Emerald Escape

Fall for the allure of the quiet season along the Emerald Coast

A crisp breeze flows off the dazzling blue-green waters of the Gulf this early morning, the slight chill in the air – and on our toes in the water – is a brisk reminder that fall has arrived in Northwest Florida.

The sugary sand beaches of Okaloosa Island beckon to children even very early in the morning. The chance to build a castle, chase a seagull or perhaps even spy a dolphin is the first order of business, always.

Later, we'll explore the other wonders, man-made and nature-made, that make this corner of the state such a treat for families. For now, the cool sand and rhythmic beat of the waves is more than enough to satisfy.

Fall along the Emerald Coast – the area encompassing Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island – is the quiet season, and it's the perfect time to discover this particular slice of Florida life.

Natural Wonders

Lush white-sand beaches are a natural draw for most visiting the Emerald Coast, and families can indulge in quality together-time in plenty of ways – on and off the water.

Kids – especially teenagers – can help raise the sails on the Nathaniel Bowditch, a traditionally rigged schooner that sails out of Harborwalk Village in Destin. The three-hour cruises cost $35 per person, and families are encouraged to bring along their own coolers packed with refreshments.

Destin is known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," so grab your fishing pole and put that claim to the test. The Okaloosa Island Pier is an ideal place for younger anglers to drop their lines into the crystal clear waters.

Harborwalk Charters offers both deep-sea and bay fishing trips, and guests can catch almost every kind of sport fish imaginable in the fall – from amberjack and king mackerel to wahoo, marlin and shark.

And then, there are the beaches. Cool fall mornings work their way into warm afternoons perfect for sunning, swimming or simply relaxing. Water temperatures average in the low 70s, and during this time of the year, fewer visitors frequent public beaches such as Henderson Beach State Park and Mattie Kelly Park.

Play Time

The country's second oldest marine park, the Gulfarium on Okaloosa Island, retains its vintage charm with daily marine mammal shows featuring dolphins and sea lions, eels, alligators and stingrays. A 40-minute dolphin encounter program ($150) lets kids interact with dolphins in the water, and a meet-and-greet ($75) allows children to feed and pet the dolphins from land.

Up for a family challenge, such as a game of mini-golf or a go-kart race? The Track is a Destin must-visit, if only for its crazy, three-tiered and wooden go-kart course. Arcade games, miniature golf and water-spraying bumper boats offer kids of every age a chance to get in on the off-the-beach action.

And there's no limit to what kids can learn (shhh... don't tell them!) while playing in the bubble room, firing air cannons or doing their best mad scientist impression at the Emerald Coast Science Center in Fort Walton Beach.

Family Time

Area restaurants offer plenty of opportunities for families to unwind after a busy day of exploration. Try Another Broken Egg for a huge, get-the-day-going breakfast, Pranzo for family-style Italian and the waterfront Back Porch for seafood anytime.

When the sun sets, you'll find family accommodations are plentiful during the fall season, so you can choose your sleep spot with your family's style in mind.

Families with older teens or who want proximity to shopping and dining should try the Emerald Grande at Harborwalk, while the newly renovated Four Points by Sheraton in Fort Walton Beach offers family-sized suites and Gulf-front balconies.

Destin West Beach and Bay Resort on Okaloosa Island is a bit of kiddie nirvana, with a 700-foot lazy river, pools too numerous to count and dive-in movies.

To plan your own family getaway to the Emerald Coast, call 850-651-7131 or visit www.destin-fwb.com.