--- title: 4 Little Known Facts About Destin, Florida description: Destin's known for a lot of great things like beautiful beaches, fun attractions, and warm weather, but here are four facts that you may not already know. image: https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/hubfs/4%20Unknown%20Facts%20About%20Destin%2c%20Florida.jpg --- [![Double Fun Pontoon Rentals](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Double%20Fun%20Watersports/Logo%202021/2021-logo-color-2.png?width=124&height=100&name=2021-logo-color-2.png "Double Fun Pontoon Rentals")](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/) [850-316-4224](tel:850-316-4224) [850-316-4224](tel:850-316-4224) - [Pricing](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/calendar.html) - [Our Boats](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/double-decker-pontoons.html) - Locations - [Destin](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/destin-boat-rentals) - [Fort Walton Beach](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/pontoon-rentals-fort-walton-beach) - [Panama City Beach](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/pontoon-rentals-panama-city-beach) - Explore - [Crab Island](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/crab-island-pontoon-boat-rentals) - [Shell Island](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/shell-island-pontoon-boat-rentals) - [Best Places to Boat](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/destinations) - [Captained Charters | Destin](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/double-decker-pontoon-boat-with-captain-destin-fl) - [Captained Charters | PCB](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/pontoon-boat-with-captain-panama-city-beach-fl) - [FAQs](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/faqs.html) - [Contact](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/contact.html) - [Blog](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/blog) [BOOK NOW](https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/doublefunwatersports-dockside/?ref=MobileNav&full-items=yes&flow=38262) # 4 Little Known Facts About Destin, Florida [Double Fun Pontoon Rentals Team](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/blog/author/double-fun-pontoons-team) All around the world, people are familiar with Destin, Florida. Whether you're from Georgia or you live in Europe, there's a good chance that Destin brings to mind pristine white sand beaches, clear blue waters, amazing outdoor recreation, and unparalleled scenery. *Here are four unknown facts about Destin, Florida that might surprise you.*    ## Destin's Sand Comes from the Mountains When you think of the [pure, white, fine sand of Destin's stunning beaches](http://www.destinchamber.com/history-of-destin), do you think of the Appalachian Mountains? Probably not, but that's where the sand originates. This might sound crazy, but ground quartz crystal is carried as residue in the water all the ways from Appalachia to Destin, and the Gulf of Mexico, via the Apalachicola River. This isn't a quick process, by any means. By some estimates, the quartz crystal first started making its way down to Destin a staggering 20,000 years ago. This unusual process is why Destin is blessed with such pristine, world-class beaches. The next time you're in the Appalachian Mountains, [be sure to give thanks for the beauty of Destin](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/destin-boat-rentals).   ## Destin's Famed East Pass is Man-Made ![2 women swimming next to a double decker boat parked near destin florida's east pass](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/hs-fs/hubfs/destin%20east%20pass%20pontoon%20boat.jpg?width=1080&height=714&name=destin%20east%20pass%20pontoon%20boat.jpg) A hurricane, along with local residents and lots of digging equipment, are what is ultimately responsible for the creation of the [East Pass](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1dSd5czcD2BKrYX_qXZv_VaDvmj8&hl=en&ll=30.38648363343592%2C-86.51554099999998&z=16), now a major waterway and destination in Destin. A hurricane came through the region, dumping lots of water and causing flooding all around the Choctawhatchee Bay. In 1926, families needed relief from these floodwaters. They began digging a path from Choctawhatchee Bay all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. They had the right idea. On the same day that the digging began, floodwaters were released and rushed through, creating what we now know as the East Pass. If you [rent pontoon boats in Destin](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/calendar.html) from the harbor, you'll see the East Pass as you make your way into the North Channel and through to Choctawhatchee Bay. [BOOK YOUR PONTOON TODAY](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/calendar.html)   ## Destin is Actually a Small Community Many people are shocked to learn how few people actually live in Destin throughout the year. In fact, far less than one percent of the people who flock to Destin's beaches and attractions are full-time local residents. By some estimates, a whopping 4.5 million people visit the Emerald Coast each year, and that over 80% of them visit Destin. However, according to 2015 data, Destin’s population is just under 14,000.   ## Destin Boasts the Largest Fleet of Charter Fishing Vessels Florida is known for watersports of all varieties, and there is no end to the activities you can enjoy on the water while in the Sunshine State. While there are several appealing places along both coasts, Destin comes in as a clear winner when it comes to fishing if you're going by numbers alone. That's because Destin is home to the largest fleet of charter fishing vessels in one port in all of North America. Whether you're a serious angler in search of a trophy catch or you're trying to share your love of fishing with your kids, there is a boat to accommodate your needs. You can also find the best pontoon boats Destin has to offer, which are [ideal for combining fishing with other fun activities](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/blog/is-deep-sea-fishing-in-destin-right-for-you) like [visiting Crab Island](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/crab-island-pontoon-boat-rentals), docking at local beachfront eateries, or making memories on water-powered slides. There are a lot of fun and interesting facts about Destin that add to its history and personality. One thing that isn’t a secret is the fun you and your family can have when renting a double-decker pontoon boat when you’re in town. Equipped with two decks, waterslides, a Bluetooth sound system, and more, you will create a memorable day on the water. Double Fun Pontoon Rentals can meet all your Destin pontoon boat rental needs.   [![RESERVE YOUR BOAT TODAY BUTTON](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/hs-fs/hubfs/RESERVE%20YOUR%20BOAT%20TODAY%20DOUBLE%20FUN.png?width=450&height=293&name=RESERVE%20YOUR%20BOAT%20TODAY%20DOUBLE%20FUN.png)](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/calendar.html)   [Things to Do in Destin](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/blog/topic/things-to-do-in-destin) ## Read On ### The Ultimate Guide to Scuba Diving in Destin, Florida Scuba diving continues to grow in popularity, with millions of Americans taking the plunge each... ### Ultimate Destin Hot Spots for All Ages Destin is an attractive getaway spot because it offers something for everyone. There is no need to... ### There's More to Destin Than the Beach If you do a quick Google search for "what to do in Destin", the first thing that will pop up are... **Address** 390 Harbor Boulevard #2, Destin, FL 32541 **Phone** [(850) 316-4224](tel:(850)%20316-4224) **Locations & Reservations** - [Pricing](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/calendar.html) - [Destin](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/destin-boat-rentals) - [Fort Walton Beach](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/pontoon-rentals-fort-walton-beach) - [Panama City Beach](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/pontoon-rentals-panama-city-beach) - [Captained Charters | Destin](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/double-decker-pontoon-boat-with-captain-destin-fl) - [Captained Charters | PCB](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/pontoon-boat-with-captain-panama-city-beach-fl) **Resources** - [Our Boats](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/double-decker-pontoons.html) - [Crab Island](https://www.doublefunwatersports.com/crab-island-pontoon-boat-rentals) - 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