Holy Mackerel!
The very first Destin Fishing Rodeo was held in 1948, and the lady angler who caught the winning King Mackerel won herself a new kitchen- including a refrigerator, stove, and sink. Two years later the top prize was a plot of land in Destin – including survey, title, and insurance. The value? Five hundred dollars. The prize for the biggest Triggerfish in 1951? Twenty-five dollars, one windshield wiper, and a twelve pack of beer. While they don’t give away beer anymore, todays winnings are nothing to scoff at. Anglers will compete for over one hundred thousand dollars’ worth of cash and prizes.
Fresh, Never Frozen!
One of the best things to do in Destin is, of course, fish! Not only is it really fun, but for those who call Destin home, it’s a way of life! Destin Harbor boasts the largest charter fishing fleet in the country! With over 125 charter boats, our community lives, breathes – and eats! – fish! We’re also careful not to overfish and only catch what we can sell or consume quickly. In Destin, if it’s caught local, that means it’s fresh, never frozen!
It's All in a Name!
Destin is named after a fisherman from New London, Connecticut. After being shipwrecked off the east coast of Florida by a hurricane on a trip to the Keys, he never returned home. Instead, he made his way to the Gulf Coast, and eventually settled on a very remote peninsula called Moreno Point. The untapped waters were a fisherman’s paradise, and he called the little village East Pass. Twenty years after his death, a former employee and close friend applied for a post office, but the name East Pass was rejected and he was asked to pick a one-word name. So, he named it after his boss and the man who put the town on the map – Captain Leonard Destin.
Oh Say, Can You See?!
Destin is home to the largest flag mural in the world. The American flag was painted as a thank you to first responders and the United States military. It measures 554 feet long by 299 feet wide – You’ll find this massive thing of beauty by the Mid-Bay Bridge, on top of Legendary Marina.
Crab Sand Bar?
Crab Island is not, in fact, an island! It used to be, after the US Army dredged the pass back open in the 1930s. Hurricane Eloise washed the island away in 1975, and all that was left was the sandbar we know and love today!
Look Up!
With the gorgeous views and abundant marine life, you may forget to look up! Scan the skies and you might see one of Destin’s resident bald eagles soaring high! One likes to hang out above McGuire’s Irish Pub, and one lives near Henderson Beach State Park!
Our Sand is Different!
Did you know the sand is so white because it’s quartz?! The white, powdery sand originated thousands of years ago as quartz crystals from the Appalachian Mountains. Over time these crystals were sifted, washed, ground, polished, and slowly pushed south to be deposited along the beachfront!
Giddyup, Cowboy!
Destin is home to the world-famous Fishing Rodeo, held during the entire month of October. The Fishing Rodeo is the ultimate fishing tournament for saltwater anglers – over 30,000 of them compete for cash prizes and bragging rights. With divisions ranging from juniors to seniors, and teens to ladies, plus awards given for almost every gamefish, it’s no wonder people travel from around the world to take part in this awesome event!
The Gulf Water is Still Warm, Eh?
The water temperature on the Emerald coast is about 64 degrees in the winter months, and rises all the way to 86 degrees by August! For comparison purposes, a bath is around 89 degrees! Some years you can swim comfortably at Thanksgiving! And if you see people in the water in January, they’re either Destin surfers – or Canadians! We love our snowbirds!
Neat Reefs!
Destin’s artificial reefs are made of anything from concrete piles to specifically designed modules and large shipwrecks! These man-made structures help the underwater ecosystem by attracting marine life. Many are visible to snorkelers – keep an eye out for sea turtles, puffer fish, hermit crabs, shells, and dolphins!
Squeezed Cactus Juice, Anyone?
Yellow flies are some of the most annoying insects in Florida. Captain Leonard Destin’s seventh child, Fannie, wrote about them in her diary in May of 1881, claiming they were biting her feet so relentlessly that she could hardly write! To keep them away, try a locals’ secret, cactus juice, sold at nearby stores! And don’t worry, the good news is they’re only around for a little while!
This is Huge!
The Gulf of Mexico is the largest Gulf in the world- and the 10th biggest body of water in the world. It spans roughly 930 miles across from east to west – that’s over sixteen thousand football fields!! Other places that claim a piece of the Gulf on their coastline include Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Cuba, and Mexico! In these waters are 50 species of sharks and 1,443 different species of fish!
Clear as Day!
While Destin is known for its beautiful emerald water, every now and then the water will appear dark and unclear. After a storm or a heavy rain, water empties into the Gulf from the nearby Choctawhatchee Bay. The roots of the trees in the bay release tannins, which stain the water brown. Don’t worry though, after a couple of days, the water will be emerald again!
No, You Did Not Step on a Mouse!
Did you know the sand in Destin actually squeaks? Unlike other beaches, it’s made of ground quartz. The granules are perfectly uniform – and don’t have any rough or sharp edges. This allows our sand to “sing” when you scuff your feet on it! Try it next time you’re on the beach!
Something's Fishy!
One of the most sought-after fish in Destin’s waters is the red snapper. You can recognize it easily because, well, it’s red! If you’re lucky enough to catch one, you can look forward to a delicious dinner – red snapper is moist with a firm texture and a distinctive sweet, nutty taste. The largest red snapper ever caught in Florida was caught off the coast of Destin – and weighed in at a whopping 46 pounds, 8 ounces!
The Best Beach In Destin!
Henderson Beach State Park is home to some of the last remaining endangered coastal scrub communities in the Florida panhandle. The 200 acre park hosts four endangered or protected plant species. It’s also a refuge for shorebirds, including six listed as protected species! You can hike the half mile trail at the park and spot some, while also getting a killer view of the Gulf!
Aliens?
If you notice glowing lights in the waves at night, it’s not an alien invasion! What you’re seeing is bioluminescence – a chemical reaction that takes place in living things which releases energy in the form of light. The organism is probably excited or disturbed, or trying to communicate with other members of the species. Whatever it’s doing, it sure is fun to watch!
Let's Pray!
Every year, Destin holds an event known as, “The Blessing of the Fleet”. A centuries-old tradition that was first celebrated in Destin in 1957, the custom honors the men and women who utilize the resources of the sea as a means of survival. Local pastors and church members gather for a service, and then pray over each fleet vessel, the crew members, captains, and their families for safe passages, bountiful catches, and prosperity. If you’re ever here in May, make sure you join us!
Local Love!
Destin not only has the nation’s largest charter fishing fleet, it also has, in our opinion, the world’s finest fishermen. Our town was first settled by fishermen – and the descendants of these settlers are still working from the docks! They’ve been fishing the Gulf their whole lives, know all the best spots, and love to share their expertise!
Throw Me a Curve Ball!
One thing that makes Destin so special is our proximity by boat to the famous, “Hundred Fathom Curve” in the Gulf of Mexico. This unique geographical feature is a drop in depth of 600 feet. Anglers in Destin need only travel 10 miles from the coastline to reach it and gain access to excellent deep sea fishing! The curve is home to some impressive fish – including grouper, cobia, blue marlin, and king mackerel.
Let's Get Crabby!
In spite of their name, “hermit” crabs aren’t solitary creatures at all. They usually live in colonies of 100 or more! While you’re in Destin, look for them in the small pools of water left behind after the tide goes out!
Thank Them For Their Service!
The Emerald Coast is home to many military bases. Much of our nation’s defense depends on the weapons development programs and personnel training that happens here in Northwest Florida. So if you hear giant planes or big explosions, there’s likely no need to worry – it’s simply the sound of freedom! And if you see a veteran around town, make sure and thank them for their service!
Summer Breeze Makes Me Feel Fine
Notice the breeze? Daytime temperatures in the summer stay under 92 degrees in Destin. And it might be humid, but unlike other places, there is almost always a 5-15 mile per hour breeze blowing off the Gulf.
Sunrise and Sunset, Please!
Unlike Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami, Destin’s unique, south-facing beaches allow you to see BOTH the sunrise AND the sunset over the water! This special occurrence happens between the months of October – March!
Name That Coast!
In 1983, junior high student Andrew Dier won 50 dollars in a contest to give our beautiful spot a new slogan. His winning entry? The Emerald Coast.
This is Maverick Land!
Just north of Destin is Eglin Air Force Base, the largest Air Force base in the world. Eglin is the only base east of the Mississippi River equipped for supersonic flight. Keep your eye on the sky and you might catch a glimpse of an F-16, an A-10, a C-130 Transport, or an F-22!
The Green Lantern?
Nope, not the superhero! Because of Destin’s unique placement, we’re always able to see the sunset over a body of water! This creates a good opportunity to catch one of earth’s most spectacular displays – a green flash of light in the moment JUST before the sun disappears beyond the horizon. It’s rare, and the conditions have to be just right to catch the prism-like refraction over the surface of the water, so count yourself lucky if you ever see it!
Q&A
Why is Destin sand so white?
Because it’s quartz! The white, powdery sand originated thousands of years ago as quartz crystals from the Appalachian Mountains. Over time these crystals were sifted, washed, ground, polished, and slowly pushed south to be deposited along the beachfront!
In one word, how is Destin Florida?
Amazing!
Will Destin Florida be affected by the hurricane?
Only Chief Meteorologist Alberto Romero knows the answer to that one! Listen weekday mornings to the Destin Daily on DestinFM!
Are Destin beaches dog friendly?
Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach in Destin but there are a ton of dog-friendly places to take your furry friend to!
