Author Archives: Wren Tidwell

5 Amazing Decor Ideas for a Perfect Beach House

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(via: https://pixabay.com/photos/dining-room-living-room-modern-3108037/)

There is nothing quite like relaxing on the beach on a nice, calm and sunny day. It is a great time, and a majority of American families have gone on beach vacations at one point or another. But the only thing better than visiting the beach for a vacation is buying a beach house. This will allow you to visit the beach any time you want, simply by taking a little walk outside your door.

If you are going to own a beach house, you also want to ensure it is decorated well and fits the beachy vibe. Unfortunately, finding the right items or art isn’t always easy. In an effort to help, this article is going to go over five amazing decor ideas for a perfect beach house.

Get Some Customized Art Commissioned

Art plays an important role in any home, and a beach house is no different. Art can help you show off your unique tastes, and allow you to creatively design your home. Art can easily be changed out and swapped as your tastes change over time.

While you could simply go out and buy some beach-themed art, why not get something completely one of a kind? You could do this yourself if you are artistically inclined, but if not, don’t worry. There are companies who can create completely unique oil paintings from photos, to provide you with a wonderful piece of art to show off in your beach home. This could be a photo of your family, your dog, or anything else you’d like turned into a piece of art.

Bring the Beach Inside

While you might only be steps away from the water, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring the beach inside your home as well. Decorating the home with beach-themed items can be a great way to bring the space together. You could use sea shells in a glass bowl, a wall collage, pillows with a beachy design, and so many others.

Of course, there is a thin line here. If you overdo it with too many nautical or beach-themed items, it can be a little overwhelming. Simply start small, and over time you can add to your collection of beachy decor if you feel the space would benefit from it.

Use Wicker Furniture and Accents

(via: https://pixabay.com/photos/wicker-baskets-wicker-chair-2817/)

Few materials scream beach as much as wicker. These can give any space the texture it needs, while looking incredible at the same time. Wicker chairs, bed frames, stools and more can be easily purchased and added to any beach house to add a coastal vibe to any space.

There are also several different styles of wicker furniture. You can have some that are fully made of wicker, while others combine wicker with other materials and fabrics. While wicker isn’t always the coziest of materials, a cushion or pillow can easily be added to wicker chairs or stools in order to make them more comfortable. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also paint the wicker your favorite color and help it match the space better.

Muted Tones With Splashes of Bright Color

While there are a lot of directions you could go with for the color of the walls, furniture, floors and decor, going with relatively muted and neutral tones is a good idea. White, light blue, navy, beige, and gray will generally look incredible in beach houses.

Having soft sandy tones like white, gray or light brown can make the transition from your home to beach outdoors essentially seamless. However, don’t forget to add some splashes of color here and there in the form of art, pillows, rugs, or plants

This all leads to a good mix of neutral or muted tones, with a bit of color where it makes sense. If the home is too colorful, especially if the colors clash (with each other or with your decor), it can look a little tacky at times.

Use Area Rugs Instead of Carpet

In many homes across the world, carpet is used in everything from kitchens to living rooms. It is soft, comfortable and can help retain warm air longer. Unfortunately, carpet is rarely the right choice in a beach house. There is normally quite a bit of humidity, which can leave carpets quite musty and make them difficult to keep dry. Also, good luck getting all the sand out of the carpet that finds its way inside.

As a result, your beach house should stick to hardwood or laminate flooring. However, that doesn’t mean you are doomed to have plain hardwood floors all over the home. Instead of adding full carpets, strategically use rugs instead.

Area rugs can look incredible in front of your couch in the living room, by your entryway, in front of the deck or patio, and several other places. This can give you the same look and feel as carpet, without committing to a certain design, color, style and location forever.

In conclusion, we hope this article has been able to help you learn some amazing decor ideas that are perfect for your beach house. CLICK HERE to find your dream beach house!

This blog post was provided by Rebecca Alston

Fun Things to Do on Vacation While at New York

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New York City is the world’s leading metropolis that finds its way to every traveler’s bucket list. You finally booked a trip, and now it’s time to develop a vacation plan while you eagerly await for your holiday to begin.

However, there are so many things to see and do in NYC that it might seem almost impossible to incorporate everything. So, let’s explore the best spots for different traveler types to help you optimize your itinerary.

ny city

For Couples

NYC is as versatile as it gets, offering something for every couple. You could put together a long list of date ideas, and it would tick all the boxes. Here are some top localities for romance in the Big Apple.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden
This serene oasis reaches the fairytale peak during the spring period when it sees over 70 cherry trees blossoming. It’s gorgeous any time of the year, though. The Rose Garden is a couple’s must-visit.

Ditmas Park
The Victorian-era houses in this peaceful neighborhood are downright breath-taking. Ditmas Park is the ideal place for a comfortable stroll after a noisy city life tour.

The Empire State Building
It might seem like a cliche, but this monument is so famous for a good reason. You’ll see once you’re standing there hand-in-hand, enjoying a view that’s oh-so-Sleepless-in-Seattle.

new york city vacation

The Bow Bridge
Central Park’s Bow Bridge is an ideal backdrop for the sweetest romantic moments.

The Lincoln Center
After a world-class play, ballet, or opera, sit beside the Revson Fountain and enjoy the water shows while discussing your impressions.

For Friends
If you’re visiting with friends, you’re likely to spend the day coming up with new ideas for selfie poses on Times Square and touring the quintessential museums during the day. The nighttime offers a bustling atmosphere that paints NYC in a whole new light.

The Speakeasy Walking Tour
The Prohibition gave birth to numerous concealed bars and breweries. While drinking alcohol is legal for adults today, there’s a certain thrill to sneaking through a hidden entrance to access the speakeasies scattered across the city.

A Nightclub Tour
If you find it hard to decide which bar to hit first, why would you force yourself to make the call anyway?

The five-hour tours take you bar hopping, VIP-style, with complimentary drinks and tables reserved in advance.

new york city vacation

The Brooklyn Bowl
Alcohol, bowling, and music are the name of the game at the Brooklyn Bowl. The professional DJs who work there on weekends are brilliant, creating an authentic NYC experience.

For Families
Despite its reputation as ‘the city that never sleeps,’ New York has a lot to offer to families, too. So, if you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss these entertaining, educational locations.

Bus Tours
First-time visitors often find organized bus tours a great way to see multiple attractions in one sitting. The bus stops by every landmark, giving you the flexibility to hop off and explore when something seems appealing.

Ellis Island
Take a ferry ride to the Liberty Isle and climb up the crown if you’re feeling fancy. Afterward, pay a visit to the Ellis Immigration Museum for an engaging history lesson.

The Natural History Museum
Your kids will love the dinosaur fossils, animal dioramas, and gemstones while learning a bit about all the wonders of the natural world.

new york city vacation

Madame Tussauds
The iconic wax sculptures are another must-see. The stunning replicas from pop culture and history are fantastic year-round, but it gets even better if you happen to come around the time of a special exhibit.

The Central Park
You can’t visit New York without spending some time exploring the lush greenery located in the center.

The Bottom Line
Finally, remember that you won’t get to see everything during your vacation. Unless you have an unlimited budget and several free weeks, you’ll miss out on some locations due to the sheer size of New York City.

That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself to the maximum, though. Think about all the things you’d like to do and plan your trip around those locations and activities. Use these ideas as inspiration and make each day count. Check out these vacation rental properties in New York.

This article was provided by Rebecca Alston.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Calculating Net Proceeds from a Home Sale

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In selling your home, one of the things you need to do is to calculate your net proceeds. Net proceeds are the money you will earn from selling the house. Doing this will give you additional insight into your home as well as other related transactions.

When computing for your net proceeds, there are things you need to do, as well as those you need to avoid.

Here are the dos when calculating your need proceeds from selling your home.

Do: Estimate a feasible selling price.
You need to make sure that your net proceeds estimate how much your house is worth. Look at how much the house is sold for. Does the price live up to its quality?

If you are unsure about your price or have not decided on a price yet, then the best thing you could do is compare. Go around your neighborhood with a house being sold or newly purchased with the same quality as yours. As much as possible, it has to be in your neighborhood because the prices of homes will differ significantly the farther you search.

What should be your criteria? A few things you need to compare to estimate a fair price for your house are: the number of bedrooms and bathrooms (where you need an exact match), the size (square foot of inside and outside, as well as floor levels), the year when it was built (stay within a five-year range), its current condition, mainly the general state of the place as well as its functionalities, and updates, or modifications done.

In the case that you couldn’t find a home that is precisely comparable to yours, you may look for at least the closest one and make adjustments to the price. For example, if a house has had updates to a kitchen similar to yours, you may subtract the upgrade cost from the house’s total price.

Do: Consider the Costs of Potential Transactions
If it is your first time selling your house, and have no related experience whatsoever, then you may be inclined to seek help from a real estate agent. A real estate agent acts as your representative as you sell the house, and for your house to sell well, you would want it presented well.

Agents are reliable, have attention to detail, and are great negotiators. They can help you sell the house in a shorter period than you probably would if you’re inexperienced. However, that would mean that you will have to pay for them. Real estate agents will typically charge five or six percent off the total price of the house.

Both buyers and sellers can hire an agent to buy or sell a house. There are times where the seller has to pay for the commission of the buyer’s realtor. With this, you need to deduct their fee from your total net proceeds. If you choose not to hire a real estate agent, you have to be very hands on. There are tips you need to do in selling a house without one.

Do: Include Computing Holding Costs
When people purchase a house, the spending does not end the moment they make that purchase. Once the house is acquired, the buyer will be in charge of paying additional living costs, such as electricity and water. But while it is not yet sold, who will be in charge? The answer is the seller.

The longer your house is waiting for a buyer, the more your holding costs will be. Holding costs are the costs of the house you need to pay while you are selling it. That means you are still responsible for the mortgage and other utilities that need paying. Holding costs will range from more than 500 dollars to more than a thousand dollars, depending on how long the house took until it was bought.

If you wish to lessen the money you need to pay for your holding costs, a buyer must be found to buy the house.

As there are things you have to take note of while calculating your assumed net proceeds, there are also things you should not do.

Don’t: Set an unrealistic price.
Before computing your net proceeds, you must make sure that your numbers are accurate. Make sure to put the exact number of your home’s price and the additional costs, such as transactions with realtors and holding costs. However, only do this if you have a fixed price for the house.

If you do not have a price for your house to sell, you have to research how you can put up a price in the most realistic way possible. You may also consult a financial adviser for that matter.

Don’t: Overlook Additional Minor Fees.
Depending on the state you live in, there could be additional fees that either the buyer and seller of the house will pay for.

Examples of these additional fees are escrow fees, where you pay a third party to temporarily hold essential assets. Simultaneously, the transaction is ongoing, a warranty plan, where the seller may or may not be required to pay a year’s worth to the buyer, and a transfer fee, which is a portion of the sales price that the seller typically pays.

A home warranty provides coverage for major home systems and appliances and prevents you from paying expensive repair and replacement costs. If you’re unsure which home warranty is best for you, read this comprehensive guide detailing the top home warranty picks for 2021 and tips for buying the best home warranty.

Takeaway
Calculating your total net proceeds is a way for you to see how much money you have gained and lost while selling your house. Always check the costs that have to be looked after before and during transactions. You may calculate your proceeds through a useful resource such as a net proceeds calculator you can find online.

by Karla Lopez

7 Things Guests Want in a Beach House

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When it comes to a beach house, guests aren’t just looking for a place to stay. They are looking for a vacation experience. People choose a beach house because they want something more personal than a hotel or resort. They want a place that will provide them with everything they need to comfortably enjoy their vacation. Here are 7 things guests are looking for in a beach house.

California Beach Houses For Rent

1. Beach Access

This one seems rather obvious, but the most important thing guests look for in a beach house is access to the beach. This doesn’t mean your property needs to have the ocean right on its doorstep. But your guests will want to know where the beach is. Emphasize the distance to the beach in your listing, and be sure to provide clear directions or a map if needed.

2. Entertainment & Wi-Fi

People want to relax and have a good time when they are on vacation, so it is important to offer plenty of ways to keep them entertained. Make sure your beach house has a TV and a decent selection of DVDs, books, and games. You could provide things like bicycles, a guitar or piano, art supplies and sporting equipment. These are great family-friendly activities that guests can enjoy together. Even on vacation people want to stay connected, so WiFi is essential. In fact most guests consider WiFi to be a necessity, so make sure to provide a reliable internet connection too.

3. Outdoor Space

Most people on a beach vacation want to spend as much time outside as possible. This is why many guests will be looking for a beach house with a nice outdoor area. This includes an outdoor dining space as well as somewhere to relax. Something like a sun hammock or an outdoor sofa can provide a great place for guests to kick back and read or sunbathe.

4. Welcome Basket

A complimentary welcome basket is a good way to make a strong first impression and get your guests’ vacation off to a great start. You’ll want to include a mixture of practical items as well as a few treats for your guests. Practical items can include toiletries such as soap and shampoo, and things for the beach like towels and sunscreen. For treats you can’t really go wrong with something like chocolate, cookies or fresh fruits.

5. Kitchen

Unlike a hotel or resort, guests staying in a beach house are usually responsible for their own food. This is why guests will be looking for a decent kitchen setup. Invest in high quality cooking equipment and provide things like cutlery, bowls and plates. Many guests will also look for luxuries such as a coffee machine and complimentary condiments.

Malibu Beach House KitchenPhoto credit: Unsplash

6. Bathroom

When it comes to the bathroom, many guests are looking for a spa-like experience. Giving the bathroom a makeover and providing good quality toiletries can go a long way to creating a luxurious experience. Even better if you can provide locally-made artisanal products like soaps, shampoos and candles.

7. Local Experience

Location is a huge factor for guests choosing a beach house. Many people will be looking for a full experience that allows them to explore and enjoy the local attractions. It’s a good idea to provide information on sightseeing locations, activities, good restaurants and cafes. Provide brochures and maps for things that the area is known for. For example, in Marathon, Florida your guests will probably want to see the marine life or do activities like jet-skiing or kayaking. For beach house rentals in Malibu, California, guests will want information about Malibu Pier and the best restaurants and surfing spots.

Malibu Beach House Vacation Rental Luxury

People choose a beach house because they want more than just accommodation. They want the whole vacation package. They want a place with the comforts of home but the luxuries of being on holiday. Going the extra mile for your guests will ensure they have an unforgettable experience.

Author’s bio:
Maia Fletcher is a freelance writer from the sunny city of Gisborne, New Zealand. When she wants a few hours of tranquillity, Maia loves going to the beach – where she sits under the clear blue sky and listens to the soothing sounds of waves crashing the shore. See more of her published works here.

5 Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Savannah

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By Emilio Rodriguez

Savannah sunset

After a long day on the beach or checking out the many historical spots in the area, why not end the day watching the sunset over drinks and some amazing food? As the city with the best scenery in Georgia, you’ll want to enjoy all the area has to offer at these five best places to watch the sunset in Savannah:

1. Savannah Riverfront

Plenty of rooftop bars offer a prime spot for catching the most beautiful sunsets in the city. Enjoy specially craft cocktails along with appetizers as you watch the sun fall over the horizon. The colors play off of the reflection of the Savannah River making this a popular spot. The view of the Talmadge Memorial Bridge makes it a photo-worthy experience. This is also the best place to spot a rainbow after a brief shower. Book a Savannah GA Beach House here!

2. South Beach on Tybee Island

Savannah Riverfront

The sun may set in the West but that doesn’t mean you can’t watch a gorgeous sunset from the beach near Savannah. Take a 20-minute drive to Tybee Island to enjoy the sunset that sparkles over the water and sandy beach. Take a stroll down the beach in the waning sunlight for a romantic, and free, date night. Buying or renting a beach house on Tybee Island allows you to watch this amazing scene from the comfort of your patio.

3. Route 17 Marshes

If you drive down Route 17 south of Savannah at sunset you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the beauty on display. You’ll find beautiful colors in the background of many small area marshes that provide a beautiful reflection of color and majesty. Tall trees will scrape the sky and provide the perfect atmosphere for a peaceful view of all that Savannah nature has to offer.

4. Savannah Riverboat Cruise

Savannah Riverfront

Instead of being on the edge of the river why not be on the river to watch the sun go down? Enjoy the different Savannah Riverboat Cruises that offer a special sunset cruise every night. Guests will enjoy two hours on the river on one of the boat decks and get a prime spot to view the end of day. Music is included and drinks and food options are available for onboard as well.

5. Coco’s Sunset Grille

Savannah Riverfront

If you’re looking for a spot that provides a more laid back atmosphere for sunset viewing, look no further than Coco’s Sunset Grille located south of Tybee Island. This restaurant sits on the shores of Lazaretto Creek in the marina. They offer amazing views of the river as well as a few boats with a backdrop of beautiful sunsets every night.

Catching the sunset in the Savannah area is the perfect way to end the day and get ready for an exciting evening exploring more of the city.

If you love the Georgia coast, you might check out the beach houses for sale in Georgia here!

Emilio Rodriguez began photographing his native Southwest with his parents’ Polaroid OneStep in the 1980s. He’s gone digital and roams far and wide now, but still stops for every good sunset. He and his wife bought an RV in 2003, and have been circling the country ever since.

5 Reasons Why You Need A Beach Vacation In Destin, Florida

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According to Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection, 80% of visitors to Florida’s Emerald Coast choose Destin as their destination. There are many reasons why people seeking a beach vacation choose Destin in preference to other sea cities. Here are just 5 of them.


Image by Terri Cnuddde from Pixabay

 #1. The white beaches and emerald sea 

The white sand found on Destin’s beaches originates from the Appalachian Mountains and is composed of fine granules of quartz that resemble sugar. Quartz-rich mountain rocks are eroded by the action of wind and rain, and tiny quartz crystals are carried into the Gulf of Mexico by the Apalachicola River before being washed ashore in Destin. The resulting pristine beaches are considered among the most beautiful in the world.

But not only the sand here is stunning. The Emerald Coast is called this because the crystal-clear seawater is so green. A combination of bright sunlight, white sand below, and harmless algae living in the water give the sea around Destin its spectacular and unique color.

Sometimes a beach vacation is all about the beach. You and your family don’t want to rush off to do a bunch of activities. You just want to be together and chill. The gorgeous white beaches and emerald waters of Destin provide the perfect place to focus on your family and deepen your family bonds.

If you stay in a beach house in Destin, you can step straight out onto the beach with no worry or stress. And if you rent a Destin condo or beach house, you can also prepare a picnic each day or just pop “home” for food and drinks any time you want. So, gather your family, pack a picnic, take along your travel cooler, and get down to the beach for some quality family time.


Image by Terri Cnuddde from Pixabay

 #2. Enjoy splashing around in the water

But if your family are the kind that loves activities and adventure, Destin still has plenty to offer. Check out Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park. This is a great place to take your kids to cool off on hot summer days.

This is the biggest water park on Florida’s Emerald Coast and boasts over 40 different speed slides, tube rides, pools, and water play areas. You can relax in the slow-moving Lazy River or fight the currents in safety inside the giant wave pool.

There are many water rides and slide for thrill-seekers, such as the Kowabunga Racer. Riders lay face-down on a mat and plunge 5 stories down a racecourse the length of a football field. There are twisting tubes along the way and a breath-taking final drop. And there are also calmer rides for the youngest in your family, such as the Blue Mamba, Hydro Max, Piranha, and Tahiti Twister kiddie slides.


Image by Terri Cnuddde from Pixabay

#3. Educate while you entertain

Sometimes you want to educate your children while entertaining them. Sometimes you feel the need to educate yourself. Get your whole family down to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park on Okaloosa Island just outside Destin. It’s a great place to learn all about alligators, birds, dolphins, sharks, stingrays, tortoises, and other creatures that live along Florida’s coastline.

Your kids will love the touch tank, where they’ll be permitted to pet crabs and hold starfish. For a small fee, there are options to swim alongside the dolphins and stingrays or just watch a fun dolphin show.

For younger kids, there’s a sandbox area and an obstacle course. And if your family is hungry, there’s a snack stand with ocean views. This is a wonderful place to come if you want to inspire your children to contribute toward preserving our wildlife and environment.


Image by Terri Cnuddde from Pixabay

#4. Enjoy a round of golf

Destin is a fantastic place to enjoy a round of golf or introduce your children to this popular game. Check out the Sandestin Golf & Resort. This is a family-friendly golf facility dedicated to providing fun and education to golf enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.

The 9-hole, executive golf course is a great location for honing your short game skills or coaching a beginner. At par-29, you’ll find challenges along the way. Bring your own golf clubs from home in their travel case or hire everything you need here. And if you are serious about improving your game while on vacation, there are PGA instructors available.

If you’re a serious player, there are several private golf clubs in Destin, such as Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club, Kelly Plantation Golf Club, Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club, and Emerald Bay Golf Club. Also, nearby Sandestin offers another 4 private golf courses: Baytown Golf Club, Burnt Pine Golf Club, the Raven Golf Club, and the Links Golf Club. Golf is a popular game on the Emerald Coast!


Image by Terri Cnuddde from Pixabay

#5. Charter a boat

Destin is also a popular destination for anglers. Visitors often charter fishing boats from the harbor to enjoy saltwater fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. For example, Fish In Daze offers family-friendly charters, from short 2-hour bay trips aimed especially at kids to deep-sea shark fishing adventures in a customized offshore fishing boat.

Every October sees the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo, which has been held there since 1948. And in the same month is the Destin Seafood Festival. If you love angling, or simply like to eat fresh fish, Destin is the best destination for you.

There’s so much more…

Destin is also a fantastic destination for birdwatching, swimming, snorkeling, and as a base for exploring the Emerald Coast. If your family is wondering where to go for a beach vacation, you couldn’t choose anywhere better. Book your own Destin condo or beach house today!

Contributing writer: John Paul

Getting Back to Nature in Myrtle Beach

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Getting Back to Nature in Myrtle Beach
By Juanita Hawkins

Myrtle Beach is famous for its bright lights and teeming tourist offerings. We’re talking about extraordinary golf courses, boardwalk, amusement parks, live music, and restaurants. But it’s also a place any nature lover would feel at home. The beautiful sunrises and sunsets are reason enough to get out to the beach. But wander away from the beach just a little, and you’ll find yourself in the middle of some magnificent natural areas. Get back to nature on your next visit to Myrtle Beach by visiting some of these off-the-beaten-path areas. Find great places to stay on BeachHouse.com, Myrtle Beach Vacation Rentals.

Brookgreen Gardens


Located in Murrells Inlet, across Highway 17 from Huntington Beach State Park, is one of the top 10 gardens in the country. Brookgreen Gardens is a historic site offering more than 9,127 sprawling acres of cultivated and natural landscape. You can walk beneath majestic oak trees dating back to the 1700s, explore a butterfly garden, and wander through a breathtaking array of sculptures and plants.

Explore Lowcountry history by taking a boat or vehicle tour deep into the preserve. The Lowcountry Zoo presents a large number of native animals in woods, swamp, and aquatic conditions that are close to their natural habitats.

Heritage Shores Nature Preserve

For a deep dive into nature, Heritage Shores Nature Preserve offers a nature experience right in Myrtle Beach. You’ll find seven acres of walking paths, an interpretive trail, boardwalks, and observation docks to see wildlife and native plants. The park is uniquely situated on an island that extends into Cherry Grove Marsh.

Huntington Beach State Park

To the ocean side of Highway 17, less than 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach, tucked into Murrells Inlet lies some 2,500 acres of pristine state parkland. Huntington Beach State Park boasts ample camping and picnic facilities and features educational programs year-round. Dogs are welcome, as long as they’re on a leash at all times.

Fishing aficionados flock to the park for the best surf fishing in the state. The fish also attract birds and bird-watchers eager to see the more than 300 species of birds in the park. Three miles of immaculate coastline provide opportunities to spot loggerhead turtles. The Kerrigan Nature Train gives you a glimpse of alligators in lagoons.

Myrtle Beach State Park


Located just south of Market Common, Myrtle Beach State Park is as far from the hustle and bustle of the main drag as you can imagine. On a mile-long stretch of Grand Strand beach, you’ll find a tranquil getaway far removed from the hotel-front beaches a few miles away. Ample hiking trails allow you to experience natural South Carolina habitat with the luxury of restrooms and beaches a short distance away.

Anglers can make use of a fishing pier that provides a perfect setting for Atlantic fishing. And visitors of all ages will delight in exploring the park nature center with interactive natural history displays, live reptiles, and saltwater aquariums. Park staffers offer nature education programs about the native habitat.

So, forget about all you’ve heard about the lively, loud, touristy side of Myrtle Beach. Next time you venture down to this neck of the woods, take a walk on the wild side and see what you can find. Book a Beach House for your family and friends at BeachHouse.com, Myrtle Beach Vacation Rentals.

Contributing writer: Juanita Hawkins is a writer and travel expert. She has a passion for trying new restaurants and new foods around the country. To work off the calories, she finds a hiking or jogging trail in every city she visits.

5 Best Beachside Towns/Cities In South Carolina


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South Carolina has a coastline that is legendary for its quaint, historic cottages, sprawling resorts, and deep Southern charm. There are many beautiful beachside towns and cities in South Carolina, but these five are the most memorable for your next vacation.

1. Kiawah Island

A mere 25 miles southeast of Charleston, Kiawah is a small, barrier island known best as a holiday and vacation destination. Featuring seven top-ranked golf courses planted with beautiful native flora, this is truly a golfer’s paradise. Thirty miles of paved trails and ten miles of beach mean that cyclist, walkers and joggers can indulge for hours on end. Rental kayaks, canoes, and chartered deep-sea opportunities abound on the island, so fishermen and bird-watchers alike can find their happy place here. Kiawah is also home to pristine beaches ranked as the best in the country for those seeking seaside peace and quiet.

2. Folly Beach
Colloquially called the “Edge of America,” Folly Beach offers the down-home feeling of a small-town surf spot less than twenty minutes from Charleston. Home to a fishing pier stretching over one thousand feet into the Atlantic, this is a lovely place to trot out your tackle and rod and spend a day casting a line out into the waves. Locals surf the waves here, and there are surfing lessons available for the adventurous. It is also home to Porgy House, where composer George Gershwin wrote most of Porgy and Bess.

3. Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach

 

Boasting the largest resort on the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is the most happening place in town on the South Carolina coast, hands-down. Summertime is primetime on the beaches along the Strand, teeming with amusement and water parks against a backdrop of live entertainment and restaurants galore. Away from the entertainment complexes and action, Myrtle Beach is a lovely, white-sands beach offering great natural resources for fishing, swimming, sailing, and surfing. Rent a Myrtle Beach beachhouse. 

4. Edisto Beach

Edisto Beach

 

Tucked away in Edisto State Park, this park offers the longest system of ADA accessible hiking and biking trails. A beachcomber’s delight, this beach is best known as a treasure trove for fossil and shell collectors. Sailors and fisherfolk are sure to find abundant opportunities here. Pro-tip, with a mile and a half of sugar-white coastline fringed with palmetto trees, this is one of the most Instagram-friendly beaches for capturing fairytale sunrises.

Book a beach house on Edisto Beach.

5. Isle of Palms

The Isle of Palms is nestled away from the hustle and bustle of Charleston and the many tourist-beaches. Here you will find a sleepy escape for nature-lovers craving serenity. For public access to swimming and sunbathing, Front Beach is a perfect retreat where sea turtles nest seasonally and lay their eggs in the dunes. A private-beach can be accessed via the Wild Dunes resort on the the northern tip of the island for a more secluded experience. Here you will find family-friendly accommodations with spotless beaches, outdoor activities and facilities for golf and tennis aficionados.

There are countless beaches on the South Carolina coast, but these should give you a clear idea of where to go whether you seek a good party or just some sweet solitude.

James Witts is an eco-conscious home improvement writer. He is constantly trying to find new ways to live off the grid while living in a tiny home with his wife, Andie.

 

Best Beachside Cities in Florida

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By: Ben Holdt

Spending a few days at the beach is a great way to get away from the daily stresses of life and relax. With over 8,000 miles of coastline, Florida is second to just Alaska for the amount of land they have touching, sparkling ocean waters. However, the Sunshine State has the upper hand on being near the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. While there may be a lot of towns and cities dotting the Florida coast, there are only a few that indeed offer the best quality of life. Check out the best beachside cities in Florida for your next beach getaway.

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach Rentals

Panama City Beach Skyline

With 27 miles of white sandy beaches, Panama City Beach is widely known for its ability to ease away any stress that you brought with you on your vacation. This famous town offers waterfront restaurants as well as plenty of scuba activities thanks to its nearby artificial reefs. Families will enjoy the many water parks in town as well as two state parks that offer an up close and personal look at nature. There are plenty of nearby amusements to fill a vacation at the beach when the sand castle building is all done.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach House Rentals

Cocoa Beach House Rentals

This popular surfing destination is just south of Cape Canaveral along the Atlantic Ocean. Cocoa Beach is known for the waves that descend upon its shores at the end of the hurricane season that offers a great opportunity for avid surfers. Check out local events to book a vacation with plenty of action out on the water as you soak up the sun from the beach. You’ll also find many things to explore in the area including tours of the Kennedy Space Center, the Dinosaur Store, and many fishing charters.

Destin

Destin Florida Vacation Rental homes

Destin Sandy Beaches

Located in Northwest Florida, Destin features plenty of sugar white beaches and sunshine. As a popular destination point for many Midwesterners, the area is well known for its wide range of fishing activities as well as shopping opportunities. You’ll find excellent fishing charters as well as plenty of events year-round to make your vacation unique. Local restaurants feature fresh seafood from the gulf, and you’ll also find plenty of golf courses in the area as well.

Palm Beach

This widely known beach is as far East as you can get on the Florida coastline. Palm Beach features beautiful palm trees along white sandy beaches and plenty of luxury. The beach sits on a 16-mile-long island that is just 0.5 miles wide with plenty of beach area all around. Many wealthy families choose this area for winter homes which have created a luxury experience in town. You’ll find the most excellent restaurants and upscale shops when you’re not enjoying the beautiful beach.

Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach House Rentals on the beach

Fort Walton Beach

The beautiful emerald waters along Fort Walton Beach are enough to attract plenty of visitors each year. Located between Pensacola and Panama City, the beach is in an excellent location for visitors to get to from other parts of the country. Fort Walton Beach has powdery white beaches and offers plenty for the family to do once a day at the beach is done. You’ll find golf courses, aquariums, and many other attractions that help make this destination a vacation to remember.

There are plenty of places to choose from when looking for a great vacation on the beach in Florida. White sandy beaches mixed with enough great food and nightlife to keep you busy after a long day on the beach is standard for many of these hot spots. Consider any one of the best beachside cities in Florida for your next vacation to the Sunshine State.

Ben Holt is a fresh air enthusiast and loves writing about it. Ben is always looking to make the most of a summer day, whether he is relaxing in his garden, hiking on an off-beaten trail or entertaining friends on his newly renovated patio.