The Best Myrtle Beach Vacation Guide

Tourists on Myrtle Beach

Get ready for your visit to Myrtle Beach, this beautiful beach in South Carolina. By Jules Romero.

The highlight definitely is the vast expanse of sand. However, there’s more to this destination than just the beach.

Myrtle Beach boasts amusement parks that offer everything from roller coasters to race tracks to water slides. Not much of an amusement park person? Consider going on a shopping spree at one of the many outlet malls.

If you’re a sporty type of person, consider taking up golf at any of the one hundred golf courses in the area.

In short, this awesome beach is the ideal vacation destination for anyone looking to indulge in a multitude of different entertainment options and activities. To help you work out your itinerary, we’ve compiled a guide of everything you need to know about Myrtle Beach. Check it out below.

When to Visit

The inviting weather of South Carolina makes this beach a great place to visit any time of the year. Do note, however, that the beach and nearby attractions become very crowded during the warm summer months.

We recommend booking your trip for October. It is one of the best months to visit, as the extreme heat (and crowd) of the summer has passed, but temperatures are still ideal for beach action.

Alternatively, you may opt to visit in December and enjoy the seasonal Christmas-themed events. 

How to Get to Myrtle Beach

Most visitors travel from other US cities to Myrtle Beach International Airport. This airport is just 3 miles south of Myrtle Beach and is used by airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, Spirit, and United.

Visitors coming from abroad most commonly fly to major cities such as Atlanta before taking a connecting flight to Myrtle Beach. Check out the best flight deals.

There is a regular shuttle bus service to and from the airport and downtown. Also, taxis are readily available most hours of the day. If you’d rather drive, car rentals are available at the airport. 

Where to Stay

Regardless of your needs and the size of your group, you’ll find accommodations that are perfect for you. 

You can find many boutique hotels and luxury hotel chains on Ocean Boulevard, near attractions such as the SkyWheel. If you’d like a quieter area away from the lively beach, you may consider North Myrtle Beach or Surfside Beach.

Listed below are a few popular areas wherein you can find accommodations of all kinds.

  • South Ocean Boulevard. South Ocean Boulevard is home to some of the poshest hotels and condos in Myrtle Beach. It is also a hotspot for those who want to stay close to the nightlife, entertainment, and attractions.
  • North Ocean BoulevardNorth Ocean Boulevard is much quieter compared to its South Ocean counterpart. It’s an excellent choice for travelers looking for affordable lodging within reach of the city center and the beach.
  • North Myrtle Beach. You’ll find affordable hotels and campgrounds at North Myrtle Beach, just minutes away from central Myrtle Beach.
  • Surfside Beach. Surfside Beach is a top choice for couples and groups looking for apartments and beach villas to rent. It’s also ideal for families who wish to utilize self-catering facilities.

Getting Around Myrtle Beach

The best way to travel is by car. You can easily manage on foot if you’re going to spend the majority of your time around beachfront hotels. Otherwise, a car would be handy for traveling farther distances. It would be best to rent a car from one of the car rental agencies at the airport.

What to Eat

Chain restaurants such as Hard Rock Cafe, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, and Senor Frog’s are all around.

You can find a wide variety of restaurants along King’s Highway. There are so many choices that this area is often referred to as “Restaurant Row.”

You’ll also find a decent number of locally owned eateries around Myrtle Beach, such as Mr. Fish, Sea Captain’s House, and Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant. 

If you have some extra money to splurge, consider visiting a few upscale restaurants such as Sole Italian Restaurant, Fire & Smoke, and the Aspen Grille.

5 Reasons to Visit Myrtle Beach

1. The Beach

Of course, one of the top reasons people choose this particularly beach, is for its gorgeous expanse of sand. Tourists can swim, build sandcastles, sunbathe, or enjoy the breathtaking sunset views.

2. Golf

The beach is also known for being a popular golfing destination. There you’ll find many celebrity-designed golf courses, making it the gold capital of the world. 

3. Broadway at the Beach

Broadway at the Beach is considered to be South Carolina’s most extensive entertainment complex. Also, it is home to a host of specialty stores and top brand branches. The more adventurous among us can even take a zip line across the center of the lake. 

While adults embark on a shopping spree, kids can try the minigolf course or visit the aquarium.

4. SkyWheel

The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the entire United States. You can find it a prime location on the Boardwalk and enjoy fabulous views over the beach, the city, and the Atlantic Ocean.

5. Fishing

Lastly, you wouldn’t want to visit this amazing beach without going fishing. Several sea fishing trips are available. The city boasts seven piers, including Apache Pier, Garden City Pier, and Myrtle Beach State Park Pier. You can spend many enjoyable hours with a rod and line in hand.

Tourists on Myrtle Beach

References

Everything You Need to Know For Your Trip to Myrtle Beach. (n.d.). Retrieved July 14, 2020, from https://travel.usnews.com/Myrtle_Beach_SC/

Myrtle Beach Travel Guide: Myrtle Beach Tourism. (n.d.). Retrieved July 14, 2020, from https://www.kayak.com/Myrtle-Beach.9508.guide

Official Myrtle Beach Area Vacation Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved July 14, 2020, from https://www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/plan/visitors-guide/

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