Henderson Beach State Park preserves a rare undeveloped stretch of Destin’s Gulf coast within a heavily built-up resort area and serves as both a public beach and a major outdoor recreation site. Its land history began with large shoreline purchases in 1935 and 1936 by Frances Beeland Wilkinson and Broughton Wilkinson, whose holdings shaped much of the modern coastline. Although many parcels were later developed, one substantial tract remained natural as Henderson Beach. On February 2, 1982, a 208-acre area was transferred to the State of Florida for $13.1 million and preserved as the park. Its deep quartz sands and geologic layers support swimming, fishing, hiking, bicycling, birding, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and camping.