Destin: Area Guide

One of the youngest municipalities on the Gulf Coast, Destin’s heritage can be traced to Connecticut fisherman Leonard Destin, who settled here about 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. Find out more about local culture by visiting the Destin History & Fishing Museum located at 108 Stahlman Ave., next door to the Destin Community Center.

Fishing remains one of the leading recreation and income activities in an area aptly named the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village." ( A mere 30 miles inland from the 100 Fathom Curve, the Destin fishing fleets offer some of the best deep-sea fishing in the Gulf. Trolling these swift waters off the Emerald Coast has produced record marlin, sailfish, tuna, Wahoo, swordfish and dolphin. To charter a fishing excursion or Gulf cruise, head to Destin Harbor to sign up for a full- or half-day outing.

The whole month of October is devoted to fishing during the Destin Fishing Rodeo where more than 35,000 anglers from across the United States vie in the 55-year-old contest to win a portion of the $100,000 prize money.

	Food Vendors at the Seafood Festival

Find out why everyone is trying to land an Emerald Coast fish at the Destin Seafood Festival in early October. Enjoy fresh seafood prepared by the most talented chefs on the beach, and jam to some of the best music from rock legends like Foreigner front man Lou Gramm and Kansas, Atlanta Rhythm Section, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Dave Mason.

Home to some of the most pristine beaches in the country, Destin is enjoying a growing reputation as a blissful tourist destination. Visitors can relax on these beaches in Okaloosa and Walton counties, knowing that many have certified lifeguards patrolling the area. To find which beaches have lifeguard towers, check out “Make it a safe day at the beach” on EmeraldCoast.com.

Down the road a few miles, visitors can basked on any of 16, award-winning Blue Wave Beaches of South Walton County. Recognized for their attention to environmental issues, cleanliness and safety, these beaches are located along the gulf and bay sides of State Hwy 30A.

Walton County also has the distinction of being one of a very few places on earth to have dune lakes, which have characteristics of both fresh and saltwater habitats. Described by the Florida Natural Area Inventory as “extremely rare,” 16 such lakes exist in Walton County. To learn more, read “Coastal Dune Lakes at Topsail Hill are rare and precious.’

Destin Commons

Together with its many fishing fleets and beautiful location, Destin is also becoming a Mecca for shopping enthusiasts. Find out more about Destin Commons, a town center shopping extravaganza; Silver Sands Factory Stores, the largest designer outlet in the country; and The Villages of Baytowne Wharf, a self-contained luxury haven flush with restaurants, boutiques and resort hotels, at Emerald Coast Shopping.

Whatever the reason for coming to the Emerald Coast, Destin offers an eclectic array of fine dining choices, world class resorts,  award winning golf courses, summer-fun attractions,  fishing, boating and other water sports, all along its sugar-white beaches and clear, emerald green waters.

Finding your way around is a breeze too. The WAVE and WAVE shuttle have routes running throughout Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, Destin and South Walton County. Get more information on stops, bus and shuttle schedules and fees at “Leave the driving to us.”

When you want to know what to do and where to go on the Emerald Coast visit the Events Calendar , or add your own review of a restaurant, festival, attraction or movie that you visited while here on the Panhandle. 

Weather

Average yearly temperature: 78
Hottest month: July and August – average high 91
Coldest month: Jan. – average low 31
Annual rainfall: 69.2 inches
Monthly average rainfall: 5.8 inches
Wettest month: July – 9.4 inches
Driest month: Apr. 4.26 inches
Record high temperature: July 1980 – 107
Record low temperature: Jan. 1985 – 4
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 each year
Major hurricanes (Category 3 and higher) that have struck the Northwest Gulf Coast of Florida in the past 156 years: 14

[As of 06/06/08 – source NOAA]

Demographics

Population (2000 census): 11,119 full time residents
Total Area: 8.2 square miles - 7.5 sq. miles land, 0.6 sq. miles water
Per capita income: $32,408
Median family income: $60,498
Median age: 42
Population ratio (males: females): 101:100
Major industry: Air Force, tourism, and fishing
 
Local Directory

Schools
Destin Elementary - 630 Kelly St. – (850) 654-4360
Destin Middle - Danny Wuerffel Way – (850) 833-7655

Law enforcement  
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office annex – 197 Stahlman Ave. – (850) 609-2093

Post office              
175 Main St. – (850) 837-6312

Library
150 Sibert Ave. – (850) 837-8572

Fire station            
848 Airport Rd. – (850) 837-8413
117 Crystal Beach Rd.

City Hall
4200 Two Trees Rd. – (850) 837-4242

Community Center         
101 Stahlman Ave. – (850) 654-5184

Chamber of Commerce
4484 Legendary Dr. – (850) 837-6241

Visitors’ Center         
1540 Miracle Strip Parkway – (800) 322-3319 or (850) 651-7131
Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.
www.destin-fwb.com

Airport                  
Miracle Strip Aviation - 1001 Airport Rd. – (850) 837-6135 – public service airport does not provide service to commercial airlines

For Things to Do in Destin, click here