White sand and turquoise waters provide stunningly beautiful views for beach goers, fishermen, and snorkelers alike. Bring a couple of rods, catch some fish, or at the least, you’ll have the inspiration for a story about the “one that got away.” Ready for a little extra adventure, try your hand at scuba diving, snorkeling or boating. “What is this wonderful hidden gem of a destination,” you say. It's the Destin Jetties, of course.
Located in the Florida Panhandle in the city of Destin, the jetties protect the East Pass Channel from the encroaching sands of the Gulf of Mexico. Constructed in 1969 by the US Corp of Engineers using car-sized boulders, the twin jetties also form an artificial reef that attracts an amazing variety of wildlife species.
A trip to the jetties begins with a short boat ride or hike. The nearest entry points are from Holiday Isle, the O’Steen Public Beach Access at the end of Gulf Shore Drive, and on the west side, across the Destin Bridge.
When you arrive, just hop in the water with snorkeling or diving gear and prepare to be amazed. Join the underwater world of crabs, many species of fish, sea turtles, or an occasional bashful octopus. With dolphins living in the area around the jetties you may even encounter a pod playing in the ocean. With the warmth of the water and the diversity of species, the most difficult part about snorkeling the jetties will be pulling yourself away at the end of the day. And, don’t forget the sunscreen; it doesn’t take long to burn when your back is exposed to the sun while paddling in the water.
The angler will find an experience second to none with the jetties located in the very heart of Destin’s best fishing. Cast your hook into the water and you may come up with king and Spanish mackerel, bluefish, grouper, redfish, flounder, trout, or sheepshead. Whether you want to fish from boat or directly from the rocks, Destin Jetties won’t disappoint.
For the beach goer who just wants to relax, the view of the blue-green water is outstanding and the sunrises and sunsets are spectacular. Plunk down a chair or lay out your towel on the glittering white quartz sand beach and enjoy a day in the sunshine watching the boats go by. Or use all that sparkling sand to make magical sand castles, or glowing sand sculptures.
Nearby Destin’s Harborwalk Village provides shopping, live music, festivals, zip lining, and all the restaurants you could want. With paddle board and kayak rentals, pontoon and jet ski rentals, parasailing, glass bottom boats, pirate ship excursions, and dolphin cruises each day can be something new.
No matter whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, you’ll find it at the Destin Jetties.
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