The Ultimate Vacation Guide to Destin, Florida

With the sparkling, clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico lapping at 24 miles of white-quartz sands, the Florida Panhandle city of Destin is a longstanding vacation spot for beach lovers of all ages. But there’s more to love here along this barrier island set between Pensacola to the west and Panama City to the east: world-class golf, beach resorts, and fishing (Destin is affectionately known as the “world’s luckiest fishing village), plus lots of beachy bars, seafood spots, and attractions.

It’s hard to argue with an average of 343 sunny days per year, not to mention an average annual high temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenhe...