Five Ways to Save Some Green

Save on a family getaway to the Emerald Coast of Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island with these savvy tips.

If the family vacation fund feels a little snug these days, not to worry. You can save a ton without sacrificing fun along Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast of Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island.

1. Days on the Beach Don’t Cost a Dime
Naturally, sugar-white sand beaches and emerald-hued Gulf of Mexico waters take the vacation spotlight.

• Team up to build the biggest sandcastle on the beach.
• Challenge the gang to a lively volleyball or Frisbee game.
• Snorkel eye-to-eye with fish in crystal clear shallow waters.
• The whole family will enjoy beachcombing for free souvenirs from the sea (remember to keep only those shells that no longer have a creature living inside of them).
• Finish the day with a sunset picnic, and linger until the stars come out. Beach skies are spectacular at night.

On the Emerald Coast, catching your dinner can be a family affair.

Join avid anglers on the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier that extends a quarter-mile into the Gulf. Typical catches include mackerel, snapper, tuna, flounder, pompano and bluefish.

• Surf fish from the shore or cast a line from the Destin Bridge Catwalk.
• Join avid anglers on the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier that extends a quarter-mile into the Gulf. Typical catches include mackerel, snapper, tuna, flounder, pompano and bluefish. (Pier fishing fees are $7 for adults, $4 for kids and $1 for observers from sunrise to midnight. No Florida fishing license is required for saltwater fishing from land or a structure fixed to the land.) You can even rent fishing gear right on-site.

2. Find Free Family Fun off the Beach
When it’s time for a beach break, plenty of free and almost-free attractions keep families busy.

• Salute the wild blue yonder at the Air Force Armament Museum on the outskirts of Eglin Air Force Base. Admission is free, and 52 outside aircraft, missiles and inside exhibits draw rave reviews.
•  Interactive natural phenomena exhibits and scientific experiments delight the young and young-at-heart at the Emerald Coast Science Center.
• Learn local legends and lore at the Destin History & Fishing Museum.
• View the largest collection of Southeastern Indian ceramic artifacts in the country and experience what school was like in the old days at Camp Walton Schoolhouse at the Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park & Cultural Center.
• Bring a picnic to Thursday night concerts at Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village.
• Learn the art of kite-making at Kitty Hawk Kites at HarborWalk Village.
• Dance in the streets at First Friday Concerts at Destin Commons.
• And, drive-in to free family flicks on Movie Nights at Uptown Station Central Park.

3. Take Advantage of Local Events and Festivals
There’s always something going on along the coast.

• Check out area festivals like the Destin Family Fun Arts Fest in May.
• Get a bounty of free pirate loot when swashbucklers “take over” Fort Walton Beach at the Annual Billy Bowlegs Festival, June 5-8, 2009.
• Celebrate Fourth of July with grand fireworks in Destin and Fort Walton Beach.
• And, kick-off the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo and Destin Seafood Festival in October.

4. Stay for Less, Get More
Renting a condominium or vacation home often makes sense for families. Everyone has space and privacy, a fully-equipped kitchen saves on dining out and Emerald Coast vacation rental companies pack on perks.

• ResortQuest, Dale E Peterson Vacations and Newman-Daily Resort Properties feature complimentary seasonal packages worth hundreds of dollars with activities like free round of golf, dolphin watching cruises, Little Nemo fishing trips and Big Kahuna's water park tickets.

Always a hit: Free time for parents!

• Day camp and Kids Night Out at Ramada Plaza Beach Resort (Fort Walton Beach) and the Little Buccaneers Camp at Holiday Inn Destin on the Beach entertain kids while mom and dad relax.
• Free breakfasts at Hampton Inn (Destin and Fort Walton Beach) and Kids Eat Free and Dive-in Movie Nights at Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort (Fort Walton Beach) are also popular hotel extras.

For outdoor enthusiasts, camping is a great option.

• Henderson Beach State Park is a bargain at $21 per day. Sixty campsites with water and electric hookups, an air-conditioned bathhouse and a cool kids’ playground are just steps away from the sea.

5. Search for Deals and Special Savings
Keep an eye out for special savings opportunities while you plan, and once you're on vacation.

• Drop by the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau for brochures and savvy local tips.
• Snag a copy of "SEE Emerald Coast" with more than 60 discount coupons for attractions, shopping and dining.
• Scan local newspapers for early-bird and two-for-one dining discounts and special events.
• Surf the Web for Hot Deals on Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island stays on VISITFLORIDA.com/deals.
• Check Emerald Specials and subscribe to e-mail Edeals at the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau web site (www.destin-fwb.com).

What are you waiting for? There’s never been a better time to stay and play for less along the Emerald Coast.

This article is brought to you by the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau. To plan your own getaway, call 800-322-3319 or visit www.destin-fwb.com.