The salty air, lazy afternoons soaking up sun rays, and long walks by the water—the beach offers a vacation experience you won't find anywhere else. With warmer weather right around the corner, hitting the sand for a getaway may be tempting.

Here are just a few reasons to skip the usual tourist destinations and book that beach vacation rental you've had your eye on:

• Mental Relaxation: The whole point of a vacation is to take a step out of life for a while and recharge. And according to a Michigan State University study, nothing rejuvenates you and promotes relaxation like spending time near large bodies of water. The researchers believe that natural environments are easier to process, which decreases stress and promotes general well-being.
• Fresh Air: What's the point of going on vacation if you're just going to spend it in the same kind of environment you see every day? While you relax on the sand, your lungs will get a break from the smog of city life that only fresh, salty sea air can provide.
• The Local Culture: Beach towns have a unique character to them that you won't find anywhere else. The slower pace of a beach lifestyle is contagious, so spending some time in a vacation rental living among the natives can help you relax and enjoy a simple routine for a while.
• Limitless Recreational Activities: Of course, there's the ocean—the main attraction. On a beach vacation, you can go snorkeling, swimming, rent a jet ski, or even try boating. Whether you want to catch up on your reading or discover the underwater world, the beach has something for everyone.

Sugar Sands Realty & Management, Inc, located in Orange Beach, AL, maintains hundreds of vacation rental properties along the Gulf Coast, including beautiful condos and spacious single-family homes. Whether you're traveling for a romantic getaway or bringing the whole family, you can rely on this team to find the beach property you've been dreaming of. Browse and book your beach house rental on their website now, see their latest specials on Facebook, or call (251) 974-1672 to discuss your ideal vacation with a member of their team.