Henderson Beach State Park has one of Florida's most prized assets, pristine white, sugar sand beaches and more than 6,000 feet of scenic shoreline bordering the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

In the midst of urban sprawl that now dominates the coastline of Florida’s panhandle, Henderson Beach State Park is an unexpected oasis of exquisite natural beauty. Located just east of Destin, the park’s entrance lies on the Emerald Coast Parkway (U.S. 98) across the street from a shopping center and a Super Wal-Mart.

Turn off the busy highway, and the drive into the park takes you through a Florida habitat that has almost disappeared, coastal beach dunes. Soft rolling dunes, evergreen with fragrant rosemary, sand pines, scrub oaks, and southern magnolias, stretch along the coastline. Wind and salt spray from the ocean stunt the growth of these plants, a process called "salt pruning," sometimes causing trees to grow horizontally along the ground, their limbs bent in tortured gnarls.

Closer to the shoreline, communities of sea oats serve as the first line of defense for the dune system, anchoring the soft sand, which would otherwise disappear from the eroding forces of wind and water.

During the late summer and early fall, colorful wildflowers, such as blanket flower and beach morning glory, add splashes of color to the sand. In the springtime, the prickly pear cactuses add their own color with bright yellow blooms.

One of the most beautiful sights while visiting the park is a breathtaking view of a Dolphin family (porpoise) as they emerge from the waters for a breath of air, or a group of Rays as they soar across the shallow waters along the coastline.

Activities that visitors can enjoy while visiting Henderson Beach State Park include swimming, surf fishing, picnicking, camping, bicycle riding, nature trails, family reunions & weddings, as well as a leisurely walk in the sugar white sand or in the splash of the emerald green water.

Visitors to coastal parks are reminded to pay close attention to the colored flags posted at welcome stations and on the beaches. These flags indicate the wave and swimming conditions at the beach. Red means no swimming because of high winds or undertow currents, yellow means swim with caution and stay close to shore, blue means that the waters are safe.

Henderson Beach State Park is located just east of the city of Destin on U.S.98, approximately 1.5 miles west of toll road 293 (Mid Bay Bridge). From the Northwest, take I-10 to highway 85 south until you reach highway 98. Drive east for approximately 10 miles and you will see signs for the park on the right. From the Northeast, take I-10 to Highway 331 South to Highway 20 West to Toll Road 293 South (Mid Bay Bridge). Go across the Mid Bay Bridge and turn west (right) on Highway 98. Drive approximately 1.5 miles west and park entrance will be on your left.

You can contact the park at 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, FL 32541. For camping reservations, call 1-866-I-CAMP-FL, 1-800-326-3521

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Henderson Beach State Park is located just east of the city of Destin on U.S.98.

Park Fees

Admission Fee - $3.00 for vehicle with single occupant and $4.00 per vehicle with up to 8 people
Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers, Passengers In Vehicles With Holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit, Members of Organized Groups - Admission Fee $1.00

Camping Fee
All Year $21.00 plus tax

Picnic Pavilion Fees

The East Pavilion, seats 100 and is $100.00 (plus tax) per day.

The West Pavilion seats over 100 and is $100.00 (plus tax) per day.

Only one Pavilion can be rented per day to allow other visitors picnic space.

Pavilions cannot be reserved between Memorial Day and Labor Day due to limited picnic space available during summer months. For further information, please contact the park office.

Henderson Beach State Park 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway Destin, Florida 32541 Phone: 850-837-7550 Fax: Contact Park for Number Park Manager: Benjamin Faure