72°
Partly Sunny
0%
85
Okaloosa County, FL · Gulf of Mexico
Henderson Beach State Park
17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541
A 208-acre slice of undeveloped sugar-white quartz sand right in the middle of Destin — 30-foot dunes, sea oats, and a mile of Gulf frontage protected from the Scenic 98 development just inland. Sixty-site campground, six picnic pavilions, and the easiest "wild beach" access in the Destin sprawl.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for swimming.
79°F water · 72°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Partly sunny, with a high near 72. North wind around 10 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. North wind around 10 mph.
Weather
- 72°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 79°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
85 /100
ideal
89 Swim
78 Sunbathe
84 Walk
81 Photo
Best for swimming today
Water level 0.8 ft above predicted
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
72°F
Clear
Wind
10 mph
N
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
19 Good
Ozone · Okaloosa County
Tomorrow
73°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
79°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
7:37 PM
1.6 ft · in 1.1h
Wave Height
2.0 ft
4s · ENE swell
Barometer
30.06 inHg
1018 hPa · buoy 42012
Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference
No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (GMZ655)
The MOB office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.
- ALZ265 Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal — Dauphin Island, Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, n/a
- FLZ202 Escambia Coastal-Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal — Pensacola Beach, Gulf Breeze, Navarre Beach, n/a
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:04 AM
Sunset
4:54 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:27 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 7:37 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:16 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 7:51 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 7:04 AM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 8:19 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 7:52 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 8:56 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 8:40 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 9:39 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 9:25 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 10:26 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 10:07 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 11:12 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8729108, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
73°
Mostly Sunny
0%
83
74°
Sunny
0%
85
74°
Sunny
0%
86
74°
Partly Sunny
4%
85
74°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
18%
72
66°
Sunny
1%
63
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 79°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Day-use lot included in entry. Pre-registration via Day Use Pass required for entry as of mid-2026; reserve up to 60 days in advance.
Dogs
Leashed dogs welcome in the park; not on the beach.
Entry Fee
$6 per vehicle.
Address
17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Henderson Beach State Park today?
Henderson Beach State Park shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Henderson Beach State Park dog-friendly?
Leashed dogs welcome in the park; not on the beach.
Is there an entry fee at Henderson Beach State Park?
$6 per vehicle.
Are there lifeguards at Henderson Beach State Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Henderson Beach State Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Henderson Beach State Park?
Amenities at Henderson Beach State Park include restrooms, showers, picnic pavilions, campground (60 sites), nature trail, boardwalks.
When is the water warmest at Henderson Beach State Park?
The Gulf of Mexico is bathwater-warm by mid-summer — 84-88°F is typical from July through September on the FL Gulf, TX coast, and AL/MS coast. Swimming comfortable from April through October on most of the Gulf.
Where is Henderson Beach State Park located?
Henderson Beach State Park is in Okaloosa County, FL, at 17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS