Discover Florida Nature
It's time to explore the natural Florida
 Florida
Nature: Henderson Beach State Park |
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 Henderson
Beach State Park has one of Florida's greatest natural assets, sugar
white sand beaches. Henderson Beach State Park features more than 6,000
feet of scenic shoreline bordering the emerald waters of the Gulf of
Mexico. Henderson Beach State Recreation Area is a Florida State Park
located near Destin, in northwestern Florida. The land was given to the
state by Burney M. Henderson, a Pensacola businessman who wanted to save
the stretch of beach from ever being developed. Pristine white sugar sand beaches and more than 6,000 feet of natural scenic shoreline border the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The centerpiece of this park is the expansive white-sand beach that provides a variety of different experiences, from swimming and sunning to dolphin watching and shelling. Swimming is indeed permitted at Henderson Beach State Park but lifeguards are not provided. However, swimming safety flags are posted each day in order to help visitors determine whether or not they should swim. Surf fishing is permitted at the park with the proper license. Anglers can expect to catch pompano, flounder, catfish, redfish, whiting, and a few other species. A bail and tackle shop is located just outside the park. Natural features of the park include sand pines, scrub oaks, and dune rosemary. Boardwalks provide access to the beach for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. Two large pavilions allow for picnicking and grilling. A playground is the first stop on our nature trail and is sure to be a success with the kids. The nature trail provides visitors a rare glimpse of the coastal dune ecosystem and abundant wildlife and is pet friendly. Henderson Beach State Park provides 60 campsites that are located in our secondary dune system. The sites include water and electric hookups and access to air conditioned and heated bathhouse facilities. A separate beach access boardwalk with outdoor showers and a playground are included in our campground. Henderson Beach is A.D.A accessible and includes beach wheel chair availability. Visitors can enjoy truly breathtaking sunsets while relaxing by the warm crystal clear water of the Gulf of Mexico.  Henderson
Beach State Park was established in 1991 after the land for the park was
purchased from the Henderson family in 1983. It was the first
acquisition the state of Florida made under the newly-formed Save Our
Coast program, which had been initiated in 1981 by then-governor Robert
Graham. The Henderson family wanted the land preserved to protect the
unique natural features of the area, and to provide the public with an
opportunity to enjoy the surroundings. Today, the 208-acre park is a
habitat for sand pines, scrub oaks, southern magnolias, dune rosemary,
and a variety of wildflowers.In 2001, volunteers helped build a 3/4 acre nature trail at Henderson. The trail winds through a number of different kinds of vegetation including sand pines, scrub oaks, and dune rosemary, also known as coastal scrub. The trail climbs the park's gently sloping dunes and to the top of a particularly high dune that is the remnants of a bunker built decades ago when the military made use of the area around Henderson Beach. This vantage point provides great views of the park and the Gulf of Mexico. Bicycles are permitted in the park but only along the one-mile-long paved road that circles the expanse. In-line skating areas are also provided in particular portions of Henderson Beach State Park. Wildlife found throughout the park area includes protected sea turtles which nest along the beach and a variety of special shoreline birds. Visitors can spot black skimmers, sanderlings, brown pelicans and laughing gulls. |
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Henderson Beach Florida
Henderson Beach State Recreation
Area is a Florida State Park located near Destin, in northwestern Florida.
Pristine white sugar sand beaches and more than 6,000 feet of natural scenic
shoreline border the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Henderson Beach State Park has one of
Florida's greatest natural assets, sugar white sand beaches. The centerpiece
of this park is the expansive white-sand beach that provides a variety of
different experiences, from swimming and sunning to dolphin watching and
shelling. Swimming is permitted at Henderson Beach State Park but lifeguards
are not provided. However, swimming safety flags are posted each day in
order to help visitors determine whether or not they should swim. Surf
fishing is permitted at the park with the proper license. Anglers can expect
to catch pompano, flounder, catfish, redfish, whiting, and a few other
species. Two large pavilions allow for picnicking and grilling. A playground
is the first stop on our nature trail and is sure to be a success with the
kids. The nature trail provides visitors a rare glimpse of the coastal dune
ecosystem and abundant wildlife and is pet friendly.
Written by: Floridian Nature
Henderson Beach
Date published: 10/22/2013
5 / 5 stars
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