Where
Destin beaches promise abundant sugar sand and emerald-hued waters, with parks that include James Lee Park and Norriego Point. One of the finest is Henderson Beach State Park, located at 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin FL 32541.
Vibe
Family-oriented, white sand escape with amenities.
Leave the party behind; Henderson is about celebrating nature on a stunning beach. With space to spread out, a peaceful personality, plenty of parking and modern facilities, it’s no wonder that Henderson garners rave reviews. Frequent dolphin sightings and epic sunsets add to its tropical allure.
See, feel
Reaching over a mile against the gin-clear, emerald-tinted waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Henderson’s beach is heaped with glimmering white sugar sand and set against a natural, picturesque shoreline. Bordered by towering dunes that look for all the world as if they’re covered with snow, the beach slopes gently into warm, shallow water with minimal surf. Here, kids wade in the tide pools and construct elaborate, alabaster-hued sandcastles; the odd sailboat drifts offshore; and fishermen ply the waters for pompano, red fish, flounder, catfish, whiting and sometimes cobia. In the fall, a kaleidoscope of migrating monarch butterflies flutter about the park.
While the water is normally calm, winds, tides and offshore systems can occasionally cause rough conditions.
On or near the beach
Henderson Beach invites you to work on perfecting your tan; wade in the water—so clear you can see your toes waist deep; or cool off with a dip.
More outdoor wonder awaits: bike the park's mile-long paved road; fish in the surf; or meander down the three-quarter mile, pet-friendly trail through shifting dunes and coastal scrub to find a sweeping vista of the park from atop one of the dunes.
Birders will chirp with delight: Part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, Henderson Beach is home to nesting Snowy Plovers, Least Terns, and American Oystercatchers as well as numerous other species.
Fire up the grill to enjoy a picnic under a beach side pavilion.
Accessibility
Henderson Beach State Park’s accessible amenities include beach wheelchairs; picnic pavilions and benches; grills; and accessible campsites. Please check at the ranger station for more information about beach wheelchairs.
Facilities
Amenities at Henderson include 60 campsites that can accommodate either tents or RVs; six pavilions with barbecue grills and picnic tables; three restroom facilities; outdoor showers; campfires; interpretive exhibits; a playground; and shower stations. Beach chair and umbrella rentals are available from Friends of Emerald Coast State Parks from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Lifeguards
There are no lifeguards; swim at your own risk. Visitors to are reminded to pay close attention to the Warning Flag Signs posted at welcome stations and on the beaches. These flags indicate the swimming conditions at the beach.
Parking
Parking is abundant and included with admission.
