Myrtle Beach is known for its world-class golf, but also the perfect getaway for a girls’ weekend, or a family vacay packed with lots of activities for the kids. Really, this place has something to offer to everyone regardless of age and interests. What you will love the most is the breathtaking white sandy beach stretching 60 miles and the vibrant colours surrounding the city.

 Myrtle Beach Travel Guide

Where To Stay in Myrtle Beach

Resorts vs. Condos

There are endless options of where to stay in Myrtle Beach, it all depends on what you are looking for and what lodging best fits the type of experience you want to have as well as your budget. Do you want to feel like you are at home and have access to a kitchen to cook meals for the family, or do you prefer to be at a resort where everything is taken care for you?

Anderson Ocean Club and Spa, Myrtle Beach

We stayed at the Anderson Ocean Club and Spa, on North Ocean Boulevard. The Anderson is an all-condo resort, offering an upscale experience while maintaining a home vibe. From having access to personalized services like Awakening Spa, a pool as well as lazy river and a fitness center. Wifi is also free and there is also valet parking for your convenience. Our room was the Oceanfront 2 Bedroom Suite and it was perfect. The suite has a fully equipped kitchen, a dining table, a living room, even a laundry closet.  Both bedrooms had their own bathrooms, and my bedroom had two queen beds, which is ideal if you are planning a trip with the whole family or a girls’ weekend. This resort-condo is conveniently situated right by the beach and if you want to explore the area a few blocks south on Ocean Boulevard there is the iconic Boardwalk area.

 

Where To Eat In Myrtle Beach – Dining Guide

Quick Breakfast at Sea Captain’s House  | 3002 N. Ocean Blvd.

Built in 1930, Sea Captain’s House is one of the oldest restaurants on the Grand Strand. What once was a vacation home, this spot has now has been serving up seafood with an oceanfront view for over 50 years.  This cozy oceanfront restaurant is the perfect place to grab a homemade breakfast or dinner and enjoy friendly service and quality food. From using local farmers for produce to outsourcing seafood purchases to local fisherman, I love how this spot supports its community.

Market Common | 4017 Deville St.

First stop in Myrtle Beach for food was Market Common. This is the perfect spot to grab lunch and walk around. I definitely recommend making it your first stop. Located on what once used to be the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, Market Common is a colourful, urban community.  It has the perfect mix of both residential and retail buildings, with six restaurants to choose from to grab a bite and approximately 50 retail stores to shop at. Also, nearby you will find the most beautiful, vibrant homes. Definitely worth dropping by and taking a stroll around the neighborhood.

Nacho Hippo does not only have a fun name, but it is also the hippest place you will find at Market Common. Eat fresh tacos, drink delicious margaritas with your senoritas, and you are guaranteed to have the best time. Nachos, handmade tacos, giant burritos; the menu has all your Mexican favourites.

Co Sushi was the restaurant we had our first dining experience at Market Common. Co Sushi is a modern take on Asian Cuisine that does not disappoint. The pad thai and dragon roll were made fresh and very satisfying. They also have a gluten free menu!

Strong Waters Bar | 2005 A N. Ocean Blvd.

For a quick, light lunch before heading to explore the town stop by Strong Waters. The seafood options include ahi tuna, fresh oysters and a fresh take on the classic lobster roll. If seafood is not your thing I recommend the Butcher Block Burger and the Chicken n’ Dumplins.

Wicked Tuna | 4123 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet

Directly on Murrells Inlet’s MarshWalk, the Wicked Tuna is such a yummy surprise for your taste buds. Breathtaking views, hook to plate food, friendly service; I loved eating at this spot. The restaurant serves seafood, sushi, and steaks in a casual and family-friendly setting. Do not miss trying the Dragon Egg. Halved avocado stuffed with cream cheese and spicy crab served in a nest of tempura sweet potato flakes with spicy mayo. Honestly, the most unique culinary creation I have ever tasted. Also, recommend the pan seared scallops served over cauliflower puree. If the weather is nice, grab a seat on the patio.

Grab Dinner At Hook & Barrel  | 8014 North Kings Highway

Another favourite spot for fresh and tasty seafood is Hook & Barrel. What stands out the most about this restaurant is its commitment to sourcing sustainable products and making a positive impact on the environment. From using trees that were cut down from their lot inside the restaurant to using sustainable seafood dishes and local produce, I have not been in a restaurant that is so dedicated to being eco-friendly. The food is also delicious and honestly, you can’t go wrong regardless of what you choose off the menu.

Fun Things To Do In Myrtle Beach

Hit The Beach

White sand, sunny weather and sparkling blue water; heading to the beach is the best activity Myrtle Beach has to offer to its visitors. The beautiful sandy beach in Myrtle Beach stretches 60 miles across the Grand Strand, and the only difficulty you will have is deciding which spot you want to spend your afternoon at.

Ride The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel  | 1110 North Ocean Blvd.

The most iconic landmark in Myrtle Beach is the Skywheel. A 187-foot-high observation wheel with 42 temperature-controlled glass gondolas, this ride is one for the books giving you the most breathtaking view of the coastline.

Enjoy Pirates Voyage – Dinner and Show | 8907 North Kings Highway

For an immersive experience and a fun way to spend your evening head to Pirates Voyage. This was actually not an activity I would typically choose, but honestly, it was so fun. One of the best things about Myrtle Beach is how it gets you out of your comfort zone. Be prepared to be surprised by the tricks, dancing, singing and also the endless surprises that are part of the 2 hour show. The show felt very fast paced and there are so many things going on that you will not feel bored at all. Pirates Voyage is produced by the Dolly Parton Company, so you know you are in for an over the top, fun show. Like most dinner & show venues, the menu is set but you can request a vegetarian or gluten-free meal when you make your reservation. The food includes creamy vegetable soup (seriously the best!), chicken, shredded pork, corn on the cob, baked potato, and an apple pie pastry. You will be served endless amounts of soft drink beverages during the show, so don’t grab a drink during the pre-show.

Myrtle Beach Segway Tour at Huntington State Park | Prat Road, Murrells Inlet

If you love nature, exploring Huntington Beach State Park should be on top of your list.  From alligators to bird watching to even seeing loggerhead turtles up close, the park is a great experience. There is the option to do a segway tour which is about 2 hours in length or you can opt to explore at your own pace. There are spots in the park with lots of shade so in case of a coastal breeze bring a jacket with you. There’s a lot of things to do around the park, and if you want you can even camp out here if you are feeling a bit adventurous.

Drop By Atalaya Castle

Atalaya Castle is an unexpected discovery at Huntington State Park. The Moorish-style castle was the residence and sculpting studio of Anna Hyatt and philanthropist Archer Huntington. The castle is bare (no furnishings, no doors) but if you love history walking around this 30-room castle is a great way to be taken back in time.  There is a $2 charge to get into Atalaya, so bring some cash.

 

Take a Stroll at Murrells Inlet Marshwalk

Murrells Inlet is the Seafood Capitol of South Carolina with a spectacular waterfront and  ½ mile of wooden boardwalk. Choose a restaurant and enjoy waterfront dining while eating fresh seafood and sipping on a cold beverage.  From its live music to exciting festivals and events all year around, Murrells Inslet is good vibes all around. So don’t be surprised if you come back for more, especially if you are in a mood for a scenic walk during the sunset to relax. Murrells Inlet is about a 45 minute drive from Myrtle Beach, but it’s worth the drive.

Explore Brookgreen Gardens | 931 Brookgreen Garden Drive, Murrells Inlet

There are tons of places to add to your Myrtle Beach travel guide but one of my favourite spots is Brookgreen Gardens. Created in the early 1930s by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington on the site of four former rice plantations, this 9,127-acre property is truly spectacular. Brookgreen Gardens is home to more than 1,400 works (550 currently displayed) by 300 of the greatest names in American sculpture. There are so many things to explore at Brookgreen Gardens like the Children’s Discovery Room,  Lowcountry Zoo, and the Aviary with an elevated boardwalk over the cypress swamp. Although we did not try it, there is also a Creek Excursion that takes you in a pontoon boat along the creek. If I go back I would love to add it to my list of things to do.

Be a Kid at Broadway at the Beach | 1325 Celebrity Circle

Broadway at the Beach is Myrtle Beach’s most popular place to eat and have a fun evening of live entertainment and activities. Although the name is a bit misleading, since the broadway is not by the beach, this 350-acre entertainment district will not disappoint you. Tons of activities to choose from like zip lining, arcades, riding the largest Ferris wheel on the East Coast (175 feet tall), or if you are feeling more laid back, you can grab ice-cream and sit to enjoy the scenery.  There is also the Simpsons in 4D theatre featuring your fave American cartoon family. For some fun photos and real-life experience of The Simpsons’ Kwik-E-Mart visit the  KWIK-E Mart next door.

*If you are bringing your pet with you just keep in mind they are not allowed on the boards May–September.

Hope you enjoyed reading my Myrtle Beach Travel Guide and my top recommendations of where to stay, eat, and what to do while vacationing here. Myrtle Beach is for travelers who are looking for something extra, something magical. Something fun that will make you feel like a kid again.