WATER & COAST
Henderson Beach State Park
Okaloosa County · Panhandle & Emerald Coast
A stretch of white dune and Gulf beach left undeveloped in the middle of Destin, with camping right behind the sand.
ABOUT THIS PLACE
Henderson Beach State Park is at 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway in Destin, on the south side of U.S. 98 about a mile west of State Road 293. What makes it worth knowing about is what is not there. Destin's coast is built up almost end to end, and this park is a piece of it that was never developed: high white dunes, coastal scrub behind them and green Gulf water in front. A loop trail climbs through the dune ridge and the scrub. It is harder walking than the distance suggests, because soft sand takes the strength out of a climb and there is very little shade, so take water and cover up. An interpretive guide to the trail can be asked for at the ranger station. The campground is behind the beach, which is a rare thing to find in Destin at all, and it is worth reserving rather than turning up. There are restrooms by the parking area, picnic areas and a playground. The park opens at 8 in the morning and closes at sunset. Leashed dogs are welcome everywhere except on the sand. It fills on weekends and through the winter, so early or late is the quiet time, and the better time for birds
Not identified in this guide as an officially clothing-optional beach. This is a visit category, not a safety rating—check surf, lifeguards, water quality and posted rules.
BEACH CONDITIONS
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