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State park · Destin
Henderson Beach State Park with kids.
Henderson Beach is Destin's state park: dune boardwalks down to the Gulf, a nature trail, and a campground, open 8am to sundown every day. The catch is new for 2026. You can't just pull in anymore. Every visitor needs a reservation.
Checked by a local · November 2026
Before you go
What parents need to know.
- Since May 14, 2026, everyone needs a reservation to enter: annual passholders, walkers and cyclists included. The fee is paid online when you book.
- Entry is $6 per car (2 to 8 people), $4 for a single-occupant car, and $2 per walker, cyclist or extra passenger.
- The beach is reached by boardwalk over the dunes.
- Boardwalk to the beach
- Nature trail
- Campground
Food nearby
Feed them after.
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Dewey Destin's Harborside
Sit-downThe sit-down sibling of Destin's favorite seafood window — servers, steaks for the non-fish eaters, and the harbor out front. Reservations online.
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Dewey Destin's Seafood Restaurant
Quick biteThe original: order at the window, eat on the boardwalk under umbrellas looking at Crab Island. New Orleans-style snowballs next door seal the deal.
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Fudpucker's Destin
Sit-downBeachside grill since 1982 with Gator Beach next door, where kids can feed live alligators. Loud, colorful, and built for families.
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Harry T's Lighthouse
Sit-downOn the HarborWalk boardwalk with harbor views — time dinner to roll straight into the 9pm fireworks.
Questions parents ask
Henderson Beach State Park, answered.
Do you need a reservation for Henderson Beach State Park?
Yes. Since May 14, 2026 every visitor needs a reservation, including annual passholders, pedestrians and cyclists, and the entry fee is paid online when you book.
How much does Henderson Beach State Park cost?
$6 per car with 2 to 8 people, $4 for a car with one person, and $2 per walker, cyclist or extra passenger.
Also nearby