There are sand dunes to be encountered on some of the beaches which form a very unique place to rest. However, environmental activists encourage the visitors to act carefully with the dunes. Do not walk on them or pick sea oats nearby, because this may lead to the destruction of the dunes, which are an important part of the local ecosystem. Other rules regarding the beaches are pretty much the same as in any other area: no pets, fires, vehicles, glass and loud music.

The city of Destin sits on a barrier island, which is surrounded by water from all sides and connected to mainland only by a small strip. The unique characteristics of the sand and underwater landscape around the island contribute to the famous mix of blue and green colors of the water, which gave name to the whole area of Emerald Coast. Because of the favorable conditions, the waters around Destin are full of wildlife like dolphins, large variety of fish, sand dollars, sharks, sting rays and many more. There are many hotels in Destin that offer a spectacular view on the white beaches and emerald waters, so make sure you have booked the right one!

Kayaking

If you’re a fan of kayaking, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy your favorite leisure in Destin. You will find kayak rent services on the beaches with the prices varying around $15-20 for one- or two-person kayaks per hour. There are no age restrictions on kayaking but the paddler must be able to operate the boat in water.

Parasailing

You can also find parasailing services on the beaches of Destin, which offer thrilling rides for up to three persons per boat. That means you can share the fun with your family or friends. The boat will take you out into the Gulf of Mexico where the view on the Emerald Coast is really unimaginable. Parasailing usually costs around $50 per person for a ride.

Jet-Skis

Jets-Skis, Wave Runners or more officially Personal Watercraft can be rented in numerous locations of Destin Harbor. The laws of Florida require the person renting a Personal Watercraft to be at least 18 years old, and at least 14 to operate the vehicle. Although, many services have their individual regulations regarding rent, operations and training.

Catamarans

Catamaran sailboats are more complicated to operate but much more fun and exciting to ride. That’s why most vendors you will find in Destin Harbor provide and operator together with the sailboat, unless you can prove that you are agile and experienced enough to operate a catamaran on your own. Catamarans are generally faster than the ordinary single-hull sailboats but require more skills from the operator because they tend to heel and lean over in strong wind. If you are an adrenaline junkie, there’s no better way to pump your heart faster. And the Emerald Coast waters will give you an incredible surrounding for your ride.

Motor Boats

You can also find a large variety of motor boats in the Destin Harbors. It is a great way to explore the surrounding areas and inland waters of the Emerald Coast and generally have a great time on water. Motor boat vendors have individual regulations regarding the age of operators so be sure to check with the services before renting a boat.

The Emerald Beach area with both Destin and Fort Walton beach are also a great place to spend your honeymoon. These small cities have everything you need to spend your romantic vacation for two after the ceremony. There is a wide selection of outdoor waterside venues that you can use for your special day or any other celebration. The beautiful view on the sea is something you and your loved ones will never forget. There are also many hotels in Destin that will meet any of your requirements and make your stay really enjoyable and relaxing.

If you’ve decided to hold your wedding ceremony in Destin you can be sure that this will be an unforgettable lifetime experience. Destin offers you a great background both for your ceremony and the after-party or honeymoon. There are big malls in the city and all sorts of distractions to keep you thrilled and entertained. Everything from golf courts to libraries, from designer cloths shops to great fishing trips. No wonder more and more newly weds choose Destin as the place to hold their wedding or spend a romantic vacation. Think of holding your ceremony in Destin too — you won’t regret a second of it!

Jetty and Pier Fishing
Many sport fish species can be caught off the jetty or pier beach without using a boat. The best time for this type of fishing is between April and October, when there’s plenty of Pompano fish in the waters of the Emerald Coast. You can use artificial, frozen or live bait for catching fish like Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Blue Runner, Sheepsheadr, Sail Cat, Whiting, Channel Bass, Cobia, Bonito, Jack Crevalle, Bluefish, Pompano.

You can also enjoy fishing all year-round in the Choctawhatchee Bay and its bayous. There’s plenty of Sheepshead, White Trout, Speckled Sea Trout, Channel Bass, Sail Cat, Red fish, Bluefish; as well as Blue Crabs to be found in the area.

Inshore Trolling

The season for inshore trolling starts in March and ends in November with the first runs of Cobia (Ling) opening the trolling season. It is regarded as the most spectacular types of fishing with large fish being caught using an ordinary spinning tackle. You will find plenty of fishing boats offering half day or all day fishing trips at the docks. A great way to spend some time in the sea and catch fish like Mackerel, Cobia or Bonito.

Deep Sea Bottom Fishing

The most popular type of fishing offered by the Destin fleet is deep sea bottom fishing. There are half day, all day and overnight fishing trips available, which result in great catches of Scamp, Trigger fish, Grouper, Amber jack, Cobia and Snapper. Deep sea bottom fish is good all year around.

Offshore Trolling

Probably the most exciting types of fishing in the area, where you can easily catch a 400lb fish. Offshore trolling is usually done in about 27 mile southwest of Destin past the 50 fathom curve (300 feet). The most productive moths for this type of fishing are August through October, with great chances of catching White and Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo and Billfish.

Party boats

There’s also a fleet of party boats in Destin. You can buy a ticket or charter a boat for you and your friends at most hotels in Destin or directly at the pier.

The city of Destin is located in North-West Florida, on the Emerald Coast in Okaloosa County and has a very rich and long culture. The region is known to be populated since 12,000 years before present and signs of intense agricultural activity have been observed throughout the area. The early American Indian population came to the region around the 7th century AD while the first Europeans arrived in 1538, when Spanish explorers have started to survey Florida. The first known map of the region was drawn in 1693 by Don Francisco Tapia, who was commissioned to explore the East Pass and its surrounding areas.

The immediate history of Destin traces back to Captain Leonard Destin, a fisherman who has settled in the area around 1845 and was a pioneer of the fishing industry for the region. His descendants were fishing in the waters around Destin for decades and maintained a rich heritage, which is well known to the present. With over 150 years of fishing history, the city of Destin was nicknamed as the «World’s Luckiest Fishing Village», having the largest and most equipped fishing fleet in the whole state of Florida.

Until 1984, Destin was a municipality but the tourist boom made the local government to overview the status of the settlement. Mainly known as a destination for good fishing, the city has faced a major inflow of tourist starting with the mid 80’s. Around that time Destin has undertaken an active construction to fulfill the needs of tourists in accommodation. With around 12,000 full-time residents the city accounts around 40,000 during the season, which undoubtedly requires adequate infrastructure. Today there are many hotels on Destin, from simple to luxurious; shopping malls, water-sport resorts and numerous possibilities for active leisure. The city aims at diversifying the distractions offered because more and more tourist from different social backgrounds visit Destin each year.