Myrtle Beach trips and vacations

See why Myrtle Beach is dubbed the ‘Vacation Capital of America.’ Aside from miles of sandy beaches, the city has lots of entertainment options to suit all travelers. Broadway at the Beach is South Carolina’s biggest entertainment complex, with everything from a zip-line course above the water to fairground rides.

Find over 90 championship golf courses on your vacation to Myrtle Beach. Lush fairways and pristine greens will keep amateur enthusiasts and professionals swinging for days on end. Try the Dunes Golf and Beach Club or the majestic Barefoot Resort & Golf with its quartet of courses crafted by masters. Or head to the picturesque natural wetlands of TPC Myrtle Beach.

The culinary scene here serves up everything from fresh-off-the-boat seafood to traditional Southern barbecue delights. Must-try dishes on your holiday to Myrtle Beach include shrimp and grits (often given different twists by local restaurants), she-crab soup (a Lowcountry specialty made with blue crab meat and crab roe) and hush puppies (deep-fried balls of seasoned cornmeal batter).

Be where the heart of the action is in Central Myrtle Beach. Stroll along the boardwalk and promenade, shop til you drop at Broadway at the Beach entertainment precinct and enjoy the miles of beachfront. With plenty of hotels and major attractions, shopping and dining all within walking distance, this is one of the best areas to stay in Myrtle Beach.

Good for: Shopping, entertainment, dining

Once a plantation, historic Cherry Grove is the best neighborhood to stay in Myrtle Beach to enjoy small-town vibes. With its expansive boardwalk, long pier and stunning beach, there are plenty of outdoor activities — walking, fishing, boating and, of course, golf. Grab cocktails or a bite to eat at an oceanfront restaurant while listening to the sound of the sea.

Good for: Beaches, community, relaxation 

Located at the southern end of the Grand Strand, Pawleys Island is where to stay in Myrtle Beach to slow down. Once the summer home of wealthy pre–Civil War rice planters, today the neighborhood is a more relaxed alternative to the busy heart of Myrtle Beach. Enjoy fresh seafood at the many restaurants or head to The Hammock Shops Village to browse the local boutiques and gift stores.

Good for: Relaxed vibe, seafood, boutiques

With plenty of beaches and all-age attractions, it’s easy to find things to do with family in Myrtle Beach. Ride the SkyWheel Myrtle Beach Ferris wheel to enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Dive into a world of excitement at Family Kingdom Amusement Park or splash, slide and cool off at Myrtle Waves Water Park. Unwind with family picnics and sandcastles on the beach.

Interested in some retail therapy? Shopping in Myrtle Beach has variety and value. For trendy fashion and local souvenirs, go to Broadway at the Beach shopping and entertainment center. To bag a bargain, head to Tanger for an outlet shopping spree. For a taste of local flavors, visit the Myrtle Beach Farmers Market, where you’ll find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

The museums in Myrtle Beach cater for wide-ranging tastes. Stand face-to-face with your favorite stars at the Hollywood Wax Museum. Relive the glory days of the 1970s and 1980s at the Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum, a nostalgic attraction celebrating American pop culture. Or discover the beauty of the South Carolina coast in paintings, sculpture and photography at the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum.

After the sun sets, Myrtle Beach transforms into a neon-lit wonderland. Central Myrtle Beach is the best place for nightlife — dance the night away, or pick up the karaoke mike. Laugh out loud at the Comedy Cabana, or see the acclaimed Carolina Opry variety show. Head to the village of Murrells Inlet and its MarshWalk for live bands playing at waterfront restaurants.

The Atlantic’s bounty meets Southern hospitality at restaurants in Myrtle Beach. Dive into the ocean’s freshest catches — you’ll find no shortage of great seafood restaurants selling shrimp, crab and lobster dishes. Or savor the smoky goodness of authentic South Carolina barbecue. Finish your meal with a serving of peach cobbler and a glass of sweet tea.

Feel the soft sands of Myrtle Beach State Park between your toes. Or venture to the sweeping shores of Huntington Beach State Park, where natural beauty meets history beside Atalaya Castle’s ruins. Families will love the gentle waters of Garden City Beach, while keen surfers ride the waves at North Myrtle Beach.