Last but not least, Camp Helen State Park is just a convenient 50-minute drive from Destin. On land, there are several nature trails teeming with wildlife and with plenty of shade. They must be kept on a hand-held leash that is no longer than six-feet and be well-behaved at all times. Airport Transfer from Liberia Airport to Andaz Papagayo Hyatt (Round Trip), Deluxe USS Arizona Memorial and Historical City Tour, Early Bird Phi Phi and 4 Islands One Day Tour From Krabi, Review of: The Shores at Crystal Beach Park, Review of: Mattie Kelly Park and Nature Walk, Review of: Norriego Point Beach Access And Park, 4hr Crab Island Tour departing from Baytowne/Sandestin, See more nature & parks in Destin on Tripadvisor, See more nature & parks for kids in Destin on Tripadvisor, See more nature & parks for couples in Destin on Tripadvisor, See more nature & parks for groups in Destin on Tripadvisor, See more budget-friendly nature & parks in Destin on Tripadvisor, See more romantic nature & parks in Destin on Tripadvisor. FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES, The Inn at Crystal Beach by Salt Water Vacations. Book experiences such as the zip line and animal encounters in advance. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Went twice in out week stay. Take Interstate 10 to Exit 85 (Defuniak Springs) and follow U.S. Highway 331 south. Service Another plus? Each bungalow is fully furnished and equipped with all appliances, cable TV, and linens. Boats are not allowed but fishing from the shoreline yields bass, bream, panfish, and catfish. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Florida Northwest Region Henderson Beach State Park Manatee stateparks.com Manatee mother and her young show scars from boat propellers Mockingbird stateparks.com HENDERSON BEACH STATE PARK HENDERSON BEACH STATE PARK 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway Destin, Florida 32541 Phone: 850-837-7550 Reservations: 850-650-5928 I see there is a board walk there also. Be warned; they keep a consistently cool year-round temperature of around 68 degrees, which in our humble opinion, makes for the perfect activity on a hot summers day. For your child?s safety please insure that adult supervision is provided at all times. Address: Beach Drive and U.S. Highway 98, Destin, FL 32541, United States. Boardwalks provide access to the beach for swimming, fishing, and sunbathing. Ponce De Leon Springs State Parkis centered around Floridas famous attraction aquifer springs. El Milongon. Catch a pompano, red fish, Spanish or king mackerel. Waste receptacles are available on-site. State Parks in DeLand. This was the first acquisition under the Save Our Coast Program, a land conservation program initiated by Governor Bob Graham in 1981. Address: 724 Legion Dr, Destin, FL 32541, United States, Bicycle Rules: Bicycles on Roads and Fairways only. Fish were jumping every few seconds. The park has a campsite nearby with about 60 campsites to rent, offering unforgettable vacation stays with hi-tech amenities. In winter, the park turns into a popular surfing spot, and its barrier island location is ideal for accessing both the Gulf and the lagoon behind. The rarity of coastal dunes worldwide makes this location special. Puddin Head Lake, at the center of the park, is a great spot for freshwater fishing and canoeing. However, the pleasant weather is probably its main one. Henderson Beach State Park features pristine white sand beaches and more than 6,000 feet of natural scenic shoreline that borders the Gulf of Mexico. Deer Lake State Park offers a pristine sugar white sandy beach overlooking the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. With so much accommodation and things to do, its easy to see why this park is so popular. Privacy Policy. Enjoy some of the most picturesque areas along North Florida's Gulf Coast. There is ample parking space for up to 175 cars. The Fred Gannon Rocky Bayouis a highly-rated but crowd-free park with plenty of fun activities and gorgeous natural surroundings. The Pavilion can be rented for private events by contacting the park staff on +1 850-837-7550. The cabins are nestled in the pine woods but are only minutes away from the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The crystal clear turquoise water is 68F year-round, so if you want to avoid summer crowds, spring and fall are just as good. Although boats are not allowed, fishing from the shoreline yields bass, bream, panfish, and catfish. Also, there is a short nature trail for hiking, but besides that, its an undeveloped park, only suited for day trips. Listings Map. For visitors in wheelchairs, an all-terrain beach wheelchair is available to provide access to beach areas. 10 Florida Alligator Parks You Won't Want to Miss This park is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell, making it one of the largest coastal dunes in Florida. The Henderson Beach State Park is a much sought-after spot known for its immaculate white sands stretching over 6000 feet of the scenic emerald coast. 2. Everglades National Park in Winter and Spring: Are You Prepared? Last summer we went to indian shores between Clearwater and St. Pete's Beach. Grayton Beach State Park | Florida State Parks The park is an excellent destination with scenic boardwalks, sand pines, scrub oaks, and dune rosemary. Visitors can paddle a canoe or kayak on scenic Western Lake to get a closer look at a salt marsh ecosystem. A covered seating area has been added to provide shading for parents and grandparents. Discover the best ranch RV campgrounds near Destin, Florida Please check at the Ranger Station for more information. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. A nice place to visit while in the area. The park is part of the Wesleys estate, a wealthy Florida timber family. Ponce de Leon Springs FL 32455; Ph: 850-836-4281 To get there from Destin, you can go Hwy 20, which is more back roads, or go over the Midbay bridge and take the Mossy Head ramp (FL 285). Boardwalks provide access to the beach for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park has a small concession located in the park office for campers and visitors. Coastal dune lakes are extremely rare worldwide, and in the United States they occur only along the Gulf Coast. If you want an interesting vacation and outdoor fun, consider visiting Destins state parks, too. Reservations: 850-267-8300. The park is a stopover for over 23 wood-warbler species, as well as black-bellied plovers, ducks, and sandpipers. We are planning another summer vacation but was thinking of trying out a new area of Florida. Located in Santa Rosa Beach on Route 30A, one mile off U.S. 98. Grayton Beach State Park offers thirty (30) , two (2) bedroom, one (1) bath duplex cabins. This picturesque park is like traveling back in time, featuring a lovely renovated 1897 two-story mansion. Visited during the Thanksgiving Holiday and no chicks on the beach. The park is sought-after for its scenic greenery, shady oak tree settings, and sunny grass landscapes. Whether you're looking for a rustic escape into nature or a luxurious glamping experience, you're sure to find the perfect campground for you. James Lee Park Location: 3510 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, Florida Located on the Walton/Okaloosa County line. Located on State Road 20, five miles east of Highway 85. The sand is sugar white and the waters of the Gulf of Mexico are emerald green, and it's a good time to experience the solitude of Deer Lake State Park. USA Parks. Each bungalow has a carport, full kitchen, bathroom, living room and utility room. Go east on highway 20. Double red flags mean absolutely no swimming because of high winds and undertow currents, yellow means swim with caution and stay close to shore, green means that the waters are safe, purple means that marine pests are present. Beautiful beach area for weddings..we were very satisfied with the lay out Ken Garrison did a great job decorating for ushowever ,his photographer ,had a camera,I guess she took pictureswe haven't seen them Nor have we received them..it's been almost 2 months. Deer Lake State Park features two hiking trails that provide views of pines, deer moss and a scenic overlook of the northern part of Deer Lake. The area is very quiet and clam. Always beautiful and so much to do! For those itching for a long walk, there are more than four miles of trails throughout the park, and Scrub Oaks and Magnolias will accompany you. Eden Gardens State Parkis home to 163 acres of land that was part of the Wesley homestead. A few fan favorites include SUP, hiking, birding, and wildlife viewing. Unfortunately, the park doesnt offer rentals, so youll have to bring your own tubes. No alcohol, glass, fires, or animals are allowed on the beach. The key attraction is the wooden boardwalk which can be accessed free of charge. Cabins accommodate six (6) people. The park features: The beach is a stunning venue for swimming, fishing, and sunbathing. Address: 17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541, United States. Golden in the sun, silvered by moonlight, Grayton Beach has consistently been ranked one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the US. per adult. Other opportunities for fun include hiking, bicycling, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Small species of some reptiles and other wildlife may also be sighted. This parksmain highlight is the unique coastal dune and Deer Lake, separated from the ocean by a sliver of sand. If you continue browsing, you agree to our use of cookies. Naturally, the main activities at this park are swimming and snorkeling. Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459, 146 Box Cut Road For the guests relaxation, televisions and phones are not provide in the cabins. Topsail Hill Preserve is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. This high dune has developed around the remnants of a bunker built decades ago when the military was using the area. Cool off as you drift down the Ichetucknee, a unique spring-fed river where you can relax as you experience the real Florida. Last summer we went to indian shores between Clearwater and St. Pete's Beach. Count on us to provide you with the perfect activity for the whole family. RV Camping in Destin Florida: 119 Campgrounds in the Destin area Any info anyone has would be great on places to stay or pros/cons on both places. The beach is one of the few to provide a Lifeguard Support facility. 17 Amazing State Parks near Destin, FL (+Map) - ItIsWild The park provides public beach access to the Gulf of Mexico. Inaugurated in August 2000, the Harbor View Park is the smallest in Okaloosa County after the Main Street Park. Whats more, the park offers excellent camping facilities, from primitive sites to RV spaces. Natural features of the park include sand pines, scrub oaks, and dune rosemary. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. Florida State Parks in the Daytona Beach Area Campgrounds in Destin Florida: Campendium has 48 reviews of Destin RV parks, state parks and national parks making it your best Destin RV camping resource. Camping at Henderson Beach State Park provides 60 campsites that are located in our secondary dune system. 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. From the east: Take Interstate 10 west to highway 331 south until you reach highway 20. THE BEST Destin State Parks (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor Swim, sun, beachcomb for sea beans and watch shorebirds along 3.2 miles of quiet, white quartz sand beaches with the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico lapping on the shore. . Everglades National Park in Summer and Fall: What to Expect? Pete's beach area. The Clement E. Taylor Park is located on the water and stretches across 3.55 acres of land. Henderson Beach State Park | Florida State Parks THE 10 BEST Things to Do Near Henderson Beach State Park, Destin, FL There are no restaurants nearby due to the remoteness of the park. Sea Turtle and Dolphin sightings are very common. 101 Stahlman Ave. Destin, FL 32541 Ph: (850) 654-5184 CITY OF DESTIN FLORIDA The day use area has two pavilions with barbecue grills, picnic tables, restrooms, and soda machines. Gregory E. Moore RV resort features a (non-heated) swimming pool and shuffleboard courts. It shouldnt be missed. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located near Destin, Niceville and Santa Rosa Beach. Which experiences are best for nature & parks in Destin? 1. Original Cruisin' Tikis 3hr Crab Island Sandbar Adventure. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Home | Florida State Parks About Henderson Beach State Park is located just east of the city of Destin on U.S.98. The Main Street Park is a small .75-acre ADA compliant disabled-friendly waterfront park. A playground is the first stop on our nature trail and is sure to be a success with the kids. The park is situated south of Beach Drive and U.S. Highway 98 and east of the Grand Harbor condos. The park is an excellent spot for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Another fun fact? The park features a waterfront deck area with: There is an on-site parking area with limited disabled parking slots. I see there is a board walk there also. The park offers enough guidance through its informational signposts. Options for overnight stays include modern cabins and a full-facility campground. It has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible car park. Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, a Florida State Park located near It was easy to park there, we went many times. Along this trail you can see old remnants of iron tracks can be seen from the first WWII missile development program in the U.S. Hikers can also enjoy miles of abandoned jeep trails within the park. The park is a famous venue for baseball league matches conducted by the Destin Little League across age groups. Springs in Northwest, Florida - Hidden Gems Near Destin Three coastal dune lakes provide excellent freshwater fishing. Staff at Deer Lake State Park joined with the Atlanta Botanical Garden to restore wet prairies and seepage slopes where endangered pitcher plants can grow. CELEBRATE PARKS AND RECREATION. Its no secret that the Emerald Coast has some of the most sought after natural beauty in the U.S. With that said, there are plenty of other nearby areas to explore. Fort White FL 32038. The small lake has a designated swimming area with a sandy beach. 6 State Parks Near Destin Florida | Crab Island Watersports There is a roughly half-mile nature trail that winds between high sand dunes with wildlife and trees, shrubs, grasses that we enjoyed. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Make sure to contact us for all of your boat and jet ski rental needs in between visits to some of the best state parks near Destin! This wildlife haven has gorgeous backdrops and a variety of bird and butterfly species. The jetties are dangerous and you should be in good health and have a good balance to climb on the mini jagged rocks. You can get a pair of binoculars from the ranger station, climb the observation tower, and spy on this diverse bird kingdom. Enjoy a picnic under our picnic pavilions located at the end of Topsail Road and near the beach boardwalk. Pets are not permitted on the beach, in playgrounds, or in any park buildings. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Pensacola FL 32507, Contact the Statewide Information Line: It is the ideal choice for sunbathers and swimmers. Hontoon Island State Park. This destination has kayak and canoe rentals, a few miles of hiking trails through the majestic dunes, and plenty of fishing opportunities. For the non-fishers, the park offers plenty of other activities, from hiking, biking, and canoeing to wildlife watching. No matter how you decide to spend your vacation, or if you are local exporing the area you are sure to enjoy one of the many Destin State Parks. Which places provide the best nature & parks in Destin for groups? Visitors wishing to try their luck in the surf may catch popular species such as pompano, red fish, flounder, catfish, whiting, and sometimes cobia. U.S. Air Force Colonel Fred Gannon was instrumental in transforming this site from a bombing practice range during World War II to a picturesque state park. Drinks may be purchased from our vending machines. These pavilions provide the only shade on the sun-drenched beach, unless visitors bring their own umbrellas. License is required for fresh and saltwater fishing. Please remember state law requires riders under the age of 16 must wear a properly fitted bike helmet. You must be signed in to save park lists. This beautiful piece of architectural history is surrounded by moss-draped live oaks, providing lots of shade for those hot Florida days. Located just minutes from I-10, its a must-visit on any trip across the state. and The park is a cheap and easy-to-access escape from the buzz and stress of city life. The options are endless. Camp Helen State Park has an interesting history, as it served as a company resort for Avondale Mills, an Alabama Textile Mill, from 1945 to 1987. We cant guarantee that you will find a fountain of youth, but there are plenty of beautifully blue springs to take a dip in. The park also has a boat-ramp for watching boats and regularly attracts local swimming enthusiasts, although Lifeguard support is not available. The park is located just east of Destin on U.S. 98. A camp store offers a variety of camping items, as well as snacks and drinks. 1. This park shares its name with the coastal dune lake within its boundaries. Camp Helen is bordered on three sides by the Gulf and Lake Powell. Pet are absolutely not to be left unattended in, or leashed to, a vehicle. Even though youll enjoy lovely beaches for swimming and fishing, you also have opportunities to surf, fish, hike, snorkel, boat, and more. Close walk to beach from where you park and enter. Sorry, pets are not allowed. Grayton Beach State Park is located near Destin, Niceville and Panama City Beach. Bathhouses are heated and cooled. Ponce de Leon Springs State Park | Florida State Parks At The Magic Parlor, Things to do near ELEOS - Professional Massage Therapy & SPA, Things to do near Championship Offshore Outfitting and Charters, Things to do near Family and Friends Massage Spa, Things to do near Wingate by Wyndham Destin, Things to do near Homewood Suites by Hilton Destin, Things to do near The Palms of Destin Resort and Conference Center, Things to do near Breakers East Condominium, Things to do near Villages of Crystal Beach, Things to do near Pelican Beach Resort by Wyndham Vacation Rentals, Kids on the Fly, Chicago Children's Museum at O'Hare Airport. Henderson Beach State Park Campground. 357 Main Park Road. Its a popular day-use destination for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts. Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. Bring your canoe or kayak and explore the backwaters of Western Lake a 100 acre lake surrounded by the natural areas of the State Park. This trail system consists of 3 double track loop trails. The facilities are pet and child-friendly, so it is perfect for family recreation. Grayton Beach State Park, a Florida State Park located near Destin The sites include water and electric hookups and access to air conditioned and heated bathhouse facilities. This park is well-developed and offers plenty of amenities. Grayton Beach stands out for its accessibility. Visitors can paddle a kayak on scenic Western Lake to get a closer look at a salt marsh ecosystem. Bring your bike or your favorite hiking shoes to Grayton Beach and enjoy a four mile off road trail through acres of natural communities or hop on Walton County?s 10 mile walking, biking path along Scenic Hwy 30-A which winds along the coastline through our picturesque beachside communities. The emerald coast state park offers more than a relaxing time. 850.833.9144 Southern magnolias, golden asters, woody goldenrod and scrub oaks can be seen in this coastal dune habitat. This parkstretches 20 miles into the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico and has some of the most incredible powdery beaches. Unique plants such as gulf coast lupine, spoonflower, pitcher plants, and Curtiss sand grass are found in Deer Lake State Park. If youre looking for a beach vacation with crystal clear water and plenty of fun activities, this is it. A large parking area is provided in the boat ramp area to allow boaters enough room for their vehicle and boat trailer to park. DISCLOSURE: Some of the links on itiswild.com are affiliate links. A little further, check into an RV resort at Panama City Beach and enjoy water sports along the Grand Lagoon. 11 Top-Rated Beaches near Bonita Springs, FL (within 15 miles), 11 Best and Nearest Beaches to Wesley Chapel, FL, 15 Gorgeous Beaches near Hollywood Florida (within 10 miles), Lake Istokpoga Guide: Fishing, Boating, Kayaking, and Hiking. In Northwest Florida, campers can utilize 59 full-facilities camp sites or 39 modern cabins amid the powdery, white sand and emerald water of . Please Use Caution! Guided trail tours are available upon request. Ponce de Leon Springs' water temperature remains a constant 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459. 100% Recommended +7 Official website (850) 837-7550 Park hours: Mon to Sun: 8:00am - 8:00pm Camping types: Reservable campsites.