The Beach – Your Questions Answered
The beaches of Destin and Miramar Beach are considered some of the best beaches in the US and even the world. Here you will find many of your questions answered about their beauty, use, and safety.
- Why is the sand so soft and white in Destin/Miramar Beach?
- The beaches in Destin and Miramar Beach are easily the most beautiful in all of the US and a top contender for the prettiest beaches in the world with their iconic white sand, the stereotype of what you think of when you imagine a beautiful beach.
- The pristine white sand beaches come from the mineral, quartz. Specifically, quartz crystals washed down from the Appalachian mountains, eroding and breaking down from the constant, turbulent action into millions of pieces. Water from the Apalachicola River flows to the Gulf of Mexico carrying the quartz particles from the mountains. The feeling of luxury is only enhanced by the sparkles surrounding you.
- Unlike sand in other parts of the US that are varying shades of brown (from iron oxide or feldspar) and varying sizes, even feeling like small rocks under your feet, the sand in the Destin/Miramar Beach area is white and luxurious.
- Why isn’t the sand hot in Destin/Miramar Beach?
- Because the sun reflects off of white, you can walk on it without burning your feet, unlike darker shades of sand. In addition, the quartz crystals in the sand help to disperse heat.
- Why does the sand in Destin/Miramar Beach make a squeaking sound?
- This squeaking sound coming from the sand occurs because of air pockets between the grains of sand. The air escapes and makes a squeaking sound when the grains rub together.
- Why is the water so clear in Destin/Miramar Beach?
- There are no rivers that empty into the Gulf. The Mississippi empties about 250 miles from Destin and other rivers, empty into the Choctawhachee Bay, which protects the gulf waters and keeps them crystal clear. If you happen to come after a storm, unfortunately, you may not find the crystal clear water that you see in pictures as storms stir up sediment on the bottom.
- Can we take alcohol to the beach in Destin/Miramar Beach?
- Yes! However, glass containers are not allowed and if you go to one of the state parks, alcohol is not allowed on those beaches.
- Is the beach crowded?
- The beach in front of Sandcastle on 98 is by far less crowded than the surrounding beaches and is one of the many reasons people come back and stay in the Gulfview condominiums year after year.
- What do the various beach flags mean?
- It is very important that you pay attention to the flags! I’m shocked and saddened every year by how many people lose their lives in the Gulf. Please pay attention to the flags and review the beach safety tips! I grew up in California and we didn’t have beach flags and constant chatter about rip currents was not the topic of conversation at every gathering. I hate to admit it but I wondered if people just overreacted here… sadly, the danger is real here on the Gulf Coast. Please follow the warning flags!
- (Picture of beach flags coming soon)
- If you want to sign up for the flag status in Miramar Beach, text FLAG to 31279.
- Here is a video on how to survive a riptide in case you do get in one:
- Here is a pictorial of surviving a riptide
- (Picture coming soon)
- Can we fish from the beach?
- Yes! You do need a fishing license and will need to avoid swimmers, so going in the early morning and evening are your best options. Sandcastle on 98 does provide 1 PVC pole to put in the sand for your own fishing pole. Good luck!
- Where is the nearest wheelchair-accessible beach?
- The county that Miramar Beach is in is South Walton and they have 5 beach wheelchair access points. The closest is at 2375 Scenic Gulf Drive. (Sandcastle on 98 is at 2830 Scenic Gulf Drive). Lifeguards will assist in getting down to the beach and back from March 1 through September.
- There are also companies that will deliver a motorized beach wheelchair to you. We don’t have personal experience with them but here are their websites in no particular order:
- The Destin Fire Control District also provides NO COST wheelchairs at 3 beaches from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend 9 am – 4 pm. They are available first come first serve and reservations are required 24 hours in advance (850-837-8413). Lifeguards will assist in getting the chair down to the beach as they are not motorized. The three beaches are:
- James Lee Park – 3510 Scenic Highway 98, near the Crab Trap restaurant
- Shirah Street public beach access – 2850 Scenic Highway 98
- June Decker public beach access – 1950 Scenic Highway 98, near the Back Porch restaurant
- Can we have a fire on the beach?
- Unfortunately not on our beach. You can apply for a permit to have one on the public beach by Pompano Joes (and read about the regulations here): fires
- If you don’t have the necessary supplies or equipment to meet the regulations, don’t fret! There are other options. There are private companies that will set up a bonfire for your private party. Here are just a couple:
- https://beachbonfireguy.com/
- https://pompanobonfires.com/
- A great and cheaper option is to go to the free Bonfires at Royal Palm’s Beach Bar. Every Monday and Friday at sunset, they have a bonfire. They provide free chairs and you can meet some new friends. You can order from their restaurant (outside food and beverage is not allowed) and they also sell s’mores kits.
- Is there a lifeguard at the beach?
- There are only lifeguards on the public beaches. The closest beach where there are lifeguards during peak season is by Pompano Joes.
- When is turtle nesting season?
- May 1 – October 31. How can you help? Please be sure to clean up all your belongings and trash when you leave the beach and break down any sandcastles and fill any holes so the turtles do not get trapped or frightened.
- When walking on the beach at night during these months, please do not use white lights as the turtles become disoriented by them and it makes it difficult for them to find their way to the Gulf. You can find red lights at Walmart, Target, and Home Depot, among other places.
- You can also learn all about sea turtles at the Gulfarium on Okaloosa Island https://gulfarium.com/ and the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center – A working conservation and education center. Meet their ambassador “Sweet Pea” who was found entangled in a fishing line in Alabama. https://navarrebeachseaturtles.org/index.html
- Are pop-up tents/canopies allowed?
- Yes! They must not be larger than 10’ x 10’ though and you can only set them up on the top half of the open beach, leaving a 4-ft walkway between tents.
- Can I fly my drone?
- Sandcastle on 98 is located in Miramar Beach, which is in South Walton County. You can find drone regulations here: Drone safety in S. Walton.
- Where can I find seashells?
- Unfortunately, there are not many seashells in Destin/Miramar Beach. But, don’t fret! Take a trip to Navarre Beach (the best time is in the morning or at low tide and it is about an hour away) and you will come home with lots of treasures! Another great excursion is to Shell Island just East of Panama City Beach.
- Are there any live beach cams?
- Yes! There are a number of live beach cams on this website: https://old98destin.com/beach-cams/pompano-joes-miramar-beach/ The closest one to Sandcastle on 98 is at Pompano Joes.
- Do you provide beach chairs?
- Yes. There are two nice folding beach chairs under the bunk beds. There is also a small umbrella in the bedroom closet. If you find either not functional please let us know. There is also beach service available on the beach from March through October, where they will set up two lounge chairs and an umbrella for you. Prices change each year and they are posted at the beach. The cost is a bit pricey: $46/day (in 2023) but they do give weekly discounts.
- Do you provide beach toys?
- Yes, there are beach toys in a box under the bunks as well as two boogie boards. Please be sure to bring anything you take to the beach, back to the condo so they can be enjoyed by future guests.