Home > Explore >

DESTIN

"Destin, Florida – Paradise Found on the Emerald Coast. Delight in the emerald waters, sugar-white beaches, and endless adventures that define Destin. Explore family-friendly activities, delectable dining options, and beachfront resorts that make your Gulf Coast vacation unforgettable. Experience the allure of Destin, your ultimate destination for sun, sea, and relaxation."

Overview for DESTIN, FL

13,751 people live in DESTIN, where the median age is 43.3 and the average individual income is $51,007. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

13,751

Total Population

43.3 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$51,007

Average individual Income

Welcome to Destin

One of the best places in the country for fishing and fun

When thinking of the city of Destin, Florida, the white sandy beaches with turquoise waters will most likely come to mind first. Located on Florida's Panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico, this area provides some of the best fishing in the world. Plenty of other activities make it a great place to live or enjoy a vacation.

Spanish explorers started surveying the area back in 1538 and segmented the map about 100 years later. The city got its name from Captain Leonard Destin, who began exploring the Gulf waters in 1835 and unintentionally ended up setting in Destin around 1850.

Today about 15,000 people reside in Destin, and many more come to enjoy a vacation. The residents in Destin include retirees, young professionals, and families. The combination of beautiful beaches and terrific weather draws people to this area.

What to Love

Ideal location — situated right on the Florida Panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico
Perfect weather
Abundant fishing opportunities for diverse species
Family-friendly atmosphere
Ideal retirement location
Gorgeous Destin houses for sale to choose from

Local Lifestyle - Living in Destin, FL

The terrific weather, pristine beaches, and many activities make Destin a relaxed and friendly place to live. It's a bit more bustling during the peak tourist season from March through September. But the locals are welcoming and eager to share their community with others. It's also a great place to stay active and healthy with all the water sports and the fresh sea air.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Whether you live in Destin or you're just visiting, you won't run out of places to dine and shop. Of course, you'll find some freshest fish and seafood, but plenty of other culinary choices exist. Take McGuire's Irish Pub, for instance; this 500+ capacity restaurant serves the Irish favorites you would expect but also delectable steaks. They also offer live music and a spectacular harbor view.

If it's seafood you want, make sure to put Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House on Destin Harbor on your list. Formerly The Flamingo Café, they stripped the white tablecloths and renamed the place after the owner and his three Labradors. They still serve the freshest seafood imaginable.

If your afternoon plans also include shopping, make sure to check out Destin Commons. You'll find plenty of retailers at Destin Commons, but also a variety of eateries and some exciting artwork courtesy of the vivid murals. HarborWalk Village represents another fabulous shopping option. In addition to shopping, they also provide live music venues complete with adult beverages.

Things to Do in Destin

The beautiful beaches and the world-famous fishing attract many people to Destin, but many other activities await you. The Destin Harbor Boardwalk provides over half a mile of harbor views and entertainment venues, including the Yacht Club. The project took 15 years to complete and opened in 2012.

Big Kahuna's Water Park and Putt Putt Golf provides activities for all ages. It's a great place to spend a day with the family. For something fun and educational, visit the Fishing History Museum. The stories and artifacts date back to 1830, and don't miss the 100-foot wall that depicts the Gulf floor.

Anyone living in or vacationing in Destin should take in one of the dolphin cruises. You don't want to miss these fascinating creatures in their environment.

Search All Homes

Demographics and Employment Data for DESTIN, FL

Population Households Employment

DESTIN has 6,201 households, with an average household size of 2.19. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in DESTIN do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 13,751 people call DESTIN home. The population density is 1,835.12 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

13,751

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

43.3

Median Age

51.23 / 48.77%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

Less Than 9th Grade
High School Degree
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Graduate Degree

6,201

Total Households

2.19

Average Household Size

$51,007

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married

Single

Divorced

Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes

15 to 29 Minutes

30 to 59 Minutes

60+ Minutes

Schools in DESTIN, FL

All ()

Primary Schools ()

Middle Schools ()

High Schools ()

Mixed Schools ()

The following schools are within or nearby DESTIN. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Type

Name

Around DESTIN, FL

There's plenty to do around DESTIN, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

30

Car-Dependent

Walking Score

49

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Sea Market, Charter Boat Special K, and Charter Boat Stelluna.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Sea Market page on Yelp Search 16055 Emerald Coast Pkwy on Google Maps	Dining	1.29 miles	27 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Charter Boat Special K page on Yelp Search 66 Harbor Blvd on Google Maps	Active	2.59 miles	8 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Charter Boat Stelluna page on Yelp Search 66 Harbor Blvd on Google Maps	Active	2.59 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Destin For Fun page on Yelp	Active	0.12 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Sandcastle Rockstars page on Yelp	Active	1.64 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Sailaway Destin page on Yelp Search 404 Harbor Blvd on Google Maps	Active	1.96 miles	37 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Charter Boat Huntress page on Yelp Search 116 Harbor Blvd on Google Maps	Active	2.42 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the SUP Express page on Yelp	Active	1.64 miles	8 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Charter Boat Outta Line page on Yelp Search 210 Harbor Blvd on Google Maps	Active	2.3 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Gulf Angler Fishing Charter page on Yelp Search 316 Harbor Blvd on Google Maps	Active	2.11 miles	11 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the CrossFit Destin page on Yelp Search 404 Mountain Drive on Google Maps	Active	1.94 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Lawrence Scott Ennis, MD FACS page on Yelp Search 4495 Furling Ln on Google Maps	Beauty	3.81 miles	9 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the My Nail Spa page on Yelp Search 225 Main St on Google Maps	Beauty	0.98 miles	39 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Salon Soleil Hair Designs page on Yelp Search 114 B Benning Dr on Google Maps	Beauty	1.62 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Olga Wise Skin Studio page on Yelp Search 225 Main St on Google Maps	Beauty	0.98 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars