Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Ultimate Guide to Traveling in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 🌴🏖️

Overview 🌐

Myrtle Beach, located on the east coast of South Carolina, is a vibrant coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and family-friendly attractions. This guide will provide you with essential information about places to go, activities, where to eat, where to stay, transportation, tips, and other points of interest to make your trip memorable.

Places to Go 🏝️

  1. Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade: Stroll along this iconic 1.2-mile (1.9 km) boardwalk with beautiful ocean views, restaurants, shops, and live entertainment.

  2. Brookgreen Gardens: Explore these stunning gardens featuring sculptures, Lowcountry wildlife, and botanical wonders.

  3. Myrtle Beach State Park: Relax on the pristine beaches or explore the coastal marshland of this picturesque state park.

  4. Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach: Dive into an underwater adventure with thousands of marine species, including sharks, sea turtles, and penguins.

  5. Horry County Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the Grand Strand at this educational museum.

  6. The Carolina Opry: Experience world-class entertainment through music, dance, and comedy shows.

Activities 🎡🏌️‍♂️

  1. Beach Activities: Swimming, surfing, sunbathing, paddleboarding, or fishing – there’s plenty to do on Myrtle Beach!

  2. Golf Courses: With over 100 courses, golf enthusiasts will find a challenging round for any skill level.

  3. Waterparks: Enjoy the slides and attractions at Wild Water & Wheels or Splashes Oceanfront Waterpark.

  4. Nightlife: From lively bars to live music venues, there’s no shortage of fun after dark in Myrtle Beach.

  5. Boat Tours: Take a dolphin watching tour, fishing charter, or sunset cruise for an unforgettable experience on the water.

Where to Eat 🍔🍕🥩

  1. The Bowery: A historic honky-tonk with live music and Southern cuisine.

  2. Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant: Enjoy handcrafted beers and German-inspired dishes in a contemporary setting.

  3. King Kong Sushi: Taste exquisite sushi rolls, hibachi, and other Asian fusion dishes.

  4. Peaches Corner: A Myrtle Beach institution serving classic burgers, shakes, and floats since 1937.

  5. College of Culinary Arts Restaurant: Dine at this student-run restaurant for an unforgettable meal at an affordable price.

Where to Stay 🏨🛌️

  1. Hotel Blue: A stylish boutique hotel with modern rooms, a rooftop bar, and ocean views.

  2. Breakers Resort: A family-friendly beachfront resort offering multiple pools, water slides, and on-site dining options.

  3. The Caravelle Resort: Luxurious condo-style accommodations with direct beach access, indoor/outdoor pools, and a lazy river.

  4. Hampton Inn & Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront: A conveniently located hotel offering spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center.

Things to Know 📝

  1. Weather: Summers in Myrtle Beach can be hot and humid, while winters are mild with occasional rain. Pack accordingly!

  2. Currency: The official currency of South Carolina is the US dollar ($). Credit cards are widely accepted at most businesses.

  3. Safety: While generally safe, exercise caution when visiting unfamiliar areas or after dark.

  4. Tipping: Gratuities are expected in restaurants and for services such as housekeeping, bartending, and transportation.

Transportation 🚗🛴️

  1. Car: Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Myrtle Beach and its surrounding areas.

  2. Bus: The Coast RTA provides public transportation throughout the Grand Strand.

  3. Bike: Biking is an enjoyable way to navigate the city, with bike lanes and rentals available.

  4. Taxis/Uber/Lyft: These services are readily available for travel within the city.

Tips 💡

  1. Check Weather Forecasts: Be prepared for potential storms during hurricane season (June through November).

  2. Buy Attraction Passes: Consider purchasing attraction passes, like the Myrtle Beach Fun & Sun Pass or All-Access Pass, to save money on activities.

  3. Support Local Businesses: Show your love for Myrtle Beach by dining and shopping at locally owned establishments.

  4. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially during hot summer days!

Additional Points of Interest 🌐

  1. Myrtle Waves Water Park: The largest water park in the Southeast with thrilling slides, wave pools, and family-friendly attractions.

  2. The Beach at Garden City: Enjoy a quieter beach experience with cleaner waters and fewer crowds than Myrtle Beach proper.

  3. Brookgreen Gardens Nights of a Thousand Candles: Experience the gardens aglow with over 5,000 candles during this enchanting holiday event.

  4. The Carolina Forest Farmers Market: Shop fresh produce, local crafts, and more at this bustling market held on Saturdays year-round.

Now that you have an idea of what to expect in Myrtle Beach, start planning your unforgettable trip! 🌴⛱️🎡