6 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Destin, FL

While Destin may be one of Florida’s most popular tourist destinations, how much do you really know about the ‘World’s Luckiest Fishing Village’? Here are six things you probably didn’t know about your favorite vacation spot!

1. Destin is named after the fishing captain who settled here between 1845-1850, Leonard Destin.

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Captain Leonard Destin first settled in the area from New London, Connecticut. Moreover, his descendants inhabited the Emerald coast for decades. Additionally, some of the architecture in Destin is still reflective of its New England roots.

2. Destin actually used to be an island.

Image Credit: @old98destin Instagram

Today, Destin is located on the peninsula in between the Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. However, the peninsula used to stand alone as its own island before hurricanes changed the landscape over time.

3. The white sand is really ground quartz crystal from the Appalachian Mountains.

Image Credit: @fivestarproperties Instagram

Everyone wonders how the sand on our beaches is so white. Interestingly enough, its actually finely ground quartz crystal from the Appalachian Mountains. Who knew Crystal Beach had such an accurate name?

4. Britney Spears and other celebrities vacation here.

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Tons of celebrities come to vacation on the Emerald Coast. Britney Spears even had a vacation home here. Tom Cruise, Brett Farve, and Keith Urban also love the area.

5. Destin didn’t become an official city until 1984.

Image Credit: @fivestarproperties Instagram

Even though people had been vacationing and living in the area since 1845, the city didn’t actually become a city until 1984.

6. Destin’s actual community is pretty tiny.

Despite the fact that Destin is the most popular tourist destination on the Emerald Coast, not a lot of people actually live here year-round. In fact, the estimated population is only 13,765, making it a pretty small town.

In addition to the town’s beautiful beaches, stunning homes, and laid back atmosphere, it also has a pretty rich history. Now you know a little bit more about the place so many people call “paradise.”