Sunset Reflections Blog

Spend Your Spring Vacation on Cape San Blas

April 13^th, 2019 Update On The Cape

It is officially spring in Cape San Blas, which means time to slip out of the fast-paced life and head to our white sandy beaches. Over the past few months, we’ve had the pleasure of hosting several snowbirds and now excited to host many spring breakers to the area. Our guests are helping our community more than they know by supporting the local shops and businesses, and we are truly grateful to host more and more visitors that love our community as we do!

We are offering $100 off on select homes for Spring stays from now until May 23rd. Learn more about our specials for spring!

As promised, we have more homes ready for your spring and summer vacations.

View Our Available Homes

While the recovery on the Cape has gone much faster than expected, we want to share information to keep our guests updated on what to expect while visiting. The area is experiencing lower performance in cable, Wi-Fi, and cellular service than we were used to prior to the hurricane. While the community is working on restoring this, unfortunately, it is not something that can be fixed quickly. Roads are drivable, but you may experience more construction than usual as our county works to rebuild them stronger than before visit site.

For more information about the surrounding area please visit:

· Gulf County Open Businesses Resource Map

· Follow Gulf County’s Journey through the VisitGulf.com

· List of Businesses that are open through the VisitGulf.com

We look forward to hosting your spring and summer stays in Cape San Blas. Pack your bags, grab your family and friends, and get ready to relax at the beach!

Update on The Cape- Hosting Snowbirds

February 18th, 2019 Update

We are excited that the recovery on The Cape is going much faster than expected! Roads are drivable, our favorite local shops and restaurants have re-opened their doors, and 16 of our homes have been restored and are ready for visitation. Maintaining this pace, we expect to have 30 homes available for vacationers by the Spring.

Over the past month, we have had the pleasure of hosting several snowbirds. These guests are helping the community more than they know by supporting the local shops and businesses. As the Gulf Country Tourist Development Council encourages, one of the best ways you can help the community is simply to re-visit it!

View Our Available Homes:

Angel Fish	Aus-seas Haven
Beach Happy	Beach Walk
Cottage at Surfside	Lantana By The Sea
Mermaid Landing	Ooh La La
Adagio Beach	Sandy Butts
Starbright	Starbright Retreat
Sweet Oblivion	Too Easy
Tranquil Bliss	Tupelo Honey

We are posting updates about each home’s status and availability on our home listings, but it will take us a little time to update the pictures of the homes once all repairs are completed. If you have any questions, would like more information about a specific home status or availability, or information on the local area, please reach out to our reservations team at 1.877.805.7794 or concierge@naturalretreats.com.

We look forward to hosting your stay and keeping you updated on the positive development on Cape San Blas!

Update On The Cape – January 10th, 2019

The Sunset Reflections by Natural Retreats Cape San Blas office has been up and running since the storm passed in October. We are excited that the recovery on The Cape is going much faster than expected, and are working diligently with our community, homeowners, and contractors to be ready to welcome guests to our vacation homes in this beautiful area. While progress is being made, we want you to know that the realities of Hurricane Michael are still present. Construction, debris pick-up, and beach restoration are still underway. This may mean changes to the beach access points from our homes, and modified hours at local restaurants and businesses . All roads are open and fully passable, and Scallop Cove, The Trading Post and some of our favorite restaurants in Port St. Joe are now open! Everyday more progress is being made. For more updates on the Gulf County Community see Visit Gulf’s website.

The best way to support getting our beloved beach community back to it’s pristine state, is to visit us! We currently have 6 homes available for rental now, and are looking to have most of our vacation rentals available by April. We are posting updates about each home’s status and availability on our home listings, but it will take us a little time to update the pictures of the homes once all repairs are completed. If you have any questions, would like more information about a specific home status or availability, or information on the local area, please reach out to our reservations team at 1.877.805.7794 or concierge@naturalretreats.com.

We look forward to hosting your stay and keeping you updated on the positive development on Cape San Blas!

Cape San Blas is All Fun Things in July!

Cape San Blas is known for its dog-friendly, white sand beaches, blue-green water, abundant wildlife and laid-back atmosphere! There’s so much to do and see in this area of the “Forgotten Coast,” and July is an especially busy month at this Florida gem. Following are some of the amazing things happening in July:

Annual Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Festival – July 1 from 11-4 at Village Drive and George Core Park in Port St. Joe

This annual event features music, food and fun! Its purpose, is to help educate the public about sea turtles; one of the most beloved creatures on the Forgotten Coast. There will be a special focus on the importance of preserving the coastal habitat that the sea turtles call home. The event is also a fundraiser for the Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center, so come and support this very worthy cause!

Downtown Apalachicola Independence Eve Celebration– July 3^rd from 5-10 p.m. at Riverfront Park

Come celebrate our independence a day earlier than the rest of the country! We’re excited to announce that this year’s featured entertainment will be the Bo Spring Band with Southern Flood as the opening act. Enjoy great food, beverages, a parade, free ice cream, veteran’s tribute, and more.

Fireworks in St. Joe – July 4^th at two locations in Port St. Joe at dusk.

Celebrate our Country’s independence in Gulf County with your choice of 2 spectacular firework displays!

St. Joseph Bay, Port St. Joe will be setting off at the Port St. Joe Marina.This show begins at 10:00 p.m. Eastern time and can be viewed from most anywhere downtown Port St. Joe.

Lake Alice Park, Wewahitchka – Gather around Lake Alice when the sun goes down for a spectacular display over the water!

Salt-Air Farmer’s Market– July 7 and 21 from 9-1 in Downtown Port St. Joe

Shop for seasonal produce from area farmers, locally harvested Gulf seafood, and artisan goods while listening to live music. It’s always fun for the whole family!

Mexico Beach Offshore Classic– July 27 and 28 at Mexico Beach Marina

This 2-day tournament allows anglers a chance to take home $2,500 in cash prizes. Wahoo, Dolphin and King Mackerel are the fishing categories, with cash prizes up for grabs in 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Fishing will commence at 5 a.m. on both days; with weigh in from 4-5:30 p.m. It’s a competition that should not be missed!

We Have Over 40 Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals

More and more pet owners across the country are choosing to bring their pet along on the family vacation each year. If you’ve checked around you already know that there are many accommodation providers that simply aren’t welcoming to your four legged family members. That’s not the case with Sunset Reflections Vacation Rentals. We have over 40 vacation rentals that welcome you and your pets with open arms. You’re going to love how comfortable and beautifully equipped each of these pet friendly vacation rentals are.

Our pet-friendly vacation rentals aren’t second rate either. These homes are top notch with high end appliances, swimming pools and gorgeous decorations. Everything you (and your pets) need for that perfect vacation is available and waiting for you right here.

Life’s a Blas (above) is a four bedroom, three bathroom, pet friendly home in North Cape San Blas. It’s within walking distance to the beach and just a quick drive to scenic St. Joseph’s State Park and other area attractions. A beautiful patio and deck space is perfect for relaxing after a day at the beach. There’s an enclosed patio with a large wicker sectional, a hot tub, two picnic tables, ice cooler, and a gas grill for dining out. Your reservation includes $250 worth of beach gear and free admission to Cape San Blas activities!

Om Shanti Seaside Cottage (above) is a shabby chic four bedroom, three bathroom, newly renovated home in Indian Pass offering Gulf Views. Any pet (and even the kids) will love the screened in porch and fenced in yard. Fully updated kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, lighting, paint and more. Spacious outdoor shower equipped with additional sprayer for dogs. Amenities include wireless internet, washer/dryer, concierge, outdoor grilling station, and all appliances in kitchen. You’ll enjoy your close proximity to broad sandy beaches, unspoiled views and laid back pace of Florida’s forgotten coast. Your reservation includes $250 worth of beach gear and free admission to Cape San Blas activities! Up to two dogs for an additional pet fee of $115.

Cape Oasis (above) is a gorgeous pet-friendly first tier home with a private heated pool with large pool deck, screened-in porch, 2 car garage and lots of space. Your pet will love walks on the beautiful nature trail that winds through the palms and pines behind the house. This five bedroom, four and a half bath home is beautifully decorated and very well equipped with everything you need for a great home away from home. Your reservation includes $250 worth of beach gear and free admission to Cape San Blas activities!

Check our website for an additional 37 pet friendly vacation rental homes that are available.

Where to Rent Kayaks Around Cape San Blas

Springtime is a great time of year to explore the coastal area around Cape San Blas either by kayak, canoe or standup paddleboard. These water sports are becoming more and more popular as people discover how easy they are to do and how much fun they can be whether alone or as a family.

Rental-Fleet-Happy-Ours-Outpost — Happy Ours Outpost rental fleet

Kayaking is very peaceful and relaxing yet you can get a gentle upper body workout at the same time. When you’re looking for where to rent kayaks around Cape San Blas, check out any one of the following businesses where you can get a rental then either go out on your own or sign up for a guided tour.

Paddling a kayak is a great way to explore the local waterways. If the big ocean is more than you want to tackle, at least initially, just explore along the coastline. There’s a lot of exploring to be had if you enjoy nature. It’s an experience not to be missed, for sure!

Happy Ours Kayak & Bike Outpost
Address: 775 Cape San Blas Rd, Port St Joe, FL 32456
Phone: (850) 229-1991
Web: http://www.happyourskayak.com/

Owned and operated by Debbie and Dan VanVleet, we are the only outfitter with a private launch on St. Joseph Bay for the exclusive use of our paddling customers. Ample parking under shade trees is available with circular drive for easy entry and exit. Shower facility is available to rinse and change after your outdoor adventure. Pets are welcome but must be on a leash at all times.

Scallop Cove
Address: 4306 Cape San Blas Road, Port St Joe, FL 32456
Phone: (850) 227-7557
Web: https://scallopcove.com

Your vacation fun can include bike rentals, kiddie kart rentals, stand up paddle boards, kayaks, tandem kayaks, beach chairs and umbrellas, beach or fishing cart, skim board, body boards, canoes, BBQ and more at Scallop Cove Bait and Tackle on Cape San Blas. Check them out for all your beach rental needs!

Seahorse Water Safaris
Address: 340 Marina Dr, Port St Joe, FL 32456
Phone: (850) 227-1099
Web: http://www.seahorsewatersafaris.com/

Snorkeling trips and charters; boat, kayak and paddleboard rentals. Seahorse Water Safaris offers a variety of boats for your entertainment. If you have 2 or 12 in your party, we have a boat for you! All boats are pet friendly!

San Flea Rentals
Address: 4372 Cape San Blas Rd, Cape San Blas, FL 32456
Phone: (850) 381-3953
Web: http://www.sanflearentals.com/

Paddle Boards, Kayaks, Bicycles for all ages, Surrey Bikes, Tandem Bikes, Trikes, and much more! Plan your next adventure today! We are here for you!

Where to Find Bike Rentals Around Cape San Blas

If you’ve already booked your Sunset Reflections Vacation Rentals it’s time to start making plans for things to do and places to see while you’re here. Getting a bicycle rental and exploring the area is some of the most fun you can have.

Cape San Blas has an easily accessible bike path that stretches for 7 miles along the length of Cape San Blas Road. Check out the Loggerhead Trail Bike Path that runs the entire length of Cape San Blas, too. Bring your bike on vacation or rent one from the following businesses.

Three lady city bikes.

Where to Find Bike Rentals

Kayak Ours Kayak & Bike Outpost
775 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe, FL
Phone: (850) 229-1991
Website: http://www.happyourskayak.com/
Located near the beginning of the Loggerhead Trail Bike Path just east of Mile Marker #1 on Cape San Blas. Offering one-speed coaster bikes size 20″ for youth up to 26″ for adults, trailers for toddlers, and a 16″ bike with training wheels. All bikes come with helmets, baskets, locks, and whistles.

Scallop Cove
4310 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe, FL
Phone: (850) 227-1573
Website: http://www.scallopcove.com/
Offering a whole lot more than bait and tackle. The place to come for kiddie karts and bikes plus so much more. Rentals are 4 hours, same day, 24 hours, 2 days, 4 days or 5-7 days.

Where to ride bikes

Where to Ride

St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserves is a great place to explore by bicycle. Pack a picnic, grab the family and bike there to enjoy lunch on the beach. These lands protect an intact natural coastal landscape with one of the highest concentrations of rare plants in the southeast and will never be developed, protecting the bay’s water quality, natural productivity, and critical habitat for future generations. If you go, please respect the environment.

Salinas Park is the first park on Cape San Blas Road. There’s a beautiful beach front park that provides picnic areas, restrooms, boardwalk and beach access.

The Cape San Blas Lighthouse is in Port St. Joe. There’s a gift shop in the old Maddox House. Located on the waterfront near Frank Pate Park

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is located just outside of Barrier Dunes. Miles of white sand beaches, and stunning dunes can be explored on 2,516 acres.

Our Guide to Family Fun in Cape San Blas

Are you planning on heading to Cape San Blas with the family for Spring Break this year? Not only can you take advantage of our pet-friendly vacation rentals, white sand beaches, blue-green water and amazing Gulf sunsets, but there are also plenty of activities the entire family can enjoy! Following are some of our favorites:

Fishing

It’s not surprising that fishing is one of the most popular activities in Cape San Blas. You can simply cast your line from the beach or wade out to the shallow waters to fish. If you want to get out on the open water you can hire local guides to take you on both inshore and offshore fishing charters.

Inshore charters tend to stay close to shore and the boats are smaller in size. You can expect to catch flounder, redfish and several other species on inshore trips.

Offshore charter boats are typically larger, and travel several miles offshore for the best catch. Expect to reel in flounder, red snapper, mahi-mahi and others offshore.

Enjoy St. Joe’s Peninsula State Park

This 1900-acre wildlife preserve is located on the Gulf of Mexico, across the bay from Port St. Joe. You and your family can take advantage of the 9.5 miles of pristine, un-crowded beaches, and the Wilderness Preserve. The park also provides boat ramp access to St. Joseph’s Bay. You can hike, bird and dolphin watch, swim, kayak and much more when you visit.

Spend the day boating

Cape San Blas is boater’s paradise. The possibilities here are endless. Head out onto the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the protected waters of Eagle Harbor or the blue-green waters that St. Joseph Peninsula is famous for. Don’t have your own boat? No worries, there are plenty of area businesses that that can provide fully equipped boats for rent; pontoons, sailboats, kayaks, center-consoles and more. Should you choose, you can also charter a boat with a captain at the helm. There’s so much to see from the waters off Cape San Blas — sting rays, dolphins and so much more!

Go beach horseback riding

Beach-Horseback-Riding-at-Cape-San-Blas

Give your family members an experience they won’t soon forget with a ride on horseback along our pristine beaches. Cape San Blas is one of the few places in the Unites States where this activity is allowed. One-hour rides are guided by experts so there’s no horseback riding experience necessary!

Make a beach bonfire

Beach-Bonfires-at-Cape-San-Blas

One of the unique things about Cape San Blas is that they allow bonfires on the beach! And let’s face it, a bonfire is a favorite for all ages — adults, kids and teens. Who doesn’t love a S’more or marshmallow that’s been toasted on a roaring fire? Just be sure to dig a hole for your fire, and cover it up before you leave, so you leave no trace on the beach after you’ve left.

These are just a few of the activities that the whole family can enjoy on your visit to Cape San Blas. So, head to the Forgotten Coast this Spring Break. Your family will thank you for it!

Save 10% on stays in April at select homes!

How to Take Valentine’s Day in Cape San Blas Over the Top

How to Take Valentine's Day Over the Top
Every year you get another chance to amp up your Valentine’s Day like never before but how many times do you miss the opportunity? Like happens with many holidays, don’t wait until the day before to make your plans. If you want this to be the year you make a big impact, we have some tips on how to have the best Valentine’s Day in Cape San Blas ever.

1. Make a reservation at one of our Sunset Reflections vacation rentals for just the two of you over Valentine’s Day. You won’t find any better accommodations providing a romantic vacation than what you’ll find right here on the beaches of Cape San Blas.

2. Work out all the details of your trip long before you arrive, right down to what you’ll have for breakfast while sitting on the balcony enjoying views and watching sunrises. Starting to make your plans early will pay off big rewards in the end.

3. Make your Valentine’s Day plans to include dining by candlelight on the beach. Whether you spread a blanket or set up a table and chairs, it’s the romance of the moment that will have the greatest impact. Add some candles and soft music to take it over the top.

4. Go ahead and have those flowers delivered. A bouquet arriving at somewhere other than your home or work place is truly unexpected and quite romantic!

5. If you choose to go out for dinner make it a special place. Go to an area restaurant that serves the type of food your partner most enjoys. Call ahead — way ahead — to make a reservation. Many restaurants have Valentine’s Day specials on February 14.

At Sunset Reflections we have a wonderful assortment of beautiful vacation rentals that will make the perfect setting for this romantic holiday. With extra amenities like swimming pools, Jacuzzis and hot tubs, you’re sure to have a delightful Valentine’s Day when you spend this year’s holiday with us!

Give the Gift of a Cape San Blas Vacation This Year

If you’re still pondering what to get that special someone in your life, we have come up with a super great idea — a Cape San Blas vacation to Florida!

Too many people spend their cold winters sitting around dreaming about warmer temperatures but do nothing about it. Don’t let this be another one of those year’s when you have the power to do something about it. Treat that special someone to the best winter escape ever!

Give the Gift of a Cape San Blas Vacation This Year

There’s plenty of things to do here to stay active during a winter vacation in Cape San Blas Florida. There won’t be much sitting around like up north and there definitely won’t be any snow shoveling!

Some of the popular wintertime activities in and around Cape San Blas include horseback riding along the beachfront and exploring the state parks and national forests. Whether you bike, run, or walk these are awesome areas worth exploring. There’s just nothing else quite like spending time in nature.

Where to go horseback riding on Cape San Blas

Broke-A-Toe
Year round riding by reservation only. Couple’s packages, moonlit rides and trail rides. Call 850-899-7433 for reservations.

The Rockin M Ranch
Horseback and pony rides on the beach. By reservation only. Beginner-friendly lessons Sept. through March. Call 850-227-6117 for reservations.

Where to Find National Parks and Wildlife Refuge

Apalachicola National Forest
Stateroad 13, Bristol, FL 32358
(850) 643-2282

John Gorrie Museum State Park
46 6th St, Apalachicola, FL 32320
(850) 653-9347

St. George Island State Park
1900 E. Gulf Beach Drive, Saint George Island, FL 32328
(850) 927-2111

St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge
3100 County Road 30A (14 Mile), Port St. Joe, FL
(850) 653-8808

T.H. Stone St. Joseph’s Peninsula State Park
8899 Cape San Blas Rd, Port St Joe, FL 32456
(850) 227-1327

Give the Gift of a Cape San Blas Vacation This Year

If you’re still in the planning stages of your winter getaway gift idea and you’re looking for that perfect place to stay, give us a call at Sunset Reflections (850-227-1508 or 877-265-4252). You’re sure to love the specials we have on our holiday vacation rentals. We look forward to your call!

Happy holidays from all of us!

Spend Your Spring Vacation on Cape San Blas

Update on The Cape- Hosting Snowbirds

Update On The Cape – January 10th, 2019

Cape San Blas is All Fun Things in July!

We Have Over 40 Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals

Where to Rent Kayaks Around Cape San Blas

Where to Find Bike Rentals Around Cape San Blas

Where to Find Bike Rentals

Where to Ride

Our Guide to Family Fun in Cape San Blas

Fishing

Enjoy St. Joe’s Peninsula State Park

Spend the day boating

Go beach horseback riding

Make a beach bonfire

How to Take Valentine’s Day in Cape San Blas Over the Top

Give the Gift of a Cape San Blas Vacation This Year

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Adagio Beach	All Decked Out
Angel Fish	Aus-seas Haven
Beach Happy	Beach Walk
Beach Walk	Blue Dolphin
Cottage at Surfside	Eagle’s Nest
Forever Royal	Good Vibrations
Lantana By The Sea	Life’s a Blas
Ooh La La	Sandy Butts
Scallop Cove #1	Scallop Pass
Starbright	Starbright Retreat
Sweet Oblivion	Too Easy
Tranquil Bliss	Tupelo Honey
Salty Kisses