Atlantic Beach in Myrtle Beach

Atlantic Beach Myrtle Beach is a beautiful stretch of coastline that is nicknamed “the Black Pearl” because of its historical context as the home of the Gullah/Geechee people who are descendants of slaves who worked inhabited the area for over 300 years. Beginning in the 1930s, these people of Atlantic Beach in South Carolina defied the crippling Jim Crow laws and opened a variety of establishment including restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs. Today, it is a place where people of all backgrounds can enjoy the beauty of this gorgeous coastal area in peace and tranquility.

The beach activities at Atlantic Beach Myrtle Beach are just the beginning of the excitement here. You can enjoy a broad selection of activities, including parasailing and motor boating, fishing and kayaking, horseback riding, and much more. After you leave the beach you will find a wide variety of restaurants, fine hotels, and all kind of fun attractions. Atlantic Beach in South Carolina is within close proximity of other Myrtle Beach attractions like the House of Blues and Barefoot Landing.

If you are interested in diving, should consider visiting the Olympus Dive Center. They have a knowledgeable staff and can help you with lessons or to arrange diving expeditions for more seasoned pros. If you head down to the Beaufort Waterfront, you will have the ability to take a variety of boat rides, from speedboats to catamarans, and even a pirate ship. There are all kinds of activities on Atlantic Beach, not the least of which is simply enjoy the awesome beach itself.

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Myrtle Beach Beaches

Myrtle Beach beaches span over 60 miles along the Atlantic Ocean are considered by many to be some of the most beautiful in the entire world. Perhaps the most distinguishing characteristic of the miles of beach that comprise Myrtle is that the coastline is largely unfettered and uninterrupted, spanning the coast all the way from Little River to Georgetown to the south.

There are plenty of Myrtle Beach public beaches where anyone can enjoy laying out in the sun, playing in the water, and generally just enjoying the good life. What beach where you spend the most time may largely depend upon where you book your hotel. Many of the best hotels are situated right along the water where you will enjoy direct access to a wide variety of water and beach sports and activities. From North Myrtle Beach beaches such as Crescent Beach and Windy Hill to alluring spots in South Myrtle Beach like Surfside Beach and Garden City Beach, the beauty never ends.

Central Myrtle Beach is the location of many of the most popular Myrtle Beach beaches, including Myrtle Beach State Park. There are a host of waterfront accommodations along this stretch of the gorgeous coastline, including luxury hotels, condo rentals, villas, and boutique hotels. There are also tons of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues along the Myrtle Beach public beaches in this area. It costs under $10 per person (cheaper for children) to spend all day at the each with access to exciting water sports such as rafting, water skiing, and parasailing. The wide selection of attractions in the vicinity also lend to the popularity of this particular part of Myrtle Beach for families. Ripley's Aquarium, Broadway at the Beach, and Family Kingdom are just a few.

North Myrtle Beach beaches are also among the most beautiful in this part of the country. The northern part of the Grand Strand includes gorgeous beaches like Crescent Beach, Windy Hill, Cherry Grove, and Atlantic Beach. These are stunning stretches of coastline where you will find exclusive hotels, fine dining restaurants, and endless shopping and entertainment.

South Myrtle Beach features some beautiful beaches as well. The southern portion of the Grand Strand features standout areas such as Surfside Beach and Garden City Beach. These and other Myrtle Beach public beaches in the vicinity add to the appeal of this popular area where you will also find a huge number of hotels, rentals, condos, and other accommodations. Along the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk, you will find a wonderful selection of fine dining as well as casual restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood and a range of other culinary delights.

The Myrtle Beach beaches are as much known for their attractions, whether it is entertainment, dining, or shopping, as they are for their natural beauty. No matter which beach you are staying at, you are sure to have an amazing time. There are plenty of accommodations, but rates for everything go up and availability becomes more of an issue the faster the busy summer tourist season approaches. Whether you are booking an accommodation at one of the North Myrtle Beach beaches or somewhere in the south, be sure to do so in advance to get the best rates.

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Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach

Barefoot Landing is a large entertainment district in North Myrtle Beach that comprises a host of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Although it is a hugely popular tourist destination, it is developed in such a way that the buildings work naturally with its position along the Intracoastal Waterway. Visitors do not feel as though they are in a massive commercial development that happens to be on the water. There is a broad selection of hotels near Barefoot Landing, and the enviable Barefoot Landing restaurants are plentiful. If you are planning a trip to Myrtle Beach, you should set aside plenty of time to take in the many attractions at Barefoot Landing.

Alligator Adventure is just one such popular attraction. It is one of the largest reptile zoos in the entire world, featuring over 800 gators and a plethora of other reptiles and mammals. Adults and kids alike will be rapt at the sight of the expert handlers feeding some 300 adult alligators by hand. The large snakes, river otters, Galapagos tortoises, and tigers are also among the most popular exhibits at the reptile zoo. You can make a full day of your adventure and enjoy dinner at one of the Barefoot Landing restaurants that serves up fresh catches from that very day.

For those looking to enjoy live concerts and music while at Barefoot Landing, there are several attractive options. The Alabama Theatre has consistently been voted one of the most popular attractions by residents and visitors of Myrtle Beach. The theater attracts big-name acts from the world of music as well as professional stage productions of many varieties. The House of Blues is another popular entertainment venue at Barefoot Landing. On any given night at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach you will have the chance of seeing big bands and entertainers, especially in the summer months when the tourist season is at its peak.

Besides lots of live music, attractions for adults and kids, and theme parks, there are also a wide variety of Barefoot Landing shops. There are over 100 specialty shops and boutiques in this alluring part of North Myrtle Beach, where you will find everything from designer clothing and jewelry, to handcrafted goods and home furnishings. From spectacular wine shops and art galleries to shoe stores and handbag outlets, you will find just about everything you could possibly want to buy at Barefoot Landing, so it is an excellent place to find a souvenir of your vacation.

If you are planning a visit, you may want to consider booking one of the hotels near Barefoot Landing. The Oceancreek Resort is situated on 57 plush, gated acres that features a sprawling outdoor swimming pool, dining, spa and fitness center, and just about every other amenity you can expect from a luxury resort. It is located two-tenths of a mile from the boardwalk and is perfectly situated within close proximity of all the best shopping and Barefoot Landing restaurants.

The Courtyard by Marriott is another of the best hotels near Barefoot Landing where you will find a nice array of amenities and very comfortable accommodations. You will have at your disposal a pool, fitness center, 24-hour concierge service, and super easy access to the boardwalk at Barefoot Landing with all of the shops, restaurants, and clubs. Other viable hotels within close proximity include the Fairfield Inn, Sea Watch Resort, and the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort and Arcadian Shores Golf Club.

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Waves Water Park, Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Waves Water Park is a popular attraction for both kids and adults. It is located at the corner of Highway 17 and 10th Avenue close to Broadway at the Beach. In a city that contains tons of activities and attractions, from theaters and concert venues, shopping centers and nightlife attractions, golf and beach activities, this water park in Myrtle Beach is just one more potential place to put on your itinerary. There are a number of ways to realize savings on your admission if you do wish to make plans to visit the water park, including Myrtle Waves Water Park discount coupons that are available online. This can be one of the best attractions to visit in the heart of Myrtle Beach, especially if you are bringing along the little ones. You can be sure of one thing when you visit: everyone will have a fun time.

There are a wide selection of rides and slides available at the Myrtle Waves Water Park. The two raft rides are suitable for both kids and adults. One is an impressive, 1,200-foot lazy river ride that sends people touring the entire water park at a whopping 3 MPH. The point is not to go fast on this ride however, but to relax. Grab your raft and simply enjoy the ride. The Racin’ River ride is an attraction where people use skimmer boards to float down a river at a slightly more thrilling 10 MPH.

The water slides at this water park in Myrtle Beach provide the most excitement of any attractions in this park. There are a multitude of slides, some perfect for the kids, some strictly for adults. These are some serious slides, with all kinds of twists, turns, and dips. Snake Mountain is an alluring ride where you will rocket down three different slides, the Python, the Water Moccasin, and the King Cobra on an intertube. This is the most thrilling ride and was designed for only the most daring of all guests. You have to be at least 42 inches in height to even get near this formidable slide. Some of the other most popular slides include Night Flight, Riptide Rockets, Turbo Twisters, Super Chute, and Thunderbolts. You can probably imagine how exciting this place is with all of the options for fun rides, as well as concessions. If parents take advantage of Myrtle Waves Water Park discount coupons, they will find this particular destination to be even more exciting.

There are a number of ways to purchase tickets for this popular water park in Myrtle Beach. You can buy online or at the door, and you have the option of buying full-day passes or twilight admission passes. The twilight tickets are less than half the price of the full-day passes, and these serve well as Myrtle Waves Water Park discount coupons. You can also realize savings by purchasing a season pass if you are a resident or frequent visitor of Myrtle Beach as well. There are also great deals when you purchase three-day passes. The Myrtle Waves Water Park is an exciting destination that you and your whole group are sure to enjoy.

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Family Kingdom Amusement Park, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The Family Kingdom Amusement Park is a popular attraction for families with small children that visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It is not specifically for young children, but it is certainly geared toward kids much more so than many larger parks like Six Flags in Atlanta that are known rather for their large roller coasters and thrill rides. You can take the entire family or a group of friends to Family Kingdom in Myrtle Beach, not spend a lot of money, and still have a fantastic time enjoying something of an old-fashioned park by the ocean. Besides the wooden roller coaster, the largest Ferris wheel in South Carolina, the adjacent water park, and the wide variety of other rides, you will also be able to treat your group to all kinds of food, beverages, and festival games.

You can find the Family Kingdom Amusement Park at Ocean Boulevard and 3rd Avenue South, east of Route 17 on the water. This is an awesome part of the city where you will have at your disposal a range of restaurants, bars, hotels, and clubs. You can make a full weekend or week of your trip in this very area, as there are tons of accommodations along gorgeous stretches of beach, lots of golf, water activities galore, and of course, Family Kingdom in Myrtle Beach. Many of the luxury hotels in the area offer daycare services, so in the event you treat the kids to a day at the park, you can treat yourself out to a night out enjoying a wonderful dinner and show or other nightlife on the Grand Strand. This amusement park in Myrtle Beach is one that the youngsters will not soon forget.

The fun starts with rides like the Slingshot Drop Zone (a popular attraction for older kids and teens, as well as adults) and the go-kart tracks and other kids’ areas for the toddlers. Whether you have teenagers or toddlers, you will be able to find plenty of rides that appeal to everyone in your group. The wooden roller coaster, the Swamp Fox, is a massive thrill ride that will excite the most daring in the group. For the young kids, check out the miniature locomotive that meanders through the park and drops you off at the various attractions. There is plenty of food, both fair food and decent restaurants at the Family Kingdom Amusement Park as well, so you won’t have to worry about anyone getting cranky because of being hungry or thirsty.

The adjacent water park at Family Kingdom in Myrtle Beach is another very popular attraction in the city, that is suitable for kids, but not nearly as geared completely toward the children as is the amusement park. Enjoy thrilling, tall slides, intermediate rides, as well as cool attractions like a 450-foot river with waterfalls and whirlpools. This oceanfront amusement park in Myrtle Beach is awesome because you are within close proximity of all the attractions around the beach, as well as the beach itself. It is very cheap to get in, so a lot of people roll off the beach, cool off at the water park for a couple of hours, and then head back out to work on the tan. The amusement park and the water park are great destinations in Myrtle for adults and kids alike.

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Amusement Parks in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach amusement parks are found in abundance, as this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the southern United States. Around 15 million people visit Myrtle Beach and its plethora of golf courses, attractions, and beaches every year. Myrtle Beach water parks are extremely popular because there is always a need to cool off in the humid sub-tropical climate of South Carolina during the late spring and summer. Attractions like the Family Kingdom Amusement Park and the Myrtle Beach Freestyle Music Park keep people returning year after year.

What was formerly the Myrtle Beach Hard Rock Amusement Park was recently renamed Freestyle Music Park. It is a 140-acre rock ‘n roll theme park situated right between the Intracoastal Waterway and Highway 501. Besides the multitude of rides, games, and attractions, one of the biggest appeals is the three-story sand sculpture that features the faces of John Lennon, Bob Marley, Elvis Presley, and Jimi Hendrix. This exhibit is referred to as Mount RockMore. The Myrtle Beach Freestyle Music Park is certainly one of the places you should consider visiting if you are planning a trip to Myrtle Beach for the family.

The Family Kingdom Amusement Park is a fantastic destination, especially for families with small children. Although this is not one of the Myrtle Beach amusement parks that caters strictly to kids, it definitely trends that way. There are, however, plenty of rides for adults, including a large, all-wooden roller coaster and a variety of water attractions. There are plenty of appealing concessions, lots of fun games, and enough activities to keep the entire family or group having a great time together all day long.

Perhaps the most popular of all these kinds of attractions are the Myrtle Beach water parks. After a long day of shopping at Barefoot Landing or hitting the beach at Huntington Beach State Park, it is more than refreshing to dive into the wave pool or simply float down the lazy river ride. Myrtle Waves Water Park is the largest indoor water park and features a stunning array of slides, raft rides, and other water attractions. There is an incredible, 1,200-foot lazy river that allows patrons to glide at a leisurely pace under cooling rain trees and refreshing waterfalls. After you’ve had your fill of cooling off, you can head straight for the fun stuff and try out some of the awesomely tall slides. Other notable Myrtle Beach water parks include Wild Water and Wheels (Surfside Beach) and the Family Kingdom Amusement Park.

Myrtle Beach amusement parks are just another reason why you might want to consider a trip to this destination this year. Besides the over 250 golf courses, 60 miles of white sandy beaches, and seemingly endless array of appealing things to do, all of your bases will be covered. Many of the amusement and theme parks in Myrtle Beach are surrounded by restaurants, cafes, shopping outlets, hotels, and virtually anything else you might want or need. Many of them are just parts of overall larger entertainment complexes. Whichever you decide to visit, you should have an amazing time with your entire group.

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Alligator Adventure in Myrtle Beach

Alligator Adventure is one of the many exciting attractions at Barefoot Landing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It is a spectacular destination for both adults and children who are interested in visiting one of the largest repositories of reptiles in the entire world. Alligator Adventure in Myrtle Beach is home to some 800 alligators along with a wide range of other reptiles and other animals, from Galapagos tortoises and kimono dragons to river otters, beavers, and tigers. As cool as it is to witness the diverse animals at the park, the main attractions are the reptilian variety of Alligator Adventure animals. Visitors will be fascinated as they witness experts feeding alligators by hand while explaining various facts about them. In the main Alligator Adventure exhibit alone, there are over 300 adult alligators.

And gators are not the only big reptiles at Alligator Adventure in Myrtle Beach. The giant Green Anaconda, King Cobra, pythons, and other coiled serpents may have something to say about all the attention the gators receive at the park. The snakes are some of the most popular Alligator Adventure animals for the kids, and this is of course due in large part to the fact that they remain behind large glass encasements. Nonetheless, visitors get to see handlers interacting with the giant serpents much in the same way as they interact with the intimidating alligators.

The Galapagos tortoises are a huge hit at Alligator Adventure as well. The largest at the park is a 52-year old, 45-pound female. These tortoises love the attention of their handlers as well as that of the crowd, making them another of the most popular exhibits at the park.

Who doesn’t love seeing the cuddly, playful river otters as well? These hilarious animals are described as having two gears: completely charged with energy or sound asleep. They are a blast for both adults and kids to watch, especially when the staff at Alligator Adventure throws special treats like hot dogs and cooked shrimp into their tanks. As if the above listed Alligator Adventure animals were not enough, you will also be able to see frogs, lizards, tropical birds, lemurs, tigers, zebras, and beavers. Spending a day at Alligator Adventure is a lot more interesting, in many ways, than just your average zoo visit, especially for the kids. The interactive nature of the gator and snake exhibits, the fun and hilarity of the river otters, and the many other jungle species make this a very special destination indeed.

If visiting Alligator Adventure in Myrtle Beach sounds like something you may be interested in doing, you can take advantage of significant savings and offerings that are available, in one form or another, year round. When you purchase a one-day pass at Alligator Adventure, you receive a second day free of charge if you come back within seven days. You can also download printable coupons from their website that are good for money off general admission. The rates to begin with are reasonable and there are also discounts for military service people, kids, and seniors. Besides the daily displays and exhibits, there are a number of live shows featuring alligator feedings, special workshops, and much more. If you are planning a trip to Myrtle Beach with the kids, this could be a great day to spend a day of fun and excitement.

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Surfside Beach, South Carolina

Surfside Beach is both a beach and an unincorporated town located along the Grand Strand on the northern border of Garden City and about six miles south of downtown Myrtle Beach. A Surfside Beach vacation is very popular with families, and the town actually refers to itself as “the family beach.” There is something to keep every member of the family interested and entertained, starting with the beach and the ocean.

The town of Surfside Beach has two miles sugary fine white sand on what is one of the region’s most popular beaches. Many visitors who enjoy a Surfside Beach vacation will choose from the oceanfront hotels, such as the Days Inn and Holiday Inn, both of which are set right on the beach.

However, the Surfside Beach attractions that draw the majority of visitors are the numerous vacation rentals. These include beach cottages and homes as well as a number of condominium complexes that offer many of the same facilities as resorts. The Plantation Resort is a good example, offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom furnished condominium villas with fully equipped kitchens that are available for purchase as well as short-term rentals. There are children’s pools and a playground, indoor and outdoor heated adult swimming pools, and a fitness center with massage services. During the peak season, there is a free shuttle to the best shopping areas and outlet stores in Myrtle Beach, which is only about fifteen minutes away.

Even if your Surfside Beach vacation doesn’t involve fishing, you will enjoy strolling out on the long fishing pier that juts several hundred feet out into the ocean. There is a tackle shop (where you can get your photograph taken with your catch) and a gift shop. There are several dining spots concentrated along the pier, and many others scattered along the beach.

In addition to fishing and the beach, one of the main Surfside Beach attractions is the golf available here. You’ll find numerous miniature golf courses as well as several executive 9-hole courses. The Indian Wells and Indigo Creek Golf Clubs (both actually located in neighboring Garden City) have 18-hole courses. Most of these Surfside Beach golf courses also have onsite villas and condominiums. The Grand Strand and Myrtle Beach area offers more than 80 other courses.

Among the most popular Surfside Beach attractions is the Wild Water and Wheels Park that covers sixteen acres. In addition to mini golf, go carts, and bumper boats, this family oriented amusement and water park has direct access to the beach at nearly 40 different points.

The history of the area as a settlement began with a plantation covering more than 3,000 acres and growing mainly crops of sweet potatoes and rice. It underwent several name changes, getting its current name of Surfside Beach in 1952. It was hit hard by Hurricane Hazel in 1954 (18 of 65 houses were destroyed) as was the entire region, and the development that occurred after that changed the landscape from a nearly deserted beach with sand dunes and sea oats into the popular vacation destination that it is today.

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North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

North Myrtle Beach is a small community about ten miles north of Myrtle Beach and just to the north of the Grand Strand Airport. Next to the community of Little River, this is the northernmost of the towns along the 60 miles of the Grand Strand. The history of this area shows it was relatively uninhabited until the railroad was built after the Civil War. Although North Myrtle Beach was named for the larger city, it has its own charm and character. Like Surfside Beach further to the south, it prides itself on being a family destination.

Also like Surfside Beach, the North Myrtle Beach attractions include a large number of vacation rentals. These range from beach houses and cottages to luxury villas and condominiums. Some of the condominiums call themselves “condotels,” and have many of the facilities you might find at resorts, including swimming pools, fitness centers, lazy river water parks and playgrounds, and even restaurants and bars. You will also find oceanfront hotels and several North Myrtle Beach golf resorts.

One of the most popular of the North Myrtle Beach attractions is Barefoot Landing. This is a large shopping, entertainment, and dining complex set along Highway 17 next to the Intracoastal Waterway. There is a marina, so you can actually arrive by boat. This is one of the region’s premiere places for nightlife, with the legendary House of Blues featuring international headliners and several other venues. Everyone in the family can enjoy the Alligator adventure in Barefoot Landing, with a number of species indigenous to the oceans and marshes as well as exotic creatures like tiger and lemurs, as well as what is claimed to be the world’s largest alligator. There are live animal lectures and shows where you can handle baby alligators and learn about the wildlife.

North Myrtle Beach attractions include a number of important and popular events. This is said to be the place where the unique South Carolina shag dance originated. You can see this interesting mixture of swing and Lindy hop dancing if you are out enjoying the nightlife any time of year. If you visit in January, you can enjoy the Mid-Winter Shag Classic, and March brings the National Shagdance Championships. Other events include the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta, which usually occurs near the end of November. Residents and visitors alike decorate their yachts and fishing boats and parade along the Intracoastal Waterway from Little River to one of the marinas in town. There are public landings where you can view the spectacle and numerous restaurants offering special menus along the parade route. If you will be dining in a restaurant during the parade evening, you should make reservations as far in advance as possible.

There is golf everywhere along the Grand Strand, but there are so many North Myrtle Beach golf courses, that you may never leave the area and still experience a new course virtually every day of your vacations—there are at least ten in the immediate vicinity of the town. One of the most scenic of the North Myrtle Beach golf courses is the Waterway Hills Course, which stretches along the Intracoastal Waterway for two full miles. Most of the holes play to or alongside the canal. And, of course, North Myrtle Beach offers its pristine, wide beaches, fishing piers, party and fishing cruises, and even beach horseback riding. If you still need more things to do, some of the region’s best outlet stores and shopping malls are located here.

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Garden City, South Carolina

Garden City SC—also known as Garden City Beach—is both a small unincorporated town and a beach located about eight miles south of Myrtle Beach. Just to the north is the community (and beach) of Surfside Beach. This is the southernmost beach community in Horry County, and actually is located partially within Georgetown County. Part of the history of Myrtle Beach and its surrounding region was the 1954 Hurricane Hazel, which devastated Garden City Beach even worse than the surrounding area; only two houses were left standing in the hurricane’s wake. Today, the area is a lively and beautiful vacation spot.

Among the many things to do in Garden City South Carolina is simply enjoy the beautiful sugar-fine sands of the beach, which stretches for more than two miles. This (along with neighboring Surfside Beach) is one of the most popular beaches along the Grand Strand. These two communities are also well known for the many vacation rentals that are available, making it much more convenient to enjoy the beaches. Garden City SC vacation rentals include upscale luxury condos as well as beach houses and cottages set in the pristine dunes. Many of the condominiums have many of the amenities of resorts, with facilities such as indoor and outdoor swimming pools, fitness center, lounge, shopping venues, and dining spots.

Garden City SC boasts a 668-foot long public pier that is considered one of the best fishing piers in the area. Short of deep sea fishing cruises, there is no better Atlantic Ocean fishing than pier fishing. The pier is open seven days a week from early morning until late at night, and is full of anglers all day long. One of the things to do in Garden City South Carolina is simply stroll along the pier and enjoy the views. There is no fee to walk on the pier, though you need to have proper permits and licenses for fishing. There is also a tackle shop, where you can have your photograph taken with your catch, snack bar, and a bar where you can hear live music many evenings during the summer events. This area at the end of the pier also offers a rain shelter in case the weather changes during the day.

Other things to do in Garden City South Carolina include visiting Brookgreen Gardens, which is set right along the town’s southern boundaries, and is the source of the town’s name. The beautiful sculpture garden and wildlife preserve is almost 10,000 acres in area. Brookgreen Gardens contains wonderful walking and hiking trails through several ecosystems, and the prestigious Lowcountry Zoo, which protects numerous indigenous species as well as rare domestic breeds of farm animals that once were part of the rice plantations that thrived here up until the Civil War.

Along the oceanfront bordering Brookgreen Gardens is Huntington Beach State Park. If you don’t want to stay in Garden City Beach hotels or vacation rentals, this lovely coastal park offers camping. There are camp sites for recreational vehicles and motor homes (some sites have sewer hook-ups) as well as tents. There is a fishing jetty, boat ramps, picnic shelters, and hiking trails—all complements to one of the best preserved beach ecosystems on the South Carolina coast.

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The History of Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach history begins, as does the history of each of the United States, with indigenous people. In this case, the Waccamaw and Winyah tribes. The coastal route that now runs along the coast of this region was once a Native American trade and hunting trail long before Europeans arrived and began to settle the region. Today, this route is known as the Grand Strand and parallels more than 60 miles of pristine sandy South Carolina beaches from Georgetown (about 20 miles south of Huntington Beach State Park) all the way north to the border of North Carolina. The modern history of Myrtle Beach began with Spanish explorer Lucas Vasquez de Allyon who established a short-lived settlement here in 1526. Later, the English established settlements along the Grand Strand.

One of the little known facts about Myrtle Beach is that the inlets, coves, and islands along the stretch of ocean provided ideal hiding spots for the famous pirates of the early eighteenth century who took advantage of the numerous British and European ships that came to supply the new English settlers. The most notorious of these pirates was the infamous Edward Teach, also known as Blackbeard. Today, some of the best seafood dining spots on the beaches of the Grand Strand are named for Blackbeard or his equally legendary contemporary Drunken Jack.

Throughout most of the Myrtle Beach history during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the Grand Strand region remained largely unpopulated and undeveloped because of its inaccessibility and poor economy. Several attempts were made to extend the slave and plantation systems to the coast, but the land was not good for the kinds of crops (cotton and tobacco) that were grown on southern plantations and the efforts largely failed. The most successful plantation crops were rice and sweet potatoes. Looking for new ways to create income, the Burroughs & Collins Company (a local turpentine manufacturer with considerable beachfront property) decided to develop the region as a vacation destination, and built the first of the seaside beach resorts in 1901. The history of Myrtle Beach changed again when Mrs. Burroughs won the competition to name the resort community. She chose Myrtle Beach because of the many wax myrtle bushes and trees that thrive along the shore.

Shortly afterward, Bourroughs & Collins became the present day Burroughs & Chapin Company. A luxury resort was built on the northern edge of the newly named community that included the first golf course along the Grand Strand—the present day Pine Lakes International Country Club. The history of Myrtle Beach as a tourist destination continued during the 1930s and 1940s as more oceanfront hotels and resorts were developed, and the Intracoastal Waterway (a 3,000 mile long waterway paralleling the shoreline that stretches from New Jersey to Florida and from Florida to Texas) was opened for commercial and pleasure boat traffic.

From 1949 to 1954, Myrtle Beach history entered the modern era of tourism development when the Pavilion was built, and the historic carousel and band organ creating the region’s first amusement park were erected on Ocean Boulevard. One of the facts about Myrtle Beach that continues to resonate today is that in 1954, Hurricane Hazel devastated a large portion of the Atlantic Seaboard. A large number of oceanfront hotels, homes, and trees were completely destroyed, paving the way for a 1960s real estate and building boom that included building new golf courses almost every year, modern hotels, upscale shops and boutiques, and other tourist facilities. Today, the Grand Strand boasts several multi-use travel destinations that have taken the place of the original Pavilion Amusement Park, including the Myrtle Waves Water Park and Broadway at the Beach, a 350-acre shopping, entertainment, and dining complex with numerous hotels, and the Family Kingdom Amusement Park along Surfside Beach.

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Shopping in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach shopping is some of the best in the region, with hundreds of stores, boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops. In addition, you will find several shopping outlets in Myrtle Beach with bargains that draw thousands of visitors as well as South Carolina residents from all over the eastern part of the state, and even from neighboring North Carolina.

Among the shopping outlets in Myrtle Beach are two Tanger Centers. One is located about six miles west of downtown Myrtle Beach on Highway 501, and can be conveniently reached with car rentals. Another quite large center is located on Highway 17 (the main thoroughfare that parallels the coastline) about halfway between Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach. Between the two, you will find more than 200 name brand outlet stores offering apparel, accessories, house wares and home furnishings, and footwear. These two shopping outlets in Myrtle Beach also offer food courts and restaurants, ice cream and candy shops, and specialty stores offering everything from diamonds and pet supplies to perfume and power tools.

There are also three well-known Myrtle Beach shopping malls that are tourist attractions in their own right. Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach is set between Highway 17 and the Intracoastal Waterway, and actually boasts its own marina in case your mode of transportation happens to be a boat. After visiting the hundred or so shops and one of the waterfront dining spots, you can stop in at the Alligator Adventure, one of the largest reptile zoos in the world, or Preservation Station, a 50-acre refuge where you can enjoy some hands-on encounters with greatly endangered and rare species from orangutans and chimpanzees to more than 60 big cats including tigers and the liger (a cross between a lion and a tiger). When your Myrtle Beach shopping is over and you've seen all the critters you wish to see, you can come back after dark for some nightlife at more than a dozen entertainment venues including the legendary House of Blues.

Another of the well-known Myrtle Beach shopping malls is Broadway at the Beach, also a tourist attraction and located between Highway 17 and the beaches of central Myrtle Beach. Similar to Barefoot Landing, it is a 350-acre complex boasting about 20 restaurants, more than 100 specialty shops, cinema complexes, live performance theaters, and its own night club district. There is a small amusement park, miniature golf, and eve a zip line and ropes course. Here also is another Hard Rock Café and another dozen or so night clubs and music bars. This is also the site of numerous special events, including festivals, conventions, and seasonal fireworks displays. About a mile away is one of the newer Myrtle Beach shopping malls is the Coastal Grand Mall, with more than 170 stores anchored by stores such as Sears, JC Penney, Old Navy, and Cinemark Theatres.

There are several other Myrtle Beach shopping malls and centers as well as numerous boutiques and shops found along the beaches and in oceanfront hotels. About halfway between Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach to the south is the sophisticated Market Common, with upscale shops and boutiques and elegant dining choices. This center is also a residential community, with a large number of apartments, condominiums, and other types of vacation rentals.

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Restaurants in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach restaurants celebrate the best of authentic coastal southern cooking that is heavy on barbecue and the plentiful seafood that includes both salt water and fresh water fish and shellfish. There are close to 20,000 choices for dining in Myrtle Beach and the surrounding Grand Strand area that include everything from elegant gourmet cuisine and steakhouses to fast food joints and fish fry snack places on the beaches.

The North Myrtle Beach restaurants and Myrtle Beach restaurants are the most numerous and varied, and access to all of them is convenient no matter where you are staying in this part of the Grand Strand. The two towns are only about ten miles apart, and their boundaries sprawl right into each other. If you have car rentals, the drive only takes about fifteen minutes on Highway 17, the main thoroughfare that parallels the coast. Additionally, the Intracoastal Coastal waterway acts as another main "highway," so travel between the two of them by boat is just as convenient. In fact, some dining in Myrtle Beach is actually done on party cruises.

If you are staying in Surfside Beach or Garden City, accessing North Myrtle Beach restaurants by boat is a much less convenient method of travel because the Intracoastal Waterway begins turning inland south of Myrtle Beach and the Broadway at the Beach entertainment and shopping complex. Still, these two communities have the easy road access of Highway 17, and the North Myrtle Beach restaurants are only about twenty miles from Garden City and the camping areas of Huntington Beach State Park. There is excellent seafood available along all 60 miles of the Grand Strand, but there are a couple of very popular seafood places that specialize in the authentic southern fish fry and sumptuous seafood buffets here, and they draw diners from all over the region. Here you can get shrimp prepared in all the myriad ways described by Bubba in the film Forrest Gump. Also look for deviled crab, crab bisque, and crab cakes, or give old fashioned shrimp 'n grits a try.

Sure, Myrtle Beach restaurants offer Thai food and Mexican cuisine, Italian restaurants, and Chinese restaurants, but take time to find real southern barbecue and other traditional southern specialties. A real barbecue will have some or all of these fixings: hush puppies, baked beans, rice, hash, candied yams and sweet potatoes, and (always) slaw. Coleslaw on a barbecue sandwich is some people's idea of heaven. Nothing can beat a home-cooked chicken stew, usually including rice and possibly sausage (chicken bog). Catfish stew (white made with milk or red made with tomatoes) is a local favorite, as is Beaufort stew—shrimp, sausage, corn on the cob, and potatoes often stewed in beer. Also look for okra, black-eye peas, collards, chitlins, and everything you can imagine made with peaches.

Pawley's Island (about five miles south of Brookgreen Gardens is one of the oldest and southernmost of the resorts along the Grand Strand. Some people will travel from many miles away for restaurants here that specialize in the old fashioned, home-cooked southern feast.

You have choices for elegant dining in Myrtle Beach at a number of places. The best luxury hotels and golf resorts often have a gourmet dining option. Another, perhaps surprising, place to find fine dining options is at some of the shopping complexes, especially the Market Common, Broadway at the Beach, and Barefoot Landing. Many of these places will offer more subdued nightlife like jazz and blues, and some turn into lively night clubs after the dinner hour.

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Nightlife in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach nightlife can be found up and down the 60 miles of the Grand Strand. Most of the major Myrtle Beach night clubs are located along Highway 17, the main north south route that parallels the coast, and along the Boardwalk promenade.

Some of the best nightlife in Myrtle Beach SC is actually be found in the town of North Myrtle Beach, about ten miles north of the larger town. There are several Myrtle Beach night clubs and music bars in the Barefoot Landing area, which is set between the Intracoastal Waterway and the main Highway 17 thoroughfare. This makes it convenient if you are using car rentals or if you are actually getting around by boat, as the Landing has its own marina. Here, Myrtle Beach nightlife offers one of the legendary House of Blues venues. There’s another one in the town of Myrtle Beach, but this one is the largest.

More of the best nightlife in Myrtle Beach SC is found along the Boardwalk at the Beach in the main town. Like the Barefoot Landing, this is a new shopping, dining, and entertainment area covering 350 acres and set between Highway 17 and the ocean. There are a score of restaurants, more than 100 shops and boutiques, cinemas, live performance theaters, and an entire district. Additionally, Broadway on the Beach is located only a couple blocks from the Convention Center; both of these venues are locations for numerous festivals and special events. Among the Myrtle Beach night clubs in the Broadway on the Beach area are the House of Blues, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, and a Fat Tuesday (the famous New Orleans Daiquiri club). Most of these and the other night clubs also are dining spots, and the clubs range from a traditional Irish pub (complete with cigar bar) and a rock ‘n roll concert venue to a dueling pianos stage and a karaoke club.

You will also find Myrtle Beach nightlife right along the beaches in oceanfront hotels and resorts as well as separate establishments. A large number of these are clustered along North Ocean Boulevard between the Breakers Resort and the Bay View Resort. There are also some in the same oceanfront areas in both Surfside Beach and Garden City.

The best nightlife in Myrtle Beach SC for those on family vacations might be Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede. Virtually every evening, you can arrive before the show for a stroll by the horse stables to see the show’s stars. The show itself is a dinner show extravaganza in a huge arena covering 35,000 square feet that will delight all members of the family and includes the horses and other animals, pyrotechnics, and much more. Do note that all included beverages are non-alcoholic. There are similar attractions with performances and acts suitable for children, such as the Alabama Theatre and the Family Kingdom Amusement Park. There are also a few teen night clubs for those under 21. This is the long-standing drinking age, although there is movement to lower it to age 18.

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Myrtle Beach Events anfd Festivals

Myrtle Beach events are numerous and occur throughout the year. Since the resort area stretches for miles and all the coastal communities along the 60-mile stretch called the Grand Strand are easily accessible with car rentals or your own vehicle, you will find that you can attend Myrtle Beach festivals or one of the Little River festivals or North Myrtle Beach festivals all during a single vacation period.

Enthusiasts of golf will find many Myrtle Beach events that concentrate on this sport. There are more than 80 excellent golf courses, some of which are listed among the best in the United States, and there are tournaments at one course or another all year long. Many of the tournaments are held around the same period as other Myrtle Beach festivals and many are the kinds of tournaments in which ordinary “duffers” can participate—including family tournaments, youth tournaments, and other amateur competitions. Perhaps the most prestigious of these is the Labor Day World Amateur Handicap Championship, which draws several thousand amateur golfers from all 50 states and more than 20 other countries.

Other Myrtle Beach events focus on the sea and fishing. The local fishermen, both commercial and sport, work throughout the year. The best and most popular season coincides with the high tourist season, and you should make your arrangements as far in advance as possible if you want to go out on one of the many charter boats available. These boats are usually fully booked beginning in the late spring. Some boats that offer party cruises with large numbers of passengers have specific sailings that are dedicated to fishing. One of the North Myrtle Beach festivals that encompasses the northernmost Grand Strand community of Little River all the way south to Georgetown is the Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo that kicks off on April first. You can register and compete for thousands of dollars in prized any time during your vacations from April 1 through the end of October.

Show up any month of the year, and you can enjoy shag dancing—a unique South Carolina dance claimed by many communities along the Grand Strand that combines different forms of the classic swing. But come during January and you can enjoy one of the North Myrtle Beach festivals that celebrate this unique dance form. This is Mid-Winter Shag Classic, followed in March by the National Shagdance Championships.

Other Myrtle Beach festivals include February’s Mardi Gras, patterned after the legendary Mardi Gras celebrations that occur in New Orleans and almost every other southern state. The Rivertown Jazz Festival is held in April in the historic county seat of Conway (about ten miles west of Myrtle Beach). The popular Bike Week is held in May. Also called the Spring Rally, this a week full of events that draws thousands of rumbling motorcycles and bike enthusiasts from all over North America. These are a few of the events held throughout the region. No matter when you decide to visit, you will find numerous festivals and events. Also look for parties, nightlife, fireworks, parades, concerts, and more on national holidays, including St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Christmas, and New Year’s.

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Car Rentals in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach car rentals are available everywhere in the city and along the 60 miles of Grand Strand coastline where tourists normally enjoy their vacations, as well as in many of the primarily residential areas. These Myrtle Beach Airport car rentals are what most people who arrive on flights will use to get around on visits here. All the major national franchises of companies such as Hertz and Avis are located in the main Myrtle Beach airport. Look for their desks and courtesy phones after leaving the baggage claim area. Although the parking lots may not be located right at the airport, these companies do offer airport shuttle service to and from their lots. In addition, you can obtain a cheap Myrtle Beach rental car from some smaller local, regional, and discount companies, a couple of which also have desks at the airport.

Myrtle Beach Airport car rentals can be obtained round-trip, returning them to the airport when you are ready to depart. You can also obtain one as a one-way rental, dropping it off elsewhere. Although you generally pay more for this convenience, it is good for people who are exploring other areas of the state or even out of state. Some people will fly into a place like the capital city of Charleston, and then work their way north to end their vacations on the Grand Strand beaches.

North Myrtle Beach Airport car rentals can also be found at that town’s general aviation facility, including one run by the Ramp 66 company that provides all ground services at the Grand Strand Airport. They even have mini vacation packages available for pilots who are flying in those staying in the golf resorts in the area—they get a free car rental for an hour during refueling.

The best source for a cheap Myrtle Beach rental car might actually be vacation packages, many of which will include Myrtle Beach car rentals along with other features such as accommodations in hotels, dining options, and perhaps even cruises or tickets to concerts and special events. While you may spend almost all of your time at one of the resorts, walking or taking taxis to various places, you may just want a car to visit a particular place or just take a drive. Most of the luxury hotels and better resorts will arrange to have a car delivered right to the hotel—some even have a rental desk in their lobbies. This means you can get a cheap Myrtle Beach rental car for just a few hours or a day.

This is a popular destination for some of the world’s rich and famous, and there are exotic and luxury car rentals available. Even if you are not so rich and famous, but want to splurge a bit to attend one of the special events in style, it may be in your budget to get yourself a flashy Viper or elegant Rolls Royce just to attend a wedding or arrive at the House of Blues along with the headliner appearing there. You will find that Myrtle Beach car rentals provide you with the most convenient form of transportation to visit all the attractions and participate in all the things to do in the resort area that encompasses hundreds of square miles.

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Myrtle Beach Flights

Myrtle Beach flights generally land at the Myrtle Beach International Airport, which is located only a couple miles from the main downtown district and right next to one of the region’s 100 or so golf courses. This facility has the best cheap flights to Myrtle Beach from other parts of the United States. In fact, all of the direct flights to Myrtle Beach from other parts of the country arrive here. Because of how convenient road travel is and because of the proximity of other vacation destinations such as Charleston to the south and the North Carolina coast to the north, many visitors may actually fly into another city, drive here in car rentals, and fly home from Myrtle Beach.

Direct Myrtle Beach flights are available from major cities all over the eastern United States, including Boston, New York City, Washington D.C., Atlanta, and Ft. Lauderdale. Additionally, there are direct cheap flights to Myrtle Beach from several Midwest cities, including Chicago and Detroit. Otherwise, the only direct Myrtle Beach airfare from a city west of the Mississippi River is from Dallas. Myrtle Beach International Airport is located within the city limits, only a couple miles from the main tourist areas like Broadway on the Beach and the coastline with its beautiful sugary white beaches. You can land and be golfing, sunbathing or deep sea fishing within an hour.

The Grand Strand Regional Airport is just as conveniently located next to golf courses and central North Myrtle Beach, but that facility is a general aviation facility primarily serving small private aircraft. However, Myrtle Beach airfare to this facility is sometimes available on air taxis and charter flights usually targeted at those visitors arriving on golf vacations. Many times, those wealthy visitors with private planes and staying at some of the luxury hotels or in one of the deluxe villas, condominiums, or vacation rentals that make up the majority of accommodation options in this region will fly into this facility.

Many visitors will obtain the best cheap flights to Myrtle Beach by booking them as part of vacation packages that can be offered by travel agents, tour operators, and even the airlines. These include not only the flights, but also other features such as accommodations in hotels, car rentals, and perhaps a dining option. If it is part of a golf vacation, even greens fees might be included. Because of the popularity of deep sea fishing in the Grand Strand region, Myrtle Beach airfare is sometimes included in fishing packages.

Myrtle Beach flights during the off season are often less expensive than they are during the most popular peak summer season. Nonetheless, if you are coming for special events like the fishing and golf tournaments, it is best to make the arrangements as far in advance as possible. This is because there are fewer flights during the low season, and they fill up quickly during special events. The Christmas and New Year holidays are also busy and flights are often filled. And this is a popular year round destination because of the mild winter weather.

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Attractions in Myrtle Beach

When considering the attractions in Myrtle Beach, you are likely to first conjure up images of long, sandy beaches and acres of fairways. Sure, the beaches in Myrtle Beach and the expansive selection of Myrtle Beach golf courses account for bringing in scores of visitors each year, but there are plenty of other Myrtle Beach attractions to compliment your round of golf or engage your spirit after a day spent with your feet in the sand. On your next trip to South Carolina, consider these ideas for Myrtle Beach attractions that help to make a vacation here ideal for all. Whether you like to shop, explore nature or find thrills at an amusement park, Myrtle Beach SC attractions have just what you are looking for.

Barefoot Landing

Barefoot Landing is a shopping complex found along the Intracoastal Waterway just off Route 17 where Central and North Myrtle Beach meet. Among the most visited attractions in Myrtle Beach, and all of South Carolina for that matter, Barefoot Landing combines an atmosphere of shops, restaurants and entertainment set among the natural beauty of the coastal lowlands. Browse for toys and clothes or buy a new necklace to compliment your tan at one of Barefoot Landing’s more than 100 retail and specialty shops. Enjoy lunch or dinner as you dine at one of the waterfront restaurants. Barefoot Landing is always hopping, especially in the summer, when weekly fireworks and street entertainers extra flavor to this laid-back locale.

Alligator Adventure

Found at Barefoot Landing, Alligator Adventure is a one of the top North Myrtle Beach attractions for families. Alligator Adventure is the largest reptile park in the world, and as you stroll the park’s boardwalk, keep an eye out below where over 800 alligators make their home in the muddy water. Learn about these archaic creatures, two of which are rare albinos, as you listen to the informative lecture and get a chance to watch as the staff feeds their hungry lot of gators. The experience at Alligator Adventure is akin to that of Gatorland in Florida, and the park is a must for animal lovers. Head to the serpent house where you can see Komodo dragons, snakes, frogs, tortoises and a list of exotic birds. Alligator Adventure’s hours vary with the season, and the cost to enter is $14.95 for adults, $12.95 for seniors, and $9.95 for ages 4-11.

Brookgreen Gardens

Brookgreen Gardens is located just south of Myrtle Beach and north of Georgetown. Founded in 1931 by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, Brookgreen Gardens combines one of the largest and most significant collections of American sculptures in the outdoor Sculpture Garden, with over 9,000 acres of park and refuge set among forest and tidal swamps, salty marshlands and sandy ridges. A National Historic Landmark, and home to the only coastal Carolina zoo recognized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Brookgreen Gardens is a welcome retreat among the attractions in Myrtle Beach. Engage yourself with a variety of tours, daily programs and a host of changing exhibitions and special events. Brookgreen Gardens is open from 9:30 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. from June 20- August 17, and until 5:30 p.m. all other days. Admission is $12 for ages 19-64, $10 for seniors and ages 13-18, $5 for children ages 6-12 and free for children ages 5 and under.

Broadway at the Beach

This mega shopping, dining and entertainment area is more a collection of Myrtle Beach SC attractions than anything else. Set over 350 acres, Broadway at the Beach combines a healthy mix of specialty stores, nightclubs, restaurants, and attractions. When searching for Myrtle Beach hotels, you might consider booking a room at one the three found at Broadway at the Beach. There is always something going on here, and there is even a trolley service to transport visitors around the expansive grounds.

Myrtle Waves Water Park

When the summer heat gets the best of you, head for a fun-filled day at one of the most refreshing attractions in Myrtle Beach. Located near Broadway at the Beach, this amusement park is ideally situated and has been a favorite summer hangout for both locals and visitors alike. The largest water park in South Carolina, Myrtle Waves Water Park has a myriad of rides and pools spread over its 20 acres. The park is open from mid-May to mid-September, with daily operations from June through August. Admission is $27.00 for ages 9-54, $20.00 for ages 3-8 and ages 55 and older, and free for children 2 and under. The price includes admission to all rides and park attractions.

Huntington Beach State Park and Myrtle Beach State Park

Outdoor enthusiasts will find these two parks to be a welcome addition to their list of Myrtle Beach SC attractions. Huntington Beach State Park can be found on Route 17 at Murrells Inlet, and offers excellent coastal hiking, camping, fishing and remote beach access. It is open from 6 a.m.- 10 p.m. daily, and there is an entrance fee of $5 for ages 16 and up and $3 for ages 6-15. Myrtle Beach State Park, at 4401 S. Kings Highway, also offers beach access and camping. Here, you will also find a fishing pier and scenic picnic areas. The hours are the same and park admission is $4 for ages 16 and up, and $1.50 for those between 6 and 15 years old. At both parks, ages 5 and under get in free.

Ripley’s Aquarium

This is one of the hottest Myrtle Beach SC attractions and can be found at Broadway at the Beach. Built at a cost of $40 million, Ripley’s Aquarium will entertain you with its aquatic exhibits spread throughout 87,000 square feet. As you tour the aquarium, take time out to listen in on the regularly scheduled feedings and shows to learn about the creatures you are viewing. This place is ideal for the whole family and offers special events and programs tailored for children. Ripley’s Aquarium is open daily from 9:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m., and is well-priced at $17.99 for ages 12 and up, $9.99 for kids 5-11 and $3.99 for children ages 2-4. If you plan on visiting any of the other Ripley’s attractions in Myrtle Beach, you can save money by purchasing combo tickets.

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Things To Do in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach has established itself as one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States. Located along the northern shore of South Carolina, Myrtle Beach enjoys a fairly temperate climate, meaning you can plan your Myrtle Beach vacation year round. Myrtle Beach welcomes all kinds of travelers, with plenty of romantic options for couples and scores of activities the whole family can enjoy. As with Hilton Head, those seeking fun in the Carolina sun will find it at Myrtle Beach. Here are some ideas for things to do in Myrtle Beach when it’s time to dust the sand off your feet and get into something else.

Tee it Up for a Round of Golf

Every year, thousands of golfers from around the globe come to the Myrtle Beach area where over 100 golf courses await them. In North, Central and South Myrtle Beach, beautiful golf courses mix the beauty of green fairways with the natural environment. As you struggle to reach the green, take in the sights of the local flora and fauna for some peace of mind before your next shot. Whether you plan on hitting the links with a group of friends, are planning a corporate event, or are interested in sponsoring a charity event, Myrtle Beach golf courses present the ideal venue. With designs from top designers, such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman and Robert Trent Jones, it’s no wonder golfing is one of the top things to do in Myrtle Beach SC. When looking for Myrtle Beach hotels, you will find that many offer golf packages with their accommodations.

Join Bodacious Bob’s for a Bicycle Tour to the Silver Coast Winery

Many of the fun things to do in Myrtle Beach involve enjoying the great weather and soaking up the Carolina sunshine. Located near Myrtle Beach in Little River, Bodacious Bob’s offers a wide array of selections for different bicycle tours, and wine aficionados will appreciate the ride to the Silver Coast Winery. On the winery bicycle tour, you begin at the Vereen Memorial Gardens, cruise through the village of Calabash and end up at the Silver Coast Winery. Sample the winery’s products, relax in the shade of trees and have a light meal that includes fresh grapes and bread and cheese to go with your wine. The bicycle ride is approximately 15 miles each way and the tour lasts from 3-4 hours. The cost is $85.00 if you rent a bike and $60 if you have your own.

Savor Local and International Flavors While Dining Out

One of the popular things to do in Myrtle Beach SC involves dining at one of the area’s full-service restaurants. There are over 1,600 in Myrtle Beach, and many of them specialize in serving up the fresh, local seafood. Take your hungry stomach to a beachside deli and enjoy the views of the Ocean as you work on a delicious sandwich. Whether it’s casual dining you are looking for or a romantic candlelight affair, the wide selection of Myrtle Beach restaurants has you covered.

Try Your Luck on One of the Riverboat Casinos

One of the fun things to do in Myrtle Beach while on vacation is to board one of the river boat casinos docked on the waterfront in Little River. It’s not exactly Las Vegas, but you can surely enjoy playing the slots or joining a game of poker as you sail along the intracoastal waterway. At Diamond Casino Cruises, you can book a gaming cruise either during the day or at night. Enjoy free drinks while you play, take in some live entertainment and take a break in-between games for a hot lunch or dinner. If you are lucky, you can make some extra money to apply towards your vacation and other things to do in Myrtle Beach.

Go on a Carolina Safari Jeep Tour

Young or old, you will be happy to add a Carolina Safari Jeep Tour to your list of things to do in Myrtle Beach SC. Carolina Jeep tours allow you to sit back and enjoy a guided tour that mixes history with nature and ecology. Visit a haunted graveyard, see alligators and Bald Eagles and learn a bit about Lowcountry history all in the same tour. Each Jeep seats 12-14 people, features heating for the colder winter days, and is equipped with roll-up sides for warmer days. Carolina Safari Jeep Tours can handle your group, whether large or small. Rates are $32.00 for ages 13 and up, $31.00 for seniors and $17.00 for those 12 and under.

Go Kayaking with a Guide

Fun things to do in Myrtle Beach often involve the water. For a good time exploring local waters by way of kayak, head to the Sail & Ski Connection, where you will find the area’s largest selection of water sports rentals and equipment sales. A kayak tour with Sail & Ski Connection takes you for a trip either out along the coastal marshlands or on the Waccamaw River. Sightseeing highlights include the local wildlife and your tour price includes water and snacks. You can choose the 2 hour paddle tour, which costs about $50, or you can opt for the 4 hour tour, which will cost around $75.00. Before embarking, you will be given time to become comfortable with your kayak and learn the basics to kayaking.

Cruise Area Waters with the Great American Riverboat Company

While considering things to do in North Myrtle Beach, it’s hard to go wrong booking one of the 5 cruises offered by the Great American Riverboat Company. All cruises last from 1 ½ hours to 2 hours and except for the Moonlight Cruise, can be enjoyed by both adults and children. The Moonlight Cruise incorporates fun under a star-filled sky with a full bar and available snacks. Other cruises include the Sightseeing Cruise, the Sunset Cruise, the Dinner Cruise and the Ghost and Pirate Story Cruise. The Dinner Cruise is $36.00 for adults, and $26.00 for children 12 and under, while the other cruises run at approximately $16.00 for adults and $8.00 for youths.

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Myrtle Beach Travel

Myrtle Beach travel can be good throughout the year. Although there are distinct seasons in the Grand Strand region, they are generally mild and pleasant even during the winter. Likewise, the summer heat and humidity is mitigated by the proximity of the ocean and more than 60 miles of beautiful pristine beaches.

The history of Myrtle Beach tourism began in the early twentieth century, when oceanfront hotels and beach resorts started being built and the wealthy from Charleston would come for their summer vacations. Some even found that the best time to go to Myrtle Beach was during the winter when it averages about 60 degrees Fahrenheit at the same time there could be snow in the inland parts of the American Southeast.

With this kind of mild climate and more than 200 days of sunshine per year, the region has also become a prime retirement destination. Since those in the retirement communities often spend their winters in even warmer climes, it means that the best time to go to Myrtle Beach for a wider variety of vacation rentals is during the winter. Because winter is the low season, many hotels and resorts also offer great deal and vacation packages. For the best budget deals, travel from October through February.

There are a couple reasons that most Myrtle Beach tourism occurs during the summer. It is hot and humid, but the 60 miles of beaches and the ocean offer quick and easily accessible relief. Outdoor activities abound to fill all the daylight hours and there is excellent nightlife for those who want to keep playing until the wee hours of the morning. The winter is a prime time for colorful holiday events and shopping. Chief among these is the Night of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens in December.

If the best time to go to Myrtle Beach for you is during the summer, you should make your plans as far in advance as possible to secure your preferred accommodations. Although there are more than 80,000 rooms available in the Grand Strand region, the most desirable resorts and good cheap hotels do fill up. This is especially true during important events like Bike Week, which kicks off the peak Myrtle Beach tourism season in mid-May.

Those who are golf enthusiasts will find that Myrtle Beach travel is excellent during the springtime when it is not so hot and humid, but still warm enough to enjoy the seaside after the golf round is over. Another popular sport here is fishing, whether it’s deep sea fishing or lazy shore angling. Generally, the best time for this is in the summer. The Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo begins on the first of April and last through the end of October. Anyone can enter and register their catch during this period to win one of thousands of dollars in prizes.

One thing to remember while you do your Myrtle Beach travel planning is seasonal closing. Most hotels, shops and attractions will remain open 365 days a year. However, smaller hotels and bed and breakfast inns and some attractions do close. The Myrtle Waves Water Park is an example of an attraction that is open only from mid-May to mid-September. Another thing to remember is to be prepared for rain any time of year.

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