Henderson Beach State Park Tours

Henderson Beach State Park showing a beach
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Escape the hustle and bustle of Destin, while retaining all the conveniences of its close proximity, at this scenic state park on the Gulf of Mexico.

The first thing you notice at Henderson Beach State Park is its sand. Stretching for 6,000 feet (1,800 meters) along the Gulf of Mexico, the shoreline looks like it has been covered with tons of pure white sugar. Spend a relaxing day on the beach or explore the park’s winding nature trails.

From the parking lot, follow the boardwalk over the dune to the beach. Spread out your beach towel and enjoy the soft sand and warm Florida sun. Go for a swim in the sparkling blue-green water, which remains temperate throughout the year.

Cast your fishing line in the water for flounder, catfish, pompano and more. Stop at the convenience store at the edge of the park to purchase bait and tackle.

Take a break from the sun in one of the park’s six pavilions. Grill outdoors or pack a picnic lunch. Freshen up in the bathhouse, which has restrooms and showers. Children gravitate toward the beachside playground.

Walk along the park’s nature trail. At less than 1 mile (1.2 kilometers) long, it is manageable for people of most fitness levels. Examine the unique dune ecosystem along the shore.

Watch for the varied wildlife in the area. Bring binoculars to see all the beach’s birds, from pelicans to plovers. Watch dolphins diving offshore and turtles swimming in the surf. Walk among scrub oaks, dune rosemary and sand pines.

If you want to stay for more than a day on the beach, reserve a campsite. Choose from 60 sites, ranging from tent areas to RV spots with water and electric hookups.

The admission fee to the park varies depending on your mode of transportation. The beach is wheelchair accessible. Bring your dog on the trails, but keep them leashed at all times. Pets are not allowed on the beach or at the playground.

Visit Henderson Beach State Park any day of the year. Stay until dusk or overnight if you have reserved a campsite. The town of Destin is less than 20 minutes away by car.

Plan a trip to see Henderson Beach State Park

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Reviews of Henderson Beach State Park

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
212
" "5 - Excellent 58.888888888888886%
4 - Good
127
" "4 - Good 35.27777777777778%
3 - Okay
15
" "3 - Okay 4.166666666666667%
2 - Disappointing
5
" "2 - Disappointing 1.3888888888888888%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.2777777777777778%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 27, 2019

This beach is worth it. Not crowded like a lot of the other beaches. we went here every morning and evening.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 16, 2019

Arrive in the morning for a less-crowded experience and decent parking spot

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 25, 2019

Thank god for this park otherwise it is very hard to find parking in the area probably the best place to see the beach. Very few areas to access the beach because hotels have taken of the beach shore. Unless you rent a room at a hotel on the beach you will be hard pressed to see the beach. Go to Henderson State Beach.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Apr 22, 2019

Hilarious interaction with Ranger. Flags were up for wind and current advisory. As I give the guy my six bucks to park I ask, “But we can just put our feet in the water, right, as long as we don’t swim?” “No, sir. You may walk down to the water, but you can’t touch it,” he said. I imagined tired Rangers running along the waterfront siting people for touching the water - AT THE BEACH!. I guess you had to be there. We chose not to part with our dough and went to a public beach = and put our feet in the water :)

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 19, 2019

Awesome beach

2/5 - Disappointing

BDC
Oct 20, 2018

RED TIDE,,,,, not much you can do about that..

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Comfort Inn & Suites Destin near Henderson Beach
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.