Experience the Arts in Fort Walton Beach, FL

The Florida Emerald Coast is an art-centric community. Creative art pieces heavily influenced by beach culture, tourism, and a rich history are on display in the form of paintings, sculptures, dance, music, and much more. There are many things to do in Fort Walton Beach, but possibly the most enriching activities don't require the beach or water. Some of the region's top art galleries, theatre groups, and ballets are found in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Discover these exciting artistic havens, and some of the most anticipated upcoming shows and events of summer 2015. (read more...)

These 10 Tourists Forgot How To Beach

The beach is a place for people young and old to soak up rays, splash in the waves, and create lasting memories with close friends and family. The beach is also a breeding grounds for show offs, show-too-much offs, and people that I think simply forgot they're in a public place. Yes, all sorts of interesting individuals will be enjoying the beach this summer, below are 10 beach goers you're sure to encounter.

1. The First Timer

The sea is a fickle mistress, one minute she's splashing nicely, the next slapping you in the face with a wall of saltiness!  Just be glad the kid next to you doesn't know that the 3 hours of tireless work spent constructing a sand-castle complete with wave-fed moat will likely be smashed to bits by a group of angst-ridden pre-teens.

 

2. The Fully-Clothed Guy

I mean come on... who comes to the beach in shoes, long pants, and a jacket? 

3. The Spring Breaker

Finals, professors, Starbucks Coffee, lap top computers, College is tough, and these youngsters deserve a chance to unwind. Spring Break destinations have been cutting down on the party scene lately, but if obscene and criminal behavior is what it takes to ease the pressures of academia....

4. The "Perfect Beach Bod" Couple

Ok, so you obviously work out... kudos. I'll just relax, drink my drink, eat some cheetos, try to catch a frisbee...

5. The Summer Romancers

Ahhh summer love. Bowling at the arcade, drinking lemonade, staying up til 10 o' clock. Perhaps it's the unrefined scent of an endless sea stinging the senses as if cupid's bolt shot fair and true... or maybe it's the 2 for 1 hotdogs at the pier snack hut. Whatever the case, summer romances are characterized by hand holding, puka shell bracelets, and long goodbyes because her mom is making her go back to Ohio, but she wishes she could stay with you and promises to make the distance work... ends up she only sends one hastily written myspace message and never responds when you ask her to fly back and go to prom with me... I mean "you"...


 

6. The Rule Breaker

These near-do-wells think they run the place. Glass on the beach, swimming on a double red flag, removing water from the ocean (yeah, apparently that's a rule, you can't remove water or sand from the beach), these people are bad news!

7. The Co-Conspirators

The beach is a breeding grounds for mischievous activity, with friends and family competing for the best prank. "Let me bury you in the sand, it'll be fun", "check out this crab, he won't pinch you", "hey buddy, take this bloody chopped mackerel and swim out to that big blue fin"...

 

8. ?

No day at the beach is complete without an exhibitionist display, ear-piercing sing-along, or harmless stunt gone wrong. These beach pioneers aren't afraid to be themselves, but sometimes we're a little afraid of them.

9. The Newlyweds

Beach weddings are beautiful, aren't they?

 

10. The Deviant

Every beach has em...

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*Find things to do in Destin, FL and the Emerald Coast online at Trisphock.com. Tripshock offers hotel and attraction booking at the lowest prices, book your beach vacation today!

7 Answers To 30A Vacation Questions

30A, to many, appears as nothing more than a state road in south Walton County. But those that have been there before know this country road offers a whole lot more than a quiet car ride. 30A is essentially the sum of its parts, which just so happen to be some of the newest and nicest beach communities Florida has to offer. Seagrove, Rosemary Beach, Seaside, and Blue Mountain Beach are just some of the unique and exciting neighborhoods found along 30A, and year after year these neighborhoods grow to accommodate more events, restaurants, shopping, and guests, while maintaining strict rules on over-development. The natural beauty of the Florida Panhandle shines through on every street corner, with natural foliage and traditional architecture replacing the South Florida-imported feel of many surrounding beach communities.

With so many things to do on 30A, it's a wonder the area has stayed a secret for so long. At Tripshock.com, we are constantly fielding traveler's questions on this up-and-coming resort community, so we have compiled a list of 7 Popular 30A Vacation Questions and Answers! (Read More...)
 

Destin to New Orleans by Limo with Sunshine Shuttles

The U.S. Gulf Coast stretches from Texas to Florida, and contains some of the worlds most exciting entertainment, beautiful beaches, and delicious dining. Only a short drive from Destin, Florida are some of the hottest destinations on the Gulf, and now there's a brand new shuttle service that's ready to take you there! Sunshine Shuttle in Destin, FL is now offering day trips to both New Orleans, LA and Biloxi, MS. Take a break from the beach and bring the kids for a family fun day of eats and entertainment in the Crescent City, or plan an adults-only adventure to the Waterfront Casinos of Biloxi, MS. Learn more about Sunshine Shuttle tours and how you can be on your way to a Gulf Coast adventure today!

Destin Day Trip Limo Service

Let Sunshine Shuttle transport your group in an elegant and sleek 8 person limousine. A private limo is the best way to reach your destination, providing comfortable seating and plenty of space for large groups like wedding parties and corporate gatherings. All transport vehicles are clean and smoke-free, driven by professional, background checked, and drug screened uniformed drivers. Never worry about sharing a ride, Sunshine Shuttle day trip services are totally private and discrete!

Sunshine Shuttle New Orleans Bound Limousine

Day Trips to Biloxi, Mississippi, and New Orleans, Louisiana both depart from Destin, FL, and include round trip transportation. Riding times vary depending on the destination, with trips to Biloxi enduring about 3 hours, and trips to New Orleans lasting around 4 hours.

Worried about parking? Don't be! Drivers drop off and pick up at your request. 

Don't know your way around? No problem! Your knowledgeable driver can help figure out fun things to do and places to go!

Fun Things To Do in New Orleans

So you've booked a ride to New Orleans, now you're looking for some fun things to do! New Orleans attractions promise a great time for both the young and old. Walking tours and theme parks keep the kids happy, while tasty creole dining, historical sights, and plantation trips entertain and amaze the grown-ups. Below are a few of the exciting tours available in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Oak Alley Plantation Tour

Oak Alley Plantation Tour in New Orleans

Plantation Country is home to some of the nation's oldest and most admired homes. Among those mansions, Oak Alley Plantation contains some of the most stunning views, and exciting history. Wars, celebrity guests, Hollywood films, Oak Alley has played an integral part in American history, and an Oak Alley Plantation Tour covers it all. FREE round trip motor coach transportation is provided from the French Quarter, and snacks, salads, and drinks are available at the Oak Alley Cafe & Ice Cream Parlor. For more information or to book an Oak Alley Plantation Tour, please visit Oak Alley Plantation Tours at Tripshock.com.

Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise

Steamboat Jazz Cruise in New Orleans

This fully functional steamboat gives guests a first class trip into classic New Orleans. Dixieland Jazz roars from the live band, stunning sites line the mighty Mississippi, and an optional meal buffet includes some of New Orleans' signature creole dishes. There is plenty of room to dance, and a museum quality engine room on the lower deck. A ride on the Steamboat Natchez is a fun and affordable way to explore the Mississippi River! For more information or to purchase tickets for the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise, please visit New Orleans Jazz Cruise at Tripshock.com.

New Orleans Theme Park Combo Pass

New Orleans Butterfly Garden

Spend the afternoon interacting with nature both in person and on the big screen with a New Orleans Theme Park Combo Pass. This Combo Pass includes tickets to 4 of the cities most popular kid friendly attractions including:

• New Orleans Audubon Zoo
• New Orleans Audubon Butterfly Garden & Insectarium
• Aquarium of the Americas
• New Orleans Etergy IMAX Theatre

One pass gets you into all 4 attractions, and will leave your children with a lifetime of memories! For more information or to purchase tickets for the New Orleans Theme Park Combo Pass, please visit New Orleans Theme Park Tickets at Tripshock.com.

Fun Things To Do in Biloxi

Biloxi is known for World Class Casinos

Visitors flock to Biloxi for gambling, entertainment, and beautiful beaches. Some of the nation's top casino chains offer locations in Biloxi including Hard Rock, Golden Nugget, and Harrah's. Nightly shows from top entertainers grace the casino stages, and if you need a quick break from the poker table, enjoy fresh caught seafood from a waterfront restaurant, or throw down a towel and soak up some rays on the beach. With the short ride from Destin to Biloxi, your party will have plenty of time to experience all that Biloxi, MS has to offer! For more info on Biloxi, MS, check out the Biloxi vacation guide.

6 Friendly Marine Species of the Gulf Coast

The Gulf Coast is full of friendly marine life! Up in the sky, or beneath the waves, a host of coastal critters is waiting to meet you! Read below for 6 of the Friendliest Marine Species found on the Gulf Coast.

Sea Turtles

A visit from a sea turtle will put a smile on the face of any nature lover. This ancient species of reptile has inhabited the earth's oceans for more than a hundred million years, developing long lifespans, underwater vision, and migration patterns that can take a traveling turtle thousands of miles at a time. The most common species of Sea Turtle found in the Gulf of Mexico are Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Kemp's Ridley, and Loggerhead. While Sea Turtles are commonly encountered on boat tours or snorkeling excursions, it is best not to disturb them (even if one photobombs your picture!). It is also very important to give a beached turtle plenty of space. The only time a Sea Turtle ventures onto the beach is to lay eggs, which is a very delicate process that should never be interrupted!

Discover More Friendly Marine Species of the Gulf Coast

• http://www.theanimalfiles.com/birds/pelicans_relatives/brown_pelican.html
• Sarah Dowdey (9 July 2009). "How do seagulls drink saltwater?". HowStuffWorks.
• http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/framlst/i0540id.html 
• http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Blue_Heron/id
• Quinney, T. E. and P. C. Smith. 1979. Reproductive success, growth of nestlings and foraging behaviour of the Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias herodias L.). contract rept. No. KL229-5-7077. Can. Wildl. Serv. Ottawa.
• http://www.seefloridaonline.com/turtles/ 
• http://www.fws.gov/northflorida/manatee/manatee-native-facts.htm 
• http://www.buzzardsbay.org/buzzards-bay-manatees.htm 
• http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/8-things-didnt-know-manatees/ 
• http://www.animalfactguide.com/animal-facts/bottlenose-dolphin/ 

Memorial Day 2015 at The Village of Baytowne Wharf

Thousands of beach lovers flock to Miramar Beach, FL for Memorial Day weekend. The weather is hot, and businesses throughout the Emerald Coast are officially open for business. Memorial Day marks the official start to the summer season in Miramar Beach, FL, and The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin Resort kicks the season off with a bang!

The resort community of Sandestin offers plenty of fun things to do in Miramar Beach, including golfing, boating, shopping, dining, and tons kid friendly activities to keep the whole family happy! Paired with the beautiful beaches of Miramar Beach, and the amazing shopping at Silver Sands Outlet Mall, beach vacationers need not go far to find everything they need to experience an exciting vacation. The real fun of Sandestin resort lies in "The Village of Baytowne Wharf". This family fun destination is modeled to resemble a classic coastal town, with cobblestone streets, and a New England fishing pier feel. The Sandestin Marina, located on the edge of The Village of Baytowne Wharf, hosts a myriad of activities including boat tours and fine dining dinner and dancing cruises, while the mainland offers entertainment, restaurants, and so much more! Discover more about The Village of Baytowne Wharf in the Video Below:

Baytowne Wharf is known to host fun events year round, but the staff outdoes itself year after year with holiday celebrations. From the Fourth of July to Christmas, visitors to The Village of Baytowne Wharf can expect something fun and new for the family to experience. Memorial Day 2015 is no different with a full weekend of events featuring entertainment, games, fireworks, and Memorial-Day themed presentations. *All events are free and open to the public!

*For full listing of Memorial Day 2015 Events, visit Memorial Day 2015 at the Village of Baytowne Wharf

5 Celebrities Who Call New Orleans, LA Home

As news breaks of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie selling their famous French Quarter mansion, it makes one wonder what other influential celebs call New Orleans' historic districts "home". With the nation's top-ranked dining, world-class nightlife, and plenty of fun New Orleans things to do for the whole family, it's easy to see why the rich and famous would choose to reside in the Crescent City. Actors, athletes, musicians, politicians, journalists, and celebrity chefs are among New Orleans' most notable homeowners, read below to find 5 of the most influential people who live in New Orleans, LA! (read more...)

2015 Florida Red Snapper Season - What You Need To Know

Destin, FL offers some of the world's best saltwater fishing. Anglers with both novice and advance skill levels travel to the Emerald Coast hoping to snag a prized catch in the Gulf of Mexico. From sharks to sea bass, no fish is out of range while casting a rod and reel in Destin, FL. But with any sport, there is always the "game-ender". For baseball it's a grand slam, hockey it's a hat-trick, and for Destin saltwater fishing it's catching the coveted Red Snapper. The Red Snapper is so fun to catch, and the meat is so delicious it has become the focus of many Destin fishing charter trips.

While a large Red Snapper could give a child angler a run for his or her money, they don't grow quite as large as other game fish or popular table fare, making Snapper hunting the basis of many Destin family fishing trips. The typical Red Snapper grows to a maximum of around 25 pounds, with the largest Red Snapper caught in Florida weighing 46 pounds (caught off the Destin, FL coast). Red Snapper are typically found in deep waters, and like to hangout in schools near reefs, shipwrecks, and oil rigs. Your best chance at catching some tasty Snapper is to head out to deep waters, either in your own boat, or by booking a Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Destin. Because of the value of Red Snapper, there have been state and federal law restrictions placed on the species. In 2015, new laws were put into effect that will offer a much longer and more fruitful Snapper Season to for-hire vessels, while tightening up on private vessels. Here is what you need to know about the 2015 Florida Red Snapper Season. (read more...)

5 of the Hottest Fort Walton Beach Nightclubs

Fort Walton Beach, FL is known for a stunning white sand beach, delicious seafood, and historic sites dating back centuries. Mainland Fort Walton Beach, along with the famous "Okaloosa Island", offer some of the region's top entertainment. Massive beach nightclubs host national performing acts, dancing, and provide plenty of space to mingle, and some of Fort Walton Beach's more laid back mainland bars give visitors a homey feel with local music, drink specials, and plenty of local patrons out to have a good time. There are plenty of things to do in Fort Walton Beach, FL, but a visit isn't complete without a night out. Read below for 5 of the hottest Fort Walton Beach nightclubs to visit on your beach vacation! (read more...)