Patricia Lee, Owner, Destinites.com
In our Destinites Facebook group for locals this month (www.facebook.com/groups/Destinites), there was serious discussion about the new Henderson Beach State Park reservation system.
The park implemented the system in an effort to help relieve backed-up traffic on U.S. Highway 98. One of our members placed this post in the group, saying:
“Monday afternoon, June 22, 2026, at Henderson Beach State Park — we are locals with reservation in hand. The line was backed up onto Hwy. 98 in three directions. Took us 25 minutes to get up to have our barcode scanned. Once inside, lots of empty parking spaces.”
Here are some group member responses:
- It’s all about money — easily could have added another ticket booth. State should have talked to Chick-fil-A on how they keep their lines moving. Just a thought.
- Mainly because of people in line without reservations.
- They really need to charge people as they leave. Everyone leaves at different times, and it wouldn’t cause any backup traffic on Hwy. 98. And if it did, it would only be in their parking lot heading out! Such a bad idea, especially for us locals!
- They need a booth with someone in it verifying, before people even get off 98, that they already have a reservation. If they don’t, they need a new turnaround lane close to the road where they must turn around and go make their reservation before they can enter. The people who work and volunteer there did not change this, but they are the ones having to deal with it, unfortunately.
- Local here. When I first read about this, I knew it wouldn’t work. Tourists don’t know they have to buy a pass before they show up. City Council should get the opinions of locals.
- I hope after this season they realize what a terrible idea the reservation system is. The park is practically empty once you get in. It’s actually annoying. Yes, there are other places you can go, but when you have an annual pass and it’s convenient with the amenities there, there has to be something better.
- My husband and I are annual pass holders, and we liked being able to go over around 2:30 for a quick swim and then leave. Never had a parking problem. I used to see families head over after work with the kids. The spur-of-the-moment “let’s go for a swim” is gone, at least for me.
- Can you please try to have a town meeting on this issue? Many locals would appreciate an opportunity to weigh in.
Destin Mayor Bobby Wagner also responded to the group thread, commenting that he has brought the issue to the state’s attention and pointed out that Henderson Beach State Park is a state park governed by state regulations.
He said, “Hopefully we can find meaningful compromise.”
If you live in Destin or the close surrounding area, I invite you to join our private, targeted group for locals and property owners at Facebook.com/groups/Destinites. Currently 12,800+ members (est. October 2018). Check out our Local Business Directory at www.Destinites.com, where more than 500 local businesses are listed and enjoy advertising in our targeted community group.
