Myrtle Beach Travel Guide: Local’s Guide to this South Carolina Beach

Last Updated on August 21, 2026 by Tori Pines

If you’ve never been to Myrtle Beach, let me just say, you are in for such a treat. And if you have been, you already know exactly why people keep coming back year after year. This Myrtle Beach travel guide has you covered with a perfect family friendly vacation!

But here’s the thing, Myrtle Beach is SO much more than just a beach. The Grand Strand, which stretches over 60 miles of South Carolina coastline, is packed with incredible restaurants, wild attractions, great hotels, and enough things to do to fill a week and then some. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a couple’s getaway, or a friend group vacation, Myrtle Beach has something for absolutely everyone.

This guide covers everything you need to know to plan the perfect Myrtle Beach trip, from where to stay and where to eat to what to do and all the insider tips I’ve picked up over a lifetime of visiting this special place. Let’s get into it!

Why Trust Me?

You can plan your entire trip around this one Myrtle Beach travel guide. I’m not just someone who visited Myrtle Beach once and decided to write about it. I actually grew up spending serious time on the Grand Strand, years of my childhood were spent there, and my parents still live in the area. That means we visit regularly now with our own kids, and I get to experience Myrtle Beach through fresh eyes every single time we go. I know which restaurants are actually worth the wait, which areas of the beach are best for families, which hotels deliver on their promises, and which tourist traps to avoid completely. Everything in this guide is based on real, personal experience, and I’ll always be straight with you about what’s worth your time and money.

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Where to Stay

One of the most important decisions you’ll make for your Myrtle Beach trip is where to stay, and the good news is there are great options at every price point. Here’s a breakdown of my top picks.

Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes

If you’re looking for the most luxurious, upscale experience Myrtle Beach has to offer, this is your spot. The Marriott at Grande Dunes sits on a quiet stretch of beach away from the busy downtown strip, which honestly makes it feel like a completely different world. The interiors are gorgeous, the pools are stunning, the spa is wonderful, and the overall vibe is just really elevated and polished. It’s a fantastic choice for couples or families who want a truly special, resort-style experience. Just know that it comes with resort fees and some extras aren’t included, so budget accordingly.

Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort

Located at the north end of Myrtle Beach near Apache Pier, the Hilton is a solid, reliable option with a great beachfront location and a solid list of amenities including two outdoor pools, a spa, and multiple restaurants and bars on site. The rooms are comfortable and the ocean views are beautiful. It’s a great middle-ground option that feels like a proper resort without quite the price tag of the Marriott.

Residence Inn by Marriott Myrtle Beach Oceanfront

This one is such a great pick, especially for families or anyone staying for more than a few days. Every room is a full suite with a complete kitchen, which is a total game changer when you’re on vacation to Myrtle Beach with kids or just want the option to cook some meals in. The free hot breakfast every morning is a huge bonus, the oceanfront location is perfect, and the Driftwood Bar and Grill on site has great food with ocean views. Highly recommend.

Coral Beach Resort & Suites

Coral Beach is one of the most amenity-packed resorts on the entire Grand Strand, and if you’ve got kids in tow, it is a really fantastic option. They have more on-site water amenities than any other resort in Myrtle Beach, including a lazy river, water park, multiple pools, and Jacuzzis. Plus there’s a full bowling alley and arcade in the entertainment zone, five on-site dining options, and direct beach access. It’s not the most luxurious place on this list, but for sheer fun and value for families, it is really hard to beat.

VRBO

Okay, this is honestly my personal favorite way to do Myrtle Beach, especially for families or larger groups. Renting a house or condo through VRBO gives you so much more space, a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, and often a private pool or direct beach access. You can find incredible properties all along the Grand Strand, from oceanfront condos right on the water to gorgeous homes tucked into quieter neighborhoods. The value compared to a hotel is often really compelling, especially for longer stays. Search by area, check the reviews carefully, and book early because the best properties go fast for summer dates.

Where to Eat

Myrtle Beach has an incredible food scene and you could honestly eat your way through the Grand Strand for a week and never run out of great options. Restaurants ar an important part of this Myrtle Beach travel guide. Here are my absolute favorites.

Sea Captain’s House

This is THE Myrtle Beach dining experience and an absolute must-visit. Sea Captain’s House has been a beloved Grand Strand institution since 1962, sitting right on the oceanfront with panoramic views of the Atlantic. It has been voted Southern Living Magazine’s Best Seafood Restaurant multiple times, and it absolutely earns that distinction. The seafood is incredibly fresh, the low country dishes are outstanding, and the atmosphere, cozy, historic, and charming, is unlike anywhere else. Make a reservation because this place is always busy, and go for dinner at sunset if you can. You won’t regret it.

River City Cafe

If you’re a burger person, River City Cafe is a non-negotiable stop. These burgers have been voted Best of the Beach year after year and for very good reason. They are big, fresh, never frozen, and absolutely delicious. The atmosphere is super casual and fun with peanut shells on the floor, eclectic decor on the walls, and butcher paper on the tables for the kids to draw on. It’s loud and lively and just really a great time. There are multiple locations along the Grand Strand, which is very convenient. Don’t skip the onion rings.

Bubba’s Fish Shack & Bubba’s Fish Camp

Two great spots from the same family, and both are worth your time. Bubba’s Fish Shack is the original, located right in Surfside Beach with a laid-back, casual atmosphere and some of the best Southern-style fried seafood you’ll find anywhere on the Strand. Think perfectly fried catfish, popcorn shrimp, flounder sandwiches, all the classics done really well. Bubba’s Fish Camp is the newer, bigger sibling located near Broadway at the Beach, and adds in-house smoked meats and BBQ to the mix alongside all the seafood favorites. The vibe is really fun and the food is consistently great at both.

The Hangout

Okay so the food at The Hangout is fine, but honestly? You’re going for the atmosphere and it delivers in the BEST way. This place is just so fun and lively with live music, an energetic beach crowd, and a really festive energy that is just contagious. It’s the kind of place where you show up for a drink and end up staying for hours because everyone is just having such a good time. Go, get a cocktail, soak it all in. It’s a Myrtle Beach experience.

Nacho Hippo

Nacho Hippo is such a fun, only-in-Myrtle-Beach kind of spot and one I always recommend to visitors. The vibe is vibrant and cheerful, covered in locally made art, bright patterns, and all sorts of fun decor that gives it a really unique personality. There are two locations, one at the Market Common and one in North Myrtle Beach, and both are really great options for a fun, casual, very affordable meal.

The star of the show here is the nachos, and I mean that literally. They’re known for their award-winning nachos made fresh to order and piled sky high, and there are SO many varieties to choose from. The Bangin’ Shrimp nachos with fried shrimp and spicy bangin’ sauce are incredible, and if you’re feeding a crowd, the El Jefe Maximo is a full sheet tray piled high with all the Tex-Mex goodness you could possibly want. The tacos and margaritas are great too, and everything is made with fresh ingredients daily, from the tortilla chips to the salsas and proteins.

Margaritaville

Look, it’s a chain and you probably know what to expect, but Margaritaville at Broadway at the Beach is genuinely fun and worth doing at least once. The food is good, the drinks are tropical and festive, and the whole vibe is just a great time. It’s more about the experience than anything else, and for a laid-back, beachy dinner with good energy, it delivers.

Mellow Mushroom

I know, I know, it’s a pizza chain, but hear me out! The pizza at Mellow Mushroom is honestly really amazing and I would put it up against almost anyone. The crust is unique and delicious, the toppings are fresh and generous, and there are really creative options on the menu that are just really well done. It’s a great option when you want a really satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal without any fuss.

King Kong Sushi

If you’re craving sushi while you’re in Myrtle Beach, King Kong Sushi is the move. It’s a fun, lively spot with a really great menu and solid execution. The rolls are creative and really delicious, and it’s a nice break from all the seafood shacks and beach fare if you need a change of pace mid-trip.

Jersey Bagels

This one is the breakfast spot and I will not hear otherwise. If you want a really, truly great bagel, Jersey Bagels is where you go. Authentic, perfectly chewy New York-style bagels with all the classic toppings and cream cheeses. It’s a no-frills, get-in-get-out kind of spot that does one thing and does it really, really well. A perfect way to start a beach day.

Things to Do

1. Hit the Beach (But Pick the Right Spot!)

Obviously the beach is the centerpiece of any Myrtle Beach travel guide, but here’s some local advice that will make a big difference in your experience, not all stretches of beach are created equal, and WHERE you go matters a lot.

The main downtown area near the Boardwalk is great if you’re staying right there in a hotel, because you have everything at your fingertips, the SkyWheel, tons of restaurants, the Boardwalk, all of it. BUT, parking is a nightmare, it gets incredibly crowded and loud, and it is honestly not my first choice for a relaxing beach day unless you’re literally walking out of your hotel door.

Instead, we almost always head either north or south. Going north to around the 38th Avenue area gives you a much quieter, more relaxed stretch of beach without the downtown chaos.

Going south to Surfside Beach is my personal favorite and what I recommend most. Surfside has it all, easy, affordable parking, a quieter and more relaxed beach scene (relatively speaking, this is still Myrtle Beach!), public bathrooms, and great little restaurants and shops nearby. It’s just a really lovely, laid-back spot and a much more enjoyable beach experience in my opinion. We are spending an entire week here this summer and I can not be more excited.

2. Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

This is one of my absolute top picks for Myrtle Beach with kids and one of those experiences that just genuinely surprises you with how good it is, so I needed to make sure it was high on my list for this Myrtle Beach travel guide. You sit down to a four-course pirate feast while two rival pirate crews battle it out on full-sized ships in a 15-foot-deep indoor lagoon right in front of you. There are aerial acrobatics, mermaids, sea lions, sword fights, and so much audience participation. The food is legitimately delicious and the show is so engaging and high-energy that even the littlest kids are riveted from start to finish. Book your tickets in advance at PiratesVoyage.com because this one fills up fast, and arrive early to enjoy the pre-show in the Pirates Village. The whole experience is about two hours and worth every minute.

3. The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel

The SkyWheel is one of those iconic Myrtle Beach landmarks that is just as fun as it looks. Standing nearly 200 feet tall right on the oceanfront Boardwalk, the fully enclosed and climate-controlled gondolas give you stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the whole Myrtle Beach skyline. Each ride lasts about 10 to 12 minutes and is a really memorable experience for all ages.

My biggest tip: go at sunset or after dark for the absolute best views. Buy your tickets in advance at skywheelmb.com to skip the ticket line.

4. Broadway at the Beach

Broadway at the Beach is an enormous entertainment complex and honestly could easily fill a whole day or more. Several of the things to do in this Myrtle Beach travel guide are located here. We’re talking Ripley’s Aquarium, Build-A-Bear, candy stores, carnival rides, live music, fish feeding, a great playground, Margaritaville, and SO much more. There is no admission fee to walk around and explore (one of the many free things to do in Myrtle Beach), which makes it a really flexible, budget-friendly option where you can pick and choose what to spend money on. Go at least once, plan to come back, and just enjoy wandering around.

5. Ripley’s Aquarium

One of the best aquariums I’ve been to anywhere, and it’s conveniently located right at Broadway at the Beach. The star of the show is the 330-foot moving Shark Tunnel that glides you underneath sharks, rays, and sea turtles as they swim all around you. Beyond that there are interactive touch tanks, jellyfish exhibits, a kids’ playscape, and beautiful tropical fish exhibits. Plan for about two to three hours and buy tickets online in advance to skip the line.

6. Barefoot Landing

Located in North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing is like a quieter, more relaxed version of Broadway at the Beach. It sits right on the Intracoastal Waterway and has a really lovely, laid-back vibe that is perfect for a slower-paced afternoon. Highlights include a ropes course, a playground, a merry-go-round, great casual waterfront dining, and live music on weekends. And here’s my favorite tip: keep your eyes on the lake while you walk around because there are alligators in there! My kids are absolutely fascinated by this every single time.

7. See the Myrtle Beach Pelicans

This is such a special experience, especially if you have kids. The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are the Single-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and they play at a fantastic little ballpark with a really fun, relaxed atmosphere. Tickets start at around $10, which makes it one of the most affordable and fun outings on this whole Myrtle Beach travel guide. There’s a great playground at the stadium, special themed nights throughout the season, and just the general magic of a summer evening at a minor league baseball game. Check the schedule at milb.com/myrtle-beach before you go.

8. Dolphin Watch Tour from Murrells Inlet

Do NOT leave without doing a dolphin tour. Blue Wave Adventures out of Murrells Inlet is the operator to book, and they are genuinely excellent. The 1.5-hour tour takes you through the beautiful Murrells Inlet estuary and out into the Atlantic where you’ll search for dolphins, sea turtles, rays, and whatever else nature has on offer that day. The custom-built boat has individual forward-facing seats with 360-degree views so there’s not a bad spot on the boat. Book in advance at bluewaveadventures.com, and note that they recommend no children under 3 for safety reasons.

9. Mini Golf

Myrtle Beach is literally known as the Mini Golf Capital of the World, and the moment you arrive you will completely understand why. There are over 30 courses scattered all along the Grand Strand, each with its own wild and elaborate theme. Fire-breathing volcanoes! Five-story courses with ocean views! Indoor glow-in-the-dark courses! It is SO fun and a perfect activity for any age and any group. Since there’s so many I cant even begin to list them all in this Myrtle Beach travel guide, so just pick whichever one catches your eye and go. You really can’t go wrong.

10. The Market Common

The Market Common is a great shopping and dining district with a couple of really specific reasons to make the trip. First, Savannah’s Playground at Grand Park is one of the best playgrounds I have ever seen, a fully accessible, all-inclusive multi-acre space with sensory-friendly features, adaptive swings, water features, and so much more. And second, EdVenture Children’s Museum is right there and is absolutely wonderful for kids under 10. Hands-on STEM exhibits, a pretend restaurant and dentist office, a dedicated toddler area, and so much to explore. It’s $10 per person and free for kids under 2. After, stroll around the district for a meal or some shopping.

11. Water Sports

If you’re looking for a little adventure, parasailing or a banana boat ride are both absolute classics and so much fun. Both can be booked right off the beach in Myrtle Beach or down in Murrells Inlet, and both make for seriously great memories. Parasailing sounds scarier than it is and the views from up there are spectacular. Banana boat rides are more accessible for younger kids and basically guaranteed hilarity. Prices typically run around $30 to $60 per person.

12. Topgolf

Even if you’re not a golfer, you need to put Topgolf on your Myrtle Beach travel guide. It is just SO much fun and one of those places where everyone, regardless of skill level, has an absolute blast. The Myrtle Beach location is right near Broadway at the Beach on the corner of Robert Grissom Parkway and 29th Avenue North, which makes it a really easy add-on to a Broadway at the Beach day.

The concept is simple, you hit microchipped golf balls at giant dartboard-like targets out on the range, and the balls score themselves. Each bay fits up to six players and can accommodate everyone from beginners to serious golfers. The food and drinks are great, there’s a rooftop terrace with a fire pit, and the whole vibe is just really fun and energetic. Make a reservation online ahead of time, especially on weekends, and plan to stay longer than you think because it flies by.

13. Real Golf

Speaking of golf, if you or anyone in your group is a golfer, Myrtle Beach is essentially your mecca and you probably already know it. Myrtle Beach is known as the Golf Capital of the World and boasts over 90 golf courses ranging from championship-level courses designed by legends like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Pete Dye, to more casual, affordable tracks that are perfect for a laid-back round. The peak seasons are spring and fall when the weather is mild and the courses are less crowded, but honestly it’s pretty great year-round. Many resorts offer stay-and-play packages that bundle your hotel and tee times together, which is a fantastic way to plan a dedicated golf trip.

14. Duplin Winery

If you like wine, do NOT skip Duplin Winery. It’s located near Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach and is honestly such a fun, unique stop that most people don’t even know about. Duplin is North Carolina’s oldest and largest producer of grape-based wines, known especially for their sweet Muscadine wines, and the tasting experience here is wonderful. The tasting includes ten preselected wines, gourmet cheese dips and crackers, and a full glass of your favorite wine once you’ve finished sampling. You can also add a tour where you get to bottle your own keepsake wine to take home, which is such a fun souvenir. No reservations are needed, just stop in, and they have a beautiful outdoor patio with a pond, games, and fire pits. It’s a really lovely afternoon outing, especially when paired with a visit to Barefoot Landing right next door.

15. Brookgreen Gardens

This one is a true hidden gem and one that I think SO many Myrtle Beach visitors drive right past without stopping, which is honestly such a shame. Brookgreen Gardens spans more than 9,000 acres just south of Murrells Inlet and combines sculptures, wildlife, and history in the most beautiful natural setting. The sculpture collection is the largest collection of American figurative sculpture in the country, with over 2,000 works spread throughout stunning botanical gardens and Lowcountry landscapes.

There’s also a wonderful native wildlife zoo, hiking trails, a butterfly house open April through October, boat tours, and guided excursions. Your admission ticket is valid for seven consecutive days, which tells you everything you need to know about how much there is to see here. Plan to spend at least half a day, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a camera because it is absolutely gorgeous. If you happen to visit in December, the Night of a Thousand Candles event is completely magical and worth planning your Myrtle Beach travel guide around. It’s one of my favorite unique things to do in Myrtle Beach!

16. Myrtle Beach State Park

Here’s one that local, real-deal Myrtle Beach visitors know about and tourists almost always overlook, Myrtle Beach State Park. And it is such a treasure. Nestled among oceanfront maritime forest right along the Grand Strand, the state park is a quiet and surprisingly green escape from the otherwise bustling beach scene. It’s one of the last remaining stretches of maritime forest on this part of the South Carolina coastline, and it feels like a completely different world from the neon and noise just a few miles away.

For a small admission fee, you get access to hiking trails, oceanfront picnic shelters, playground equipment, and multiple beach access points. There’s also a fishing pier stretching over 700 feet into the Atlantic, a nature center, and some of the best surf fishing on the Strand. If you really want to lean in, there are campsites and even historic CCC-built cabins available to rent. It is such a peaceful, beautiful spot and a perfect way to start a morning before the beach crowds arrive. Go early, take a walk through the trees, breathe in the salt air, and remind yourself that Myrtle Beach has so much more going on beneath the surface.

17. Murrells Inlet and the BrewBoat

I already mentioned Murrells Inlet as a great dinner spot and dolphin tour departure point, but honestly it deserves its own full entry because there is so much to love about this little town. Known as the Seafood Capital of South Carolina, Murrells Inlet is located just south of Myrtle Beach and is one of my absolute favorite spots on the entire Grand Strand. The Marshwalk, a half-mile waterfront boardwalk lined with restaurants, bars, and live music venues, is just a dream for a warm evening out. Grab a table at one of the waterfront spots, order a round of drinks and some fresh seafood, listen to live music, and watch the boats go by. It is honestly one of the most perfect evenings you can have.

And then there’s the BrewBoat, which is an experience you simply CANNOT miss. It’s a pontoon boat powered by passengers pedaling on bicycle-seat bar stools, and it is exactly as fun as that sounds. The one-hour tours cruise through the salt marshes and tidal inlets surrounding Murrells Inlet and it is BYOB, so you bring your own drinks and load up the onboard coolers. The scenery is gorgeous, the captains are hilarious and wonderful, and it is genuinely one of the most fun, unique things you can do on the entire Grand Strand. The later sunset cruises offer especially spectacular views over the inlet. Book online at brewboatsc.com in advance because spots fill up fast, and trust me, this one is worth every bit of the hype.

How to Get There

Myrtle Beach is super accessible no matter where you’re coming from.

By plane: Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is conveniently located just minutes from most hotels and attractions on the strip. Several major airlines fly there directly, including Southwest, American, Delta, and United, with nonstop flights from many major cities. It’s a small, easy airport to navigate which is always a bonus.

By car: Myrtle Beach is a really easy drive from much of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. From Charlotte it’s about 3.5 hours, from Raleigh about 4 hours, from Atlanta about 6 hours, and from Nashville about 8.5 hours. The drive down Highway 501 into Myrtle Beach gives you your very first glimpse of all those glorious mini golf courses, and it really does feel like you’ve arrived somewhere special.

Parking: If you’re driving, know that parking in the downtown and Boardwalk area can be a real headache in the summer, especially on weekends. There are public parking garages near the Boardwalk area, but they fill up fast. If you’re staying in a hotel right downtown you’ll likely have on-site parking, but plan ahead. If you’re doing day trips to the beach, heading north toward 38th Avenue or south to Surfside Beach will make your parking situation MUCH easier and less stressful.

How Long to Stay

This really depends on what you want to get out of your trip, and how many things in the Myrtle Beach travel guide you want to do! But here’s my honest take:

3 to 4 days is a really nice long weekend trip if you just want beach time, a couple of great meals, and maybe one or two activities. You’ll get a solid taste of Myrtle Beach without feeling rushed.

5 to 7 days is the sweet spot for a full vacation, especially with kids. This gives you time to really settle in, hit the beach multiple times, do all the activities on your list, try several restaurants, and still have some lazy downtime to just decompress.

7+ days is totally doable if you want to go deep, explore Murrells Inlet and the surrounding areas, do multiple day trips, and really soak everything in. If you’re renting a house through VRBO this length of stay often makes a lot of financial sense too.

Local Tips

These are the things I wish someone had told me before my first trip, and the things I always share with friends heading to Myrtle Beach for the first time.

Go in the shoulder season if you can

Late May or September and early October are honestly the best times to visit. The weather is still beautiful, the water is still warm, the crowds are much more manageable, and prices on hotels and rentals drop significantly. Summer is wonderful but July and August in particular are PACKED.

Make reservations

For the popular restaurants, especially Sea Captain’s House, make a reservation before you go. Same goes for Pirates Voyage, book that in advance. The best experiences sell out and you don’t want to miss them.

Surfside Beach is underrated

I will say this to anyone who will listen. If you want a quieter, more relaxed beach experience with easy parking and great amenities, go to Surfside. It is such a gem.

Get up early for the beach

The best beach time is early morning before the crowds arrive and the heat peaks. Pack up, get there by 8 or 9 AM, enjoy the quiet, and then head in for lunch before it gets crazy.

Murrells Inlet is worth the drive

Located just south of Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet is a gorgeous little seafood town on the saltwater marsh. The Marshwalk is lined with great waterfront restaurants and it is such a lovely evening outing, especially for a nice dinner or the dolphin tour.

Don’t try to do everything

Myrtle Beach is big and there is SO much to do. If you try to cram everything in you’ll exhaust yourself and not really enjoy any of it. Pick your top priorities, be intentional about a few great experiences, and let the rest of the trip be relaxed and spontaneous. That’s when the magic happens.

Now go book that trip. You are going to have the BEST time!