Grab the beach towel and the sunscreen, break out the flip-flops, pack the cooler: the hot summer beaches of Florida await! They don’t call it the Sunshine State for nothing. Within a day-trip’s distance from any town along the coastal stretch of the Gulf of Mexico, paradise awaits. Somewhere nearby, rest assured, is a beach. But Florida is more than just beach. It’s music and architecture and color; it’s food, history, entertainment, innovation, and culture. It’s life, and it’s right there waiting for you to find it!
The three U.S. military bases found along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico – Tyndall Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, and Eglin Air Force Base – are all within one hundred miles of each other, with Tyndall AFB being the farthest out. Hurlburt Field and Eglin AFB, on the other hand, are right next to each other. If you find yourself PCSing to one of these bases, then you’re in luck. The local area is saturated with exciting things to see and do. All it requires is a sense of adventure (and this guide, of course).
Because of the relative proximity of many of the places listed below, it would be worthwhile to browse the attractions for all the bases. Travel distance and time to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios (they are 15 miles apart) is also included for each base for your reference.
Now, are you ready to explore?
In 1941, the Flexible Gunnery School No. 9 was set up near Panama City, Florida. Pines, palmetto plants, and scrub brush dominated the swamp land. After months of construction and still lacking a name, the installation was officially named Tyndall Field in memory of Lieutenant Francis B. Tyndall. Lieutenant Tyndall, a native Floridian, was a fighter pilot during World War I and, in 1818, was honored for having shot down four German planes while behind enemy lines. (Disney/Universal – 366 mi., 5.5 hrs.)
(5843 E Highway 98, Panama City, 32404; (850) 874-1405; 7.5 mi. from Tyndall AFB; open from dawn to dusk; free)
Looking for great picnic spot or just a scenic park to spend the day? Under the Oaks Park is a popular community park in Bay County, and it’s ideal for family fun or outings with friends. It features plenty of shade-covered tables, a playground, nature trails, a fishing pier, and wildlife observation areas. Adventure-seekers take note: the park also features kayak and canoe launches. Several community events are hosted here as well, including the Under the Oaks Bluegrass Festival.
You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy a fun round of mini golf or the challenge of navigating the labyrinthine passages of the Gran Maze at Coconut Creek Family Fun Park. A year-round attraction, this is family fun at its height. Group reservations can be made online.
(9807 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, 32407; (850) 234-2625; 24.1 mi. from Tyndall AFB; 9 am – 11:30 pm; $26, children 5 play free)
Whether you love to swim, snorkel, surf, fish, or enjoy nature, St. Andrews State Park has something for everyone. With the Gulf of Mexico on one side of the park and St. Andrews Bay on the other side, visitors can get a sense of the pristine beauty that Theodore Tollofson, later known as “Teddy the Hermit,” must have seen when he was shipwrecked there during a hurricane in the year 1929. Building a home out of his derelict boat, Teddy lived there for 25 years. Was it the mile and a half of snow-white sands or was it the emerald waters that kept him captivated for so long? You’ll just have to see for yourself. The park is also a popular migratory stopover site for butterflies and various species of birds. Overnight camping is available.
(4607 State Park Ln, Panama City Beach, 32408; (850) 708-6100; 26.2 mi. from Tyndall AFB; 8 am – sunset; $4-8 per vehicle)
When it was established in 1976, Shipwreck Island Waterpark became renowned for its Zoom Flume waterslide. Since then, the park has expanded into a fifteen-acre tropical themed wonderland and now boasts dozens of thrilling attractions for all ages, including The Raging Rapids, bumper boats, Tree Top Drop, White Knuckle River, Ocean Motion Wave Pool, The Pirate’s Plunge Racing Slide, The Lazy River, and much more! Food and beverages are sold in the park. Season passes are available.
(12201 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, 32407; (850) 234-3333; 26.4 mi. from Tyndall AFB; 10:30 am – 4:30 am; Guests 50 inches and above – $47.00 per person, guests under 35 inches – free)
In need of some retail therapy? Look no further than Pier Park, Northwest Florida’s premier outdoor shopping center, found just a stone’s throw away from the stunning beaches of the Emerald Coast. With over 250 retail, entertainment, and dining options, this must-see shopping destination features major department and anchor stores like Dillard’s, Target, Colombia, Crocs, and Victoria’s Secret. Dining options include locally caught seafood fresh from the Gulf and a variety of cuisines to satisfy any appetite. The outdoor play area features a bungee jump, passenger train, and bumper boats. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the XD Dark Ride Experience – a multi-sensory, interactive 7D movie/immersive video game experience, where riders shoot on-screen enemies with laser blaster guns. It’s a great place to spend the day.
(600 Pier Park Dr, Panama City Beach, 32413; (850) 236-9962; 29.4 mi. from Tyndall AFB; 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm; Free)
Ever wanted to see a real shrunken head or see how you measure up against the world’s tallest man? The Odditorium houses the world’s largest collection of strange, unusual, and downright bizarre exhibits from around the world. But Ripley’s Believe It or Not is more than just a museum of weird. There’s also the 7D Moving Theater with an ultramodern motion simulator to make you feel like you are inside the movie; a mirror maze with over 100 mirrors and LED lighting and digital sound; and a LaseRace course, where visitors can try to beat the clock navigating through a web of laser beams. You can’t miss this place. Just look for the building shaped like a giant sinking ship!
(9907 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, 32407; (850) 230-6113; 24.2 mi. from Tyndall AFB; 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; $9.99 – $34.99)
Tired of the beach, yet? Zooworld offers something unique and different. Get up close and personal with exotic wildlife. This is your chance to pet a sloth, hold a baby alligator and kangaroo, feed a giraffe, and cuddle with a lemur. There’s no need for binoculars at this zoological park. Visitors can experience the wild in literal hands-on fashion. While you’re at it, connect with your own wild side by testing your skills at the hatchet throwing attraction.
(9008 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, 32407; (850) 230-1243; 23.4 mi. from Tyndall AFB; 9:30 a.m. – last admission at 3:00 p.m. daily; $19.95 – $24.95, 20% off for military)
Feel the need for speed? Put the pedal to the metal at the Indy Speedway, a 480-foot outdoor Go-Karts track that will have you zooming! Then, head over to the Vomatron, a giant propeller with seats on the end that lifts riders 200 feet in the air for a view from the top of the world. It’s not for the faint of heart. Riders reach speeds of up to 70 mph and experience 4G force spins, and then they get to experience it all again… backwards! NASA once used this machine to train astronauts for space flight. Now, you can test your thrill limits. And if that’s not fast enough for you, head over to the Slingshot, where riders are hurled 365 feet in the air at speeds of up to 100 mph. Just try not to scream too much: you’ll be broadcasted on a live video feed while the ride is in motion!
(8762 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach, 32408; (850) 234-1121; 24.6 mi. from Tyndall AFB; 10:00 a.m. – “Very Late”; $5 – $30)
Education and entertainment are gleefully mixed at WonderWorld for an exceptional “edutainment” experience. With over 100 interactive exhibits to challenge the brain and expand the imagination, this amusement park features six zones, such as the Space Discovery Zone and the Extreme Weather Zone, which will leave visitors gaping with awe and wonder. Prepare to get physical in the Physical Challenge Zone, where you can climb through obstacles three stories above ground, complete the glow-in-the-dark Indoor Ropes Course, compete against opponents in the Laser-Tag black-lit maze, and feel the thrill of the Space Fury 360 ride. Learning has never been so much fun!
(9910 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, 32407; (850) 249-7000; 24.2 mi. from Tyndall AFB; Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; $21.99 – $27.99)
Beware the splash zone! Since 1970, Gulf World has been a staple destination for families visiting Panama City Beach. Educational shows feature bottlenose dolphins, harbor seals, sea lions, African penguins, and tropical birds. Be sure to check out the rare rough-toothed dolphin that is being kept in long-term human care at this facility. Guests can also feed and snorkel with the stingrays, swim with the dolphins, all while feeling good that their patronage goes towards helping a 501c3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine mammals and sea turtles.
(15412 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, 32413; (850) 234-5271; 28.9 mi. from Tyndall AFB; 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., hours vary by season; $22.99 – $49.99)
The long and proud history of Eglin AFB spans five wars, dating back to 1935, when it was known as the Valparaiso Bombing and Gunnery Base. It currently hosts the 96th Test Wing, which tests non-nuclear munitions, electronic combat systems, and navigation and guidance systems and is a critical component of the U.S. Air Force mission. The base is named in honor of Lt. Col. Frederick Eglin who died in a plane crash in 1937 while in flight from Langley Field, Virginia, to Maxwell Field, Alabama. Things took a tragic turn when his Northrop A-17 Nomad attack bomber encountered heavy rain and fog. Unable to see, Lt. Col. Eglin had no way of knowing that he was headed straight for the peak of Alabama’s Cheaha Mountain. He died instantly, and his remains are interred at Arlington National Cemetery. It was his reputation as top pilot that earned him the honor of having Eglin Air Force base named after him. (Disney/Universal – 413 mi., 5.5 hrs.)
Service members, or any American, really, would be remiss to skip out on the world’s only museum dedicated to the exhibition of memorabilia and artifacts associated with the Air Force Armament. Located within walking distance, the museum preserves 29 different aircraft going back to the WWII era, including an AC-130, B-17, B-25, and a B-52, plus a variety of bombs, rockets, and missiles. Be sure to check out the 32-minute documentary on the history of Eglin AFB. Visitors will find plenty of fascinating interactive displays that are sure to entertain as well as educate on the proud history of the Air Force Armament.
(100 Museum Dr, Eglin Air Force Base, 32542; (850) 882-4062; 1 mi. from Eglin AFB; Monday – Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Free)
With all that fun in the sun, you’ll be requiring an ice-cold libation. Look no further than “Navarre’s first craft brewery.” Capturing the charm of a small town, family-friendly hangout, Ye Old Brothers Brewery serves up locally brewed, hand-crafted beers, seasonal specials, and select bottled beers, and their own craft brewed selections, as well as off-menu specials. And just in case you were wondering who the “old brothers” are, head on over to the bar and strike up a chat with the always friendly proprietors, Jerry and Larry. And be sure to order some beer cheese and pretzels to go with your drink. Or try the smothered mushrooms, the Pancho Villa Taco Pizza, or Gloria’s Rib Plate. It’s guaranteed to hit the spot.
(4458 Highway 87, Navarre, 32566; (850) 684-1495; 29.7 mi. from Eglin AFB; Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Indian Temple Mound Museum
Learn more about the rich and fascinating cultural history of Fort Walton Beach and the Northwest Florida region, going back all the way to 14,000 B.C., when Native Americans populations settled the land. The museum features exhibits depicting 12,000 years of Native American history, and includes over 1,000 artifacts of bone, clay, shell, stone, and ceramics. Also included are artifacts from European explorers and settlers and pirates. As part of the Heritage Park and Cultural Center, the Indian Temple Mound Museum admission price also gains you access to the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum, Garnier Post Office Museum, Fort Walton Temple Mound, and the Civil War Exhibit Building.
(139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, 32548; (850) 833-9595; 7.9 mi. from Eglin AFB; Monday – Friday 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday closed; $3 – $5)
Emerald Coast Indoor Shooting & Sport
Shoot your shot at the Emerald Coast’s most modern indoor range. In stock, you’ll find all major manufacturers for every kind of firearm platform, including suppressors and Class III weaponry. This place makes shopping for firearms convenient and enjoyable by separating all handguns by manufacturer. They even have firearms available to rent. Found a model that you like? Get a demo of it through the Firearm Test Drive Program and test it out on their range so you can know exactly what you’re purchasing. Between shooting events, private parties, meetings, concealed weapons permit classes, beginner’s classes, private training, and gun range memberships, there’s no shortage of exciting activities for every gun lover at Emerald Coast Indoor Shooting & Sport.
(685 Valparaiso Parkway, Valparaiso, 32580; (850) 502-2354; 6.9 mi. from Eglin AFB; Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; $15 lane rentals for military)
This gem of an attraction in the city of Niceville offers visitors a pavilion for parties and gatherings, a swimming area for family-friendly fun, quiet spots in which to enjoy nature’s beauty, and opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, trail hiking, running, and nature walks. There’s something for everyone at Turkey Creek Nature Trail, an idyllic spot to spend the day.
(340 John Sims Pkwy, Niceville, 32578; (850) 279-6436 ext. 3006; 7.8 mi. from Eglin AFB; Sun. – Mon. closed, Tues. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wed. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thurs. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Free)
A hot spot for fishers and tourists from all over the world, Destin Harbor and the Boardwalk offer opportunities for recreational activities, fine dining, music and entertainment, nightlife, water sports, golf, shopping, and so much more! You can go to the beach, ride a jet ski or pontoon boat, snorkel along the East and West Jetties, go parasailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Dolphin cruise boats allow you to take in the scenic views of the harbor and spot a playful bottlenose or two! Be sure to check out Destin’s famous Crab Island, a sandbar located minutes away from Destin Harbor, just south of Marler Bridge. Crab Island is a popular hangout and social spot for tourists and boaters to anchor and wade on the sandbar.
(102 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 32541; (850) 683-3009; 13.7 mi. from Eglin AFB; Hours vary; Free)
Eglin Beach Park
Looking to get away from the tourist crowds? Eglin Beach Park is a private beach exclusively for use by all DoD personnel, including military ranks, retirees, civilian personnel, federal contractors, and their guests. You must have a valid ID to get in. It is open only during the spring and summer months, from April until October. The park is clean and family friendly, complete with great amenities, restrooms, showers, a central deck and picnic area, four large pavilions available to rent, and onsite vendors. Pure fun in the sun!
(Hwy 98, Okaloosa Island, Destin, 32541; (850) 882-5058; 12.5 mi. from Eglin AFB; Monday – Friday closed, Saturday – Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $5 per vehicle; DoD personnel and guests only; valid ID required)
Hurlburt Field accommodates the 1st Special Operations Wing (1 SOW), Headquarters Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), a major Air Force command, and associate units. In the 1940s, it was named Eglin Auxiliary Field No. 9 and served as a training field for Eglin Air Force Range. It played a key role in the training of the special operations rescue forces in Vietnam. Eventually, it was named by General Grandison Gardiner, Eglin commander, Hurlburt Field, after First Lieutenant Donald Wilson Hurlburt who was killed in a plane crash at Eglin Auxiliary Field #9 in the year 1943. In continuation of its mission to train special operations forces, Hurlburt Field plays an important role today in supplying critical capabilities to special operations troops throughout all the service branches of the military. (Disney/Universal – 421 mi., 6.5 hrs.)
Hurlburt Lanes Bowling Center
You can’t beat a good time bowling, and that’s just what you can expect at Hurlburt Lanes Bowling Center, a 12-lane facility where you can go for a strike and grab a bite to eat that the Sparetime Grill, choosing from a menu of signature dishes and a wide selection of hot and cold beverages. You can also purchase equipment and memorabilia at the on-site Pro Shop. This is perfect for casual fun outings for after-work gatherings, parties, family time, and squadron events. Be sure to check out the Active Duty Bowling Special Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $2.25 per game and $2 shoes. ID required.
(442 Cody Ave, Bldg. 90231, Hurlburt Field, 32544; (850) 884-6941; 1 mi. from Hurlburt Field; Mon. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tues., Wed., Thurs. 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., [Leagues 4:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., limited open bowl], $15 per hour, $2 shoes)
Enjoy a fun day of shopping at the Santa Rosa Mall in Mary Esther, Florida. You’ll find that perfect outfit or pair of shoes at one of the many stores within the mall, including Dillard’s, Old Navy, Claire’s, Bath & Body Works, and For Your Entertainment! Afterwards, you can get a workout in at Planet Fitness. While you’re in the area, you can also catch a flick at the Regal Santa Rosa movie theater or bounce on the trampolines at the Surge Adventure Park, both of which are located near the mall.
(300 Mary Esther Blvd, Mary Esther, 32569; (850) 244-2172; 4.5 mi. from Hurlburt Field; Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Free)
Have a blast at Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone in Northwest Florida – the largest family entertainment center in the region, located on Okaloosa Island, outside of Destin in Fort Walton Beach. With over 17,000 square feet of arcade games, a laser tag arena, a 4D movie theater, Salvati’s Pizza Factory, and YogoMogo’s Creamy Cool Creations, you’re guaranteed to have a good time. And that’s just the inside. Step outside and play a round of dinosaur or pirate-themed mini golf, navigate a 60-foot ropes course, or try the bungee trampoline. Then, if you need to cool off, get splashed at the bumper boat pool. It’s good fun for all ages!
(1306 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, 32548; (850) 400-3300; 7.7 mi. from Hurlburt Field; Mon.- Thurs. 12 p.m. – 8 p.m., Fri. 12 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Prices vary)
Parting Words As you can clearly tell, there is no shortage of things to see and do in the Florida panhandle and surrounding the three bases. If you happen to find yourself PCSing to any of these locations, consider yourself lucky. There’s something for everyone in this part of the state, and this guide is not even exhaustive, but it can give you a good idea of what to expect in your new surroundings, and that is, simply, lots and lots of fun. Adventure is at your fingertips. What cool new things will you discover?
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