Destin
Destin, the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” was originally a small fishing village and is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the State of Florida. Over 80 percent of the Emerald Coast’s 4.5 million visitors each year visit Destin. The city has one of the largest fishing vessel fleets in the state. Saltwater Fishing in Destin
Destin is located on a peninsula separating the Gulf of Mexico from Choctawhatchee Bay. The peninsula was originally an island; hurricanes and sea level changes gradually connected the island to the mainland. As of the 1940s it technically became an island again with the completion of the Choctawhatchee-west bay canal. At the western tip of the peninsula is East Pass (also known as Destin Pass), separating it from Santa Rosa Island to the west. East Pass is the only outlet of Choctawhatchee Bay into the Gulf of Mexico.
“Crab Island,” was actually two islands made from sand that the Army Corp. of Engineers dredged up from the East Pass. These islands were large enough to inhabit sea grass, small shrubs and nesting seabirds. It has been reduced to a significant sandbar, which appears only when the tide is out. It has become a popular anchorage in the area. The entrance to Destin Harbor, a lagoon between the beaches and the main body of the western portion of the peninsula, is located just north of the East Pass jetty. The lagoon is formed by a sand spit named Holiday Isle; many condominiums have been built along the harbor since the 1970s.
There are twelve public beach access points within the city limits of Destin. Parking is limited at the city beach access points and with the exception of June White Decker and the Shore at Crystal Beach, the access points only provide access to the beach. Destin Beaches
The public beach access points in the City of Destin are:
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For Okaloosa County beach rules and information, go here.
| Beach Access Map Click on the map to view a larger image  |
The Destin Beach Safety Patrol now has a beach wheelchair caddy. Call (850) 837-8413 during office hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday to set an appointment.Five days in advance is recommended, but a minimum of 24 hours notice is requested. Meet at the Shirah Street Public Beach Access where handicap parking is available.Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day.Service is not available on RED FLAG days. Beach safety personnel will assist with loading/unloading the chair FREE of charge. |
For beach safety tips and information please visit www.destinbeachsafety.com.
9 Fund Things to do on the Emerald Coast
Weather Information Destin
Destin has a very warm humid subtropical climate. While we do experience 4 seasons here, the Fall/Spring/Winter months are very mild. The Weather is typically hot and very humid, from late May to mid-September. Fall months, from mid-September to early December, are generally warm and less humid. The Winter months are very short and mild, from mid-December to late February and Spring months are warm, from late February to late May.
Destin and surrounding areas are very wet, averaging 69 inches of rain each year, more than any area in Florida. The wettest season is summer, and the driest autumn. Snow and freezing rain are very rare. Freezing rain occurs about once every 5–10 years. Snow occurs about once every 10–15 years.