Save some dough along the Emerald Coast

• Advocate marketing report
• Published: Apr 26, 2009

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Florida’s Emerald Coast is an inviting place to visit this summer while avoiding a hard hit in the wallet.

The Emerald Coast – comprised of the communities of Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island – features a 24-mile stretch of beaches only a few hours’ drive from Baton Rouge. It has been voted “Best Beach Town in the South” 14 years in a row by Southern Living magazine.

Looking for something to do at a bargain might seem a tough task while vacationing, but according to the Emerald Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, there are several things to do for less than $20 per person.

• Beaches: Building a sandcastle on the beach costs nothing.
• Air Force Armament Museum: 100 Museum Drive, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.; (850) 651-1808.
• Gator Beach Alligator Exhibit: In front of Fudpucker’s in Destin, Fla.; (850) 837-4781.
• Destin History and Fishing Museum:  108 Stahlman Drive, Destin, Fla.; (850) 837-6611; cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children.
• The Emerald Coast Science Center: 139 Brooks St., Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; (850) 664-1261; cost is $5 for adults and $3.50 for children.
• Florida’s Gulfarium: 1010 Miracle Strip Parkway S.E., Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; (800) 247-8575); cost is $19.25 for adults and $11.50 for children.
• Okaloosa Pier: Casting a line off the Okaloosa Pier costs $7 for adults and $4 for children.

For more values, check the CVB’s Web site.

On the Net: http://www.destin-fwb.com

Phone: (800) 322-3319