Located just east of Destin on U.S. 98, Henderson Beach State Park was established in 1991 after the land for the park was purchased from the Henderson family in 1983. It was the first acquisition the state of Florida made under the newly-formed Save Our Coast program, which had been initiated in 1981 by then-governor Robert Graham.
The centerpiece of this park is the expansive white-sand beach that provides a variety of different experiences, from swimming and sunning to dolphin watching and shelling. Swimming is indeed permitted at Henderson Beach State Park but lifeguards are not provided. However, swimming safety flags are posted each day in order to help visitors determine whether or not they should swim.
In 2001, volunteers helped build a 3/4 acre nature trail at Henderson. The trail winds through a number of different kinds of vegetation including sand pines, scrub oaks, and dune rosemary, also known as coastal scrub. The trail climbs the park's gently sloping dunes and to the top of a particularly high dune that is the remnants of a bunker built decades ago when the military made use of the area around Henderson Beach. This vantage point provides great views of the park and the Gulf of Mexico.
Bicycles are permitted in the park but only along the one-mile-long paved road that circles the expanse. In-line skating areas are also provided in particular portions of Henderson Beach State Park.
Visitors are encouraged to pack a meal and use the park's two picnic pavilions to enjoy their lunch or dinner by the Gulf of Mexico. Barbecue grills are provided near the beach boardwalks and are available on a first come, first serve basis. Pavilions may not be reserved during peak tourist season but may be reserved in advance for any day during the remainder of the year.
Surf fishing is permitted at the park with the proper license. Anglers can expect to catch pompano, flounder, catfish, redfish, whiting, and a few other species. A bail and tackle shop is located just outside the park.
Camping has been popular at Henderson Beach State Park since it opened in 1991. A full-facility campground offers 60 well-maintained campsites that can accommodate either tents or RVs. Both back-in and pull-through sites are available. Water, electricity, picnic tables, ground grills, and clotheslines are located at each site and climate-controlled bath houses feature hot showers and laundry facilities. Each campsite also has its own fire ring and a playground is also located nearby. Campers have separate access to the beach via a short boardwalk.
Henderson Beach State Park also sponsors occasional ranger-led programs for visitors of all ages, including special volunteer days when locals and visitors can help maintain the cleanliness of the park and its beach.
