Travel,Adventure, Beach Condominiums » Destinations

Seagrove Beach: a Secluded Florida Gem

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 15:18:42 +0000

As part of the 26-mile string of sugary sand splendor that makes up the stunning Beaches of South Walton, Seagrove Beach invites visitors to relax along the Gulf of Mexico and cast their worries out to sea. Always brimming with recreational activities and offering a vacation full of the simple pleasures, escaping the ordinary is just the tip of the iceberg in Seagrove Beach.

Located along the Florida Panhandle in a region aptly named the Emerald Coast, Seagrove Beach is the proud owner of soft, snow white sand and crystal clear emerald waters that seem to stretch on forever. While the brilliant contrast between sand and water is always breathtaking upon first glance, this beachfront paradise requires active pursuits of its visitors for a full appreciation of its natural beauty. Sunbathing, swimming, and sandcastle-building have been popular ventures since before the area was a popular tourist destination, but much more excitement is at your fingertips than you could possibly imagine.

As Seagrove Beach, along with the entire Beaches of South Walton area, has gradually changed from a quaint destination filled with vacation cottages into a slightly commercialized, but still charming, retreat, vendors have cropped up to take advantage of its gulf front allure. Boat rentals and jet ski rentals are readily available for a family adventure out on the water, while setting foot aboard a fishing charter is perfect for those who dream of reeling in a trophy catch. However, beyond the immediate beachfront, plenty of water-bound and landlocked excursions are still awaiting in this stunning natural wonderland.

Like an undisturbed jewel along the Florida Panhandle, Beaches of South Walton is teeming with lazy, spring-fed rivers and creeks that are ideal for kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts. In addition, the 17 freshwater and saltwater lakes in the area offer swimming, fishing, boating, and convenience to the area�s five state parks. For visitors staying in Seagrove Beach, the Deer Lake State Park is close at hand and offers access to the picturesque coastal dune lake of the same name.

Within the confines of the park, there are miles of nature trails where visitors can soak in the gorgeous features, including southern magnolias, scrub oaks, and golden asters, of this coastal dune habitat. Rare plants also thrive in this environment, so be sure to keep an eye out for the spoonflower, pitcher plants, and gulf coast lupine. While bird watching and wildlife viewing are popular in this and all of the other state parks, a walk through the Cassine Gardens in Seagrove Beach is also perfect for anyone who needs a break from the beach and wants to commune with nature.

Renting a bicycle for the duration of your vacation is one of the most popular ways to get around the Beaches of South Walton area, and you could certainly use it to get a little exercise before stopping by the Eastern Lake Nursery. Situated in an old cottage and garden, you can peruse the fragrant herbs and flowers from the Deep South and around the world. Before heading back to the beach, also be sure to stop by a few of the antiques dealers and art galleries in Seagrove Beach to pick up a charming piece for your home or to simply escape the sun.

Beaches of South Walton is an area whose outdoor wonders and spectacular natural beauty was meant to be explored and appreciated by all of its visitors. Rather than isolating yourself from its majestic nature, surround yourself with its waterfront splendor and its sandy shores by selecting a Seagrove Beach rental as your vacation home base. Seagrove Beach vacation rentals are located just steps away from the crystalline waters of the Gulf and are perfect for soaking in this gorgeous environment on your private balcony or patio. To experience the best of the Emerald Coast with all of the comforts of home at your fingertips, book your dream vacation home or condo rental today.

Did You Know Manhattan Beach Is In California? Find A Vacation Home There!

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 15:39:53 +0000

From quaint cottages to luxury beach-front homes, Manhattan Beach rentals are just waiting to turn California dreaming into California reality. Located just minutes from Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach rentals are ideal for those who want to enjoy a slower pace without missing out on all the action of the big city.

Finding the right Manhattan rental to suit your personal needs will require some advanced planning. But don’t fret, with the number of choices, there’s no reason not to locate the ideal Manhattan Beach rental.

Before seeking out a Manhattan Beach rental, it’s a good idea to narrow down what exactly is desired in a vacation place. Since the options here include freestanding homes, hotel rooms, cottages and beyond, personal choices can almost always be met. Here are some questions to ask yourself to help narrow down your search for a perfect rental:

* Is location important to you? Are you insistent upon being right on Manhattan Beach or will a few blocks away do? How about being near a park? The pier?

* Price, does it matter? If it does, set a limit to help narrow your search for a perfect rental. Make no mistake, the prices for Manhattan Beach rentals can be high, but there are some very reasonable accommodations to be had, as well.

* Does size create a concern? Are you willing to keep four family members in a two-bedroom rental or do you want a sprawling home with four bedrooms and multiple bathrooms?

* Kitchen and/or kitchen privileges. Do you want these or do you intend to each out three meals a day during your stay?

* Special features. Are things such as a Jacuzzi, DVD player, big-screen TV and so on important to you? If they are, list them out. A lot of Manhattan Beach rentals offer all the conveniences of home, but it’s important for you to list out what you want in a rental to make the search more targeted.

* Freestanding or not? Is your heart set on staying in a Manhattan Beach rental home or are you okay with a duplex, hotel or even a timeshare where others might be staying next door or above or below your rental space?

Once you’ve figured out what out of a Manhattan Beach rental, it’s time to start looking. Some of the best places to turn for great Manhattan Beach rentals include the Internet, area Realtors and even your own personal real estate agent in your area. Check out rentals before signing a contract and do be certain to look at pictures and ask pointed questions.

Remember, Manhattan Beach rentals might not be the cheapest accommodations going, but they do offer some serious perks. Considering the beaches, the proximity to big city action and the fact these rentals are generally full homes, they provide guests with ideal home bases for great getaway vacations. Perfect for families or even couples on romantic vacations, Manhattan Beach rentals give a different view of the Los Angeles area.

Encinitas Beaches

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 16:01:43 +0000

Encinitas California is Blessed With 6 Miles of Gorgeous Beaches � Eleven of Them! Whether It�s Surfing, Swimming, Scuba Diving, Boogie-boarding, Sunning, Reading a Book, Jogging, Volley-balling or Just Basking in the Serenity of a Secluded Beach, Encinitas Has it All.

Fitness enthusiasts will get a great workout at Stone Steps Beach. I� ran these stairs 6 times each morning for several years and was in the best shape of his life.� These killer stairs lead down from the bluffs to the ocean offer awesome views to enjoy while you huff and puff.� At high tide the ocean beats at the bottom of the stairs, at low tide, the beach is wide and sandy.

Swami’s Surf Beach, forever immortalized in the Beach Boy’s Surfin’ USA, is just 6 blocks south of Moonlight Beach on historic Highway 101 and still draws the finest surfers in the world on a daily basis.�� Great scuba diving is just offshore from Swami�s at the Encinitas Marine Life Refuge, our� underwater park.

Moonlight Beach is a 4 minute walk from the Inn at Moonlight Beach. Stone Steps Beach, Beacon’s and Grandview beaches are north of Moonlight, all within walking distance or a brief drive up Neptune Avenue.

You can learn to surf by taking a class at Beacon’s Beach from world-famous Kahuna Bob, an icon in Encinitas.

Moonlight Beach is often called “the beach with everything” because it has lifeguard towers, a kids playground, big parking lots, play areas, fire-rings, showers, restrooms, beach rentals and a snack bar… and, of course… a wide sandy beach!

Sunset is a special time at Moonlight, Stone Steps and Beacon’s Beaches.� Locals (surfers, beach-goers, children, bicycle-riders, young lovers, business men and women) all gather at the beaches for every sunset.� It’s a lovely ritual at a special time of day.

Dolphins and whales are regularly seen, especially from the “high-bluff” beach entrances at Swami’s, Stone Steps and Beacon’s.�� If you’re lucky, you’ll see the famous “green flash” as the sun takes its final dip into the vast Pacific Ocean.

After sunset, take a romantic moonlit walk on the beach or simply relax on the front porch of the Inn At Moonlight Beach and sip a glass of wine, enjoying the evening twilight over the ocean.

For a great place to stay in Encintas, check this link: Encintas Bed and Breakfast. We prefer� the delightful Bed and Breakfast Inn overlooking the Pacific Ocean� http://www.innatmoonlightbeach.com/