Destin Events and Attractions
The "World's Luckiest Fishing Village" is not just the premier place to fish, but it also hosts one of the longest running fishing tournament, a seafood festival, and has a history and fishing museum full of the heritage of Destin fishing fleet before it was even a city! Check out some of the fishermen and women's favorite things to do!
The Destin Seafood Festival has been going on for over 40 years! First started by the Charter Boat wives in the 1970s it quickly grew in popularity and like back then is still put on every year along the Destin Harbor. Its a great time to enjoy fresh seafood, arts and crafts vendors, bands, and libations along the Destin Harbor at all your favorite local spots!
The Destin Fishing Rodeo was established in 1948! It was started by the first generation of for-hire fishermen in Destin to attract business. With 200+ award divisions including different types of vessels, Junior, Ladies, and Senior divisions it is the ultimate saltwater angler fishing tournament. It encompasses the entire month of October with daily weigh-ins behind Destin's own AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar.
This 8-week long tournament concentrates on Red Snapper and Wahoo, with bonus species Black Snapper, Scamp, Red Grouper and King Mackerel. Red Snapper Division is separated by Federal, State and Private boats. This tournament has become a staple for the summer months and gives the anglers and crews some healthy competition in June and July. Weigh-ins are daily behind the Boathouse Oyster Bar.
Since the 1990s the museum has preserved and taught our city’s history. The museum features the history of the early pioneers from the 1830s and the history of the fishing industry from seine boats to the boats that you see in the Destin Harbor today. Come by and enjoy interactive exhibits and get lost in the charm of what made Destin the amazing place it has become today!
