Let’s get the surprise over with: The summer’s “it” destination is Myrtle Beach.
Why? First, the value-to-fun quotient is off the charts, whether you’re traveling with the family, taking a girls’ trip, or getting away with your significant other. Second, it caters to every travel style. For those thinking, “I’m not a golf person” or, “I’m not a beach person,” you’ve got a completely outdated idea of this place. Let’s get you up to date.
The Strand Can Still Surprise You
Whether you’ve visited Myrtle Beach a hundred times or have never been, it’s hard not to stumble on something new. The area’s 60 miles of coastline make it possible to find a stretch of sand that’s yours and only yours—even in the peak summer months.
They key is getting off the beaten path. Huntington Beach State Park has more than three miles of secluded sands flanked by dunes, plus trails around salt marshes ideal for wildlife viewing.
Carve out time to stop by Atalaya Castle. Known for its Spanish-style architecture, this mid-20th century home is on the National Register of Historic Places and has one-hour tours for $2 (kids under six are free) during the summer months.
Closer to all the action, you can take a chance at spotting sea turtles off the undeveloped beach at Myrtle Beach State Park. Its iconic pier is a favorite for fishing.
There’s More Than the Beach at Myrtle Beach
Sure, there’s a lot of beach. But the communities that make up the greater Myrtle Beach area make this more than a beach town. Nearby Georgetown, called “Little Charleston,” is a colonial-era seaport chock-a-block full of history. Antebellum mansions along oak-lined avenues and a shop- and restaurant-lined Harborwalk make it an ideal daytrip.
Sandy Island, spanning 9,000 acres, is only accessible via boat, making it largely undiscovered by tourists. The mostly undeveloped island is preserved by the Nature Conservancy and includes a two-mile hiking trail.
Entertainment Comes in All Forms
For good old-fashioned amusement rides, Family Kingdom Amusement Park will bring you back to your childhood vacations. The 13-acre seaside park with more than 30 rides is free to enter. You can purchase tickets for each individual ride, so there’s no need to ride every single thing to feel like you got your money’s worth.
If you’re not into rides, Myrtle Beach’s minor league team the Pelicans gives you the chance to watch America’s favorite pastime at an affordable price (tickets are around $10 per person, depending on seats). The Chicago Cubs’ Single-A affiliate plays in a stadium that has seats into the sand along the left-field line. It’s like you never have to leave the beach.
And if you prefer to get a little bit more active, the beach in Myrtle Beach is good for more than just swimming and sunning on the sand. Downwind Surf and Paddleboard Company offers two-hour surf lessons that get you out on the water and understanding the basics of surf safety and etiquette.
Wine and Moonshine
The Muscadine grape thrives in the Myrtle Beach area, and word of the local vineyards and wineries is starting to get out. La Belle Aimee Vineyard, just outside North Myrtle Beach, lets visitors taste six of their wines for $3. Depending when you go, you may find live music and food.
If wine isn’t your beverage of choice, pay a visit to the Palmetto Moonshine. The free tour—and tasting—shows you how moonshine is made and allows you to find your favorite flavor. The distillery also produces a rye whiskey.
The Best Summer Hotel Deals in Myrtle Beach (Sponsored)
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With free nights at Sea Watch Resort, you can turn your weekend getaway into an extra-long weekend getaway. If you've got more vacation time to use up, you can pay for four nights and get two additional nights free.
With six oceanfront pools, two lazy rivers, 10 hot tubs, and several dining and bar options, the hotel offers up everything you need for a relaxing escape.
Travel dates: Through January 1, 2018
Find this and other summer hotel deals at VisitMyrtleBeach.com!
With free nights at Sea Watch Resort, you can turn your weekend getaway into an extra-long weekend getaway. If you've got more vacation time to use up, you can pay for four nights and get two additional nights free.
With six oceanfront pools, two lazy rivers, 10 hot tubs, and several dining and bar options, the hotel offers up everything you need for a relaxing escape.
Travel dates: Through January 1, 2018
Find this and other summer hotel deals at VisitMyrtleBeach.com!
Participating Oceana Resorts by Windham Vacation Rentals, including the highly rated Anderson Ocean Club & Spa and Harbourgate Resort & Marina, are offering 25 percent off stays when you book online and pay your reservation in full 30 days before you arrive. You can also save up to 15 percent if you pay at least 14 days before arrival.
Oceana Resorts are throwing in additional savings with perks like unlimited water park access, free miniature golf, and no greens fees at select golf courses. Your included Oceana Privileges Card also scores you discounts at area shops, restaurants, and activities.
Travel dates: Through December 31, 2017
Restrictions: Three- or four-night minimum stay required, depending on property
Find this and other summer hotel deals at VisitMyrtleBeach.com!
Stay two nights at the Beach Cove Resort and your third night is free. If you want to have an even longer long weekend, then you can pay for four nights and get two additional nights free.
The all-suite-and-condo accommodations mean you've got more room to relax, while the pool area, including lazy river, overlooking the Atlantic help you continue to unwind even outside your hotel room.
Travel dates: Through January 1, 2018
Find this and other summer hotel deals at VisitMyrtleBeach.com!
The Caravelle Resort, known for various accommodations across its nine buildings, is letting guests stay for six nights and pay for four. For shorter stays, you can stay for three nights and pay for two. With three-bedroom condos, studios with kitchens, suites, and traditional hotel rooms, there's a space that'll fit your style.
As a guest, you have access to amenities at the Caravelle Resort building, like the Wild Water Pool, and also receive a Vacation Member Benefits (VMB) card. This unlocks savings totaling $382 on attractions, including discounts on SkyWheel, surf lessons, dining, and more.
Travel dates: Through January 1, 2018
Find this and other summer hotel deals at VisitMyrtleBeach.com!
TripAdvisor travelers love Surfside Beach Resort, and the hotel is giving even more reasons to love it with several deals, including a discounted room rate with $50 toward any Divine Dining Group restaurant.
The restaurant group is known for local fare, and crowd-favorite Bubba's Fish Shack and award-winning River City Cafe are both within feet of the resort. The hotel also offers discounts the longer you stay with 20% off seven nights.
Restrictions: Not valid with other promotions
Find this and other summer hotel deals at VisitMyrtleBeach.com!
If you're planning on enjoying some of Myrtle Beach's attractions and entertainment, the Now That's Entertainment package at Grande Shores Ocean Resort may save you some cash.
The package includes one free adult “all day” waterpark pass every day of your stay to Myrtle Waves Water Park, one complimentary game of laser tag at Fun Warehouse, one complimentary round of mini golf at Cancun Lagoon or Mutiny Bay, and free unlimited DVD rentals from the hotel. All of this is in addition to your access to indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, and lazy river.
Travel dates: June 4 through September 6, 2017; other travel dates available with different package amenities
Restrictions: Limit one free ticket/admission pass per reservation/per family.
Find this and other summer hotel deals at VisitMyrtleBeach.com!
When you arrive on a Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday and stay three nights or more at Dayton House Resort, you can save 30 percent on room rates. Unlike many other area properties, Dayton House Resort has a two-acre lawn with loungers, umbrellas, and oceanfront gazebos, made for soaking up the sun.
Indoor pools, hot tubs, oceanfront outdoor pool, and lazy river are all included in the experience, too.
Travel dates: June 18 through August 10, 2017
Restrictions: Not valid July 4th week. 14-day maximum stay.
Find this and other summer hotel deals at VisitMyrtleBeach.com!
Perfect for larger families or those that need two hotel rooms to fit the whole clan, Condo-World Resort Properties are offering huge discounts on summer stays. You can take as much as $300 off four-night stays with promo code VISITNMB.
With numerous properties to choose from, you're sure to find something that fits your family. And with a kitchen and a local farmers' market, you can save on meals throughout your vacation.
Travel dates: June 3 through September 9, 2017
Restrictions: Excludes 4-bedroom condos July 1 through August 5. Not all units participate in discount.
Find this and other summer hotel deals at VisitMyrtleBeach.com!
Book your weeklong stay at Sandy Beach Resort, and you'll save 20 percent this summer. You can apply the discount to any room type, including oceanfront rooms and Jacuzzi suites. All rooms have a kitchen and offer easy access to the Grand Strand.
With room rates starting at an already low $59, you stand to have extra money in your vacation budget for gorging on seafood or taking advantage of area attractions
Travel dates: Through September 30, 2017
Restrictions: Seven-night minimum stay, 14 nights maximum.
Find this and other summer hotel deals at VisitMyrtleBeach.com!
It pays to take an entire week of vacation—for your mental health and your wallet. With seven-night stays at South Wind on the Ocean, you can save up to $200. The one- to five-bedroom oceanfront condos that make up the property all have kitchens and private balconies overlooking the Atlantic. As a guest, you have access to amenities including three pools, three whirlpools, and a lazy river.
From June 4 through September 4, the property is offering a $40 instant rebate for Sunday arrivals of four-night stays or longer.
Travel dates: May 29 through September 3, 2017
Restrictions: Minimum-night stay required and varies by property. Taxes and resort fees are collected at check-in.
Find this and other summer hotel deals at VisitMyrtleBeach.com!
More from SmarterTravel:
- 10 Best Summer Hotel Deals in Myrtle Beach
- A Guide to Your Girls’ Getaway Weekend in Myrtle Beach
- 10 Best Things to Do in Myrtle Beach
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