Destin History and Fishing Museum

Destin, Florida

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Mar 14 ~ Mar 20
The Destin History and Fishing Museum is a local landmark and staple, and a time capsule that preserves Destin’s past. This family-friendly attraction showcases the history of this once tiny fishing village through stories, artifacts, photographs, and more, dating back over 175 years! View over 75 mounts of locally-caught fish, walk through the outdoor Museum Historic Park Complex, enjoy interactive exhibits, take a guided or self-guided tour, and dive into Destin’s history and culture at the Destin History and Fishing Museum!

Featured Activities Near Destin History and Fishing Museum

Destin History and Fishing Museum Visitors Guide

Destin is known far and wide as, “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” but have you ever stopped to wonder how this once tiny fishing village ended up touting such an impressive title? Luckily, Destin’s history, which dates back nearly 200 years, has been preserved in a 5,500-square-foot time capsule known as the Destin History and Fishing Museum! The museum itself is set up like a timeline, and takes visitors through the area's fishing history and development.

This museum is so much more than a history lesson, however, as the displays are both intriguing and awe-inspiring. They are known for showcasing antique fishing gear, including a reel once used and owned by Ernest Hemingway, over 75 locally-caught fish mounts, the oldest seine fishing boat in the world, The Primrose, which was built in 1925, the original Destin Post Office building, vintage photos, artifacts, and so much more!

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Mar 14 - Mar 20
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Semi-Private Group Fishing Charter

4.6
(688)
4 - 12 Hrs.
This Semi-Private Group Fishing Charter with Olin Marler is an authentic deep-sea fishing experience. The Semi-Private Group Fishing Charter gives you all the perks but with fewer passengers. This fishing adventure offers more space, shorter waits for crew assistance, and better chances at hooking more fish. The crew will even fillet and bag any fish that the customer catches on the trip for tips. Located on the Destin Boardwalk and minutes away from Crab Island, this trip is an ideal activity on your next trip. Spend your day in Destin reeling in the big one with this Semi-Private Group Fishing Charter. Reel in this fishing deal and book today!
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Booked 3 times in last 48 hrs
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 1,770

Destin Shark Fishing Adventure

4.0
(1)
6 - 8 Hrs.
Dun-dun. Dun-dun. Dun-dun. Get out on the water for this Destin area Shark Fishing Adventure and choose from half to a full day out at sea on a 32-foot Sailfish. Spend the day fishing for some of the coolest fish in the water including nurse sharks, hammerhead sharks, reef sharks, bull sharks, black tip sharks, tiger sharks, and more! Spend the day on the beautiful emerald water battling one of nature's apex predators - certainly not an experience you will forget. Book your shark fishing adventure today because as they say, every week is shark week in Destin, Florida.
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 1,610

Family Fun Combo: Dolphins, Swimming & Fishing

5.0
(2)
6 - 8 Hrs.
Enjoy some family-friendly fun for everyone on this private and captained charter for up to 6 guests in Destin, Florida. Customize your day and experience a dolphin cruise, inshore/bay fishing trip, and swimming all packed into one awesome combo trip. Spend half the time inshore fishing and dolphin touring, and the other half relaxing in the water or on the beach. Get out on the Choctawhatchee Bay and leave your worries at the dock. Everything is included so throw your cares to the wind and book your Family Fun Combo experience today!
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 1,610

Inshore Fishing Adventure

5.0
(1)
6 - 8 Hrs.
Enjoy the best in inshore fishing on a 32-foot cabin cruiser with air-conditioning, a kitchen, and some sweet sweet shade. Experience the thrill of wrangling seriously big fish while enjoying the gorgeous blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Catch the fish of your dreams on your choice of duration inshore fishing charter and have a reely good day fishing on the emerald coast. Book your Inshore Fishing Adventure today!
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 1,770

Offshore Fishing Adventure

5.0
(2)
6 - 8 Hrs.
Destin is known as the world's luckiest fishing village and this charter is dedicated to showing you the very best Florida has to offer. Hop aboard your own 32-foot Sailfish Express Cabin Cruiser and cast your worries into the sea on this offshore fishing charter. You will cruise to the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico, opening up exciting new possibilities in the fish you can catch. Among the fish targeted (season dependent) are amberjack, cobia, Jack Crevalle, king mackerel, tarpon, triggerfish, and more! Saunter your way down to the docks and book this Offshore Fishing Adventure today!
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Booked 2 times in last 48 hrs
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 1,610

Private Dolphin Tour & Fishing Adventure (up to 6 guests)

5.0
(6)
6 - 8 Hrs.
Enjoy some family-friendly fun for everyone on this Private Dolphin Tour & Fishing Adventure combo for up to 6 guests in Destin, Florida. Customize your day and experience a dolphin cruise and fishing trip all tied into one neat package. Get out on the Choctawhatchee Bay and leave your worries at the dock. Everything is included so throw your cares to the wind and book your Dolphin Tour & Fishing Adventure today!
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 85

4 Hour Beginner Deep Sea Fishing

4.7
(45)
4 Hrs.
Looking to fish in the World's Luckiest Fishing Village? Embark on an unforgettable Deep Sea Fishing Catch & Release Charter in Destin Florida. This party boat fishing trip is perfect for those who are beginners or those with young children. This trip will provide a unique opportunity to cast away and fish, chat with family and friends, and learn from fellow fishermen from all across the country. Your experienced captain and crew will help you every step of the way. Reel in this fishing deal and book your experience today!
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Crab Island Excursion & Swim Aboard The Crab Island Runner

4.8
(315)
3 - 3.5 Hrs.
Get out on the water in gorgeous Destin, Florida on The Crab Island Runner, a multi-passenger U.S. Coast Guard certified 27-passenger tour boat. Head out to locally treasured Crab Island, a stunning sandbar in the middle of the most beautiful emerald green and aqua blue water you have ever seen. Crab Island is one of the most sought-after destinations in Northwest Florida, so see for yourself what the hype is all about, join your captain and crew aboard The Crab Island Runner for a chartered trip to the popular sandbar in Destin, Florida. Book your experience today!
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 177

Crab Island Jet Ski Dolphin Tour

4.7
(273)
1.5 Hrs.
Enjoy a unique Destin adventure on a Crab Island jet ski dolphin tour from the Destin Marina. With no idle time, an expert guide will lead you and your group out into the Choctawhatchee Bay to the best "dolphin hangout" spots in town. After exploring, your guide will set you free to crank it up and explore the shimmering water of Destin and Fort Walton Beach. Set the pace for your experience but make sure to bring a waterproof camera to snap some amazing shots of dolphins up close. Book your tickets today!
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Booked 3 times in last 48 hrs
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 106

Destin Crab Island Jet Ski Rental

4.8
(212)
1 - 8 Hrs.
Experience the thrill of a lifetime with Destin Crab Island Jet Ski Rental. Jet through the sparkling water of Destin Harbor on a premium Yamaha Jet Ski. You also can enjoy the convenience of having one of the closest departure location points to Crab Island! Feeling adventurous? This is an experience like no other, you can search the Choctawhatchee Bay for happy dolphins or cruise through the miles of open water until your heart is content. Bring up to two friends for a total of three riders and explore Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and beyond! Book your rental today!
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Booked 2 times in last 48 hrs
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 59

Destin Crab Island Parasailing

4.9
(356)
1 Hr.
Soar to astounding heights above the Emerald Coast on a Destin Crab Island Parasailing excursion. Feel the calmness of the air as you glide over the emerald green and blue water of the Gulf of Mexico. With safety always in mind, you can trust that this will be one of the most memorable parasailing experiences ever. Photo packages are available to capture each exciting moment. Don't miss your chance to fly high like a bird in the sky, book your [Crab Island parasailing](https://www.tripshock.com/attractions/destin/parasailing/ "Crab Island parasailing") adventure today!
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 25

Dolphin Exploration Tour Aboard The Crab Island Runner

4.9
(53)
1.5 - 2 Hrs.
Hop aboard The Crab Island Runner for an exciting adventure discovering sea life in Destin, Florida. Your Captain and crew will navigate you and your group through Crab Island, exploring the grass flats of the Choctawhatchee Bay to look out for bald eagles, ospreys and more wildlife along the shoreline. Depending on the daily marine report, you will cruise south through Destin’s East Pass along to the Gulf of Mexico. This informative eco-tour by water is sure to bring a smile to your face and memories to last a lifetime, so don't miss the boat, book now!
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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there restaurants and lodging near the Destin History and Fishing Museum?

The Destin History and Fishing Museum is located in the heart of Destin, which means it’s close to tons of great lodging and dining options. The Emerald Grande is one of the most popular places to stay when in Destin, as its location at HarborWalk Village is ideal for travelers looking to experience it all in one place! Village Inn of Destin and Inn on Destin Harbor are two additional nearby popular hotels, offering options for groups of varying sizes, budgets, and interests.

You definitely won’t go hungry here! The Destin History and Fishing Museum is also nearby tons of tasty restaurants, showcasing the best of Destin seafood, drinks, and more. Some of the top restaurants include Dewey Destin’s Seafood, McGuire’s Irish Pub of Destin, Harbor Docks, and Boshamps, just to name a few! For more information about the best places to eat in Destin, check out this recent TripShock blog: https://www.tripshock.com/blog/5-destin-restaurants-to-feed-your-beach-vacation/.

2. Do we need to book tickets in advance?

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am until 4:00pm, and visitors are more than welcome to simply show up, purchase a ticket, and see the sights! Self-guided and guided tours are available, but if you would like a guided tour, or have a large group, it is recommended to purchase your tickets in advance.

3. Is this museum enjoyable for children?

The Destin History and Fishing Museum is perfect for children and adults, alike. Combining both education and fun, this is the perfect way to introduce the little ones to Destin, and learn about fishing and the local history in a fun and unique way. Kids will especially love the giant, locally-caught fish mounts, interactive displays, and the massive replica of a Megalodon Shark jaw!

4. How long does it take to make it through the entire museum?

This will simply depend on the person! With thousands of historic photographs, artifacts, and information to sort through, it could definitely take the thorough traveler a few hours to see it all. Generally, I would set aside at least an hour or two to get the most from your experience.

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