Destin Florida History

Destin’s earliest inhabitants were Native Americans. Between 1538 and the late 1600’s, Spanish explorers surveyed Florida and mapped the area. But, it was not until 1845 that a fisherman from Connecticut, Captain Leonard Destin proclaimed the settlement “Destin.” For many more years, the small fishing village remained virtually “undiscovered.” After all, the sandy beaches were no good for farming, the primary occupation in the South in those years. Time passed and the beaches were discovered. The small fishing village grew into a major resort and vacation destination. The 100 fathom curve only ten miles offshore at Destin provides the fastest access to deep water fishing in the Gulf. The small local fishing fleet grew into the largest and most well-equipped charter fishing fleet in the State of Florida.

Destin continues to grow and expand. It is bordered on the west by Fort Walton Beach and on the east by Sandestin and Walton County. According to a report from the Haas Center of the University of West Florida, the number of visitors to Destin is estimated at over 750,000 per year. The popular combination of miles of white sand beaches and clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico continue to draw new condominium and new home construction and retail shopping, dining and tourism attractions. No more a small fishing village, Destin, Florida is a premier tourism destination and a highly desirable place to call home.