Sun, Sand, and a Midnight Surprise: Our Miramar Beach Getaway

Our family trip to Miramar Beach was exactly the change of pace we needed. We spent five amazing days soaking up the sun at a lovely Airbnb along Florida's famous "Emerald Coast." While we went for the relaxation, we ended up with a trip full of beauty and one hilarious, unexpected wakeup call.

Sugar-White Sands

The highlight, of course, was the beach itself. Miramar Beach is known for having some of the cleanest, whitest sand in the world, and it did not disappoint. We learned that this sand is actually made of finely ground quartz crystal that washed down from the Appalachian Mountains eons ago. Because it's quartz, it stays cool to the touch even in the hot sun and makes a distinctive "squeak" when you walk on it. The water was crystal clear, and the beach was immaculate, the perfect backdrop for five days of doing absolutely nothing but relaxing.

The "Airbnb Geyser"

In the middle of the night, we were woken up by a commotion outside. A sprinkler head had malfunctioned and misfired, shooting a massive jet of water straight into the air. It was a full-blown midnight geyser right in the yard of our Airbnb. In the moment, it was a chaotic surprise, but looking back, it gave us the biggest laugh of the trip. It was our own private "Old Faithful," just with a lot less sulfur and a lot more panic about how to turn it off!

Tropical Neighbors

Beyond the beach, we really enjoyed the local atmosphere. Coming from a different climate, we loved seeing the swaying palm trees everywhere, likely Sabal Palmettos (Florida's state tree) or Windmill Palms. We also got a kick out of the wildlife right in the backyard. We spotted quite a few anoles (small lizards) scurrying around the patio and climbing the fences. These little guys are fascinating to watch; the Green Anole is native to the U.S. and can change its color from bright green to dark brown depending on its mood and temperature, almost like a chameleon. Spotting them became a fun little game throughout our stay.

A Perfect Balance

Between the pristine quartz sand, the tropical vibes, and the comedic timing of the sprinkler system, our trip to Miramar Beach was the perfect mix of luxury and laughter. It was a beach vacation we won't soon forget.

Florida Destinations

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Miramar Beach