Why America’s Beachiest Beach really should be your next family beach holiday

In South Carolina they just call Myrtle Beach, ‘The Beach’, here’s why it should definitely be your next family beach holiday.

Myrtle Beach in South Carolina is America’s beachiest beach. Not only does it have a 60 mile long coastline strewn with broad and sandy shores, there are charming communities to explore, and 100s of family attractions from world class aquariums to wonderful Ferris Wheel rides.

You’ll find thousands of restaurants, as well as fun beach bars and food trucks. The shopping is endlessly tempting – and as good value as the rest of Myrtle Beach. Plus, it really is a something-for-everyone kind of place, where toddlers have as much fun as teenagers, and families feel very at home.

Pawleys Island, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

What 60 miles of South Carolina beaches looks like

A coastline with 60 miles of wide open sandy beaches gives you plenty of choice. Even if you find the perfect one right away, don’t let that stop you looking around: some of the best beaches in South Carolina are at home in the Myrtle Beach area.

Of course, there’s Myrtle Beach itself which is really the hub of the coast and a hive of activity from its famous boardwalk to its waterfront restaurants and family attractions.

If you like a beach with a backstory, then Atlantic Beach will fascinate you. It’s not large, but it is lovely, comes with a poignant past and has incredible ocean views. Plus, it’s also where the legendary South Carolina ‘shag’ was first danced: worth a visit in itself.

Surfside is another remarkable family beach, not least because it’s the area’s first autism-friendly destination. Though if your heart’s set on water sports and seaside arcade games, Garden City Beach is the one to choose: it’s also top for crabbing and comes with a traditional fishing pier.

Then when you really want to escape, make for Litchfield Beach where the silvery sands are always peaceful and the local community gives sweet time-stood-still vibes: perfect for days by the sea with pre-schoolers.

Find towns for every family holiday mood

Speaking of communities, Myrtle Beach is made up of 14 in total and they’re as worth exploring as the beautiful beaches on which many of them sit.

There’s Myrtle Beach itself for a time-of-your-life mood that kids particularly like. Or by complete contrast there are places like gentle Conway with its historic homes, tree-lined streets, antique shops and art galleries. Unless you visit in June for the Conway RiverFest, in which case you’ll quickly discover this sedate town really knows how to throw a party.

If kids want pirate legends, they’re in the right place for those too. Some of the most feared buccaneers plied the South Carolina coast back in the day and you’ll find towns like Murrells Inlet and Little River packed with piratical tales: Murrells Inlet was actually one of infamous Blackbeard’s preferred hangouts in the 17^th century.

Then there are the local golfing legends to discover: charming Pawleys Island is home to no fewer than three of America’s top 100 public golf courses.

J & L Kayak Sunrise Tours, Myrtle Beach

Go adventuring beyond the South Carolina beaches

Naturally, being outdoors is a lot to do with beaches in this part of the world, but not exclusively. In fact you may be surprised by the amount of fun there is to be had nowhere near the sand, or sometimes with sand and more in the mix.

Take two local icons for example: Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park. Both have plenty to recommend them on the beach front, but dig a bit deeper and you’ll discover everything from kid-friendly walking trails to some of the best places to spot wildlife in the area, as well as historic castles, playgrounds and great routes for a family cycle.

Kayaking takes you to some of the loveliest and most secrets spots in Myrtle Beach, so it’s very popular. That doesn’t mean the waterways, saltmarshes, islands and rivers are packed with paddlers. No, the sign of kayaking’s popularity here is in the number of excellent tours led by passionate local guides, as well as the outstanding rental companies if you want to head out on your own. And if you really feel adventurous, you can also hire paddleboards to go exploring.

Come hungry, you’ve 2,000 restaurants to try

There’s nothing like a day outdoors or on the beach to work up an appetite, which might be why Myrtle Beach has 2,000 restaurants to go with its 60-mile long coastline. On the other hand, it may just be that locals love their food and plenty are incredible chefs. Or maybe it’s a combination of both, and the fact that South Carolina is famous for fresh-off-the-boat seafood, sun-grown produce and warm, southern hospitality.

The reasons don’t really matter, just be glad you’re here and feeling hungry because you don’t want to miss the pleasure of authentic low country cooking or tucking into piles of fresh shrimp, just shucked oysters or just caught catch-of-the-day.  And if anywhere can persuade your kids to try new tastes, it’s Myrtle Beach. Though they’ll be pleased to hear that holiday favourites like pizza, hotdogs and burgers are served in some great restaurants too.

Sunny summer weather, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

When to visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

So when should you visit? That’s easy, come any time and you’re guaranteed a friendly southern welcome and no shortage of things to do and see. But the best time for beach weather is between March and October, particularly in June, July and August when the water temperatures in Myrtle Beach exceed those of Barbados. So if you like your sun hot, sea breezes cool, long days and balmy evenings, summer is the best time to visit with kids.

Though if you want to take advantage of the 90-plus golf courses that help earn Myrtle Beach the title ‘Seaside Golf Capital of the World’, think about spring or autumn: Easter or October half-term in the UK. The sun will still be shining, but lower temperatures mean you can comfortably play some of the finest course in the US, many with spectacularly distracting views.