Spanning 3.4 acres along the stunning Choctawhatchee Bay, the City of Destin and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection teamed up to develop Captain Leonard Destin Park as a community asset that pays homage to the area’s history. Named for the original founder of the Destin who came from Connecticut in the mid-1800s to establish a fishing village along the Florida Gulf Coast, the park references the original homestead by including historical interpretive elements, such as a model seine boat and preserved heron rookery.

At the core of our design philosophy was a dedication to cultivating community engagement. The park includes an accessible beach area, boardwalk, dock and paddle craft launch, splash pad, playground, and picnic pavilions. These amenities provide refuge for locals and visitors alike. By providing spaces for social gatherings, educational signage, and cultural experiences, the park emerges as an invaluable community resource.