Destin

Destin is a coastal city in Florida positioned along a stretch of Gulf of Mexico shoreline known for fine white sand beaches and shallow turquoise water. The town sits between the gulf and Choctawhatchee Bay, connected by a network of waterways and several working marinas.

A fishing captain from Connecticut named Leonard Destin founded the settlement between 1845 and 1850, drawn by the rich fishing grounds offshore. His small community grew slowly over the following century as word spread about the abundance of fish in the deep waters just beyond the shore.

Locals and visitors gather at the harbor each evening to watch charter boats return with their catch of the day, a routine that has shaped the rhythm of life in this coastal town for generations. The annual Fishing Rodeo in October turns the entire waterfront into a month-long celebration where anglers compete and share stories.

The Henderson Beach State Recreation Area offers multiple entry points along the shore with parking and facilities open throughout the year, giving access to some of the least crowded stretches. The water remains calm and shallow during most of the year, making it easy to walk out quite far from shore.

Over 140 commercial and charter fishing boats operate from the harbor, making this the largest such fleet in Florida. Many of these vessels head to an underwater ledge about 10 miles (16 kilometers) offshore where the seafloor drops suddenly into deep water, creating rich feeding grounds.

Location: Okaloosa County

Inception: 1984

Elevation above the sea: 8 m

Website: http://cityofdestin.com

GPS coordinates: 30.39333,-86.47528

Latest update: December 3, 2025 09:20