Destin, Florida

Once a small fishing village, Destin has grown into a major tourist destination. It is on Florida’s western Panhandle and sits on a peninsula that separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Choctawhatchee Bay. The town’s gorgeous white sand beaches and translucent turquoise waters attract visitors from around the world.

Neighborhoods range from tidy with ranch ramblers to elegant with large custom homes. Toward the southern end of town, residences sit next to canals. Condominiums, fishing charter companies, boat rental stores, big box retail, restaurants and a boardwalk outline the northern edge of the harbor while tall hotels line the beach.

The town has 12 beach access points, as well as nature paths, a golf course and one of Florida’s largest fishing fleets. The Mattie Kelly Art Foundation sponsors concerts, wine walkabouts, and an annual weekend arts festival. Its Cultural Arts Village spreads across 52 acres filled with public art. Destin’s History and Fishing Museum encompasses indoor exhibits and an outdoor park with legendary boats.

The Captain Royal Melvin Heritage Park will be a gateway to the city’s harbor district. The parks and recreation department also sponsors senior day trips, golf excursions, a walking club, and a book club. Founded in 1948, the Destin Fishing Rodeo attracts anglers of all ages to the town every October. Craft shows, movies in the park, and community yard sales are also part of Destin’s calendar.

Next door, Henderson Beach State Park has more gorgeous beaches, boardwalks and a dune system with 60 camping sites.

Destin’s population triples during spring and summer months. Some of this is due to the town being a popular Spring Break destination.