Located in Destin on Florida’s panhandle, Henderson Beach State park has beautiful white, wide beaches and gorgeous dunes dotted with clumps of sea oats and the ever so popular prickly pear. Over a mile of beach! The water is clear enough to snorkel, but no reef nearby. Surfing, boogie boarding, sunning, and beach combing are highlights here. One of the best state parks in Florida.
Some of the best aquariums in the US. At least 3 locations on the NC Outerbanks: Roanoke Island, Fort Fisher, and Pine Knoll Shores. The Outerbanks are a magnificent destination in and of themselves. The aquariums, along with the lighthouses, are a key part of the whole experience to me.
Great shark tanks, wetlands exhibits, and kid tanks for petting rays and crabs. It’s also nice to get out of the wind, sand, and heat for a change!
One of my favorite places on earth! The reefs in this state park are among the best diving in the US. Molasses reef, the Benbrook wreck, and several others are superb. You can snorkel the reefs as well, but you’ll need a boat to get to them. Boats can be rented at the park HQ. Swimming is available at the park, no boat needed. I’ve seen nurse sharks, manta rays, and more barracuda than I can count. Fish life is amazing! Watch out for mosquitos!!!
