by Sharon Lea Hill

Created on: December 28, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Welcome to Destin, which proudly claims to be Florida's Luckiest Fishing Village. Destin is one of ten cities on Florida's panhandle, which comprise the "Emerald Coast." Surrounded by the Northern Gulf of Mexico, Choctawhatchee Bay and Santa Rosa Sound, this small strip of coastline is known for its sugar white sandy beaches, beautiful Gulf waters, and home to the largest and best-equipped deep-sea fishing fleet in Florida.

FISHING:

Destin started as a small fishing camp and fishing was the lifeblood of the area. The local fishermen continue to protect their marine environment and have expanded the reefs that attract the fish, which has resulted in some of the best sport fishing in the world. But, the main reason for Destin's success is its location; a boat can leave Destin Harbor in 60 feet of water and it will drop to 100 feet just 10 miles off the coast. Many private, group, and party charter boats are available to go deep-sea fishing for mackerel, tuna, or dolphin (not Flipper); bottom fishing for grouper, snapper and amberjack; or you can go bay fishing in Choctawhatchee Bay.

BEACHES:

There are several beaches stretching over 24 miles toward Panama City, but the oldest and most popular is Miramar Beach, which begins at Captain Dave's Restaurant. It is the most highly developed and closest beach to Destin offering shopping, fishing, dinner cruises, and many water-related sport activities.

Close to Destin is the pristine Henderson Park Beach, a bird sanctuary and one of Florida's state parks. Since Henderson Park Beach has some of the nicest covered picnic areas, local residents reserve spots far in advance for reunions, marriages and other events, so the park stays pretty busy.

WATER SPORTS:

Sailing: Experience sailing with the entire family on a sunset sail, seashell sail, or the most popular, dolphin sail. Destin is known for its Bottlenose Dolphin population, which can sometimes be seen from the beach, and most charter sailboats are equipped with sonar so you can listen to the dolphin speak and take photos.

Parasailing: You no longer have to run down the beach to launch a parasail; you are now launched from the stern of the boat, which lets the parasail out slowly. When your ride is over, they just wind you back into the boat.

Other water activities include wave running, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, pontoon boat cruises, and dinner cruises.

AMUSEMENT PARKS:

Big Kahuna's - There are two parks: the Water Park and the Adventure Park. The water park features dozens

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