Myrtle Beach Off-Season with a Toddler

[eeyore29]

OK, all you travel experts, sell me on Myrtle Beach. I've been tossing it around for our next vacation, especially since I found some great prices on flights. And after a quick look thru hotels, I'm really impressed - they seem very competitively priced (the 3 of us can fly and stay a week for less than $800 total!).

What is there to do with a toddler (besides the beach and waterparks)? Do you need a car to get around, or is there an easy bus system (like Ocean City, MD)? If you recommend having a car, is it easy to get around? DH does a lot of driving, so he enjoys a vacation where he can park it for the week (like at WDW).

Are most places open off-season (before Memorial Day and after Labor Day)? One year we went to OCMD a week before Memorial Day and there was a lot of things that hadn't opened yet. DH has no interest in a beach vacation; he thinks that means there's nothing to do but the beach. I could sit by the pool/beach for a week and be very content; not him, to him a vacation is "let's go & do & see as much as possible." So that OCMD vacation was a bust for him and it's gonna take a lot to convince him to try another beach vacation. I'm thinking of going to Myrtle Beach either this SEPT/OCT or next APR/MAY; are those good or bad times (crowds/weather-wise)?

Anything else I haven't thought of?

 

[CTdiznymom]

If you do a search or go back to March postings I asked about MB hotels. I got some great advise. We're just two adults looking for some R&R and learned that the North MB area is a lot quieter and away from the amusement areas. There are more attraction type places and touristy things in MB proper. We unfourtuately had to cancel our April vaca very last minute, and the hotel was very nice and let us postpone our vaca to September so we didnt' lose our deposit. We're staying at Oceans One in NMB.

 

[mrodgers]

Funbeaches.com, the site/forum for Myrtle Beach info. Great place.

 

[Patience]

Check out Dunes Village. It has an indoor water park which is nice in case of rain, especially during the off season, plus it's close to Broadway at the Beach (rides, shopping, dining, etc.) and not too far from the Tanger Outlets. You definitely need your own car in Myrtle Beach in my opinion. You might want to take your toddler to a dinner show like Dixie Stampede. The food is not the greatest but we took our daughter when she was around 4 or so and she enjoyed it. Also, the Ripley's aquarium (at Broadway at the Beach) is really nice for toddlers.

Have fun!

 

[missmeg]

We really enjoyed Sea Watch Resort. It is more towards the north side but the room rates are good and they have so much to offer. They have countless pools, a lazy river, lots of hot tubs, direct beach access, a restaurant, ice cream shop, bar by the pools, etc..! We cannot wait to get back there again.

The rooms are nice too and many have been remodeled recently.

Myrtle Beach is so much fun and I'm sure you will enjoy it. There are lots of things to see and do. Check out Broadway on the Beach!

 

[HM]

The weather for your dates is likely to be very nice.
We just had a discussion about MB at mother's day brunch yesterday. It's not our extended family choice by a long shot, but if that type of beach is what you like, then go for it. There are a lot of good deals to be had, as you noticed. You will need a car to get around.

 

[HM]

How about Williamsburg/Busch Gardens instead of the beach? (well, you could take a day trip to Virginia Beach easily from there). Lots to do and see in the area and keep your family busy.

 

[NCRedding]

you definitely need a car. I would look for a hotel with an indoor pool.

Your toddler might like Ripley's aquarium for fun. Also, there is a good childrens museum located there, but you may want to check the website to see if it is too old for your child. There is a small outdoor zoo south of Myrtle Beach. .

I love Sept and October at Myrtle. The ocean water will be warmer in September that April, so wading is more comfortable.

 

[MSSANDRA]

We are four hours from MB and our boys have been going their entire lives. Plenty to do and most things are open, but not too crowed spring or fall. We like fall the best.Most places have indoor pools and some lazy river rides.
Some ideas:
amusement park called Family Kingdom, very family friendly
Alligator Adventure, small zoo with live animal shows
Broadway by the Beach--Think DTD...Beach style
Myrtle Beach Children's museum
Miniature Golf EVERYWHERE

Lot of nighttime shows...all family friendly though not really geared to toddlers.

The beach is very nice for walking and playing on though the ocean can be quite cold spring and fall.

We like a place called Ocean Reef. There are sooo many choices and price range choices!