Myrtle Beach travel guide
Myrtle Beach Tourism | Myrtle Beach Guide
You're Going to Love Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is often called the vacation capital of America and it's a tag that certainly does it justice. The resort lies at the center of the famous Grand Strand, a 60 mile stretch of glorious sandy beaches and scenic bays.
The vacation spirit is in evidence everywhere in Myrtle Beach, from its traditional boardwalk amusement arcades to its stunning Ferris wheel. Visitors will also find some of the city's best seafood restaurants close to the shore.
Myrtle Beach is a popular family resort that also attracts couples who come for romantic sunsets and walks on the beach. An abundance of activities, both on and off the water, ensure that the resort is an appealing destination for visitors of any age.
Myrtle Beach is an excellent choice for short breaks as well as longer stays, and there are many attractions that should be on any 'to do' list.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Myrtle Beach
1. The beach
Unsurprisingly, most people visit Myrtle Beach for its spectacular sandy beach. Swim, sunbathe, build castles in the sand, or simply enjoy the magical sunsets.
2. Golf
Myrtle Beach has so much more to offer than golden sands and sunny shores. The city is also famous for its plethora of celebrity-designed golf courses and is considered the golfing capital of the world. Popular options include the affordable Whispering Pines and mid-range Blackmoor course designed by Gary Player. Premium courses include the Jack Nicklaus-designed Long Bay and Arnold Palmer's MBN King's North.
3. Broadway at the Beach
Broadway at the Beach boasts South Carolina's biggest entertainment complex and is home to a host of top brand and specialty stores. Adventurous visitors can even take a zip line ride across the center's lake while kids can try mini golf, visit the aquarium, or enjoy rides at the Pavilion Nostalgia Park.
4. SkyWheel
The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the country. It enjoys a prime location on the Boardwalk and passengers will enjoy fabulous views over the city, the beach, and the Atlantic Ocean.
5. Fishing
Sea fishing trips are available throughout the season and the city also boasts 7 piers, including Myrtle Beach State Park Pier, Garden City Pier, and Apache Pier, where you can while away the hours with a rod and line.
What to do in Myrtle Beach
1. Grand Strand: Unlock Grand Sensations
The 60-mile stretch of beaches that extends from Little River to Georgetown is home to a variety of tourist attractions. It promises a range of activities and exploration worth your while. From bizarre art galleries and spectacular waterfronts to lavish botanical gardens, para-sailing, and sumptuous sea foods, there's a little something for everyone. Immerse into the relaxing ambiance and take an evening stroll on the wide beach. Let the lights from the surrounding hotels guide your path as you walk, feeling the sand between your toes.
2. The Carolina Opry: Home of Broadway Quality Shows
With over 2,000 seats, the Carolina Opry offers family-oriented and sterling shows. Since 1986, the facility has featured talented comedians, singers, dancers and musicians. If around Carolina Opry during Christmas, bring in the Christmas mood with the Carolina Opry Christmas special performed every holiday season. Also, enjoy their Good Vibrations Show, a showcase of music from the 60s, 70s and 80s with special effects and intricate costumes.
3. Broadway at the Beach: Indulge in Utmost Delight
Located right in the heart of Myrtle Beach, Broadway at the Beach boasts of great attractions and amusements like Fantasy Golf, Ripley's Aquarium and Olde-Tyme Portraits. Shop at any one of the 100 specialty shops and sample mouth-watering foods from any of the 20 restaurants after that. Take an evening stroll on the Broadway bridges reaching out to the Intercostal Waterway and simply enjoy the scenic landscape.
4. Ripley's Aquarium: Encounter with Sea Creatures
Located just a few miles from the Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show, the 85,000-square-foot aquarium showcases over 10,000 different sea animals from 350 unique species. Walk through the 340-foot Dangerous Reef underwater tunnel. The exhilarating experience surges as the green moray eels, tarpons and sharks surround the tunnel. Wander through the conjoint Discovery Center exhibit and marvel at the amazing puffer fish and horseshoe crabs harbored in the touch pool houses.
5. Barefoot Landing: The Perfect Getaway
Set out for a journey along the Intracoastal Waterway. Exhibiting a 27-acre lake, Barefoot Landing intertwines captivating scenery with excellent places to visit. Experience exclusive shopping, astounding entertainment and dining experience all through the day and night. Immerse into the shopping mood and shop for an assortment of gifts, jewelry and apparel. Indulge in the pure fun by visiting Alligator Adventure, the MirrorMaze or pose for photos with the reveling tiger cubs.
1. Grand Strand: Unlock Grand Sensations
The 60-mile stretch of beaches that extends from Little River to Georgetown is home to a variety of tourist attractions. It promises a range of activities and exploration worth your while. From bizarre art galleries and spectacular waterfronts to lavish botanical gardens, para-sailing, and sumptuous sea foods, there's a little something for everyone. Immerse into the relaxing ambiance and take an evening stroll on the wide beach. Let the lights from the surrounding hotels guide your path as you walk, feeling the sand between your toes.
2. The Carolina Opry: Home of Broadway Quality Shows
With over 2,000 seats, the Carolina Opry offers family-oriented and sterling shows. Since 1986, the facility has featured talented comedians, singers, dancers and musicians. If around Carolina Opry during Christmas, bring in the Christmas mood with the Carolina Opry Christmas special performed every holiday season. Also, enjoy their Good Vibrations Show, a showcase of music from the 60s, 70s and 80s with special effects and intricate costumes.
3. Broadway at the Beach: Indulge in Utmost Delight
Located right in the heart of Myrtle Beach, Broadway at the Beach boasts of great attractions and amusements like Fantasy Golf, Ripley's Aquarium and Olde-Tyme Portraits. Shop at any one of the 100 specialty shops and sample mouth-watering foods from any of the 20 restaurants after that. Take an evening stroll on the Broadway bridges reaching out to the Intercostal Waterway and simply enjoy the scenic landscape.
4. Ripley's Aquarium: Encounter with Sea Creatures
Located just a few miles from the Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show, the 85,000-square-foot aquarium showcases over 10,000 different sea animals from 350 unique species. Walk through the 340-foot Dangerous Reef underwater tunnel. The exhilarating experience surges as the green moray eels, tarpons and sharks surround the tunnel. Wander through the conjoint Discovery Center exhibit and marvel at the amazing puffer fish and horseshoe crabs harbored in the touch pool houses.
5. Barefoot Landing: The Perfect Getaway
Set out for a journey along the Intracoastal Waterway. Exhibiting a 27-acre lake, Barefoot Landing intertwines captivating scenery with excellent places to visit. Experience exclusive shopping, astounding entertainment and dining experience all through the day and night. Immerse into the shopping mood and shop for an assortment of gifts, jewelry and apparel. Indulge in the pure fun by visiting Alligator Adventure, the MirrorMaze or pose for photos with the reveling tiger cubs.
1. Grand Strand: Unlock Grand Sensations
The 60-mile stretch of beaches that extends from Little River to Georgetown is home to a variety of tourist attractions. It promises a range of activities and exploration worth your while. From bizarre art galleries and spectacular waterfronts to lavish botanical gardens, para-sailing, and sumptuous sea foods, there's a little something for everyone. Immerse into the relaxing ambiance and take an evening stroll on the wide beach. Let the lights from the surrounding hotels guide your path as you walk, feeling the sand between your toes.
2. The Carolina Opry: Home of Broadway Quality Shows
With over 2,000 seats, the Carolina Opry offers family-oriented and sterling shows. Since 1986, the facility has featured talented comedians, singers, dancers and musicians. If around Carolina Opry during Christmas, bring in the Christmas mood with the Carolina Opry Christmas special performed every holiday season. Also, enjoy their Good Vibrations Show, a showcase of music from the 60s, 70s and 80s with special effects and intricate costumes.
Where to Eat in Myrtle Beach
As you'd expect from a coastal location like Myrtle Beach, seafood is fresh and plentiful. Some of the best can be found at Lee's Inlet Kitchen, Murrells Inlet or at the Sea Captain's House on N Ocean Boulevard. Head to N King's Highway for steaks and classic dishes at Thoroughbred's Chophouse and Seafood Grill or try popular southern chain restaurant, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, at Marina Parkway.
When to visit Myrtle Beach
The fabulous weather makes Myrtle Beach a great choice at any time of year. However, during summer season, from the end of May until early September, the beach and nearby attractions can become very crowded. October is considered to be one of the best months to visit - the extreme heat of summer has passed, but daytime temperatures of 77F and water temperatures of 72F mean that it's still warm enough for some beach action. December is a great time for a family vacation and exceptional events like Nights of a Thousand Candles, Broadway at the Beach Christmas Parade, and Shadrach's Winter Wonderland ensure that you will enjoy a memorable visit. Take advantage of the start of the spring golf season and warm, sunny weather by booking a break during April and May.
How to Get to Myrtle Beach
Plane
Many people travel from other US cities to Myrtle Beach International Airport (IATA: MYR). The airport is just 3 miles south of the city and is used by airlines like Delta, American Airlines, Spirit, and United. International visitors most commonly fly to major cities like Atlanta before catching a connecting flight to Myrtle Beach. It's one of the busiest routes, and there are several flights from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach each day. There is a regular shuttle bus service from the airport to downtown Myrtle Beach, and taxis are also readily available. Those who prefer to drive can rent a car at the airport.
Train
Although Amtrak's Silver Service and Palmetto trains operate services to Dillon, Florence, North Charleston and Kingstree, there is no direct service to Myrtle Beach. The closest station is Florence, South Carolina, but, as it is still a 70-mile journey to Myrtle Beach, travelers are advised to arrange ongoing transport before setting off.
Car
Drivers using Interstate 95 South can then take US 501 South for a further 66 miles to reach Myrtle Beach. Alternatively, the Veterans Highway is a 28 mile stretch of 4-lane road that links US 501 to the west of Conway and US 17 just north of Myrtle Beach. The Carolina Bays Parkway is another popular route that runs from SC 9 to US 544 and ends near Myrtle Beach Raceway.
Bus
It's fairly easy to reach Myrtle Beach by bus. Carriers include Greyhound and Southeastern Stages, and passengers may have to change en-route or book each stage separately. Buses terminate close to the beach and city center on 7th Avenue, and it's then easy to reach most parts of the city by taxi or local bus service.
Airlines serving Myrtle Beach
Where to stay in Myrtle Beach
South Ocean Boulevard – home to some of the most luxurious hotels and condos in Myrtle Beach and popular with those who want to be close to the attractions, nightlife, and entertainment.
Popular Neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach
North Ocean Boulevard – quieter than glitzy South Ocean Boulevard. A great choice for those who want affordable accommodation that's within easy reach of the city center and the beach.
North Myrtle Beach – affordable hotels and campgrounds, yet still just a few minutes from central Myrtle Beach.
Surfside Beach – just south of the city, Surfside Beach is another top choice for families who want self-catering facilities as well as couples and groups looking for apartments and beach villas to rent. Close to the Surfside Pier, it's a great choice for anglers too.
Where to stay in popular areas of Myrtle Beach
Most booked hotels in Myrtle Beach
How to Get Around Myrtle Beach
Public Transportation
Local bus services cover every area of town, from the beach and Broadway at the Beach to the scenic natural environment of Brookgreen Gardens and the Conway Riverway. The Lymo bus service runs over 80 buses on 22 routes and covers many of the Grand Strand cities including Myrtle Beach. Fares are very affordable, ranging from $2 to $5, but buses tend to stop running fairly early in the evening. You will also find a range of local shuttle services that take visitors to and from the airport and the city's main attractions.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available and operated by a number of private companies. Although prices are set by the City of Myrtle Beach at $2.80 a mile plus $1 for each extra passenger, it can be an expensive way to get around.
Car
Many people are dissuaded from driving in Myrtle Beach because of its road system and traffic. However, with a little planning, a car can prove a real asset, particularly if you wish to explore areas other than the main beach. The major car rental brands are well represented at the airport, and several have branches in the city. A mid-range family rental car will cost $30 per day but it's worth booking in advance as rates increase during busy periods. Many hotels have off-street parking for guests, and there are car parks throughout the city including Boardwalk Parking, Chester Street and the high rise Lanier Parking Systems at N. Kings Highway. There is no parking on Ocean Boulevard between March 1st and October 31st, and the city's parking meter system is re-installed for the same period. Meters cost $1 or $1.50 per hour depending on the location.
The Cost of Living in Myrtle Beach
Explore Myrtle Beach's shopping treats
Myrtle Beach is a paradise for shoppers as well as for beach lovers. Some of the region's best malls and designer outlets can be found in and around the city. Visit Broadway at the Beach, the huge Coastal Grand Mall, or Barefoot Landing for clothing and accessories from leading high street brands and designers, or shop amid fountains and walkways at The Market Common.
Groceries and other necessities
You'll find all the main supermarket chains in Myrtle Beach including Walmart, Publix, Bi-Lo, Food Lion, Lowes, and Piggly Wiggly. Try to avoid Saturday and Sunday afternoons when visitors arriving in town flock to the stores to stock up on groceries and basics for their holiday apartments or campers.