show, and later at seeing the harbor seals.

Don't miss Old Bay Steamer, where you will crack open a pound of crab legs and talk about all things marine.

For more information on planning your own vacation home getaway to Fort Walton Beach or other Northwest Florida destinations, call 888-909-6807 or 850-275-5060, or  visit www.ResortQuestNWFL.com.

WaterScape is an upscale vacation rental property that features a mini water park.

WaterScape is an upscale vacation rental property that features a mini water park.

- VISIT FLORIDA

Fort Walton Beach is known for its emerald-green water and powder-white sand

Fort Walton Beach is known for its emerald-green water and powder-white sand

- VISIT FLORIDA

WaterScape's pool area features kids' play areas, cascading waterfalls and a LAY-Z-RIVER.

WaterScape's pool area features kids' play areas, cascading waterfalls and a LAY-Z-RIVER.

- VISIT FLORIDA

From spectacular beaches to marine-themed attractions, Fort Walton Beach offers much for families.

From spectacular beaches to marine-themed attractions, Fort Walton Beach offers much for families.

- VISIT FLORIDA

places to remember