Nestled along the Emerald Coast in the Florida Panhandle, Destin, Florida, is a picturesque city renowned for its white sand beaches, bustling fishing scene, and plenty of entertainment for visitors and locals alike.
Originally a small fishing village, Destin's history dates back to the mid-19th century and has since transformed into a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its abundant outdoor activities, world-class golf courses, and vibrant local culture.
Here are eight fun facts about Destin, Florida, your favorite coastal city.
Destin was named after a real person.
Destin is named after Captain Leonard Destin who accidentally founded the coastal village all the way back in 1850. He shipwrecked in the Florida Panhandle and landed in what is now Destin. He was instantly swept away by the white sand, beautiful green waters, and abundance and diversity of fishing. After he landed in the unnamed town, the captain quickly set up a fishing camp and started a fishing business that flourished throughout his lifetime. The captain's best friend named the town Destin to honor the man who first landed there.
Its Nickname is The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village
Back when it was founded in 1850, Destin was dubbed "the world's luckiest fishing village” and the name stuck. Destin is a fisherman's paradise due to the location of what’s called the 100-fathom curve in the Gulf of Mexico. This curve is closer to Destin than any other spot in Florida, meaning anglers only need to travel 10 miles before the water depth drops a dramatic 600 feet, where a wide variety of fish can be caught.
Early settlers in Destin recognized the area's abundant fish and started a fishing industry that has thrived for over a century. Destin was also a key contributor to Pensacola's 19th-century fish markets and has had a booming commercial fishing industry throughout much of the 20th century. Today, Destin has the country's largest commercial fishing fleet. Boating Magazine named Destin “One of the Top 10 Places to Live and Boat in the United States."
Crab Island: Island or Not an Island?
Answer: Not an island. To many people’s surprise, Crab Island isn’t an actual island but a submerged sandbar next to the Marler Bridge. What we know today as Crab Island was originally Bird Island. Bird Island, known for its native variety of bird species, was flattened by a hurricane. According to lore, the original island was shaped like a crab giving it its current name, Crab Island.
Crab Island is known for its crystal clear waters and is a popular destination for boaters, tourists, and locals. There are floating eateries and bars, ice cream boats, coconut boats that pop open fresh coconuts for customers to drink, and more. It has been featured on HGTV and Good Morning America, published in various travel magazines, and featured in publications across the globe. Crab Island is one of Destin’s favorite attractions.
Destin’s East Pass was Accidently Created
Destin’s landscape was dramatically changed by five men armed with shovels and good intentions. In 1929 after a large storm passed through Destin and clogged the original east pass, locals decided to dig a trench from the gulf side to the bay side to protect their homes from the pressure and rising waters that now threatened their homes on the Choctawhatchee Bay. This home-made trench quickly expanded to 500 feet wide due to the high pressure built up and the soft sand. The widening of water created the primary channel we now know as Destin’s East Pass.
The Destin History and Fishing Museum plays a crucial role in preserving this pivotal piece of local history with replicas on display showing both the new and old passes, illustrating how the coastline has changed over time. At one point you could walk from Destin to Pensacola, the creation of the new pass separating what is now Holiday Isle from Santa Rosa Island, what we call Okaloosa Island.
In the 1930s, the U.S. Corp of Engineers began dredging the new pass, as hurricanes and storms had caused the original pass to close. With the new East Pass’ depth still unstable, officials devised a plan to ship giant boulders from Kentucky on barges to create jetties. These jetties were completed in 1969 and are now a treasured snorkeling spot.
Destin has an Upside Down Lighthouse.
You will want to check out a peculiar sight while visiting Destin which is the famous upside-down lighthouse. This upside-down lighthouse mystery is nestled within the Destin Jetties and is a great conversation starter. This lighthouse, which is no longer in use, was flipped during the renovation of the jetties in the 1970s. Though unconventional, it's become an iconic local landmark.
Norriego Point has Nature Made Tide Pools
The knee-deep tide pools are formed by rocks and roped off from the open waters of East Pass making it a safe space for small kids. They are protected from waves, so it is a great place to go snorkeling. This is a great spot to watch the boats coming in and out of the harbor or watch the hermit crabs in their natural habitat. The best way to get to Norriego Point is to head towards the Norriego Point Beach Access and Park, located at 343-277 Gulf Shore Drive. Parking is limited so plan ahead and come early.
Morrison Springs come from Underground Springs
Located about an hour from Destin, you will find an incredible place to take a day trip on a hot day. Morrison Springs is a great place to kayak through cypress trees and a gorgeous place to swim in refreshing cool waters. The highlight of the park is a 250-foot diameter spring pool that produces an estimated 48 million gallons of crystal-clear water each day. Three cavities allow Morrison's cold waters to surface from the underground aquifer.
Iconic Restaurants are Located in Destin
While you are in Destin you will want to check out what the iconic restaurants in the area are serving up. Dewey Destin’s was founded by Captain Leonard Destin’s great-grandson offering a full menu or great fried seafood and also cook-your-catch option. (Bonus Fact: Dewey Destin Sr. was one of the men who dug the East Pass trench in 1929.) They now have multiple locations to serve you with their original seafood restaurant, harborside restaurant, and Navarre location.
Harbor Docks has been one of Destin’s favorite neighborhood waterfront seafood restaurants since 1979. They serve gulf-to-table seafood, award-winning sushi, steaks, and cocktails, and have a hook-and-cook option.
McGuire’s Irish Pub is arguably the most popular pub in town.. Its motto is “Feasting, Imbibing, Debauchery,” and locals and visitors continue to flock here daily. Visitors can enjoy the view of the harbor while dining or staying late for live entertainment. It is considered one of America’s great steakhouses with a full menu, wine cellar, and extensive bar selections.
Ready to plan your trip to Destin, Florida?
Today, Destin is celebrated not only for its historical roots but also for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, making it a beloved spot for both relaxation and adventure. With amazing restaurants, gorgeous beaches, and plenty of beachfront accommodations, no wonder Destin continues to make a name for itself as one of the best beach getaways on the Gulf Coast. Ready to see it all for yourself? Plan your trip to Destin starting with a great place to stay.