https://www.trip.com/blog/myrtle-beach-vacation-guide/

Myrtle Beach Family Vacation Guide

TripBlog
TripBlog
Apr 21, 2022

Catalogue

  • Introduction
  • Location and Layout
  • Getting Around
  • Where to Stay
    • High End Resorts
    • Midrange Hotels
    • Budget Accomodations
  • Things to Do
    • Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
    • Fun on the Water
    • Entertainment
    • Charter Fishing
    • Golf Capital of the World
    • Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
  • Show More

Myrtle Beach is a classic resort city in South Carolina. Warm Atlantic waters, pristine sands, and loads of great restaurants, trendy hotels, and fun attractions help make this one of the best seaside vacation spots anywhere in the U.S. Myrtle Beach anchors a 60 mile string of ocean beaches known as the Grand Strand. We're bringing you the lowdown on this famed destination. Read on to discover all that Myrtle Beach has to offer. Whether you're poolside, floating a lazy river, or zipping through the ocean waves, the Dirty Myrtle serves up a rocking good time. Here's our look at one of America's best vacation destinations.


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Located between Charleston, South Carolina and Wilmington, North Carolina, Myrtle Beach gained national prominence following World War II. Construction of the interstate highway system and a post-war economic boom primed an entire generation of young people to take to the open roads. America quickly became a car obsessed culture and once isolated communities were rapidly connected to the rest of the country. Myrtle Beach managed to capitalize on its outstanding location and excellent climate. Developers flocked to the region and a spree of luxury hotels sprung up. Myrtle Beach offered the perfect getaway for families in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions who wanted a great summertime destination without having to drive all the way to Florida.


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Myrtle Beach anchors a 60 mile arching stretch of oceanfront that runs from Little River to Winyah Bay. Myrtle Beach's central location along this arc makes it the focal point for regional tourism along what's known as the Grand Strand. Beachfront access has always been the main draw and, as a result, Myrtle Beach extends roughly north-to-south along the coast with the vast majority of hotels and attractions clustered within three blocks of the water. Ocean Boulevard is essentially Main Street Myrtle Beach. This is where visitors will find the best accommodations, shops, restaurants, and more. North Kings Highway is a few blocks to the west and is the principal traffic artery into town. This is where you will find yourself when you exit US-17 or US-501 as you’re driving in.


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Visitors will find it easiest to navigate by car. Or, if you're planning to spend all of your time near the beachfront resorts, you can easily manage on foot or bicycle. Venturing further into town or visiting attractions inland or along the coast is difficult without access to a car. There is a public bus system that runs along Kings Highway and makes stops up and down the Grand Strand, so that's an option as well. Finally, riding-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are also ubiquitous. Once you're on Ocean Boulevard, the east-west avenues are all numbered and easy to navigate. As a reference, just remember that the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk runs from 1st Avenue to 14th Avenue North.


Hotels and other accommodations are plentiful in Myrtle Beach. The challenge is finding a place that's right for you. With everything from budget accomodations to luxury resorts, you'll have a wealth of options. Here are a couple of recommendations.





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Myrtle Beach has plenty to offer in addition to great sands. When you're not showing off your beach body, you can take a stroll through town. There are plenty of small shops, cafes, and restaurants along Ocean Boulevard. One suggestion is to start at Plyler Park next to the SkyWheel and branch out from there. Here are a few places you might want to check out.


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Aside from the beach itself, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is arguably the city's best attraction. There is one area where there's always something going on. The boardwalk is a great place for a relaxing stroll or a morning jog and the sunrise photos off the ocean are fantastic. The Second Avenue Pier extends over 250 years out into the water and is normally a place where you can find musicians and other street performers. Depending on the season, jellyfish are often visible bobbing up and down on the waves below. Further north along the Boardwalk is where you find some of Myrtle Beach's swankier resorts. Stop for a bite to eat at the food stalls near the Ferris wheel and try your luck at the classic boardwalk arcade.


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The ocean is the primary reason most people visit Myrtle Beach. The Atlantic waters here are quite nice, warming throughout the summer months and reaching very enjoyable temperatures by late August and early September. The shoreline tends to be calm and the shallower waters are easily swimmable. Offshore storms can cause waves to rise to several feet in height, however. While it doesn’t compare with the famous surf breaks along Hawaii's North Shore, paddle boarding and surfing are popular up and down the shore. Beginners and intermediate surfers will find much to enjoy.


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As with other ocean resort destinations, Myrtle Beach features ubiquitous oceangoing carnival-type rides. Hop on one of the banana boats and hang on for dear life as you go skipping across the surf at what seems like ridiculous speed. Always a fun time, especially for younger kids, banana boat operators are found in several spots along the boardwalk. If you're just looking for some time in the sun, don't worry, there are plenty of places to stretch out on your towel. Some resorts reserve beach furniture for guests, but others are open to the public.


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Myrtle Beach is home to the Carolina Opry, an award-winning show that resembles something of a Las Vegas cabaret. Visitors are treated to a two-hour high-energy spectacle featuring song and dance numbers, comedy acts, and more. One thing you find at the Carolina Opry is that the show is never quite the same as the acts change over the course of the season. For visitors, this means there’s normally always something new on offer and you won’t get tired of a night at the Carolina Opry.


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If you like fun and games, Myrtle Beach has a wealth of great attractions. Visitors can explore Ripley’s Aquarium and see amazing sea creatures on display in the many interactive and educational exhibits. Family Kingdom Amusement Park is a beachfront amusement and waterpark with carnival rides, gokarts, bumper cars, and even a roller coaster. Broadway at the Beach is a great place to do a bit of shopping and more. Located on over 350 acres surrounding Lake Broadway, the shopping and entertainment complex is home to a variety of great restaurants, shops, clubs, and hotels. If you’re planning on spending a few days, Broadway at the Beach is a great addition to your itinerary.



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Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just a weekend angler, Myrtle Beach is a great place to do some fishing. Myrtle Beach State Park Pier, Garden City Pier, and Apache Pier offer plenty of space where you can cast your line and see what's biting. Another fun option is to join up with a charter tour operator and head out to sea. Black sea bass, flounder, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, dolphin, wahoo, and more are all found in the waters off Myrtle Beach. Tour operators tend to have their favored spots and usually know where the fish are hungry. Spending a day on beautiful Atlantic waters away from all the tourists in town might be just what the doctor ordered.



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Dubbed the Golf Capital of the World, there are probably more courses per capita in the Myrtle Beach area than just about anywhere else. Whispering Pines on Harrelson Boulevard provides the most convenient access from downtown Myrtle Beach. Numerous other courses are located within easy driving distance. River Oaks Golf Plantation sports three 9-hole courses and a driving range. World Tour Golf Links features some great holes and a classic clubhouse. A bit south of town near Myrtle Beach State Park is Prestwick Country Club where you can book an 18-hole round with a cart on some truly spectacular scenery.


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What’s better than 18-holes? How about 18-holes followed by some excellent fishing? That's just what’s on offer at Caledonia Golf & Fish Club. This prized course is built on former plantation lands. Magnificent oak trees lead towards the clubhouse and the rustic feeling preserves the region’s historic charm. Water and sand add a little spice to the layout so don't let the relatively straight fairways fool you. The large oak groves are more than happy to snag any wayward balls you send their way. Caledonia is a course that will keep you on your toes.



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Myrtle Beach is a destination with something for just about everyone. Whether you have a family in tow or are looking for an exciting place to mingle with fellow party animals, Myrtle Beach is a great vacation spot. Come enjoy one of America's premiere beachfront resort spots and enjoy the famed southern hospitality in South Carolina. Let the Grand Strand amaze you with all it has to offer.

Contact Center of the year 2022
Contact Center of the year 2022
Google Material Design Awards 2019
Google Material Design Awards 2019