Posted on 3/22/2019
Many of our esteemed and welcomed guests from Atlanta who visit our distinctive Ocean Reef Vacation Rentals along the gorgeous gulf know something you may not know. The most beautiful beaches in America are a fairly short drive away from the metro Atlanta area. The average trip only takes about 5.5 hours. If you are arriving from the east coast, you'll be surprised to know that we give you a special time-saving gift. Since we are located in the Central Time Zone, you receive an extra hour of fun time here, so it only takes "4.5 hours" to get here! Unfortunately, the Eastern Time Zone does not have our same generous "policy" so they take this hour away when you head back home, but the flat rate is still a total only 5.5 hours.
Three of the best Florida beaches near Atlanta are located in Miramar Beach, (aka Destin!), Grayton Beach and Seacrest Beach. As many know, this precious sugary shoreline has been named The Emerald Coast and for a good reason. The pure powdery white quartz crystal sand illuminates microscopic natural green plankton in the pristine clean waters of the gulf here. The effect is dazzling since the luminescent water takes on a glittering jewel-like tone that resembles emeralds and literally glows. The shimmering bright white crystalline beaches that parallel the Gulf provide a stunning contrast. Another unexpected perk is that due to its natural reflective quality, the sand is cool to the touch. You can ditch the flip flops as soon as you arrive at the beach and many do so they may feel the fine cool sand that actually squeaks beneath your feet. Be forewarned however that sunglasses are a not just a fashion statement here - but an absolute necessity due to the abundant brilliance of the light.
Here is a brief look at each piece of tropical paradise, each situated conveniently close to Atlanta.
Miramar Beach
Miramar Beach is home to the exclusively gated world-class Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. We represent many excellent vacation rentals here, which include privately owned luxury beachfront condominiums and single-family homes. The lushly landscaped grounds span across 2,400 acres from the glittering southern gulf all the way over to the vast expanse of Choctawhatchee Bay. The mainland is about five miles across towards the north, so this wonderful world resembles an offshore tropical island. The resort grounds are dotted with natural lagoons, forests, gardens, and four award-winning championship golf courses. A charming Disneyesque version of the New Orleans French Quarter called Baytowne Wharf is on Sandestin and includes lots of restaurants, rollicking bars, specialty shops, concerts, festivals, and seasonal fireworks. The upscale Sandestin Town Center of Grand Boulevard also features excellent restaurants, bars, galleries, clothiers and boutiques. Scenic Gulf Drive runs along the sugary Miramar Beach coast towards the west with abundant vacation rentals and beachfront restaurants. The famed Silver Sands Premium Outlets is also located in Miramar Beach and provides bodacious bargains since it is one of the nation's largest designer discount centers with over 110 top end stores.
Grayton Beach
Grayton Beach is located down along South Walton's Scenic 30A, which is one of a very few highways in Florida to receive the recognition as "scenic" for its natural beauty. We represent a wide array of privately owned vacation rentals on 30A. Almost 20,000 acres of forest and parks are preserved along this scenic route! Forested Coastal Dune Lakes parallel the sugar white beaches here and are a rare treasure since they are found hardly anywhere else in the world. An exotic mix of salted fresh water supports abundant wildlife, fish, and flora. The charming historic town center of Grayton Beach is nestled beside one of them along with the beautiful beach. Grayton Beach State Park borders this enchanting coastal village which was just named one of America's top most beautiful beaches as reported in Forbes Magazine. This award-winning coast has also received national acclaim for having "Blue Wave Beach" status for pristine cleanliness and natural beauty. In fact, it is the longest contiguous stretch of coast in the nation to be proclaimed as a Blue Wave Beach.
Seacrest Beach
Seacrest Beach is a meticulously planned coastal village along Scenic 30A which was created with an eye toward laid back residential beach living at its best. The road is lined with two rows of palms and a lifeguard tower that bids welcome to visitors with the sign "Seacrest Beach." The glistening gulf which it borders can be easily seen since this prestigious residential community sits on the crest of a dune. The architecture ranges from charming Old Florida styled designs with wraparound porches and breezy balconies to European styles, Mediterranean and modern contemporary condominiums. Ocean Reef Resorts has quite a few of these privately owned Seacrest Beach vacation rentals to select from. A jungle of towering palm trees and other tropical plantings accentuate the beautiful surroundings throughout the community. It is centered on one of the largest neighborhood swimming pools in northwest Florida which provides an idyllic setting. The 12,000 square feet of interconnecting pools flow from one to another on multiple levels with a large fountain in one that mists down upon the one below. Lovely landscaping, picnic pavilions, and garden walkways surround this watery oasis. A grassy outdoor amphitheater nearby is used for live musical concerts at different times of the year. There are other abundant amusements available in the area since Rosemary Beach is right next door with restaurants, bistros, galleries, seasonal festivals, concerts, and fun family holiday activities.
Take time to explore each one of these beautiful beach locales as you plan your next trip down to the beach. Many of our vacation rental guests and even residents who have purchased homes here through Ocean Reef are from the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. You may explore here on our user-friendly website to view aerial satellite location views, images and the vast array of exciting vacation rentals we have to offer at each one. And don't forget it only takes you 4.5 hours to get here since we give you a freebie!
Coincidentally enough our Ocean Reef offices are located in each one of these highlighted locations at: 10221 Emerald Coast Parkway in Miramar Beach; 15 Pine Street in Grayton Beach and 9961 Scenic 30A in Seacrest Beach. Come on in to say hello and grab a complimentary cold one out of our cooler. Magical, memorable memories are about to be made!
