Destin, Florida, is known for many things, including the abundance of activities, year-round sunshine, welcoming locals, and delicious foods.
Perhaps the thing that draws the most visitors to Destin is the beaches. You’ll find breathtaking white sand that invites you to sink your toes in and let your worries fade away. But why is the sand so white in Destin?
Find out here, and then you'll have some excellent knowledge to take with you when you visit our Destin beachfront condos.
Why is the sand so white in Destin?
Many people know about the Destin, Florida, white sand, but did you know that these beaches are some of the whitest and most homogenous in the world? What gives the sand its signature white color is the tiny quartz particles that make it up. The process that formed the sand actually began more than 20,000 years ago! During this time, the Apalachicola River carried an abundance of water as the last Ice Age ended. This water made its way up through the Appalachian Mountains and came down to the Gulf of Mexico.
As the water passed through the mountains, tiny particles of quartz eroded and were carried downstream, eventually making their way to the area now known as Destin. Once the quartz was deposited and seas began to rise, these particles formed an entirely new shoreline. Today, the white sand continually replenishes to keep up its unique color.
Most Beautiful Beaches in America
With such a magnificent color and the emerald-green waters, it’s no wonder why Destin has been named as having some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. If you want to stick to the best beaches in Destin, Florida, start by visiting Henderson Beach State Park. The white sand here is soft, staying cool even in the hottest of months. Other notable places to hang out include Miramar Beach, James Lee Beach, and Crab Island.
More Destin Florida Facts and Info
Of all the fun things to do in Destin, fishing might be the most popular. You experience the fantastic white sand while learning why Destin has been called the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” Destin is also home to more charter fishing vessels in a single port than anywhere else in North America.
Plan Your Stay
Ready to book one of our Destin beach condos? Contact The Islander Resort today to get started!
When you come to Destin, you might be expecting large crowds of locals filling the beaches and restaurants. Not so! Even though nearly five million people visit Destin each year, only around 14,000 people live here permanently, making it a small but vibrant community. So, if you visit in the off-season, there’s a good chance that you’ll have the shoreline almost all to yourself, allowing for a peaceful and relaxing getaway.
Our last fun fact will come in handy when you’re in Destin at sunset, so be sure to keep an eye on the horizon. Sometimes, when the sun goes down over the water, there is a stunning flash of green light, known as the elusive green flash. This light comes when the sun hits the water just right, creating refraction that shows off the beautiful colors of the water, blending shades of blue, gold, and emerald. It’s quite a sight to see, and a truly magical way to end your day!
Book Your Destin Condo
To make the most of your time in the area, book your stay with a premier Destin, Florida resort like The Islander. We offer a vast catalog of Destin condos for families of all sizes, complete with amenities like high-speed WiFi, fully stocked kitchens, and beautiful Gulf views. You can also enjoy property amenities like pools, hot tubs, live music, kids’ activities in the summer, and more.
