81°
Partly Sunny
1%
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 a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 83°F water · 81°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Partly sunny, with a high near 81. East wind around 15 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. East wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Weather
- 81°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 83°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- NWS alert active — high surf advisory issued june 3 at 11:26am cdt until june 6 at 4:00am cdt by nws mobile al
70 /100
great
56 Swim
84 Sunbathe
87 Walk
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Rip Currents Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued June 3 at 11:26AM CDT until June 7 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 4 to 6 feet expected in the surf zone. * WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and Okaloosa Coastal Counties. * WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, through Sunday morning. For the High Surf Advisory, from 11 PM this evening to 4 AM CDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
High Surf High Surf Advisory
High Surf Advisory issued June 3 at 11:26AM CDT until June 6 at 4:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 4 to 6 feet expected in the surf zone. * WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and Okaloosa Coastal Counties. * WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, through Sunday morning. For the High Surf Advisory, from 11 PM this evening to 4 AM CDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
81°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
15 mph
E
Rain
1%
This Afternoon
Tomorrow
81°F
Partly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
83°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
10:50 PM
-0.2 ft · in 1.4h
Barometer
30.09 inHg
1019 hPa
Water Quality
Clean
10 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 7mo ago
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
6:44 AM
Sunset
8:44 PM
Moon · 88%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 11:43 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 10:50 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
81°
Partly Sunny
0%
76
83°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
19%
85
81°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
49%
34
82°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
40%
34
83°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
22%
48
84°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
42%
34
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 15 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 83°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
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Henderson Beach State Park.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Henderson Beach State Park from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
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