We knew Myrtle Beach holidays were big on beaches, but we didn’t know how much more there was to explore with kids on this sunny part of the South Carolina coast.
There’s more to Myrtle Beach holidays than beaches
Call it the Grand Strand or call it The Beach, or even call it America’s Beachiest Beach, it doesn’t matter to the 14 communities that call Myrtle Beach home, they’re all very much themselves, part of the great big, beachy picture and every one of them deserves some attention.
A road trip along the 60-mile stretch of the Grand Strand is a great way to get to know all the communities. Although there’s a very good chance you’ll find one you just want to hang around in all holiday long. How you play it is entirely up to you, but take a look at what you can look forward to, whether you’re road tripping or staying put.
Oceanfront, Myrtle Beach
Heart of the Grand Strand on Myrtle Beach holidays
Right at the heart of the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is where you’ll find the sensational SkyWheel – best sea views bar none – as well as a Boardwalk so historic, it’s simply called ‘America’s Boardwalk’. Of course, the beach here is worth a visit all by itself, not least because it’s enormous, but Myrtle Beach is also the place to find theme parks and waterparks, not to mention the biggest entertainment complex in South Carolina, and don’t even get us started on the restaurants.
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Birthplace of South Carolina’s official dance
Famous as the birthplace of ‘The Shag’ – the official dance of South Carolina since 1984 – North Myrtle Beach is big on live music and known for its fresh seafood restaurants. Plus, if you’re looking for somewhere to stay and your family is larger than average, this is the community with extra spacious beach houses for Myrtle Beach holidays.
Downtown Conway, Myrtle Beach
The home of historic Myrtle Beach holidays
Founded in 1732, Conway is one of the oldest towns in South Carolina and a classic southerner from its oak tree-lined streets to its historic houses and genteel atmosphere. It’s set on the lovely Waccamaw River, so the Conway Riverwalk is a must-do here. Older kids will definitely be up for the Conway Ghost Walk, and if you want to sail back in time, catch a classic riverboat cruise and do just that.
Little River Shrimp Festival
Head to Little River on the hunt for big fish tales
Head north on the Grand Strand and you come to Little River, another venerable Myrtle Beach community that’s steeped in history. The fresh seafood here is worth a visit alone, and that’s a hint of what else Little River does better than anywhere, fishing. So if you’ve ever dreamed of battling the big fish on a deep-sea charter, this is where to come first.
Downtown Loris, Myrtle Beach
Add even more heritage to your Myrtle Beach holidays
Unless you come from South Carolina, you probably won’t have heard of chicken bog, the traditional Southern speciality that mixes rice, chicken, sausage and spices. This legend was born in Loris, one time railroad town and now home to the annual Loris Bog-Off Festival. If you miss that, don’t worry, the bright downtown district is fun to explore and the local farmer’s markets are almost as famous as the local cuisine.
Golf course, Carolina Forest
Come and play golf (or joust) in Carolina Forest
A comparative baby compared to the likes of Conway and Little River, Carolina Forest might be new-ish to Myrtle Beach but it still makes an impression. Several gorgeous golf courses here take full advantage of the forest and water washed landscape. If your heart is set on some traditional bargain shopping, Tanger Outlets is at home here too. And you’ll even find some history, albeit fictional, at the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament or Wheels of Yesteryear.
Drippys, Surfside Beach
The most family-friendly beach community in Myrtle Beach
Locals know Surfside as the ‘family beach’ and it’s easy to see why. Not only is it pristine thanks to daily cleans, it’s also lifeguard supervised, and features beach ramps for wheelchairs and buggies, as well as showers, toilets and baby changing facilities. Then, on top of all that good stuff, it’s also the first autism-friendly destination in Myrtle Beach.
Pawleys Island, Myrtle Beach
Find simple charm and natural beauty in Pawleys Island
Simple charm and natural beauty may define Pawleys Island, but this community at the southern end of the Grand Strand is almost as historic as it is peaceful.
Dating back to the 1700s, it was once the summer retreat of choice for wealthy pre-Civil War plantation owners; you can still see 12 of their original homes in the Historic District. Sticking with the present, the beach is perfect for tranquil days by the sea, and families with younger kids feel particularly at home here.
Garden City Beach pier
Don’t miss the amazing pier in Garden City Beach
Another famously family-friendly community, you’ll find Garden City Beach just south of Surfside and if you need directions, just look for its stunning pier. No surprise to find that fishing is popular here, but it’s also a magnet for surfers, and one of the best places in Myrtle Beach to hear live music, day and night.
Socastee swing bridge
Socastee brings wild adventures to Myrtle Beach holidays
Just west of Myrtle Beach International Airport, Socastee is where to come with your animal-loving kids as it’s home to the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge. One of only 10 swing bridges in South Carolina can be found here as well, and its close to the fun of Island Adventure Watersports. Plus, if you visit during spring, you can catch the Socastee Heritage Festival, held in April each year.
Another perfect family beach day
Hit Litchfield Beach for bike trails and world-class golf
Swap mini golf for golf-golf in Litchfield Beach which has several world-class courses amid some sensational scenery. Also, the 26-mile long Waccamaw Neck Bikeway is a fun Litchfield challenge to take with kids, and a great way to see the local area, particularly the beautiful beach.
Brookgreen Lowcountry Zoo, Murrells Inlet
Bring your fun-loving kids to hide out in Murrells Inlet
Back in the 1700s, when the South Carolina seas were awash with cargo ships, it was a very busy time for pirates, who found that the coves and inlets along what’s now the Grand Strand, were the perfect spots for laying low with their bootie.
You might not recognise the name, Edward Teach, but you’ll definitely be familiar with his infamous nickname, Blackbeard. According to legend, Murrells Inlet was one of his favourite hideouts and the pirate tales are part of what makes this Myrtle Beach community irresistible to kids.
However, it’s also known as the ‘seafood capital of South Carolina’, so once you’ve fuelled up on tales of dastardly deeds, it’s one of the best places to fuel up on catch-of-the-day, any day.
Now go to Visit Myrtle Beach and find the perfect place for your family holiday
