Henderson Beach State Park
Rating
Family of 4
$8 per vehicle (up to 8 passengers).
Duration
3-6 hours
Best Ages
Best for all ages
About
Henderson Beach State Park preserves 6,000 feet of undeveloped Gulf of Mexico shoreline in the heart of Destin -- powder-white sugar sand, emerald-green water, and tall natural dune formations in a stretch of coast otherwise dominated by condominiums and resort hotels. It is widely considered the most beautiful beach in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area.
The sand is the star. Destin's sand is composed of finely ground quartz crystal washed down from the Appalachian Mountains over millennia, creating a powder-fine, bright-white surface that squeaks underfoot and stays cool even in summer heat. The water color -- ranging from turquoise to emerald green depending on conditions -- results from the white sand reflecting sunlight through the clear Gulf water.
The state park format controls the experience. The $8/vehicle entry fee limits crowds, and the absence of jet skis, vendors, and high-rise shadows creates a beach atmosphere dramatically different from the public Destin beaches. Families spread out along the shoreline with space between groups.
The water is gently sloping and warm (78-85°F in summer), making it safe for wading toddlers and enjoyable for swimmers of all ages.
Behind the beach, tall dune formations create a natural backdrop. A 0.75-mile nature trail winds through coastal scrub and dune habitat with interpretive signs explaining the ecology. Ghost crabs (small, fast, translucent crabs) scurry across the sand at dusk -- spotting them is a kid-favorite activity.
The park has pavilions with picnic tables, restrooms with outdoor showers, and boardwalk access to the beach. There are no food vendors, chair/umbrella rentals, or water sport operators inside the park -- bring everything you need. This self-sufficiency is the trade-off for the uncrowded, natural experience.
Henderson Beach is open year-round. Summer is peak season with warm water and long days. Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures with significantly fewer visitors. Winter brings cooler water but beautiful empty beaches.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Not Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Year-round. Summer for swimming (water 78-85°F). Spring and fall for fewer crowds and comfortable temps. Arrive before 10 AM on summer weekends to secure parking. The beach is less crowded than public Destin beaches.
Wait Times
Parking can fill on summer weekends by late morning. Once inside, the beach never feels crowded -- 6,000 feet of shoreline spreads visitors out. No waits for facilities.
Nearby Food
No food inside the park. Nearby: Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House (5 min, waterfront), Dewey Destin's Seafood (10 min, famous local spot on the harbor), The Local Market (sandwiches and picnic supplies, 5 min).
Why Kids Love It
Henderson Beach is the most beautiful beach in Destin -- powder-white sugar sand, emerald-green Gulf water, and dramatically fewer people than the public Destin beaches. The sand is so fine and white it squeaks when you walk on it. The water is clear enough to see your toes, warm enough to swim in from May through October, and gently sloping enough for toddlers to wade safely.
The beach stretches 6,000 feet with tall dune formations behind it, giving a sense of natural, undeveloped coastline that most of Destin has lost to condos and hotels. A 0.75-mile nature trail through coastal scrub and dune habitat adds an educational component -- interpretive signs explain the dune ecosystem, and ghost crabs are abundant.
The controlled environment (state park entrance means fewer crowds, no jet skis, no vendors) makes it the most relaxing family beach experience in the Destin area. Parents can actually relax while kids play in the surf.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Arrive before 10 AM on summer weekends for parking -- the lot does fill
- The sand is powder-fine and white -- it does not get hot like dark sand, making barefoot walking comfortable even in summer
- A 0.75-mile nature trail through the dunes is a nice break from beach time -- look for ghost crabs
- No food vendors inside -- pack a full cooler for an all-day stay
- The beach is less crowded and more natural than Destin's public beaches -- worth the $8 entry
What to Bring
- beach chairs and umbrella
- cooler with food and drinks
- sunscreen SPF 50
- sand toys
- towels
- snorkel gear (optional -- water is clear)
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$8 per vehicle (up to 8 passengers).
One of the best values in Destin.
Bring your own food, drinks, chairs, and umbrella.
Math: $8 entry, everything else you bring = $8 total beach day.
Tips to Save
- At $8/vehicle, this is already the most affordable beach option in Destin.
- Bring everything you need -- no food vendors inside.
- The state park pass ($60/year) covers unlimited visits.
- Skip the rental chairs/umbrellas on the public beach and come here instead.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 8:00 AM - Sunset
- Monday
- 8:00 AM - Sunset
- Sunday
- 8:00 AM - Sunset
- Tuesday
- 8:00 AM - Sunset
- Saturday
- 8:00 AM - Sunset
- Thursday
- 8:00 AM - Sunset
- Wednesday
- 8:00 AM - Sunset
