Henderson Park Inn

Housed in a New England-style, three-story structure and located directly on the beach, the Henderson has a charming look and feel. The property sits next to a state park -- a somewhat secluded and private area of Destin. A circle drive leads to the property’s entrance, where there’s a wide front porch and white rocking chairs. The back deck overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and offers hammocks, rocking chairs, and loveseat-style swings.

Inside the inn, there’s a living-room style seating area with upscale designer furnishings and fine artwork. Guests are greeted with fresh fruit, wine, and chocolates upon check-in. The entire property has a welcoming and relaxed vibe, and many couples stay at the hotel seeking a romantic getaway. (It’s a popular location for weddings as well.) Rooms on the second and third floors offer the most privacy and the best water views.

Henderson Park Inn is situated directly on the beach on Florida’s Emerald Coast and nestled next to Henderson Beach State Park, a 208-acre public park with white sand beaches and scenic shoreline. Most travelers who visit the Gulf Coast travel by car and many of the tourist attractions and restaurants are not within easy walking distance. However, there is a dining and shopping area surrounding the nearby Emerald Coast Parkway, which includes a Hard Rock Cafe and Bonefish Grill as well as a movie theater and bookstore. The Destin History & Fishing Museum is about five and a half miles to the west of the inn.

Rooms at the Henderson feature Victorian decor and upscale furnishings, with many offering balconies that overlook the Gulf of Mexico. Most rooms are equipped with a coffeemaker, mini-fridge, and microwave, while others have fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. Rooms located on the first floor can get a little noisy when there’s a wedding and reception on the property. Rooms on the second and third floors have the most privacy and best views.

Henderson Park Inn has many all-inclusive amenities, which sets it apart from competitors and helps account for the property’s higher rates. There’s a free cooked-to-order breakfast each morning that includes omelets, bacon, waffles, and fresh fruit. A free lunch from Honey Baked Ham is included in the stay, too. A community refrigerator contains snacks and beverages and there’s a free wine and cheese hour each day at sunset. Beach chairs and umbrellas are free for all guests, keeping in mind there’s no pool on the property. The Beach Walk Cafe is a fine-dining restaurant located on-site with an impressive dinner menu and panoramic views of the ocean. (Though other meals are included in room rates, the price of dinner is not.)