For information on both Fort Walton Beach and Destin, contact the Emerald Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, P.O. Box 609, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32549 (tel. 800/322-3319 or 850/651-7122; fax 850/651-7149; www.destin-fwb.com). The bureau shares quarters with the Okaloosa County Visitors Welcome Center in a tin-roofed, beachside building on Miracle Strip Parkway (U.S. 98), on Okaloosa Island at the eastern edge of Fort Walton Beach. Stop here for brochures, maps, and other information. This visitor center is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

The Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, 4484 Legendary Dr., Destin, FL 32541 (tel. 850/837-6241; fax 850/654-5612; www.destinchamber.com), offers free brochures and sells maps of the area. The chamber is in an office complex at the entry to Regatta Bay Golf & Country Club, on U.S. 98, a half-mile east of the Mid-Bay Bridge. It's open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm; closed holidays.

For information on Rosemary Beach, WaterSound, Alys Beach, Seaside, WaterColor, Santa Rosa, Sandestin, and about eight more beach towns, contact Beaches of South Walton, P.O. Box 1248, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (tel. 800/822-6877 or 850/267-1216; fax 850/267-3943; www.beachesofsouthwalton.com). Its visitor center is at the intersection of U.S. 98 and U.S. 331, in Santa Rosa Beach (tel. 850/267-3511); open daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.