If you’ve spent any time at the beach, you know that sand collects around the dune grasses and builds up, forming larger dunes.
At Henderson Beach State Park, one of the more immense dunes built up around an old military installation along the Gulf of Mexico.
Steep climb in the dunesPreserved as an island of nature amid the bustle of Destin, these dunes separate US 98 from the beach.
Explore them on Henderson Beach Nature Trail, a 3/4-mile pet-friendly walk through the shifting sands of the coastal scrub.
High-rise buildings border the western edge of the parkResources
Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.
Overview
Location: Destin
Length: 0.9 mile loop
Trailhead: 30.384183,-86.448800
Address: 17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin
Fees: $6 per vehicle
Restroom: By the parking area
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 850-837-7550
Open 8 AM to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome. Ask for an interpretive guide to the nature trail at the ranger station when you enter the park.
Expect soft sand and difficult climbs on the dunes in places. There is little shade along the trail; wear sun protection and bring plenty of water.
Henderson Beach State Park offers camping by the sea, a real plus along the Emerald Coast.
Most visitors are here for the beach, and you’ll want to spend some time on it too. The park tends to be very busy on weekends and during the winter months.
Directions
The park is 1.2 miles west of SR 293 on the south side of US 98 in Destin.
Hike
Starting out by the picnic pavilion, walk to the sign that says “Entrance to Nature Trail and Playground.”
A sidewalk parallels a split rail fence to reach the playground, which adjoins the Clausen Tracking Site, an Air Force missile tracking station dating to 1951.
Playground and historic tracking stationWalk around the playground, following the fence, to find the start of the trail. Gravel guides you into the dunes.
Although the trail traverses the dunes, wandering off-trail is a no-no in this fragile habitat. Follow the beaten path uphill.
Florida rosemary thrives in the dunesHigh-rise condos and hotels rise in the distance, a reminder that this state park is a natural oasis in an otherwise heavily developed area.
Climb steeply into the dunes. The footing can be difficult since the sand is soft. Reaching a trail junction, bear right to start the loop.
Loop junctionBelow the sweep of a tall dune, the trail curves past an interpretive sign on songbirds adjoining a bench. Noise from US 98 filters in.
Some of the sand pines huddle in natural bowls between dunes, growing shrubby and fat rather than tall.
The trail curves around a sand pineIn the oak scrub, windswept sand pines match the oaks for height. Pass another bench.
False rosemary grows from the leaf litter, its seafoam-green stems demanding attention in the tight corridor of scrub.
Scrub corridorThe understory becomes denser as sand pines assert some height, more well-protected in this area by the lower dunes.
As the trail curves, reach a platform and an unexpected staircase up a steep slope.
Staircase on a duneRounding the western end of the loop near the condos, start a distinct descent, returning on the lower edge of the dune ridge.
A dense wall of understory forms a hallway effect while the scrub is low to the ground.
Steep descentReaching slightly larger trees, the diminutive forest casts puddles of shade on the sandy path. Wooden fences guide you past openings in the woods.
A sudden steep climb reaches a promontory with a view of dunes and emerald waters.
Hilltop viewDescending rapidly, return to the loop junction and continue downhill towards the Gulf of Mexico.
Follow the sidewalk back to the beach parking area to complete this 0.8 mile hike.
Descent to the loop junctionTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about Henderson Beach State Park
Henderson Beach State Park Dunes as white as ski slopes tumble towards the Gulf of Mexico at Henderson Beach State Park, a precious slice of natural waterfront along the crowded sweep of developed beaches in Destin.Video
Slideshow
See our photos of Henderson Beach
Nearby Adventures
Timpoochee Trail Showcasing the beauty of the South Walton coastline, the Timpoochee Trail connects coastal communities while leading cyclists past Florida's renowned Coastal Dune Lakes.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park With one of Florida's most beautiful sweeps of beach, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is a linear preserve with tall dunes along three miles of shoreline.
Point Washington State Forest Protecting the upland watersheds of the Coastal Dune Lakes along the South Walton coastline, Point Washington State Forest offers extensive offroad biking and hiking trails.
Eastern Lake Trail A chain of three stacked loops that enable you to walk or ride up to 10.9 miles, the Eastern Lake Trail offers an immersion in Point Washington State Forest for hikers and cyclists.
- Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park - November 3, 2026
- A.J. Henry Park - November 1, 2026
- Okeeheelee Nature Center Trails - October 22, 2026