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.
World’s Luckiest Fishing Village
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.
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.Destin Fishing Rodeo
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.
Destin Seafood Festival
First, 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.
First, 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.
Beaches
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.
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. Blue Wave Beaches
Down the road a few miles, visitors can bask 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 Scenic Highway 30A.
Down the road a few miles, visitors can bask 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 Scenic Highway 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.”
ShoppingTogether 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.
Transportation
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.”
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.”
Things to do
When you want to know what to do and where to go on the Emerald Coast visit the Coastal Calendar, or add your own review of a restaurant, festival, attraction or movie that you visited while here on the Panhandle.
When you want to know what to do and where to go on the Emerald Coast visit the Coastal Calendar, or add your own review of a restaurant, festival, attraction or movie that you visited while here on the Panhandle.