Myrtle Beach & the Grand Strand

The Grand Strand represents over 60 miles of South Carolina beach, including Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach.

I have been to Myrtle Beach more times than I can count, as my family came here often when I was a kid and later my parents owned a small beach condo.

Be aware that certain parts of the beach can be more crowded than others. Our condo was not too bad since there were less visitors compared to the large high-rise hotels. On the other hand, the high-rise properties often have additional features, like a lazy river, indoor pool, etc.

Regarding dining, it does feel like Myrtle Beach only has chain restaurants and all-you-can-eat seafood buffets. First, be aware that the seafood buffets are way overpriced. Second, there are some good local restaurants if you know where to look. Bimini’s Oyster Bar is good and expect a long wait during peak dining hours. Also, the Sea Captain’s House is an institution and overlooks the ocean.

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Wheel

We don’t spend a lot of time in downtown Myrtle Beach, as we spend most of our time at the beach. However, there are a lot of attractions available.

If you have never been, it can be fun to walk the boardwalk. Additionally, there are numerous restaurants, shops and sights, including a Ripley’s Believe It or Not, the  Skywheel, and ziplining.

Myrtle Beach Golf and Putt-Putt

The Myrtle Beach area is home to over 100 golf courses! Some of the courses have been created by some of the best course designers in the world.

I have taken a few golf trips here and if you go outside of the summer, you can find some good discounts, plus it is less hot. Even in winter you can get some good weather days for golfing. However, it could also be cold, so hope you get lucky if you go that time of year.

Additionally, there are dozens of miniature golf courses, also known as putt-putt, lining the Kings Highway. Also, you can pick if you’d like to play with pirates, volcanoes or dinosaurs at the many different courses. Most courses are more expensive at night and have discounts during the day, while most people are at the beaches.

Myrtle Beach shows

As you drive towards Myrtle Beach, you will see over 100 signs for the Pirates Voyage show. Not an exaggeration. However, we did enjoy the show, which includes dinner and features a lot of acrobatics and diving.

There are a lot of shows in Myrtle Beach, which can be a fun option to do with the kids when not at the beach. Additionally, some other shows include the Carolina Opry, Legends in Concert and Medieval Times.

Myrtle Beach Childrens Museum

We have been to the Myrtle Beach Children’s Museum a few times. It is not big, but does offer some activities tailored to young children. Also, it is a good option for kids 6 and under on a rainy day.

Brookgreen Gardens

About 45 minutes south of Myrtle Beach is Brookgreen Gardens, an outdoor sculpture garden. It is a beautifully landscaped garden, housing dozens of sculptures. It features predominately American sculptors. Additionally, it is family friendly with plenty of areas for kids to run around.

Charleston

Further south, about 2 hours driving from Myrtle Beach, is the city of Charleston. It is close enough that you can visit as a day trip, although there is plenty to do for a longer visit as well.

Along King Street, there is a large market lined with shops and vendors. There are a lot of restaurants in this area as well.

If you are visiting for the first time, consider a horse-drawn carriage tour. We did and and it was a nice way to see the city and the guides were very informative on the city’s history.

Hilton Head Island

Further south, lies the island of Hilton Head. I know some people prefer Hilton Head over Myrtle Beach due to a more quaint atmosphere and smaller crowds.

However, while I would spend a week in Hilton Head and thoroughly enjoy it, I generally prefer Myrtle Beach. There is more to do, golf is less expensive and has more options, and I always feel like I’m in the backyard of a golf course property walking through Hilton Head. Some might consider that a good thing, but just be aware there are significant parts of the island that are privately owned and restricted. Comparatively, you could walk for days down the beach in Myrtle Beach.

Hilton Head does have some fun dining/bar options, such as the popular Salty Dog Cafe. Additionally, I enjoyed stopping through the Stoney Baynard Ruins, utilized as both a plantation home and a military barracks.

Lastly, we did a day tour ferry from Hilton Head to Savanah, Georgia. It was a scenic river tour and we were able to spend a few hours in Savanah. Definitely not enough time, but still fun and I hope we make it back soon to spend a few days there.

ALSO CONSIDER VISITING THESE NEARBY AREAS

Consider visiting some of the other sights in the Southeast Region. Additionally, consider heading up or down the coast to visit Wilmington, Outer Banks, or Virginia Beach to the north or Savanah to the south.