Plan Your Trip to Myrtle Beach: Best of Myrtle Beach Tourism
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Essential Myrtle Beach
Food & drink
A family reunion in Myrtle Beach
Grand Atlantic Ocean Resort688Finding beachfront accommodations for a large family with children, babies, and grandparents is not easy, unless you book more than a year in advance. Luckily, we found exactly what we needed at the Grand Atlantic, where every apartment has an ocean view. There’s so much to do, including an arcade for gamers and a heated lazy river for people who want to kick back and relax. The beach is less than a minute walk away.
The Breakers Resort8,770Sure, the ocean is nearby, but how about a resort with an indoor water park—complete with five slides, a lazy river, and a sunken pirate ship? The Breakers’ on-site restaurants also got thumbs up from both the children and the adults. Go to Papa’s Restaurant for the breakfast buffet. Or head to Strong Waters Craft Cocktails & Kitchen for a laid-back steak dinner.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade4,341We strolled along the boardwalk, which can get crowded (and hot) during the day. Jump on the SkyWheel for stunning views of the coast and surrounding area, and be sure to spring for VIP tickets to save time waiting in line. A note: Parking at the boardwalk can be expensive, but the people-watching alone is worth the price of admission.
Franklin G. Burroughs - Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum339This museum is not to be missed—it features exhibits showcasing the work of local and regional artists. Check out the hands-on family art programmes. We spent an hour and a half here one afternoon making 3D paper sculptures with the littles. Bonus: Admission and parking here are free.
Broadway at the Beach9,120Not to be cliche, but this place truly has something for everyone. Some of my family started at Backstage Escape Games, where they worked their way out of an Atlantis-themed escape room, while others bounced between Ripley’s Aquarium and WonderWorks Museum for the Mind (a.k.a. the upside-down building). We met back up to watch some of our gang take a jet boat ride, then ended the day at the Hollywood Wax Museum taking pics with celebrities.
Mammy's Kitchen1,164There’s nothing like kicking off the day with a southern-style buffet breakfast. You can order menu items a la carte, but the buffet gives the most bang for your buck. Children eat free with each adult at the buffet breakfast, but there’s no shame in filling up on chicken and waffles and biscuits and gravy. Mammy’s is very popular and very crowded, so be prepared for a wait.
Big Mike's Soul Food1,288Bookings are encouraged most everywhere in Myrtle Beach—especially with a large group—but you don’t need them at Big Mike’s. The dining room is small, so we took up most of the seats inside, but going at an off-peak time made that possible. Check out the classic meat and three, but don’t sleep on the BBQ ribs, fried chicken, meatloaf, mac and cheese, collard greens, and sweet potato pie. Takeaway is also an option.
Bennett's Calabash Seafood Buffet No.1379The Grand Strand area is known for its Calabash-style seafood restaurants (named for a nearby fishing village area), and Bennett’s is one of the best. Pile up your plate with endless snow crab legs, shucked oysters, and coconut shrimp, plus prime rib, if that’s your thing. Children eat for free, and a tip—visit the restaurant’s website to get discounted coupons for the adults.
Simply Southern Smokehouse1,683You can’t have a proper holiday in the South without having a little bit of barbecue—pork barbecue, that is. Simply Southern Smokehouse specialises in barbecue, buffets, and banana pudding. Try regional favourites such as chicken and rice bog, fried chicken gizzards, and seasonal fruit cobblers at this lunch-only spot that looks (and feels) like home.
Gullah Museum49Myrtle Beach sits right in the middle of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, so a visit to the Gullah Museum in neighbouring Georgetown is a must. See quilts made by the founder’s wife (who has work on display at the Smithsonian) and learn about the power of rice as a state cash crop and the history of enslaved people in South Carolina. Admission is free, but a $10 donation is suggested.
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Myrtle Beach travel advice
Popular Resorts
Some travelers have recommended Dunes Village for its extensive water features, making it a great choice for families with children. The Caribbean Resort is another favorite, noted for its wide beachfront and proximity to local restaurants and attractions.
Resort Features
According to forum posts, these resorts offer a range of amenities that cater to families. Dunes Village is known for its water park features, while The Caribbean provides great water amenities and has been recently updated, adding to the comfort of its accommodations.
Location Benefits
Travelers have called out that while The Caribbean is about a mile from the northern end of the Boardwalk, it allows easy access to nearby restaurants and attractions. Dunes Village is highlighted for its quieter location, suitable for families looking to stay away from the busier central parts of Myrtle Beach.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?Local Cuisine
According to forum posts, for authentic local cuisine in Myrtle Beach, Chesapeake House is recommended for seafood, particularly for its fish stew. Drunken Jacks in Murrells Inlet is noted for its blackened grouper sandwich. Chicken Bog, a local dish, can be sampled at multiple locations in the area.
Seafood Specialties
For seafood enthusiasts, forum users suggest visiting Drunken Jacks for their NY Strip and also for the overall dining experience at the Marshwalk in Murrells Inlet. Captain John’s in Calabash is praised for its Calabash-style shrimp.
Steak and Casual Dining
Travelers have called out NY Prime and Ruth's Chris as the best steakhouses. For more casual dining, Rip Tydzz and River City are recommended for burgers and other casual foods.
Healthy Options
For those looking for healthier dining options, Clean Eatz offers less fried food, and Market Fresh provides groceries and ready-made items for those preferring to prepare their own meals.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?Recommended Golf Courses
According to forum posts, Myrtlewood Palmetto and Pine Hills are highly recommended due to their scenic views and good course conditions. Wild Wing Avocet, known for its variety of holes and overall interesting design, also comes recommended. Pine Lakes, the oldest course in Myrtle Beach, offers historical appeal.
Additional Options
Some travelers have called out Whispering Pines for its interesting layout and quality par 3s over water, adding a challenging aspect to the game. For those looking for multiple courses in one location, Barefoot Resort and Legends are suggested, featuring four and three courses respectively, although Legends might experience slow play at times.
High-End Golfing
For more premium options, Grande Dunes and the courses at Dunes Club and Tidewater are mentioned. These courses are noted for their higher costs but offer exceptional golfing experiences.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?Outdoor Activities
According to forum posts, Myrtle Beach offers a range of outdoor activities suitable for families and couples. Travelers have highlighted spending time at the beach, visiting Myrtle Beach State Park, and exploring Brookgreen Gardens as popular choices. Golfing and fishing near the Apache Pier are also suggested activities.
Family and Children's Attractions
Some travelers said that there are numerous attractions for families with children. Recommendations include visiting the Ripley's Aquarium, attending a Medieval Times show, and enjoying various parks like Myrtle Beach State Park, which hosts regular events. Additionally, the Broadway at the Beach area is noted for its carousel and vibrant atmosphere suitable for youngsters.
Evening Entertainment
For adults, travelers have called out several options for evening entertainment. These include dining at high-end restaurants like Ruth's Chris or experiencing bars with ocean views such as Rip Tydz. The area also boasts several romantic dining spots with scenic views, ideal for couples looking to enjoy a peaceful evening.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?Availability and Locations
According to forum posts, beach chairs are available at various stores in Myrtle Beach. Travelers have mentioned finding chairs at souvenir shops like Eagles and Pacific, as well as larger retailers such as Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS.
Additional Options
For many users, Sam's Club and Costco are recommended for their durable and comfortable beach chairs. These stores typically offer chairs that are suitable for different comfort needs, including options that are higher off the ground.
Beach Rentals
Some travelers said that beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented directly on the beach from lifeguards. The rental services are set up in front of hotels and resorts along the beach, making it convenient for visitors staying in these locations.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
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