When you get to a place as beautiful as Destin it’s easy to want to run off immediately and find the fun.

With as much as there is to do and how vibrant the area is, it’s easy to get swept up in vacation mode.

Before you go full throttle, here is some knowledge from the locals as well as other travelers to make your time here more enjoyable.

The Flag System: You need to pay attention to these flags! This system is here to inform and protect you from potential harm while you’re swimming or boating. Just remember that the beach may be beautiful but it is also a powerful force of nature. Respect it, use common sense and everything should turn out just fine. If you aren’t familiar with the flag system, here are the details.

• Green – Low Hazard, Calm Conditions
• Yellow – Medium Hazard, Light/Moderate Surf, Light/Moderate Currents
• Red – High Hazard, Strong Surf, Strong Currents
• Two Red Flags – (Red Over Red) WATER CLOSED TO PUBLIC USE
• Purple – Marine Pests Present (Jellyfish, Stingrays, Sharks)

TIP: You may see signs, especially at beachfront restaurants that say “DO NOT FEED THE SEAGULLS“. These signs speak with wisdom. If you feed the seagulls, don’t be surprised if complete chaos erupts. They will see you as an easy source of food and won’t leave you alone. You may be swarmed by them, attacked or pooped on. There is the old saying that it’s good luck to get pooped on by a bird. It’s advised to not test this out. It’s gross.

TIP: There’s always a Wal-Mart nearby. They have almost anything you could want or need. This can be a good thing. What can be a bad thing is that they also have almost anything anybody else could want and need. If you’re at the Destin Wal-Mart, expect large crowds. In-season means there are larger crowds and it’s harder for the staff to keep up with the demand. There is a nearby Target that may get you in and out a little bit quicker if the lines prove too long for you.

TIP: Be mindful that not all of Florida is in the same time zone. Destin and most of the panhandle are on Central time, whereas the rest of the state may be on Eastern time.

TIP: You can buy fresh seafood to take home if you pack it in a cooler with plenty of ice and do not leave it in a hot car to ruin. Make sure you check local rules and regulations for fishing licenses, etc., call the numbers below for more information.

Freshwater Fishing Information: 888-404-3922

Saltwater Fishing Information: 888-404-3922

Anglers Outreach: 850-488-6058

TIP: If you can think of something you’ll need on vacation that you have at home, bring it. It’ll save time in lines and money buying new things. Plus beach items tend to get more expensive the closer you get to the beach.

TIP: Enjoy your vacation but remember that not everybody here is on vacation. There are a lot of people that live and work here. Be respectful to the people and to the area that so many people call home. Little things like this get noticed and you’ll usually receive better service for it.

TIP: Please pick up your trash. Nothing is worse than stepping on buried broken glass or watching the sea life suffer because they got ahold of someone’s garbage. These beautiful beaches are also part of the area’s ecosystem. Please be mindful.

TIP: Just because it’s cloudy or you’re in the water doesn’t mean you can’t get a sunburn. Make sure to bring AND apply sunblock. A bad sunburn can put a huge damper on any fun and make it very difficult to sleep comfortably.

 

The biggest tip though is to make sure you stay safe and have a fantastic time.  The Sea Oats Motel is your vacation getaway in Destin, call us for more info at 833-803-3320.