Attractions in Mary Esther, Florida

Mary Esther sits in the northwest corner of Florida between Fort Walton Beach and Hurlburt Field. It sits less then 11 miles from Destin. The small town sits in Okaloosa County, which offers a wide range of activities for the outdoor enthusiast. Only a short drive from Mary Esther, you will find scuba diving, dolphin watching, fishing, hiking, picnicking, bicycling, water sports, and camping. The region offers a vast array of outdoor activities and attractions.

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park is located just 15 miles from Mary Esther, Florida. The park offers bicycling, hiking, picnicking, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and camping. The nature trails will take you through the rare red cedars and other unusual fauna.

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
4281 Highway 20
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 833-9144
floridastateparks.org/rockybayou/Activities.cfm

Eden Gardens State Park

Eden Gardens State Park is located 11 miles from Mary Esther. The park surrounds the estate of the Wesley family, built in the 1800's. Inside the mansion is a collection of Louis XVI furniture that is rumored to be the second largest in the world. The grounds surrounding the two-story house have trails through ornamental gardens and Spanish moss covered oaks. There is a large picnic area.

Eden Gardens State Park
Off US Highway 98
County Road 395
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 231-4214
floridastateparks.org/edengardens/default.cfm

Emerald Coast Scuba

Emerald Coast Scuba is located 10 miles from Mary Esther. They offer PADI certification in four days, as well as a wide variety of dive trips, ranging in time from two to four hours in duration. Night diving is also offered.

Emerald Coast Scuba
503 Harbor Boulevard
Destin, FL 32541-2327
(850) 837-0955
divedestin.com/

Southern Star Dolphin and Sunset Tours

Southern Star Dolphin and Sunset Tours is located 11 miles from Mary Esther. This company offers viewings of dolphins, seabirds, and other aquatic life in its natural habitat. Each trip is two hours long and is conducted via a two-story, glass bottom boat. The ambiance is festive, with snacks, music and climate control on board.

Southern Star Dolphin and Sunset Tours
Highway 98 East
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 837-7741
dolphin-sstar.com/index.html

Resources

Mary Esther Florida

Article Written By Kimberly Sharpe

Based in Oregon, Kimberly Sharpe has been a freelance writer since 2006. She writes for numerous online publications. Her writing has a strong focus on home improvement, gardening, parenting, pets and travel. She has spent most of her life working as a veterinarian technician, landscape adviser and owned a pet boarding, training and grooming facility in Florida

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