Sunny Florida

Our Founder Emily recently visited Florida’s Finest Beach & Spa Resort located in the heart of Destin between the emerald water Gulf and Henderson Beach State Park.

Inspiring. Iconic. Unforgettable. This is the essence of The Henderson, here on the sugar white sands of Destin’s breathtaking Gulf Coast.

Exuding the timeless, refined elegance of a seaside manor, The Henderson is resplendent with gabled rooflines, wooden shingles and sweeping panoramic and sunset views of the Gulf of Mexico and the adjacent Henderson Beach Preserve.

With 170 impeccably appointed and spacious guest rooms and eight suites—including sixteen specially designed spa rooms featuring a private spa elevator just steps from your door—guests enjoy premium amenities, luxurious bedding, designer touches and a tranquil palette of coastal-inspired hues.

Each guest room offers magnificent views of either the Gulf of Mexico and the adjacent nature preserve, shimmering and inviting pools framed by the waters of the Gulf, spectacular views of the nostalgic Crystal Beach cottages and the Gulf beyond, or the lush gardens and landscaped piazza.

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THE HAGERMAN SUITE

This ultimate top floor suite offers 180 ° views of the Gulf of Mexico, Henderson State Park and the Resorts tropical pools. With floor to ceiling windows to infuse the vastness of the Gulf, the colors of the coast and the picturesque state park into one beautifully appointed guest suite, you’ll feel pampered from the second you step into the 1226 square feet of luxury.

POOL VIEW SUITES

Located on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors offering a private balcony overlooking the resort pools and Gulf of Mexico. Watch the sunrise from your private balcony or lounge in your plush king or double queen beds and enjoy the stunning coastal waters.

GULF VIEW STUDIO SUITES

Located on the 2nd and 3rd floors offering a private balcony overlooking the Henderson Beach Park Preserve and Gulf of Mexico. Watch the sunrise from your private balcony or lounge in your plush king bed and enjoy the stunning coastal waters.

ALL SUITES ROOMS FEATURE

• Views of the resort Piazza
• Sleeps two or up to six guests depending upon suite
• Balcony
• Spa Elevator for Spa Rooms
• Pillow Top Mattress
• 300 thread count linens
• In-room Wi-Fi access
• Luxurious micro fiber robes
• Alarm Clock with Radio
• Coffee makers with tea and coffee
• Hairdryer
• Iron and ironing board
• Cordless telephone with push button access to the Henderson Guest Service Staff
• RFID door locks
• Safe that accommodates laptop and personals
• Heavy weight terry towels
• Salon and Spa inspired bath amenities
• Extra vanity-“makeup”
• Organizer closet
• Wooden and Satin hangers
• TV-43” LED
• I Home clock radio with USB port
• Easily accessible outlets and USB ports throughout the room to ensure productivity
• Programmable digital thermostat

COME AND PLAY

With our stunning location on some of the most breathtaking stretches of sand in the world, and the tranquil jeweled waters of the Gulf of Mexico right at our doorstep, there is literally an endless list of activities and attractions for everyone to experience.

Whether you’re more of the adventurous type and prefer exploring the undersea wonders with a mask and snorkel, or just want to chill out poolside and spend the afternoon soaking up the Florida sunshine, the options are indeed limitless.

If you’d like to learn more about our unique activities or events, please contact our Recreation Team at 850.424.4421.

The Fitness Desk is staffed from 8 am – 5 pm Daily | Fitness Center Open 24/7 Daily

LEARN & WORK VIRTUALLY

STUDY SPACES

You will find many quiet and comfortable spaces to learn and work throughout the resort. From your private balcony to our sunlit terraces, The Henderson proves to be the smartest place to stay this summer.

INDOOR LEARNING

• Hotel Room | Your convenient hotel room with an executive desk and sofa area
• Henderson Loft | A spacious Loft with a full kitchen, living room and sitting areas
• Business Center | A quiet, secluded space with computers and a printer.
• Horizons | Enjoy a light snack and enjoy a casual, sunlit environment for learning.
• The Living Room | Leave your room and find a spot in the bright Living Room for a change of scenery.

OUTDOOR LEARNING

• Sunset Terrace | Calm, sunlit space with fans to keep you cool.
• Private Balcony | Your room’s private balcony is the perfect blend of quiet classroom vibes with vacation views
• The Rooftop | Study on The Rooftop before 4pm daily then treat yourself to an evening cocktail.
• Poolside Lounge or Cabana | Shade and a comfortable cabana make for the ultimate reading space.
• Private Beach | Reserve a beach set and let the crashing waves and fresh air stimulate your mind.
• Grand Lawn | Settle at one of the Grand Lawn patio tables with umbrellas right around the corner from Sprinkles Cafe, the place for a Starbucks caffeine boost.

PRIVATE BEACH

Our guests are able to enjoy Destin’s crystal water, white sand beaches from the comfort of our spacious, socially-distanced private beach neighboring the serene Henderson Beach State Park. With food and beverage beach service and beach set rentals and activity rentals available, you’ll have all you need for the perfect beach day.

Guests of The Henderson and The Henderson Lofts have access to our private beach. The adults only area of the private beach is available to guests staying at our neighboring Henderson Park Inn only.

BEACH SET RENTALS

BEACH SERVICE IS AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS NOVEMBER – FEBRUARY.

BOOGIE BOARD RENTALS
Children 15 years or younger must be accompanied by an adult

• Boogie board rentals are included with daily resort fee
• All rentals are to be returned to the Beach Attendant by 5pm

*Equipment is limited and based on a first come, first serve basis.
Boogie Boards will not be offered November – February. Weather dependent.

POOLS

Relax under the shade of a luxury cabana by the enchanting upper deck pool, with lounge chairs and poolside beverage service. Or, bring the family and enjoy the active Family Pool with splash pad and lazy river.

UPPER DECK POOL
Open Daily | 8am – 10pm

FAMILY POOL
Open Daily | 8am – 10pm
Inflatables used for flotation, noodles and small toys are permitted. Large inflatables and rafts are not permitted at this time.
Family Pool and Lazy River will not be heated during December 1 – February 29.

BIKE RENTALS

• Children 15 years or younger must be accompanied by an adult
• Included with daily resort fee
• Bike Rentals are available from 8:00am – 5:00pm
• Please pick up your Bike Rental at the Fitness Desk located on level P2

Bikes are available on a first come, first serve basis. Weather dependent.

FAMILY CRAFTS

Takeaway Teddys
Visit the Recreation Desk on level P2 to pick-up a kit to stuff, fluff & build your very own stuffed animal!
$20 per child

FITNESS

You don’t have to miss out on your daily workout while on vacation!

The Henderson features a full-service sunlit fitness center with Peloton bikes, weights, machines, and daily fitness classes.

The Fitness Center is staffed from 8:00am – 5:00pm Daily

You can also get outside and enjoy a walk on the beach or the hiking trail at Henderson Beach State Park!

HENDERSON BEACH STATE PARK

Guests of the Henderson receive a complimentary day pass access to Henderson State Park.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. Natural features of the park include sand pines, scrub oaks, and dune rosemary. Boardwalks provide access to the beach for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. Four large and two small 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 with a rare glimpse of the coastal dune ecosystem and abundant wildlife and is pet-friendly. Henderson Beach is A.D.A accessible and includes beach wheelchair availability. Visitors can enjoy truly breathtaking sunsets while relaxing by the warm crystal clear water of the Gulf of Mexico.

GLASS WORKS WITH RUSS GILBERT

Visit the studio of Russ Gilbert and take a class infusing, bead making, or glass blowing. Students who take the fusing classes will make a piece that they can take home (or be shipped for your convenience).

Class times vary. Please visit www.gilbertglassworks.com to view available classes.

ARTIST GALLERIES

Every aspect of The Henderson has been meticulously planned and the art displayed throughout the property is no exception. After a long and rigorous selection process, 13 local Destin artists and artisans were chosen to create custom pieces, specifically for The Henderson. The artists include Melody Bogle, Melissa Mercer Brown, Lori Drew, Barbara Flowers, Justin Gaffrey, Donni Galli, Russ Gilbert, Mary Hong, Veila Lala, John Maher, Arturo Mennillo, Jeff Waldorff, and JoAnn Williams Walker.

Each piece has been thoughtfully placed throughout the resort to add both beauty and ambiance. The result is a stunning coastal resort with an inspired sense of place.

MARY HONG’S SHARD SHOP

Introduction to ShardWorx: Art with Glass and Resin on Painted Canvas
Participants choose from 13 designs using art kits to complete an 8 x 10 piece of art on canvas. The class is led by an experienced artist and lasts about an hour. This is a make-n-take class so guests will be taking their finished art piece with them at the end of class. It will need to dry in box (think pizza box) provided and will be ready to hang after 12 hours. All supplies and materials provided and all skill levels are welcome.
Cost is $75/per person. Visit ShardShop.com for more info.

Make-Your-Own Art Boutique
Visit the Mary Hong’s “Shard Shop”, located just two blocks from The Henderson Beach Resort and make any size art using glass and resin on painted canvas. All tools and materials are provided.
Cost starts at $85 for adults and $40 for kids. Visit ShardShop.com for more info.

LIVE MUSIC

The Emerald Coast features live music at many area restaurants and venues.

SILVER SANDS PREMIUM OUTLET SHOPPING

Silver Sands Premium Outlets® is home to 110 designer and name-brand outlet stores including Coach, Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th. Visitor’s can find a variety of shops ranging from women’s apparel and accessories to housewares and sporting goods. Renowned as the premier shopping destination along Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast, the outlet mall serves the nearby communities of Destin, South Walton, Panama City and Pensacola. The outlet mall is conveniently located off US Highway 98, one mile west of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. This beautiful outdoor mall features covered sidewalks, lush landscaping, and a children’s play area. There are also a variety of enticing dining options from sit down venues including Carrabba’s Italian Grill to fast casual and grab-and-go options such as Panera Bread and Auntie Anne’s Pretzels.

GRAND BOULEVARD SHOPPING

Nestled amid Florida’s renowned stretch of pristine sugar-white beaches and gulf coast communities where the affluent both vacation and reside, Grand Boulevard is the premier destination where people of discerning tastes shop and play. With exclusive boutiques, renowned retailers and speciality shops, exquisite casual and fine dining options, and a thriving professional community, this $250 million lifestyle Town Center retail development generates a sense of excitement and demand from locals and visitors alike.

DESTIN COMMONS SHOPPING

The premier open-air lifestyle centre offering the best in shopping, dining, and entertainment on the Emerald Coast. With favorites like Bass Pro Shops, Belk, H&M, Charming Charlie, Express, AMC Theaters, Uncle Buck’s FishBowl & Grill, Chipotle and World of Beer, Destin Commons currently offers 90+ stores and restaurants with something for everyone.

HARBOR WALK VILLAGE

With so many things to do in Destin, HarborWalk Village is at the center of it all.Come out to HarborWalk Village where restaurants, activities and entertainment will please each and every taste on your next Destin family vacation. With so many things to do in Destin; here you can find waterfront shopping, paddle board and kayak rentals, pontoon and jet ski rentals, parasailing, glass bottom boats, world class fishing, pirate ship excursions, dolphin cruises, concerts and live music, weekly fireworks, weekly Fat Tuesday parades, live entertainment, and an array of restaurants, including Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville and Harry Ts, to satisfy all tastes.

HarborWalk Village is home to the Destin Fishing Fleet, the largest charter fishing fleet in the country. Here you can experience the Worlds Luckiest Fishing Village aboard one of Destins finest charter boats or stroll along the docks and witness the catch of the day. And where there is great fishing, there are great seafood restaurants, HarborWalk is no exception. Here you’ll find an array of cuisine that is fresh, local and delicious

REGATTA BAY GOLF

Regatta Bay – Designed by esteemed course designer and former lead architect for Arnold Palmer, Robert C. Walker, Regatta Bay Golf Course is located in the beautiful city of Destin, in the heart of Florida’s Emerald Coast. This par-72 course offers a golf experience for players of all skill levels.

KELLY PLANTATION GOLF

Kelly Plantation– Located along the Choctawhatchee Bay in Destin, Florida, Kelly Plantation Golf Course is one of Destin’s premium golf experiences. Designed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates, this semi-private par-72 Destin Golf Course features 18 holes.

PADDLE BOARD CLASSES

Join instructors with YOLO (You Only live Once) for stand up paddle board classes offered on a variety of days and times throughout the week. Choose from Paddle Board 101 to YOLO Yoga.

YOLO BIKE ADVENTURES

Join YOLO (You Only live Once) bike enthusiasts for area outdoor adventures offered on a variety of days and times throughout the week. Choose from Paddle Board 101 to YOLO Yoga.

TIMPOOCHEE BIKE TRAIL

There’s no better way to get “up close and personal” with South Walton than a bike ride along the Timpoochee Trail. The 18.6-mile trail, named after an influential Euchee Indian Chief, winds past dune lakes and state parks and beach access points through several charming beach neighborhoods. It’s a perfect day trip for the family, an ideal way to get some exercise, and a whole lot of fun.

The trail parallels the entire length of Scenic Highway 30A from Dune Allen to Inlet Beach and is safe, wide, and relatively flat. Rental bikes are available from several shops along the length of the trail. You can rent bikes by the day, but if you’re staying somewhere along 30A you might want to rent them for the entire week. After one ride along the Timpoochee, your bike may become the preferred mode of transportation at the beach

WATER SPORTS

Whether you want to be in the water or on the water, Destin offers nearly any water sports you could imagine. We have partnered with a local vendor to provide water rentals including jet skiing, boat rentals, parasailing, and more

FISHING

Known as the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village, Destin is a premier fishing destination with the potential to catch all types of fish. Charter boats are available throughout the Destin area. Some recommended charters are Lion’s Tale Adventures, Big John Charters or Silver King Charters

CULTURAL ARTS ALLIANCE ART CLASSES

The Walton County Cultural Arts Alliance offers over 200 affordable art classes for artist of all ages and skill levels. Please click hereto view our current offerings in Cultural Arts Alliance Art Classes to check their calendar for current class offerings, days and times.

SOUTH WALTON EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Just a few miles to the East of Destin, South Walton offers events and activities for the whole family. Check out the links below for local listings.
30A
Walton County Cultural Arts Alliance Events
Visit South Walton Events
SoWal Events
Alys Beach Events
Rosemary Beach Events
Seaside Events

AIR FORCE ARMAMENT MUSEM

The Air Force Armament Museum is the only museum in the world dedicated to the collection, preservation, and exhibition of artifacts and memorabilia associated with Air Force Armament and its platforms of delivery.

The museum was conceived and approved in 1974 but there was no suitable structure available on Eglin Air Force Base until 1976. In the spring of that year, an old Enlisted Club facility became available and the Armament Museum became a reality. To help fund and perpetuate this Museum, the Air Force Armament Museum Foundation (AFAMF), a philanthropic non-profit organization, was established.

From 1976 through 1981, the artifact collection grew, and the Museum averaged nearly 80,000 visitors per year. But, in 1981, the building housing the Museum collection was condemned, and the Museum closed that October.

The AFAM Foundation then began what became a lengthy effort to find a new home for the Armament Museum. After a slow start, funding effort began in 1984. By mid-1985, $1.2 million in private and corporate donations had been raised and construction of a new 28,000 square foot Museum was underway and in November of the same year, the new Museum was deeded to the United States Air Force and opened to the public.

Admittance to the Museum is free of charge and the Museum is closed on Sundays and federal holidays. Over two million people have now visited and enjoyed this Museum. Numerous significant, military-related ceremonies such as promotions, reenlistments, retirements and meetings occur within the Museum each month. Visits by school, church and veterans groups are now almost daily occurrences and the Armament Museum has become an important educational, cultural and social landmark.

TOPSAIL STATE PARK

Topsail Hill offers a wide variety of natural resources including 3.2 miles of secluded, white sand beaches with majestic dunes over 25 feet tall. Three rare coastal dune lakes provide excellent freshwater fishing. Although boats are not allowed, fishing from the shoreline yields bass, bream, panfish, and catfish. Lakes, pristine beaches, old-growth longleaf pines, sand pine scrub, and a variety of wetlands offer a bird-watching and hiking paradise. Visitors may bike, walk, or enjoy a quick ride to the beach on our timely tram service to swim, fish, sunbathe, or beach comb. A camp store offers souvenirs and rentals.

DESTIN FISHING MUSEUM

The Destin History & Fishing Museum is a Non-Profit run by a Board of Directors. The museum is a tourist destination and key historical repository for the Destin area. The exhibits present the history of Destin and journey from a small fishing village to a major tourist attraction.

The museum includes:

• 5,500 sq. ft. of exhibit space in the main building covering early Indians through development and growth of the village.
• Exhibits in the outdoor Museum Historic Park Complex including the historic seine boat “Primrose”, mullet boat “Lil Jimmy”, seine net reel, and the original Old Post Office as well as the “Footprints in the Sand” memorial walkway.
• Over 75 mounts of locally caught fish.
• Historic photographs, artifacts, fishing equipment and documents of early Destin and the Fishing industry.
• Mike Long Memorial Fish Wall featuring many fish mounts on a mural showcasing the science why the local fishing is so good.
• Science of “Why Destin Sand is White”.
• Historic and genealogical data on the founding families and those that shaped the growth of early Destin.
• Destin Fishing Rodeo Gallery featuring “all things” Rodeo in videos, photos and artifacts.

Ways to Experience the Museum:

• Scavenger Hunts for the “young” and “young at heart”.
• Self-guided on your own.
• Staff and/or volunteer lead personal tour.
• Self-guided tour with MP3 Player and headset.
• Personalized tour utilizing QR codes downloaded on your phone.

Group Tours Available:

• Student tours available with focus on specific objectives.
• Group tours with overview in the Rodeo Gallery, door prizes, and guided tour throughout the museum.

Hours and Admission:
Hours: The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

DINING

Uniquely inspired by our proximity to the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, our cuisine celebrates Destin’s local flavors and traditional dishes.

With a bounty of freshly caught seafood straight from the dock and local farm sourced offerings to choose from, our chefs have all the essential ingredients to impress any palette. Paired with creative and diverse dining experiences ranging from “flip flop” poolside casual to intimate ocean view dining, there’s something for every taste.

WELL-BEING & SPA

At Salamander Spa, we are forever inspired by the beauty of the warm coastal waters, stunning beaches and majestic parks. We offer a unique health and wellness journey tailored to your specific well-being needs. Our experienced spa providers utilize some of the world’s most innovative modalities and healing techniques to restore, renew and inspire. The Salamander Spa features eleven exquisite private treatment rooms and a wet area with an experiential shower, whirlpool tub, Himalayan Salt Suite, sun-lit relaxation spaces, and a full-service salon.