With more than a mile of some of the most pristine white sand beaches the Florida Emerald Coast is known for, Henderson State Park is a popular destination for visitors and local residents alike.  As with most of the state parks in Florida, there is a small per car admission fee to support the park upkeep, but those seeking to enjoy a day at the beach along the gentle Gulf waters in the Panhandle area of Florida will find a trip to this park a rewarding adventure indeed.  Visitors can enjoy truly breathtaking sunsets while relaxing by the warm crystal clear water of the Gulf of Mexico.

Previously owned by its namesake, this relatively new park was acquired from the Henderson family in 1983 and first opened to the public in 1991.  This 208 acre park provides not only beautiful beach shoreline with gentle surf in the clear blue-green waters and abundant shorebirds, but also provides experiences for the naturalist interests.  There are ample boardwalks to both access the beach and take casual nature excursions for viewing and photography of the local flora including sand pines, scrub oaks, magnolias and wildflowers.  The nature trail provides visitors a rare glimpse of the coastal dune ecosystem and abundant wildlife native to the Emerald Coast.

 

[forecast location= “destin, fl”]