Welcome to Destin
Amenity-laden beach community with direct entry to the Gulf of Mexico
For endless sunshine, world-class fishing, sugar-sand beaches, and high-end living look no further than Destin, Fla. Just west of Panama City and hugging both the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay, this urban-esque community is home to incredible seafood, superior shopping, and a relaxed atmosphere. That combination can only be found in Destin, arguably the most desirable city along the Florida Panhandle.
Known as “the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” for its comprehensive mix of fish species and on-the-spot access to the Gulf of Mexico, Destin is a haven for anglers of all experience levels. An impressive combination of housing opportunities is available for residents — from upscale, gated communities with access to golf courses to modern harborside condominiums and multistory single-family homes with no expenses spared. All this makes Destin one of the leading real estate markets along the Emerald Coast.
What to Love
- Upscale neighborhoods
- Diverse assortment of world-class dining
- Fewer than 20 miles from Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport
- Several championship golf courses nearby
- Hip marina with immediate access to the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay
Local Lifestyle
Residents in Destin appreciate the broad range of recreational opportunities their easygoing town offers. With ample sunshine and access to the bay and gulf, boating and fishing are a permanent pastime for locals. Boating ramps and marinas are frequented by early-morning fishing vessels hoping to snag a fresh catch of the day, friends and families heading out to Crab Island, and sunset charters heading onto the water for weekly fireworks at HarborWalk Village.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
Southern comfort meets fresh seafood at Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House. This casual-style establishment on Harbor Boulevard not only offers savory bites like locally-sourced roasted grouper and fried oysters but provides incredible views of the Destin Harbor. Be sure to stop by on weekend evenings for an impressive lineup of live music from local bands.
Experience home-cooked breakfast staples at Crackings. This family-owned eatery has served various homestyle favorites over the years with a wide range of omelets, sugar-coated pancakes, and tasty classics like biscuits and gravy.
A popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike, The Crab Trap is a seafood-lovers paradise right on the beach. Dine on a heaping portion of snow crab legs, fried shrimp, and fresh-caught fish inside the restaurant, on the patio, or at one of the many beachside picnic tables for a perfect view of the ocean. Keep cool with a frozen margarita or specialty cocktail from The Crab Trap’s full-service bar.
Destin Commons’ incredible line-up of stores and eateries makes this open-air shopping center the perfect place to find a new wardrobe piece or bite to eat. Grab everything you need for a day of fishing at Bass Pro Shops or peruse the bookshelves to find a beach read at Books-A-Million. Deep Sea Gypsy offers a curated collection of fine crystal and gemstone jewelry, while Destin Pearl Gallery is home to an impressive selection of original artwork perfect for displaying in homes.
Things to Do
Rent a pontoon, book a water taxi, or jet ski to Crab Island, a popular Destin sandbar in the Choctawhatchee Bay offering a variety of recreational activities, floating food trucks, and a general store. Soak up the sun on an inflatable float, try your hand at paddle boarding, snorkel for a glimpse at a wide variety of marine life, or swim over to one of the small concession boats circling the sandbar for an ice cream cone or a bag of boiled peanuts.
Destin is home to many community-wide traditions and events. Sandestin Gumbo Festival’s crawfish boil and dozens of signature gumbos have foodies flocking to this long-standing event every winter. Sample a variety of gumbo creations from some of the area’s most popular restaurants while listening to live music from local performers during this multi-day event.
At HarborWalk Village, kick off Mardi Gras with the annual Mardi Gras Pub Crawl. Experience delicious cocktails and signature drinks as you make your way through the village.
