Sure, locals claim it, but it’s always nice to have outside sources name our beaches as the best in the nation. Recently, Henderson Beach State Park was named one of the best beaches in the U.S. on the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Best Beaches List. The list, which is based on reviews and ratings collected over the past 12 months, is decided by real travelers from all over, sharing real opinions and stories.
Among the Top 25 Beaches in the U.S., Henderson Beach State in Destin, Florida ranked #6, noting reviews such as “The soft sands are gorgeous, and a beach walk is always good for my soul. Beautiful nature trail loop with informative placards and a nice playground, too, make this a wonderful park”.
Travel & Leisure reported the news that Florida's Emerald Coast has one of the best beaches in the U.S. and added that Henderson Beach State Park’s mile of coastline has 20,000-year-old quartz sand. In fact, many visitors to the area wonder "why is the sand so white?"
The Answer: The sand came from the Appalachian Mountains and the Apalachicola River 20,000 years ago. At the end of the last Ice Age when the world temperatures began warming and the ice caps began melting, large volumes of water were carried by the rivers to the world’s oceans. The Apalachicola River, rising in the Appalachians, carried water to the Gulf of Mexico and continues today. This water carried the quartz particles from the rock that forms the Appalachian Mountains and deposited them in the Gulf of Mexico, just 125 miles to the east of what is now Destin. As the sea level began to rise, these quartz sands eventually formed a new shoreline from the Apalachicola River to as far west as the Pensacola Pass.
TripAdivsor's best beaches are traveler faves for everything from lazy beach days to underwater adventures. Henderson Beach State Park delivers both with its pristine coastline for relaxing and sunbathing or water activities including swimming, snorkeling, boogie boarding, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding, as well as its natural areas and a ¾ mile trail for picnicking, hiking, biking, and exploring.
Ready to plan your next trip to Destin to experience Henderson Beach State Park? View our collection of Destin vacation rentals online including the charming Beachside Inn as well as condominiums and beach homes for rent near Henderson Beach State Park. Or let one of our friendly, local vacation specialists assist you by calling us at 1-800-225-7652. Remember to always book direct with Newman-Dailey for our best rate guarantee.
See you @ the beach!