Okaloosa Bay

Destin Harbor

The Cyclone at
Big Kahuna Water Park

Destin is located on a peninsula surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and Okaloosa Bay in the area commonly referred to as the "Emerald Coast".

Known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village", the largest and most elaborately equipped fishing fleet in the State of Florida docks at the Destin Harbor. In addition to fishing, recreational opportunities include golf, tennis and watersports, including diving and snorkeling. The 100 Fathom curve draws closer to Destin than any other spot in Florida providing the speediest deep-water access on the Gulf. The City of Destin is home to 11,119 full-time residents (2000 US Census).

Located in the Florida Panhandle, the City of Destin has a rich heritage dating back to American Indian inhabitants as early as the 7th century A.D. Spanish explorers surveyed Florida in 1538. Don Francisco Tapia was commissioned to survey the Florida coast and in 1693, drew the first known map of East Pass and its shores. Destin traces its immediate history to a fisherman, Captain Leonard Destin, who moved here from New London, Connecticut, and settled in Northwest Florida in about 1845. Captain Destin pioneered the fishing industry and Destin has maintained this heritage to the present

The airports serving Destin include the Okaloosa Regional Airport (VPS, 30 miles), the Pensacola Regional Airport (PNS, 60 miles) served by discount airline Air Tran and Destin/Fort Walton Airport (DTS, 5 miles), a general aviation facility for private planes and charters only.

Interstate highway 10 passes just north of the area. New Orleans, LA is three hours drive to the west. Atlanta, GA is eight hours drive to the north. Jacksonville, FL is eight hours drive to the east.

Click here for a detailed map of the area