10 Reasons to Vacation in Destin, Florida

White-sand beaches and green Gulf waters have made Destin, Florida, one of America’s most popular vacation destinations. Selected a #2 Most Popular Summer Vacation Rental Spot in the U.S. by Trip Advisor, Destin has also grown to rank as one of the trending destinations for families booking vacation rentals. Take a look at why Destin ranks as a top spot for beach vacations and why to stay there.

Top 10 Reasons to Vacation in Destin, FL

  • The amount and variety of Destin vacation beach rentals, earned Destin recognition as one of Trip Advisor’s 10 Top Vacation Rental Destinations. Vacationers can select from one- to three-bedroom homes, condos and villas, many with Gulf views. Many are located in resorts packed full of things to do, large pools and fitness facilities.
  • Before Destin’s incorporation in 1984, the 30-mile strip of pristine beaches that curves along the Gulf Coast was known as Destin. A string of parks preserves 60 percent of those beaches and their purity.
  • The site of the largest saltwater Indian mound, Indian Temple Mound Museum, chronicles Destin’s Native American history back to 600 A.D. The museum’s location is north of Destin’s strip in Fort Walton Beach.
  • In 1845, Captain Leonard Destin arrived from Connecticut to pioneer the city’s thriving fishing industry. Over 300 restaurants in Destin offer a daily selection of at least 20 different types of fish. Find the top Destin waterfront restaurants.
  • A top sport fishing site that houses Florida’s largest charter boat fleet. Many know Destin as the Billfish Capital of the World and World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.
  • With 100-plus live gators, Gator Beach features one of Florida’s largest alligator communities.
  • The 100-fathom curve draws closer to Destin than any other Florida location. Fast deep-water access to the Gulf has made Destin one of the world’s top five offshore shelling sites.
  • An annual October event, the first Destin Gulf Coast Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo was held in 1949 to raise funds for Destin’s first community center. Today, the month-long event has grown to one of the largest in the area and offers fun for the entire family.
  • Destin is home to Eglin Air Force Base and the U.S. Air Force Armament Museum, one of three in the U.S.
  • Opened in 1955, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is the oldest continuously operating marine park in Florida. Visitors enjoy exhibits, shows and learning about local marine life.

Interesting in playing golf? See our picks for the top 8 courses in Destin.