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Destin is a charming seaside resort town located on the Florida panhandle. Destin offers an extensive variety of vacation options from Rental Houses, to Beachside Condos, to inexpensive Motels, as well as upscale Hotel Resorts. This sleepy fishing village has become increasingly popular over the years, but has retained its quaint charm and is still considered one of the more delightful hidden finds along Florida's Emerald Gulf Coast. White sand curls along the coastline, bordered by brilliant emerald waters. 

Destin traces its immediate history to a fisherman, Leonard Destin, who moved here from New London, Connecticut and settled in Northwest Florida around the year 1845. For decades, he and his descendants fished and navigated Destin’s East Pass, which is the only channel passage to the Gulf of Mexico between Panama City and Pensacola. :: Destin, FL Hotels >

The local fisherman of Leonard Destin’s era fished close to the shores with seine nets from small boats called yawls, which they operated with oars. The oldest seine fishing boat still in existence is The Primrose, a 1920s era boat now restored and on display at Destin’s History and Fishing Museum. A trip through the museum reveals the evolution of fishing in the Destin area, from methods used by its earliest Indian inhabitants to seine nets, the introduction of rods and reels, and eventually to the largest charter fishing fleet in the State of Florida.

For the Deep Sea Fisherman, Destin is known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village". Salt or fresh, the waters surrounding Destin are known for their abundance ...and their challenges. Home to the largest and most elaborately equipped charter boat fleet in Florida, fishing events and festivals are held year-round. Temperate weather and refreshing breezes continue throughout autumn, which brings both the Destin Fishing Rodeo and the annual Seafood Festival. Spring and summer bring the excitement of the Cobia Tournament which is held in the Destin coastal waters.

Fishing, although by far one of the more popular recreational activities, is certainly not the only one. Acclaimed as the "Best Beach in the South" and one of the top three "Favorite Family Vacation Destinations" by the readers of Southern Living Magazine, Destin also plays host to many other recreational opportunities. Dive or snorkel on the natural reefs, wrecks, and barges in Destin's clear green waters. Acres of links will satisfy the golfer in your family, and water sports, sailing, tennis and hiking are just a few of the outdoor recreational activities available.

Deep-sea bottom fishing is among the specialty of Destin’s fishing fleet, which happens to be the largest charter fishing fleet in the state of Florida. Red snapper, grouper, triggerfish, scamp, and amberjack are all caught using this method. In addition, Charter Boats in Destin also troll near the gulf coast of Florida, finding deep sea fish such as cobia, black fin tuna, king mackerel, bluefish, barracuda, and Spanish mackerel. From a distance offshore, deep sea fishermen can troll to find white and blue marlin, wahoo, and sailfish. Destin is home to more than 100 Charter and Party Boats, and these deep sea fishing companies offer a range in passenger size from six passenger capacity to ones that can handle more than 100 anglers. Price for the charters may vary by boat, and include bait and tackle. Meals can also be arranged with the boat captain. 

Whether snorkeling beneath Destin’s waters, parasailing high above, or relaxing aboard a sunset cruise on a glass bottom boat or a high-speed racer, Destin offers visitors an exciting experience on the beautiful gulf coast waterways. The entire family will enjoy seeing dolphins swimming in the wake of a sightseeing excursion.

When you come in from the sun, explore unique arts and collectibles galleries, specialty shops and modern malls located throughout Destin. Savor culinary excellence with sumptuous seafood straight from the Gulf in casual beachside eateries and other Destin Area Restaurants. And as if that weren't enough, festivals and special events celebrating food, wine, art, sports and even the area's legendary pirate past fill the calendar year-round.

The Destin Seafood Festival will celebrate its 30th anniversary by is returning to the spot of its origin, the Destin Harbor in October of 2008. More than 25,000 visitors and locals will pack HarborWalk Village alongside Destin's fishing docks to enjoy fresh local seafood, live entertainment, arts and crafts booths, children’s activities, and more.

Whether you're looking to harvest the bounty of the seas with a fully-equipped rental boat from one of the many marinas or relax in a stylish beach resort, Destin is an excellent Florida Gulf Coast vacation option. Begin your Destin, Florida vacation search by comparing rates from a variety of Destin hotels and make your on-line reservation today - Destin, Florida Hotels and Motels

City of Destin, FL

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