Located along the picturesque Emerald Coast of Florida, Destin has a rich history that stretches back centuries. Originally inhabited by the Native American Creek tribe, the area was first settled by Europeans in the 19th century. The town was officially incorporated in 1984. In the early 20th century, Destin was known for its thriving fishing industry, with the town earning the title of “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” Fishing remains a key part of the city’s identity to this day, with the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo drawing anglers from around the world. Over the years, Destin has evolved from a small fishing village into a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class golf courses. Today, the city attracts visitors from across the country, who come to enjoy its natural beauty and charming coastal atmosphere.

The top 10 industries that are hiring locally:

1. Healthcare
2. Technology
3. Finance
4. Education
5. Hospitality
6. Retail
7. Manufacturing
8. Construction
9. Transportation
10. Government

The top 10 recreational activities the area is known for:

1. Hiking
2. Biking
3. Skiing
4. Fishing
5. Golfing
6. Boating
7. Camping
8. Wine tasting
9. Sightseeing
10. Art galleries

Average low and high temperature for the month:

Low: 50°F / High: 75°F

Average precipitation for the month:

3 inches

Elevation:

2500 feet

Average home price:

$350,000

Average household income:

$60,000

The top 10 tourist points of interest:

1. National Park
2. Historic Downtown Area
3. Museum of Art
4. Botanical Gardens
5. Zoo
6. Scenic Overlook
7. Amusement Park
8. Local Wineries
9. Cultural Center
10. Riverfront Promenade

The top 10 restaurants:

AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar at Destin Harbor

Address:

116 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL

Leave pretension behind with this casual and colorful seaside restaurant. Known for its fried seafood delights and raw oysters, AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar is a popular place to meet fellow tourists right in the heart of Destin. The downstairs area is a scenic restaurant while upstairs the party keeps going well into the evening with a full bar and a well-established nightlife scene. Fun for a group, a couple, or the whole family.

Harbor Docks

Address:

538 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL

Harbor Docks has become a beloved seafood staple in Destin, featuring scratch-made dishes sourced from their popular wholesale market. Priding themselves on a “Gulf to Table” ethos, their menu centers around fresh catch items like Gulf Fish Tacos, Stuffed Gulf Shrimp, and Gulf Grouper Parmadine. Not letting the Surf outshine the Turf, they also find plenty of fans in their mouthwatering Ribeye and Smoked Gouda Bacon Cheeseburger.

Mcguire’s Irish Pub of Destin

Address:

33 US-98, Destin, FL

Boasting a positively enormous dining area and live music nearly every night, Destin’s local Irish pub is the most famous spot on this list. More than 1.7 million signed dollar bills from previous patrons adorn the walls of this establishment. Decor aside, McGuire’s Irish Pub has some interesting menu items for adventurous eaters. The “Garbage Burger” is literally a catch-all for everything they have to offer in the kitchen, with ingredients like peanut butter, sour kraut, wasabi, corned beef, hot fudge, blue cheese, and more.

Pompano Joe’s

Address:

2237 Scenic Gulf Dr, Destin, FL 32550

This colorful beachfront shack was once featured on the Travel Channel and named “The Ultimate Beach Snack Shack.” Patrons at Pompano Joe’s can eat ocean-to-table here with the freshest seafood in town. If it swims off the Gulf Coast, they are serving it. Coconut and Caribbean spices liven up a seafood-heavy menu, and the beachfront ambiance is hard to beat.

Lulu’s

Address:

4607 Legendary Marina Dr, Destin, FL

Lulu’s is renowned for its authentic coastal cuisine, serving up a variety of scratch-made recipes directly from Lucy Buffett herself. You’ll find your food dreams fulfilled with Shrimp & Grits topped with andouille sausage, the Key West bowl drizzled in Mojo Sauce, and Slow Smoked Pork Tacos. Stick around for regular live music and themed events.

Louisiana Lagniappe

Address:

775 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, FL

While many people who visit the southern states are familiar with Cajun cooking, Creole cooking is a little less widely celebrated, which is a shame. Don’t let the white tablecloths fool you; this is a spectacular, authentic taste of Creole cooking that’s fit for the whole family. Louisiana Lagniappe serves up Louisiana Crabcakes, Grouper Pontchartrain, and Shrimp and Grits that will transport you straight to the Bayou.

Captain Dave’s on the Gulf

Address:

3796 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL

Offering fresh daily seafood served in front of panoramic windows overlooking the gulf, Captain Dave’s on the Gulf has a full-service bar and top-tier seafood for the price point. You’ll feel as though you are dining aboard a luxury yacht with the lovely decor. This spot has been a community favorite for more than 50 years now.

Pepito’s Mexican Restaurant

Address:

36112 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL

Pepito’s is the place to go if you are craving south of the border flavors in Destin. The food here is fresh, delicious, and a favorite if you are looking for a filling lunch to fuel your day at the beach. Unlike many of the other destinations on this list, Pepitos is not beachfront, but what it lacks in views, it makes up for with its consistently friendly service and delicious food.

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