Sandnsol Destin Vacation Rental

Early Bird Gets a Treat in Destin

sea oats destin sunrise

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.
 
lifeguard stand destin dunes
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.boat pier and pelicans Destin jetty
 
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.
beached spotted eagle ray in Destin
 
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.
father son fish destin jettydancing crane on Destin white sand beach
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

Turtle Etiquette for Destin Beaches

turtle swimming

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!

turtle laying eggs in destinAs 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!turtles leave no trace

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

Super Bowl 53: Watch in Destin

super bowl 53 destin

Destin Super Bowl 53 Where to Watch

Wondering where to watch Super Bowl 53 in Destin? As much as I like football, I think we all know the Super Bowl is more about the company, food and drink, and commercials! There are lots of options and we’ve got you covered. Don’t wait until the last minute, Rams and Patriots fans make your plans now.

landshark super bowl

Reserve Ahead
If you’re looking to watch the big game at a fun brew pub Landshark’s Pizza is a great choice. They offer a couple of packages that guarantee you a seat at a table or the bar. Prices range from $60-85/person and include beer, wine, wings and pizza. Super Bowl watch party starts at 4:00.
Along with these specials, they still have their regular specials as well.
$8 Shock Top pitchers
$8 Domestic pitchers
$12 Domestic buckets
$6 Bloody Brian cocktails
$6.99 Brats and fries
See Brian to reserve your spot. Landshark’s Pizza is located at 300 Harbor Blvd Destin, Florida.https://landsharkspizza.com/

Another place you can reserve a table is Miller’s Alehouse. They offer 2 game day reservation packages:
*$35 4 person table with 20 wings, 2 orders of Zingers, and loaded fries.
*$70 6-8 person table includes 20 wings, 2 Mountain Melts, 2 Spinach dips and 2 Egg Rolls.
If you’re watching the game from home, order $50 of wings and get a $10 Bonus card for your next visit to Miller’s
34906 Emerald Coast Pkwy.
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 837-0694
https://millersalehouse.com/big-game/

No reservation needed

More Super Bowl game watch locations are found all along the Emerald Coast highway. From Fort Walton Beach to Destin, Miramar Beach and San Destin. O’Quigleys is sure to have the game on their huge TVs. Enjoy Legendary wings, burgers or pizza at Buffalo Jacks, where every table has a tv. Baytowne Marina in San Destin is showing the game on the big screen outside (with volume) as well as on several TVs inside. Enjoy the view and drink specials as well.

No matter where you choose to watch, just cheer on your team (Go Pats!), and have fun together!

Written by Stacy Loux of Sandnsol

https://sandnsol.com/

#superbowl53 #superbowlwatchparty #superbowldestin #destin # sandnsol #emeraldcoast #landsharkspizza #buffalojacks