#oceanfrontvacationrental

[hatterasislandv]

Ultimate Outer Banks Oceanfront Vacation Rentals with Pools

Discover large oceanfront vacation rentals in the Outer Banks with private pools and hot tubs. Perfect for families, our Outer Banks vacation rentals offer stunning oceanfront views and luxurious amenities. Book your ideal oceanfront vacation rental with Hatteras Island Vacation Rentals here.

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/15-july-4th-activities-in-destin/

15 July 4th Activities in Destin

In Destin over the 4th of July and wondering what to do? Look no further, because we’ve got 15 great ideas for you.  If you’ve been to Destin before, you already know some of the basics.  However, if you are a newbie, you are in for an exciting week!

Fireworks

First and foremost on everyone’s mind is where to watch fireworks on the 4th.  In 2019, there are several options: Destin Commons, Destin Harborwalk Village, Baytowne, and Okaloosa Island.

1. Destin Commons: FREE July 3rd 5:00 Get things started early with the Smoke the Coast BBQ cook-off in Destin Commons.  Following Smoke the Coast BBQ cook-off is the fireworks show at 9:30.

2. Okaloosa Island Boardwalk: FREE Wednesday July 3rd at 9:00 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 Bring a towel, blanket or beach chair

3. Destin Harborwalk Village: FREE Thursday July 4th Festivities on the Harbor begin at 7:00 with entertainment.  Live music features Eli Hannon and The Manly Hero. Fireworks kick off around 9:00. Some of the best places to watch the fireworks include; the patios of restaurants on the Harborwalk, Noriego Point, the Jetties and the Bridge.  Capping off the night at 9:30 is a fire spinning show. Keep in mind that many of these viewing points require some walking.  Also remember that parking at Harborwalk Village is $10.

4. Baytowne Wharf: FREE July 4th The Red, White and Baytowne Festival kicks off at 7:00, with fireworks shooting over the lagoon at 9:15.  During the festival, kids can play on the inflatables, get faces painted, and play lawn games.

Beyond Fireworks

5. Bike Parade: FREE July 2nd 4:45 The City of Destin hosts this annual bike parade at the Destin Elementary Track, for children 14 and younger. Registration begins at 4:45, followed by the parade at 5:30. Prizes are awarded for various categories in each age division. Decorate your bikes, scooters or wagons and join the fun!

6. Smoke on the Coast: $1+ July 3rd 5:00 This annual BBQ charity cook-off is held at Destin Commons from 5-9:30 and is followed by fireworks.  Activities include shopping, food, family entertainment and live music.  Tastings are $1 each. Participants vote for their favorite food. Sample from the 18 local restaurants and BBQ groups who are competing for the coveted People’s Choice Award. Live music provided by Forrest Williams Band and Heritage Band.

7. The Trak: Daily 9 a.m. -11 p.m. Go Karts, mini golf and So much more. Located just down the street from Sandnsol, at 1125 Highway 98 East, Destin, Florida 32541 For pricing:  https://funatthetrack.com/pages/destin-location

Beach and Water Activities

8. Big Kahuna’s Water Park: Daily 10-6 Special Declaration Celebration July 4-7th When you are tired of the sand (gasp), cool off at this family friendly water park.  Special 4th activities include All-American Buffet, Hot dog and Pie eating contest, Frozen t-shirt contest, and Flag raising ceremonies. As seen in the picture, Sandnsol is right across the street! They have rides for all ages. Get your discount tickets here: https://bigkahunas.com/discounts

9. Crab Island: Rent a Pontoon, jetski, or water taxi and get to the coolest floating party around.  Around high tide, head out to the submerged sandbar on the bay side of the Destin bridge.  Hang out with thousands of your closest friends.  It will be crowded, so pack your patience along with your cooler.  We’ve had good luck with Boogie’s Watersports and Gillligan’s, but there are several great options.

10. Cruisin' Tikis What a fun way to tool around the bay! They provide the floating Tiki bar and captain, you supply the food and drinks. Several different packages are available including harbor, crab island, lights and sunset tours. https://www.destintikis.com/

11. Paddle Board/Kayak: Available on site at Sandnsol,  our guests can rent these for an hour or two right on the beach. If your complex does not have them, just walk up or down the beach and you will find a place that does.

12. Fishing Charter: Another option is to enjoy some of the best deep sea fishing around. Private and group charters are available.

13. Parasail: Get a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Emerald Coast or the Chocktawatchee Bay. Just Chute Me, Boogie’s and Luther’s are a good place to start.

For the Adults

14. Live Music: In the evening, there are plenty of options for live music all week.  Boathouse and AJ’s each have several artists scheduled this first week of July.  See a Tim McGraw Tribute band at AJ’s Tuesday night (2nd), or get your fill of Beatles, Blues, and rock with Phil and Foster at Lulu’s Saturday (6th).

15. Coyote Ugly’s Independence Day Red White And Booze Bash Weekend July 4th -6th. Starting Thursday night, Coyote Ugly has drink specials, Dj’s and giveaways. https://www.coyoteuglysaloon.com/events/independence-day-red-white-and-booze-bash-weekend/

For more information on these and other events: https://allevents.in/destin/july

It's never too early to book next year's trip, consider locking in Sandnsol now! Book your 2020 dates by July 15th 2019, for this year's rates https://sandnsol.com/availability-and-rates/

Written by Stacyloux of Sandnsol Destin Vacation Rentals

#Destin #4thofJuly #4thofJulyDestin #Sandnsol #destinvacationrental #fireworks #destinfireworks #tododestin #oceanfrontcondo #coyoteugly #parasail #boogieswatersports #gilligansdestin #lulusDestin #AJsoysterbar #boathousedestin #crabisland #jetski #destinharbor #harborwalkvillage #okaloosaisland #okaloosaboardwalk #baytownewharf #lulusdestin #timmcgraw #smokeonthecoast #bikeparade #bigkahunas #thetrakdestin #destincommons #livemusicdestin #destintikis

[holidayroot1]

Luxury awaits you at this stunning location. An ideal location for an #Oceanfront #Wedding, this #VacationHome offers abundant space for guests and families. Inquire Today & Book!😊 #HolidayRoot #Florida #SaintAugustine #VacationRental #travel #stay #FloridaVacationRentals #FloridaVacationRental #SaintAugustineVacationRentals #SaintAugustineVacationRental #OceanfrontVacationRental #OceanfrontVacationRentals #VacationRentalsbyOnwers #VacationRentalsbyOnwer #VacationRentalbyOnwers #VacationRentalbyOnwer https://www.holidayroot.com/accommodation/17891

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/early-bird-gets-a-treat-in-destin/

Early Bird Gets a Treat in Destin

  Being an early bird has its advantages, especially if you wake up to an ocean view. Sunrises on the beach are amazing and wildlife abounds.

In the summer, the sun comes up pretty early here in Destin. That means before 6:00. For most, vacation is synonymous with rest and relaxation which equals sleeping late. However, rest and relaxation translates differently for me.

Last week’s adventures reminded me why I love being an early bird. Mornings at Sandnsol are pure bliss. When I’m here, pre-dawn light nudges me awake, and I hop out of bed expectantly. After hot chocolate on the balcony Wednesday morning, I decide to head out to the jetty. Dolphins, rays, pelicans, or turtles, neat sea shells or sand dollars, you never know what awaits. Some of the best sights are things you don't see; traffic, crowds, trash etc.

Parking at O’Steen Beach is a breeze when you arrive at 6:15 a.m. Only one other car is on the street. After a short walk, I reach the dunes and pass the deserted lifeguard stand.

Signs of Life

As the sun peaks above the sea oats, Sandhill cranes search the empty beach for their breakfast. It’s so peaceful this time of day, it’s hard to believe in a few short hours there will be hundreds of people here.

Further down the jetty, fishermen cast their lines. High on a perch, pelicans survey East Pass. Dozens of fishing boats head through the East Pass and out to open water.

Shortly after I reach the shores of the gulf, I see a family snorkeling in the rocks at the base of the jetty. After hunting for shells at the waters edge, I continue east along the shore.

Surprising Encounter

A couple hours into the morning, something catches my eye. Just a few feet from shore, I see it gliding through the water. After videoing it for a few minutes, I decide I need to head back. Just then a wave carries the large majestic ray onto shore. It is struggling in the sand just feet in front of me. I grab my Nikon to get a few shots.

Crazy thoughts run through my mind. What if it can’t get back out on its own? I have to help, but what can I do? I doubt I can even get my arms around it, and how will I avoid a sting? No one is around, so it’s up to me!

Luckily, another wave washed up high enough for this amazing Spotted Eagle Ray to works its way back out into the water.

My walk back to the car is far less eventful, but still beautiful. Sandpipers and seagulls play and more cranes are strut their stuff. A father helps bait the hook for his son, and snorkel tours file into the east pass.

Excited to share my early bird adventures, I burst through the door at Sandnsol. My enthusiasm dies quickly when I realize everyone else is still fast asleep! Back to the balcony to listen to crashing waves until the sleepy-heads emerge.

Book your next stay at Sandnsol https://sandnsol.com/availability-and-rates/

Written by Stacy Loux of Sandnsol Destin vacation rental #spottedeagleray  #cranes #earlybird #seagulls #sandnsol #destinjetty #oceanfrontvacationrental #tododestin #sunrise #Nikon #lifeguardstand #whitesandbeach #destinfishing #seaoats #beachedray

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/turtle-etiquette-for-destin-beaches/

Turtle Etiquette for Destin Beaches

There’s a proper turtle etiquette you ask? Who knew turtles have manners? You might have guessed we are actually talking about human behavior that impacts turtles and other creatures on your visit to Destin beaches.

On the first morning of your beach vacation, you spot a section of sand near the dunes staked off with yellow caution tape. Did someone spill a caustic substance on the sand? There are also some strange tracks leading away from that area. At the end of a long day of relaxing at the beach, you spot a group of teenagers filling in the hole they spent all day digging. Why do they bother, they’ll probably be back at it digging another hole tomorrow.

As you head in for the evening, you wonder why all the curtains are closed, and there are pale amber lights on the porches. Those dim lights make it very difficult to see if you drop something when you’re enjoying a drink on the balcony after dinner. As you head to bed, you might notice red lights moving along the shoreline.

For years your friends told you what an awesome place Destin is, and you’ve finally made the trip to the beautiful Emerald Coast. But What is it with this place? You saw some strange things today, like no other place you have been.

For the Turtles

The following morning, the mystery begins to unravel. You spot several more areas staked with caution tape, and decide to check it out. Upon closer look, you discover a sign that explains what you see is a protected turtle nest. You ask the teenagers why they fill in their holes and they say “it’s for the turtles.” When you ask a maintenance guy about the curtains and the special lights on the porch, you get the same response; “it’s for the turtles”. And those red flashlights, you guessed it; they’re for the turtles too!

As you may or may not realize, sea turtles are a protected species. It is our responsibility to make sure we don’t hinder their chance of survival. Since the gulf coast is prime turtle nesting ground, people are making an effort to do their part. Volunteers walk the beach in the early morning hours to identify new nests and stake them before someone accidentally disturbs them.

Every year in late spring adult female turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in shallow nests usually near the dunes. When the hatchlings emerge from their shells in late summer, they make their perilous journey to the ocean. Sometimes this happens during the day, but often it occurs at night. In this case, they return to the ocean, using the reflection of the moonlight on the ocean to guide them.

What Can You Do?

Both Adult and hatchlings can get confused by white flashlights or white lights in homes and buildings along the beach. This is why you see people walking along the beach with red flashlights. It’s also why you should fill in holes and knock down sand castles at the end of the day. Do anything to make their journey to the ocean easier. That’s proper turtle etiquette!

In short, proper etiquette means follow the motto “Leave no trace.” Do it for the turtles! Follow these tips and you just might find one of these guys swimming along as you paddleboard or kayak!

Get your red flashlights here: https://www.amazon.com/Flashlight-Aviation-Reading-Astronomy-Observation-Red/dp/B07B4DYLQG/ref=sr_1_27?keywords=beach+flashlight&qid=1559307009&s=gateway&sr=8-27

Written by Stacy Loux of Sandnsol Destin vacation rental #turtlenests #turtleetiquette #seaturtles #sandnsol #destinturtles #oceanfrontvacationrental #tododestin #turtlelights #turtlehatchlings

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/destin-beach-flag-warnings/

Destin Beach Flag Warnings

Know your Beach Flag Warnings

Seeing the rough waters this morning inspired me to get the word out on the meanings of the different beach flag warning colors. The local Coast Guard assesses beach conditions on a daily basis and assign colors based on the current water conditions.

Green: Low Hazard

Calm waters and clear blue skies over the the gulf  coast are a common and welcome sight. No worries at all when we see a green flag. Paddle boarding, snorkeling, shelling along the water's edge and floating on an inner tube are some of my favorite activities during a green flag.

Yellow: Medium Hazard

Another common flag in Destin is the yellow flag. It indicates light to medium surf or currents. Many travelers prefer a yellow flag because the light surf is ideal for boogie boarding and body surfing. There is potential for strong surf or dangerous current. Swimming is recommended only for strong swimmers and should be done near a life guard if possible. Young children or weaker swimmers should wear life jackets and stay close to shore. During a yellow flag, you experience a refreshing gulf breeze, which is perfect for flying kites.

Red: High Hazard

Red flags warn beach goers of severe hazards in the water. High surf and dangerous currents are likely. Although you can still swim using extreme caution if there is one red flag, you should only go in the water if you are a keen swimmer. Rip currents, also called rip tides, catch swimmers off guard. The strong under tow carries a swimmer away from shore. If you get caught in a channel of water flowing away from the shoreline, don't fight the current. As the diagram above illustrates, swim parallel to shore until you get out of the current, then return to safety.

Double Red Flags: Beach Closed

Occasionally, surf conditions are unsafe for swimmers and the beach is closed. In this instance, Double red flags are used. Typically this happens when a tropical storm or hurricane is approaching the area. Swimming is strictly prohibited, and you shouldn't risk entering the water. Waves are several feet high and overtake even the best of swimmers.

Purple Flags: Marine Pests

Often flown with another color flag, purple or black flags warn beach goers that they may experience potentially dangerous marine life. This ranges from sea lice to jelly fish to sharks. If the beach is not closed to swimming, be aware of the potential hazards.

blue button jellyfish are blue, green or purple

Most of us know what sharks and jellyfish are, but what about the other pests? Sea lice (the larvae of jellyfish), and Blue button jellyfish (not actually a jellyfish) can cause skin irritation if they are trapped in your bathing suit. They are often more of a nuisance than a danger. Depending on your sensitivity, you may not even notice them.  On the other hand, if you experience itching or a rash, usually an over-the-counter 1% cortisone skin cream or an oral antihistamine offers relief. The good news is, they are not contagious and can not survive outside of salt water.  Experts suggest wearing sunscreen and not wearing a t-shirt in the water to reduce their risk of getting stung by sea lice or blue buttons. By heeding these warning flags and tips, hopefully your beautiful day at the beach won't result in a trip to the hospital! After your day at the beach, rinse off in one of Sandnsol's three updated bathrooms. https://sandnsol.com/sandnsol-galleries/ Written by Stacy Loux of Sandnsol Destin vacation rental #destinbeachwarningflags #beachwarningflags #sandnsol #tododestin #destinglass #oceanfrontvacationrental #tododestin #moenfaucets #bluebuttonjellyfish #sharks #sealice