Destin, Florida is a recreational fishing and golf community that is very popular with seniors.

Destin FL History

Native American Indians inhabited the Destin area as early as 600 A.D. Spanish explorers came to the area in 1538. In 1693, Spanish surveyor Don Francisco Tapia drew the first known map of the Destin East Pass and surrounding shores.

In 1845, Captain Leonard Destin moved to Florida to start the fishing industry in this area. Originally, the Gulf of Mexico and Destin Harbor did not connect to Choctawhatchee Bay in the Destin area. This posed an extreme threat of flooding for the fishing fleet. In 1926, the Melvin, Marler and Destin families set out to remove this threat. Using only shovels, four men cut a two-foot wide drainage ditch across Okaloosa Island. The shoveled ditch opened a torrent of rushing water that grew to over a 100 yards wide within two hours, creating the East Pass as it is today. Destin’s East Pass is the only waterway connecting the Choctawhatchee Bay to the Gulf of Mexico for approximately 60 miles in either direction.

Destin Florida – Recreational Charter Fishing & Tourism

In 1984, Destin, Florida was chartered as a municipality. Destin is now home to the largest and most elaborately equipped charter fleet in Florida with fishing considered one of the town’s top leisure activities. Destin’s crystal clear water and sugar-white beaches along the Gulf of Mexico make it a favorite for senior tourists who enjoy beautiful and luxurious golf and beach destinations.