Destin Boardwalk

The boardwalk project, completed in June 2012 includes new decking and pavers, landscaping, lighting and seating. Many of the property owners along the harbor joined together to add continuity along the harbor with easy access to local fishing charter boats, great restaurants and a multitude of water activities.

The history of Destin is a colorful one with many significant events taking place right here along the harbor. Founded in 1830 by Captain Leonard Destin, the little fishing village went on to be known as Destin. Captain Destin enticed people to settle in the area by offering fishing jobs to young men. The total population of Destin back then was not more than 100 people, with the majority of them employed in the fishing industry.

The geography of the land here is what helped to make this an ideal fishing location. Destin's East Pass is the only waterway connecting the Choctawhatchee Bay to the Gulf of Mexico for approximately 60 miles in either direction. This however was not of Mother Natures doing, originally the Gulf and the bay were not connected. In 1926, the Melvin, Marler and Destin families took it upon themselves to alter the coastline. Without the use of any large excavating machinery, four men, using only hand shovels, cut a drainage ditch two feet wide across Okaloosa Island. Within two hours, the ditch was grew to over a 100 yards wide. eventually unleashing a torrent of rushing water that created the East Pass into what you see today. Today the