Destin

Destin is a city in northwest Florida, in the area known as the Panhandle. It's known for its Gulf of Mexico beaches and many golf courses, as well as the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. Nature trails pass through the dunes of Henderson Beach State Park in the south, where the coastline is dotted with pine and oak trees, sheltering wildlife. To the west are the tall slides, waterfalls, and pools of Big Kahuna’s water park.

Destin, known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Florida Panhandle. Destin, founded in the 1850s, was a peaceful fishing village until a bridge joined the thin peninsula to Florida's mainland. With a base population of 13,000 (which grows to almost 25,000 during the summer), this town maintains a small-town vibe. Midwestern and Southern families flock to Destin's beaches each summer for the city's trademark bright white shores, made up of pure Appalachian quartz.

This distinctive sand not only keeps you cool in the summer heat, but it also gives the water an emerald color due to sunlight reflection. Golfers navigate beach bunkers while children play at water parks. More daring guests may snorkel and scuba dive off the shore or rent a boat to go deep sea fishing. After all, fishing is an essential component of this peninsular paradise.

Best Hotels in Destin:

• The Henderson-A Salamander Beach & Spa Resort
• Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is
• Hotel Effie Sandestin.

The Best Things to Do in Destin:

• Henderson Beach State Park
• Crab Island
• Destin Dolphin Cruises.

Rankings:

• 2 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.
  3 in Best Beaches in the U.S.
  5 in Best Places to Visit in July
  

Rating:

• 7 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South