Enterance to the beach with dune fencing visable

Henderson Beach State Park

Thirty-foot white sand dunes and warm Gulf waters offer an experience like no other

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Effective March. 18, 2025: The playground at Henderson Beach State Park is temporarily closed for maintenance.

Campground Construction Project

Effective Sept. 3, 2024: The campground at Henderson Beach State Park is temporarily closed for a construction project.

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year

Fees

$6 per vehicle

See all fees

Location

17000 Emerald Coast Parkway
Destin FL 32541

Get directions

Contact Info

850-837-7550

Welcome to Henderson Beach State Park

Enjoy a majestic shoreline anchored by 30-foot, snow-white sand dunes where basking in the Florida sun or wading into warm gulf waters is the order of each and every day.


No need to daydream — Henderson Beach makes this a reality. This protected strip of the Emerald Coast isn’t just for relaxation. Fishing, a nature trail and 60 campsites connected to the beach via boardwalk are among this park’s featured areas.

This special place was established for the preservation and protection of the area’s natural features and public enjoyment, the last remaining coastal scrub area in Destin.

The park also provides beautiful campsites, and it’s a great place for events like weddings and family reunions. 

Plan Your Visit

Brian Addison, Park Manager
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Manager's Message

Henderson Beach State Park is a place where you can enjoy blue-green, sparkling waters and magnificent white beaches, creating memories for years to come.
Young girl is all smiles as she glides on wave on her surfboard in emerald green waters.
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Gulf Waters

Wade along the shoreline, dive in or grab a paddle - you won’t want to miss this slice of paradise! In the clear waters, you may see a variety of marine life.
Wedding party surround bride and groom on white sandy beach with glowing orange sunset in the background.
Service

Special Events at Henderson Beach

Imagine your dream wedding coming to life at Henderson Beach State Park! Walk down the aisle on sugar white sand toward the beautiful emerald water.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Camping
Camping
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Picnicking
Picnicking
Swimming
Swimming
Weddings
Weddings
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Beach
Beach
Campfire Circles
Campfire Circles
Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Playground
Playground
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
RV
RV
Shower Station
Shower Station
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible

Henderson Beach State Park Photo Gallery

Camping at Henderson Beach
Boardwalk over dunes
Beach view with family
Picnic Pavilion over sand dunes
Sunset at Henderson Beach
Coastal Scrub Habitat
Sunset at Henderson Beach
Paddle boarder glides through emerald green waters meeting clear blue skies.
The beach at sunset.
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Beaches at Henderson Beach

Henderson Beach State Park is home to the glittering white sands and warm emerald water that’s characteristic of the Florida gulf coast, and while the beach is a popular destination for tourists, it also serves as an important habitat for both aquatic and land-based species.
A sandy trail leading to the beach.
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Trails at Henderson Beach

The trails at Henderson Beach State Park take you among the impressive dunes and unique ecosystems in the park. Our hiking trail allows you to explore the dune and scrub habitat within our park’s walls, and even stand atop the fragile dune and scrub habitat.

Upcoming Events

See More Events
Event

Star Gaze

CST

Wish to safely see the Sun in all its glory? Wish to view the heavenly bodies above in the celestial night skies? Join the NorthWest Florida Astronomy Association's Star Gaze, at Henderson Beach!
Henderson Beach

Destin, FL

Event

Star Gaze

CDT

Wish to safely see the Sun in all its glory? Wish to view the heavenly bodies above in the celestial night skies? Join the NorthWest Florida Astronomy Association's Star Gaze, at Henderson Beach!
Henderson Beach

Destin, FL

People Make the Parks

Lynda, smiling at the camera, standing in a field of greenery.

Staff Spotlight

Having an active role in conserving and protecting the park gives Lynda a sense of pride unlike anything else.
Boy Scouts and Park Specialist, Mike standing on a boardwalk

Volunteer Spotlight

Boy Scout Troop 773 Celebrated Earth Day 2025 at Henderson Beach State Park
Members of the Friends group standing around a utility cart.

Friends of Emerald Coast State Parks

The group recently donated two new utility carts. Established in 1999, love of the park drives this award-winning group to continue to raise funds and community awareness.

This Park is Recognized by:

Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail

Park Map

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