A Travel Guide To Myrtle Beach, SC: Things to Do, Where to Stay, and Places to Eat

Planning a Myrtle Beach family vacation? Myrtle Beach is a clear favorite, and it is easy to see why. As one of the most popular beaches for vacationing in SC, Myrtle Beach offers top-notch hotels and resorts along with tons of family-friendly activities along the Grand Strand. So we’ve gathered up reviews and coverage from Kidding Around into one convenient guide! Our guide includes places to stay, where to dine, fun activities, and more to help you create the perfect vacation.

Planning a Trip to the Coast of SC: Myrtle Beach

At just about four hours from the Upstate, the sun and fun of Myrtle Beach is a popular destination for residents of the Upstate and SC. Myrtle Beach was designed with vacationers in mind, with hotels, resorts, and motels to fit any budget. There are plenty of places to stay, which helps keep the rates low and affordable for families. Aside from fun on the beach, there are unique and awesome attractions to keep families entertained. Everything from dinner shows to museums, amusement parks, water sports, shopping, and even an aquarium! There are also 90 golf courses and 50 mini golf courses to play at, making Myrtle Beach a top vacation destination for golf lovers.

Let Kidding Around be your guide to planning the perfect trip to Myrtle Beach for your family! We know where to find all of the cool stuff because we’ve gone and checked it out ourselves!

Where To Stay in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

As one of the most accommodating beaches in SC, Myrtle Beach has approximately 425 hotels to choose from! You’ll never have a hard time finding an oceanfront room, or a resort with all of the amenities you desire. Finding the best of the best is what we aim to do, so below are some recommendations for spots we’ve stayed in ourselves, along with additional places to stay along the Grand Strand.

• Captain’s Quarters Oceanfront Resort-Hotel / Hotel BLUE Myrtle Beach Resort
  This family of resorts is one of my family’s favorites. They share accommodations and by bouncing back and forth between resorts, your whole family can have a trip suited to them! Captain’s Quarters amenities include 15 water features, a kid’s splash park, an arcade, a bowling alley, special weekend activities, and more.
  Hotel BLUE amenities include a swim-up bar, an indoor lazy river, a Cafe, and a Starbucks in the lobby. Both of these resorts are oceanfront and if you are only looking for some beach, and poolside fun – you would never have to drive anywhere until it was time to leave!

• The Grande Cayman Resort Oceanfront Hotel
  My kids and I stayed here on our most recent trip, and we had so many things planned, we didn’t get to take full advantage of the resort amenities! The hotel has a restaurant and a Starbucks coffee shop in the lobby. The resort boasts 10+ pools, with a partially indoor set of pools, a lazy river, and hot tubs. The kid’s waterpark and waterslide are separate from the rest of the pool areas, so keeping an eye on little ones is easier.
• The parking garage makes coming and going from your room easy, and you won’t have to haul tired children through the hotel and onto elevators. The room we stayed in at The Grande Cayman Resort had a small kitchen area that included a mini-fridge, a coffee maker, and a sink. One of the features I always love to see in hotels is a dining table. Our room had a full-size table and four chairs, along with a walk-out patio and chairs to enjoy coffee in the morning.
  *Accommodations were provided by Visit Myrtle Beach for the purpose of this guide, however, all opinions and words are that of the writer.

• The Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort
  Kidding Around’s Kristina vacationed at the Myrtle Beach Westgate location, “The Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort towers right over the beach with stunning views of the ocean out of the rooms overlooking the water. It’s closer to the South end of Myrtle Beach and 40 minutes north of Huntington Island State Park. It took us just over four hours to get there from Greenville and we never even got back in the car while at the resort until it was time to go home, since everything we did was within walking distance.”
  *Accommodations were provided by Westgate for the purpose of this guide, however, all opinions and words are that of the writer.
  Read The Kidding Around review of the Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort

• Coastal South Carolina Vacation Rentals
  Looking for a VRBO vacation rental option? We’ve included some handpicked private rental options, on this list of Coastal SC Vacation Rental Homes, like this Myrtle Beach Remodeled Beachfront Condo.

Reader Recommended Myrtle Beach Accommodations:

• The Breakers Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Hotel
  This hotel is very popular with readers and is a sister property to the Grande Cayman Resort listed above.

This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.

North Myrtle Beach Resorts to Consider

If you are looking for a less commercial beach vacation experience in SC, Myrtle Beach probably isn’t it. However, North Myrtle Beach is just a few miles north of the hustle and bustle of central Myrtle Beach. You will find less nightlife, quieter beaches, and more rental homes and condos here.

Some of the top-rated resorts in North Myrtle Beach include the expansive Club Wyndham Ocean Front Resort. This resort offers five pools, fully equipped kitchens, and is just a few miles from Barefoot Landing for exceptional shopping and dining. There is also the highly-rated Avista Resort. This family-friendly resort in North Myrtle Beach offers two outdoor pools, a lazy river, is oceanfront, and is close to golf courses.

Where To Eat in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Nothing works up an appetite quite like a day spent on the beach, and Myrtle Beach is the place to be! From seafood freshly caught off the dock and live music on the pier to romantic dinners for two, we’ve got some delicious spots to recommend that we have tried ourselves that are affordable and worth a visit.

• Dagwood’s Deli – Myrtle Beach / Surfside Beach
  Affordable family-friendly sandwiches, burgers, wings, and more. The restaurant is located just 2 blocks from the Myrtle Beach boardwalk, and it’s not priced for a spot in the middle of a huge tourism district!

• Carolina Seafood & Steak – Myrtle Beach
  A great place to get dressed for dinner or lunch and have a meal. The creative kid’s menu items will have your family giggling.
• Captain Georges Seafood Restaurant & Buffet – Myrtle Beach
  The nice thing about Captain Georges is that you can order a meal off of the menu or partake of the extensive buffet. There are plenty of choices for non-seafood eaters, and a massive selection for those who are.

• Johnny D’s Waffles and Bakery – North Myrtle Beach / Myrtle Beach / Surfside Beach
  This is a must-do early morning meal for any trip to the Grand Strand. Plan ahead though, as wait times can be long due to its popularity. This is a place where you’ll want to pre-game the menu because it all looks amazing and you’ll have a hard time deciding.
• Nacho Hippo – Myrtle Beach at Market Commons
  If margaritas are to be part of your trip to the beach, Nacho Hippo is a great spot to grab some. The Market Commons has convenient parking and a lake view.
• River City Cafe – Myrtle Beach / Surfside Beach / North Myrtle Beach / Murrells Inlet / Barefoot Landing / Socastee
  River City is a local cafe that was voted ” Best of the Beach” by the locals – a place that encourages you to throw your peanut shells on the floor and write on the walls.  If you are looking for a fresh juicy cheeseburger, this is the place to go.
  

• The Crazy Mason – Myrtle Beach at Market Commons
  One of the stops on our Moster Milkshake tour, The Crazy Mason has a huge selection of milkshake creations. The good news for fans is that Greenville is getting its very own location soon!
  

Reader-Recommended Myrtle Beach Restaurants:

• Flying Fish Public Market & Grill – North Myrtle Beach

• Sea Captain’s House – Myrtle Beach
  Reader Morgan Wilson says the Shrimp & Grits, and hushpuppies are her favorites to order from Sea Captain’s House.

Things To Do Indoors in Myrtle Beach, SC

• Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
  The aquarium is conveniently located in the Broadway at the Beach entertainment destination, with plenty of free parking. Allow your family about two hours to view the aquarium, and if you are traveling with a fan of mermaids don’t miss their daily appearance in the reef tank!
  Read the Kidding Around Review of Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

• Medieval Times in Myrtle Beach
  Prepare your knights and princesses for a memorable dining experience! This dinner show complete with horses, falcons swooping overhead, jousting knights, and sword fighting will keep you on the edge of your seat! Moms be sure to bring plenty of wipes to this medieval-style dining experience, as the prix fixe meal is served sans silver wear.
  Read the Kidding Around Review of Medieval Times in Myrtle Beach

• Pirates Voyage in Myrtle Beach
  Kidding Around’s Bethany took her family to the Pirate’s Voyage in Myrtle Beach, “Be prepared to be entertained by pirates, tricks, animals, and even mermaids during the two-hour show. My family was impressed by the number of tricks and the many surprises. The show also included singing, dancing, and a fun story plot. Don’t worry if your kids are not into pirates, there are parrots, sea lions, mermaids, and lots of tricks and aerobatics. The show is fast-paced and kept my kids’ attention for the entire time.”
  Read the Kidding Around Review of Pirates Voyage in Myrtle Beach

• Gay Dolphin Gift Cove
  Shopping at The Gay Dolphin on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is one of the most popular things for tourists to do! Can anyone really say they’ve been to Myrtle beach without a stop at the beachfront giftshop that has been in business since 1946? I think not. The store is one of the largest gift shops in SC, Myrtle Beach being the perfect place for such a gift shop treasure!
  If there’s a beach-themed item to be found, they’ll have it! Everything from t-shirts to decor, shells, and even pet hermit crabs can be found in this unique gift shop. Another one of our family’s traditional stops is the Myrtle Beach I Love Sugar location directly across the street!

• The Carolina Opry
  Maybe you are planning to catch a performance or musical act as they make their way to SC. Myrtle Beach has the gorgeous Carolina Opry, which regularly hosts concerts, performance art series, and weekly musical performances that make for a fun time. Plan your trip around that famous singer you have been dying to see and add a visit to The Carolina Opry to your itinerary.

What To Do Outdoors in Myrtle Beach

When you head to the beach for some fun, fitting in a few extra activities is one of the most exciting things to plan. There’s certainly no shortage of them in Myrtle Beach! Here are some of the ones Kidding Around team members have enjoyed!

• The Funplex
  This new amusement complex near the boardwalk is a great way to add some excitement to your afternoon! The small footprint and secured entrance mean older kids can enjoy the rides while the adults sit in the cafe area and watch. (NOTE: The following information is from 2023. 2024 pricing info has not been released as of publication) Rides are paid for with token credits applied to a scannable card and are between 4 and 10 credits per ride. Depending on the package you purchase, credits average approximately $1 each. We really liked this attraction, because you can load your card and then come and go as you please. This year guests also have a choice to purchase an unlimited wristband for the day to include all 7 rides for $29. Funplex offers fun for younger kids, teens and thrills for the whole family.

• The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel
  The best way to see Myrtle Beach is from the Skywheel! 20 stories up in the air, you get a bird’s eye view of the beach and the boardwalk. On a clear night you can see as far as Broadway on the Beach!

• Myrtle Beach State Park
  At this coastal state park, you can camp, go fishing, hike, play on the beach, or just have a picnic. My kids and I have bought picnic provisions at the local grocery store before and enjoyed dinner under cover of one of the picnic shelters during a storm!

• Brookgreen Gardens
  If you are looking to step out into a natural paradise while in Myrtle Beach, check out Brookgreen Gardens. Just south of Myrtle Beach near Murrells Inlet, you can walk the gardens and explore blooming gardens, visit the Lowcountry zoo, ride a pontoon boat through the creek, and maybe see an alligator or two!

• Family Kingdom
  Being one of the most family-friendly beaches in SC, Myrtle Beach has one of the best seaside amusement parks, Family Kingdom! Race go-karts, hop on a roller coaster, ride over 35 thrilling rides, and munch on carnival food as you spend an afternoon at the park. The park will be a wonder-filled memory for you and your kids!
• Second Avenue Pier
  There is something very beach town vibes about walking out on a pier 900 feet out into the Atlantic Ocean. The Second Avenue Pier also has several restaurants to dine at and weekly firework shows to dazzle your night. There is a small park admission fee, and you can purchase a fishing license along with a reel rental for less than $10.
• Southeastern Beach Guide: Including The Grand Strand
  There are plenty of options for fun on the beach on the South Carolina Coast! We’ve got the guide to all of them on Kidding Around.

Guide to Travel in SC: Myrtle Beach

• Why My Family Loves Myrtle Beach!
• Spring Break on the Grand Strand? Here’s What to Do!