History of Destin: From a Small Fishing Village to a Major Vacation Destination
Usually, when you think of the beach, you think of sand, relaxation, fun, vacation, sun, and the ocean, but have you ever thought of history? Honestly, for me, it wouldn’t be the very first thing that came to mind, but recently, a co-worker brought up the history of my hometown in Alabama, so it made me wonder about the history of beautiful Destin, Florida, too.
Immediate History and Origin of the Name Destin
(from the City of Destin website)
Located in the Florida Panhandle, the City of Destin has a rich historical heritage dating back to American Indian inhabitants as early as the seventh 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.
Growth and Development
Destin is known as the “Worlds Luckiest Fishing Village” and has grown from a small fishing village to a major tourist town with a population of over 12,000 full time residents. Destin houses the largest and most elaborately equipped fishing fleet in the state of Florida.
The 100 Fathom curve draws closer to Destin than any other spot in Florida, providing the speediest deep-water access on the gulf.
Fishing in Destin, Present Day
If you have a fisherman in your life or if you yourself love to cast out and relax, we recommend you try out one of many deep-sea fishing excursions offered around the Destin harbor. You and your family can walk around the beautiful Harbor Walk area, take in the shops, and have a nice meal, then take a chartered boat on a fun-filled deep-sea fishing adventure! Kids and adults alike will enjoy the trip and likely see some fun-loving dolphins swimming along the ship. A great place to charter a deep-sea fishing boat is Harbor Walk Charters.
Another option always available for land lovers is to get on the beach early and cast your line into the surf while relaxing and watching the sunrise. This is a beautiful way to begin any day of your beach vacation!
