Henderson Beach State Park is a 208-acre Florida State Park managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, located at 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway on US 98 in Destin, Florida. This guide covers opening hours, entry fees, parking, the new reservation system, accessibility, and practical visitor tips to help you plan your visit.
Updated May 2026. A mandatory day-use reservation system was introduced on 15 May 2026. All visitors — including those with a City of Destin Beach Pass — must now pre-book a Day Use Pass online before arriving. Visitors without a valid reservation will not be admitted. The vast majority of existing guides and travel sites do not yet reflect this requirement. Additionally, the playground remains closed (temporarily, since March 2025), and a section of the nature trail is closed for maintenance. Details are in the relevant sections below.
Quick facts: Henderson Beach State Park, Destin
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541 |
| Phone | (850) 837-7550 |
| Opening hours | 8:00am to sundown, 365 days a year |
| Reservation required | Yes — all visitors must book online before arriving (from 15 May 2026) |
| Reservation link | reserve.floridastateparks.org |
| Vehicle admission (2–8 people) | $6 |
| Single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle | $4 |
| Pedestrian or cyclist | $2 |
| Florida State Parks Annual Pass | Accepted |
| Camping (per night) | $30 + tax + fees (see below) |
| Parking | On site, included in day-use reservation |
| Typical visit duration | Half day to full day |
Henderson Beach State Park opening hours
The park is open every day of the year, from 8:00am until sundown. There are no fixed closing times — the park closes at sunset, which varies from approximately 5:30pm in winter to 8:30pm in summer. Campers staying overnight may remain on site 24 hours, but the main entrance gate is locked after hours.
The park does not close for holidays. It is open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Henderson Beach State Park ticket prices and reservations
From 15 May 2026, all visitors must pre-book a Day Use Pass online before arriving. Walk-up entry is no longer accepted. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance at reserve.floridastateparks.org.
| Visitor type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Vehicle admission (2–8 people) | $6 |
| Single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle | $4 |
| Pedestrian or cyclist | $2 |
| Extra passenger in vehicle of Annual Individual Pass holder | $2 |
Florida State Parks Annual Pass is accepted and covers day-use entry for pass holders. An Annual Individual Entrance Pass and an Annual Family Entrance Pass are available — visit floridastateparks.org for current pricing.
Florida residents aged 65 and over, and residents holding a Social Security disability award certificate or 100% federal disability certificate, receive a 50% discount on campsite fees. Proof of eligibility must be presented at check-in.
City of Destin Beach Pass holders do not pay the entrance fee but must still complete an online reservation before visiting. Use promo code DESTINPASS (not case sensitive) to complete a free reservation.
Destin residents may also purchase a dedicated annual beach pass for $30 from Destin City Hall or the Destin Community Center. Seniors aged 65 and over who live in Destin qualify for a further reduced rate of $25. Proof of residency is required.
Picnic pavilion hire: Pavilions can be reserved for $100 per day plus tax. Pavilion reservations are not available during daytime hours from May through September due to high demand. Call (850) 837-7550 for off-season reservations.
Note: A section of the nature trail and the grills at Pavilion F are currently closed for maintenance.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official Florida State Parks website and last updated in May 2026.
Five great things to do in Destin
- 🍹 Take the tiki boat – out to the Crab Island sandbar for snorkelling, drinks and good times.
- 🐬 Meet the local dolphins – on one of Destin’s legendary dolphin cruises.
- 🤿 Combine a dolphin-watching cruise – with a snorkelling adventure.
- 🪂 See Destin from 400ft above the water – on a parasailing experience.
- 🌅 Watch the sun go down – and spot dolphins – on a sunset cruise.
How to get to Henderson Beach State Park
The park is on the south side of US 98 (Emerald Coast Parkway), 1.2 miles west of State Road 293 in Destin.
By car: From US 98, the park entrance is on the south side of the road, clearly signed. It is accessible immediately after crossing the Mid-Bay Toll Bridge heading south, or from Miramar Beach heading west. Sat-nav postcode: 32541; use the full address 17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy to be routed to the entrance rather than an adjacent property.
By rideshare: Uber and Lyft both operate in Destin. Drop-off and pick-up are available at the park entrance on US 98.
By bicycle: Bike paths run along sections of US 98, making it possible to cycle to the park from nearby accommodation. Entry by bicycle is $2, included in the day-use reservation. Florida law requires helmets for cyclists aged 16 and under.
Parking at Henderson Beach State Park
Parking is on site and is included in the day-use reservation. The car park can fill to capacity by mid-morning on summer weekends. Arriving early is strongly recommended from May through September. Because entry now requires an advance reservation, the previous queuing problem at the gate has been reduced — but the car park itself can still reach capacity.
There is no overflow parking off-site. Visitors whose reserved slot is full on arrival should contact the park on (850) 837-7550.
How long to spend at Henderson Beach State Park
A beach visit of two to four hours suits most day visitors. Visitors combining the beach with the nature trail, a picnic, and some wildlife watching should allow a half day. Campers, kayakers, and serious anglers may want a full day. The park is compact enough that everything is within easy walking distance of the main car park.
Accessibility at Henderson Beach State Park
Henderson Beach State Park is committed to accessibility. Key provisions include:
- All-terrain beach wheelchairs are available free of charge. Check at the ranger station on arrival — they are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Boardwalks provide ADA-accessible routes from the car park to the beach. The campground has a dedicated ADA-accessible boardwalk to the beach.
- Accessible campsites are available — request at the time of booking.
- Accessible picnic pavilions and benches are available throughout the park.
- Service animals are permitted throughout the park, including on the beach. Pets are not allowed on the beach.
The nature trail surface is sand and includes some steps; it is not suitable for wheelchairs. The playground is currently closed.
Inside Henderson Beach State Park: what to see and do
The beach stretches for more than one mile (over 6,000 feet) along the Gulf of Mexico. The sand is white and fine, characteristic of the northwest Florida coast, and the water is a clear emerald green. Swimming is popular; pay close attention to the warning flag system posted at the welcome station and on the beach:
- Double red flags: No swimming — high winds and undertow. Do not enter the water.
- Red flag: High hazard, high surf and/or strong currents. Swim at your own risk; knee deep is too deep.
- Yellow flag: Moderate conditions; swim with caution and stay close to shore.
- Purple flag: Marine pests (jellyfish, stingrays, or similar) present.
No alcohol, glass containers, fires, or animals are permitted on the beach at any time.
The nature trail is a 0.75-mile loop through coastal scrub and sand dunes — one of the last remaining examples of this habitat type in the Destin area. The trail passes over and around 30-foot dunes, through maritime forest, and near the remains of an old military bunker. It is one of the few places along this stretch of the Panhandle coast where the dune ecosystem is intact. There is little shade on the trail; bring water and wear sun protection. Dogs are permitted on a lead of 6 feet or less. Note: a section of the trail is currently closed for maintenance. Check at the ranger station for current conditions, or call (850) 837-7550 before visiting.
Fishing is available from the beach. Surf fishing is a popular activity, particularly in early morning and late afternoon. A Florida saltwater fishing licence is required for most anglers.
Cycling is permitted on the park’s one-mile paved road. There are no off-road cycling routes. Bicycles must remain on paved surfaces and are not permitted on boardwalks. Helmets are required for anyone aged 16 and under under Florida law.
Camping is available at 60 campsites accommodating both tents and RVs. All sites have water and electricity (30 and 50-amp). A heated and air-conditioned bathhouse is available. The campground has its own ADA-accessible boardwalk to the beach. Camping fees are $30 per night plus tax, plus a non-refundable $6.70 reservation fee and a $7 per night utility fee for RV, cabin, and hook-up sites (the utility fee does not apply to tent-only camping). Florida residents aged 65+ or with qualifying disability documentation receive a 50% discount on base campsite fees.
Wildlife watching is rewarding throughout the year. Dolphins and sea turtles are frequently seen off the beach; the park sits within an important sea turtle nesting area. Gopher tortoises, rabbits, and occasionally bobcats can be seen near the nature trail. Shore and wading birds are present year-round, including snowy plovers, piping plovers, and least terns — several of which are listed or protected species. Migratory birds pass through in spring and autumn, and monarch butterflies visit most years in autumn.
Practical visitor tips for Henderson Beach State Park
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| You must book before you go — no exceptions | As of 15 May 2026, all visitors need a day-use reservation from reserve.floridastateparks.org. This applies to everyone, including City of Destin Beach Pass holders (use promo code DESTINPASS for a free reservation). Arriving without a booking means you will not be admitted. |
| Arrive early in summer | The car park can reach capacity by mid-morning on summer weekends even with the reservation system in place. Reservations specify a date but not an arrival time window — early arrival still offers better beach space and cooler temperatures. |
| No shade on the nature trail | The coastal scrub habitat has almost no tree cover. In summer, trail temperatures can be extreme by mid-morning. Wear a hat, sunscreen, and closed-toed shoes (the deep sand makes walking in flip-flops difficult), and bring more water than you think you need. |
| The playground is closed | The playground has been closed for maintenance since March 2025. Do not plan a visit specifically for this facility — check floridastateparks.org for reopening updates. |
| Nothing glass or alcoholic on the beach | The park strictly prohibits alcohol and glass containers on the beach. Coolers with non-glass, non-alcoholic drinks and food are permitted. Picnic pavilions are available for groups. |
Frequently asked questions about Henderson Beach State Park
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do you need to book in advance for Henderson Beach State Park? | Yes — from 15 May 2026, all visitors must pre-book a Day Use Pass at reserve.floridastateparks.org before arriving. Walk-up entry is not accepted. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance. |
| Is Henderson Beach State Park open on Sundays? | Yes. The park is open every day of the year from 8:00am to sundown, including Sundays, public holidays, and Christmas Day. |
| Are dogs allowed at Henderson Beach State Park? | Dogs on a 6-foot lead are permitted on the nature trail and in the campground. Dogs are not permitted on the beach or in the playground area. Service animals are exempt from these restrictions. |
| Is the playground at Henderson Beach State Park open? | No. The playground has been temporarily closed for maintenance since 18 March 2025. |
| Can you camp at Henderson Beach State Park? | Yes. There are 60 campsites for tents and RVs, all with water and electricity. Camping costs $30 per night plus tax, plus fees. Reserve at reserve.floridastateparks.org. |
Things to do near Henderson Beach State Park
Destin Harbor Boardwalk (US 98, Destin Harbour, ~4 miles west) is a waterfront strip of restaurants, shops, boat charter operators, and harbour views. Fishing charter boats depart from here daily; dolphin-watching tours also operate from the harbour.
Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park (1007 US 98, ~1 mile east, seasonal) is a large outdoor water park with slides, rides, and a wave pool, open from spring through autumn. Families with children often combine it with a morning or late-afternoon visit to Henderson Beach.
Destin History and Fishing Museum (108 Stahlman Avenue) covers Destin’s identity as a fishing village and traces its history as a commercial and recreational fishing community on the Gulf.
Henderson Park Inn (2700 Scenic Hwy 98, immediately adjacent to the park) is the only beachfront bed-and-breakfast in Destin, situated on the boundary of the state park. Guests have direct access to the state park beach.
Grayton Beach State Park (~25 miles east on US 98, ~30 minutes) is a neighbouring Florida State Park with a similar white-sand beach and one of the highest-rated nature trails in the state. It offers a calmer, less developed alternative or a natural complement to Henderson Beach.
What to visit tomorrow: beach and coastal parks within two hours of Henderson Beach
Grayton Beach State Park (Santa Rosa Beach, FL, ~25 miles east, ~30 minutes) is consistently rated among Florida’s finest state parks, with a pristine beach, coastal dune lake, a noted nature trail through scrub and pine flatwoods, and a campground. Admission applies; reservations recommended.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park (Santa Rosa Beach, FL, ~35 miles east, ~45 minutes) has three miles of undeveloped shoreline with tall coastal dunes and rare coastal dune lakes. Access to the beach is by shuttle or a long walk; the remote feel is distinctly different from Destin’s busy coast.
St. Andrews State Park (Panama City Beach, FL, ~60 miles west, ~1 hour) is one of Florida’s most visited state parks, with two swimming beaches, a jetty for fishing, a lagoon suitable for snorkelling and paddling, and boat tours to nearby Shell Island. Busy in summer; advance booking essential.
Gulf Islands National Seashore — Fort Pickens Area (Pensacola, FL, ~65 miles west, ~1 hour 15 minutes) is a National Park Service property with a historic Civil War–era fort, a long undeveloped beach, and some of the best snorkelling on the Florida Panhandle. National Parks Annual Pass accepted.
Blackwater River State Park (Holt, FL, ~80 miles north, ~1 hour 30 minutes) offers a very different experience: a clear, tannin-dark river for canoeing and tubing through longleaf pine forest. It is one of the purest sand-bottom rivers in the world and a National Natural Landmark.
More Florida travel
Other Florida travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Florida Everglades kayak tours vs boat tours: Which is the best to do?
- First time visitor’s guide to Gator Beach in Destin, Florida’s Emerald Coast.
- What to expect at Fort Clinch State Park on Amelia Island.
- Florida state park guides: Manatees and water sports at Blue Spring State Park between Orlando and Daytona Beach and Investigating the giant sinkhole while visiting Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park in Gainesville.
- Getting to Tampa: The best stops on the Atlanta to Tampa drive, Gainesville to Tampa drive, Jacksonville to Tampa drive and Tallahassee to Tampa drive.
