Holiday Isle Visitors Guide

When driving into Destin over the beautiful William T. Marler bridge, you are welcomed with exquisite views of the Emerald Coast at its finest! The famous Crab Island sandbar is to the north of the bridge, with stunning, shallow waters, and boats congregating for some good old-fashioned fun in the sun. On the south side of the bridge, you will see the bustling Destin Harbor, Holiday Isle, and the East Pass.

Holiday Isle is a 3-mile-long peninsula with pristine beaches, dining, and lodging, that separates the Destin Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico/East Pass. At the tip of this picturesque peninsula is Norriego Point, one of the best and most breathtaking beaches of the Emerald Coast! One of the qualities that makes this place so special, is its location and luscious landscapes.

Visitors to Norriego Point have unparalleled panoramic views of Destin, with the bustling HarborWalk Village and the Destin Harbor on one side, and the East Pass, which leads out to the Gulf of Mexico, on the other. Not only that, Crab Island is visible from the north end of the island, providing a unique perspective of this special sandbar. Norriego Point on its own is a sight to behold, with rolling sand dunes, sea oats, and inlets that create a safe, calm, and delightful destination for swimming and snorkeling.

Speaking of water activities, there is so much fun in the sun to be had at Norriego Point! Not only is this a great place for swimming and snorkeling, it’s also a great place for kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, sunbathing, and wildlife watching. Some Gulf Coast creatures you may encounter at Norriego Point include:

• Bald Eagles
• Pelicans
• Herons
• Dolphins
• Native fish species
• And MORE!

And if that doesn’t sound scenic and spectacular enough, this is also one of the best places to catch a Destin sunrise or sunset, and truly take in the natural beauty of this coastal city. Just be sure to bring a camera, as there are tons of places for some amazing Destin photo-ops at Norriego Point.

As you’re watching boats travel out to the Gulf of Mexico, whether for a fishing charter, dolphin cruise, or private excursion, you will notice the boats will typically depart from the Destin Harbor, make their way around Norriego Point, and head out to sea. This area is known as the East Pass, which is the opening that connects the Gulf of Mexico to the Choctawhatchee Bay. A set of nearly identical jetties, known as the Destin Jetties, protect this opening, and are a favorite among many for fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

The history of the Destin Jetties dates back over 100 years ago, when a hurricane closed off the bay from the Gulf. Knowing this could have devastating effects on the local economy and ecosystem, local fishermen joined forces and dug a narrow trench to reopen the channel. Stone barriers, which are now known as the Destin Jetties, were added to ensure the opening would not close back up.