Destin, Florida

Florida / Okaloosa / Destin

The city of Destin, Florida is unlike anywhere else in the world! Located on the Gulf of Mexico, this popular vacation spot is famous for its sugar white sand and emerald green water. To help you prepare for your getaway on the Florida Panhandle, a place you will fall in love with.

Destin is the Most Visited City on the Emerald Coast

The Emerald Coast is a stretch of coastal area along the Gulf of Mexico that runs for roughly 100 miles through five counties on the Florida Panhandle. 4.5 million people visit the Emerald Coast each year, and Destin is the most popular destination. Over 80 percent of all the vacationers on the Emerald Coast come to Destin during their escape.

How Destin Was Founded

The city traces its history to Leonard Destin, a fisherman who moved to the area from New London, Connecticut, settling in northwest Florida around 1845. For decades, he and his descendants fished and navigated the only channel passage to the Gulf of Mexico between Panama City and Pensacola, known as Destin’s East Pass.

If ole Leonard could see it now, he’d certainly be impressed. Incorporated in 1984, by any measure Destin is no longer a sleepy little fishing village. Although its population hovers at a comfortable 13,000 residents, 2017 saw The Destin - Fort Walton Beach Airport https://www.flyvps.com receive over one million passengers for the first time in its history. Considering the area is primarily a drive-to market, the total number of visitors to Destin topped five million that same year.

If you're looking for the perfect destination for a family getaway look no further than Destin, Florida.

From the parties at Crab Island to the premier shopping and recreation of the Destin Commons, you had best believe that this once tiny fishing village has everything you need to make your next beach vacation extra special! MYBHR can help with great vacation rentals that will help you experience what Destin has to offer.

Cruise the Choctawhatchee Bay and its many bayous and inlets, or stick to one of Destin's many picturesque beaches including Holiday Isle, Crystal Beach, and Henderson Beach State Park. Become one of the many Destin travelers that get to experience this area’s incredible activities and attractions with their friends and families!

Destin Has the Largest Fleet of Fishing Vessels in Florida

Fishing is serious business in Destin! With the state’s biggest fleet of fishing vessels in its harbor, it’s no wonder that Destin is also known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”. Visitors come from all over the country to charter their own fishing trips and to sample Destin’s superb seafood. 

Destin’s Beautiful White Sand Comes from the Appalachian Mountains

Destin’s pure white sand may look like sugar, but it is actually made from ground quartz crystal from the Appalachian Mountains. Residue from the mountains is carried to the Gulf of Mexico by way of the Apalachicola River. This incredible natural phenomenon has blessed Destin with some of the whitest beaches on Earth.

Destin Was Once Located on an Island

Today, Destin is located on a peninsula that separates the Gulf of Mexico from Choctawhatchee Bay. Many years ago, however, this peninsula was once an island. Over time, changes in sea level caused the island to connect with the mainland.

Destin Seafood Festival

Lots of fishing means lots of great seafood! Just ask the 70,000 or so guests that flock to Destin every year for the 3-day Destin Seafood Festival. A celebration of crustaceans and culinary creations that are sure to impress, this event has been piquing the interest of hungry mouths and top chefs alike since 1978 when the Destin Charter Boat Association Women's Auxiliary organized the first event.

Like the Destin Fishing Rodeo, the event was intended to promote Destin, Florida as a premier destination for anglers as well as raise money for the Association. The event is held every October at various venues along Harbor Boulevard at places like HarborWalk Village, the Destin Fishing Fleet Marina, and Heron Harbor.

Fun, Food, and Fishing Fleets: On top of the food and celebrity chef showcases, the Destin Seafood Festival also features great live entertainment options, art exhibits, craft markets, and perhaps best of all, a fishing boat showcase!

 

Annual Events

 

There are plenty of things to do in Destin, FL year round. Check out weekly farmer's markets, music showcases, magic shows, art walks, cooking classes--you name it! On top of the daily events Destin also plays host to a couple major annual events that attract tens of thousands of visitors. Both the Destin Fishing Rodeo and the Destin Seafood Festival embrace the city's heritage as a fishing and seafood mecca.