MYRTLE BEACH, SC Vacation Help

[brittsmum1998]

The water in Myrtle will be much warmer than water in the Northeast no matter what time of year.

 

[connie1042]

We are going to MB from June 1-8. staying at the Carolina Grand. Two Bedroom. We got it through someone that owns a timeshare there. Has anyone stayed there? It will be 2 couples. No kids. Will have a car. guys plan on doing a lot of golfing. I just want the beach. If you are familiar with this area, please let me know what to expect. Thanks

 

[cndij]

OK, kind of local here. Question to OP? Have you ever been to the beach in SC? If not, just want to make sure you know that the NC/SC Beaches do not have anything near clear water. I know some people love Myrtle Beach, including most of the town where I live (3 hours away), but if you are planning to swim in the ocean, just want to make sure you know that usually by the time you are in knee deep, you can no longer see your feet. This is a big issue for me after getting badly sting by a huge jellyfish some years ago. So now we stick to the gulf coast or South Florida for our beach trips. Don't want to rain on anyone's parade, and I know just "being" at the beach is great, but want to make sure water quality is at least addressed.

 

[rogers803]

We go to MB about twice a year.We love it. Its touristy but easy to get around. tons of food places and stuff to do.. We like the Breakers Resort if we want to be close to everything.ie: Boardwalk, stores and rides. And the Sea Watch for the north end of beach. We stayed at Montery Bay recently. They had cheaper rooms plus a free hot breakfast. My brother stayed at the Compass last summer because it had the best looking pools for his kids ages 14 and 8. they enjoyed it. We will be staying at the Carolinian this summer. hope this helps.btw we have been to other beaches but for us MB works best. I like Charleston and Hilton Head but MB is a favorite.

 

[aprilgail2]

We stayed twice at Ocean Reef Resort- LOVED it--- it was great in the mornings just sitting on the balcony looking at the ocean. You went downstairs there was the lazy river and pools and a few steps away was the beach!

 

[Marsheliz]

I live in South Carolina too and if you are set on MB- I would recommend the Kingston Plantation, any of the Holiday Inns and SeaCrest isn't that bad.. There are lots of touristy places to go too. I just think in my personal opinion, alot of the hotels are rundown. The seniors around the state go party during their senior week and IMO have trashed the rooms through the years. we might go for a quick weekend this summer but it's not first vacation spot on my list. You'll spend 1,000 before you know it.

 

[goodfood4ursoul]

Good Morning!!

You guys always know the most so help me!

Thinking of planning a vacation for next summer to Myrtle Beach, SC. It will be about a 12 hour drive for us i think....

The boys will be 14 and 12 at the time. I would like to be on the beach or within walking distance. Would love to have a hotel with lazy river/waterpark if not too expensive!

Thinking maybe 4 or 5 nights.....

Any suggestions/must do's etc.

Also would like to be able to park car and walk many places - breakfast in hotel would be a plus

Have you considered staying just south of MB?
I mean there are more alternatives than MB, NMB or HHI...


We very much enjoyed our stay at Litchfield Beach and Golf resort, a little ways south of MB and a little quieter.

Litchfield Beach and Golf has a lazy river water play area (multiples for different buildings, like at WDW- you use the one designated for your building)
They have a free golf cart taxi that runs between the beach and the different parts of the resort continuously.

They are only 10 - 15 minutes from the activities of MB, and close to the Marshwalk at Murrells Inlet (with lots of great restaurants right on the waterfront)

And right now for July it's $204 a night for a 2 bedroom condo at Seaside, which means having a full modern updated kitchen, LR with flat screen, back screen porch, hot tub and shower in Mbath, etc.

http://search.guestdesk.com/reservations/LitchfieldBeachAndGolfResort/optional-services/

Seaside is not ocean front, but it's not far and most of those ocean front condos have already been booked up for the summer.

The resort is lovely, with indoor pool, nice workout facility room, in addition to the outdoor pools, lazy river water play area, hot tubs and ocean.

They also have a restaurant and a starbucks on site if you are into your coffee.

The resort is close to state parks, public gardens, the Hammock Shops, and Pawley's Island is not far away either.

And you are still close enough to all the entertainment and activity of MB, just not in the middle of it all.

Hope this helps

 

[Julie*]

We went to North Myrtle Beach last April for spring break and stayed here:
http://www.wyndhamoceanboulevard.com/

We loved it- had a 3 bedroom with a view of the ocean and it was so convenient to be right on the water but have all of the pools/jacuzzis for all of us. It was kind of a funny time of year to be there because it was the Shag convention week:

"The City of North Myrtle Beach is the birthplace of the Shag, the official South Carolina State Dance. The Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach (referred to as “OD” by locals) is the host of two, week long "migrations" of shaggers in April and September of every year. Sponsored by the Society of Stranders (SOS), the events bring thousands of devotees of this unique dance to North Myrtle Beach’s Main Street to shag, party and visit with old friends. The Shag dance was born right here is North Myrtle Beach and is a cross between the jitterbug and swing dancing, combining fancy footwork and smooth moves."

We just went with it though and had tons of fun!

We would go back again in a heartbeat.

 

[garnetandblack]

I live in SC and my Dad grew up about 45 minutes from MB - a lot of family still lives there and own a townhouse a block from the beach (for vacation purposes). My husband has a lot of family that lives in MB as well. We are there all the time.

We stay in a lot of hotels but rarely go to the beach. The beach is pretty disgusting and very polluted. MB actually has runoff drains that flow into the ocean. I've read that it's pretty unsafe to swim in the water.

Our first family vacation after DS3 was born was to the Prince Resort in NMB (no runoff drains but still not a great beach). That was 9/2010. We rented through Elliott Realty (I do not recommend them). The condo was disgusting when we checked in and I spent 5 hours cleaning it. We paid around $600 with taxes and fees but it was the week after Labor Day so it was considered off season. The great rate on a 2 bed/2 bath is why we decided to stay there.

We always stay in hotels because I have a lot of allergies and can't handle our families pets or laundry detergent. We like The Sheraton hotel and convention center, but it's not within walking distance to the beach. It's clean and I can usually snag a good deal on Priceline.

For clean hotels that are in the SMB area where the Pavilion used to be and where they built the new boardwalk I suggest the Best Western Grand Carolinian or Bayview Resort. We have stayed at both (during the off season). The BWGC only has a small pool but they have good rates and very clean rooms. The Bayview's pool and lazy river are indoors but during the warm months they doors are open onto the beach. We only paid $33 a night this past November for a 1 bed/1 bath at Bayview this past November and we had a blast with our 3yo in the pools. But these hotels are located in the highly polluted area of MB and my family won't get in the water.

We love Hilton Head and we will always choose it over MB if we can. You can find 1 bed/1 bath condos a block or two from the beach for $600 a week on VRBO during high season. The beaches are beautiful, wide, clean and it's so peaceful. The 1 bed/1 bath condos have wide hallways with a built in bunk bed in the hallway for 2 kids. We just always get stuck going to MB because of family being there!!!!

There isn't as much to do in HH though and it really depends on what type of vacation your family prefers. If you need all of the extra activities to keep your children entertained then MB might work well for you.

 

[Bnb0627]

[


Last year we stayed at Sands Ocean Club. It is not as updated as some other resorts but they had a lazy river and deck bar with a live band. there are other Sands hotels that have the waterpark and lazy river. Here is all the free stuff that we missed because we went in early May and this starts Memorial Day weekend:

Staying with the Sands Ocean Club gets you more than just great savings, its also about great value. If you stay at any of our resorts were also going to give you FREE admission to Wild Water & Wheels, one of Americas Top Ten Waterparks. Youll get a FREE trip on the Getaway Adventure Sightseeing Cruise, FREE golf at Diamondback Golf Course, FREE admission to Ocean Drive Pavilion Amusement Park and FREE admission to the Sands Resorts Waterpark. Dine at Mangos and get 50% off your entrees, enjoy summer magic shows, childcare through our Sands Kids Club and FREE fireworks displays at the World Famous Ocean Annies Beach Bar!

 

[rachelmarisa]

I'm sure you have enough information by now, but we love the Avista resort. It's beachfront and Google says $123/night. From their website:
"Water features include: 2 pools, 1 lazy river, kiddy pool and 2 hot tubs. Outdoor pools are not heated.
Indoor water features include: 1 pool, 1 lazy river and 1 hot tub. All indoor water amenities are climate-controlled.
Fully appointed kitchens with refrigerator, microwave, oven and appliances"
Along with a ton more. The area has touristy shopping - I love it - and minigolf on every corner. Hope this helps!

http://www.avistaresort.com/default-en.html

 

[shortbun]

Check out Kitty Hawk and Nags Head. Not as touristy as Myrtle Beach but still developed. Wright Bros memorial in Kitty Hawk. Cape Hatteras National Seashore one hour south. Manteo-20 minutes west on The Lost Island of Roanoke. Manteo has an aquarium and historical stuff based on the lost island. I don't know of any waterpark like hotel pools-it's on the Atlantic-a real waterpark, lol! NC might be a tad closer than SC depending on the route in; I haven't looked at a map. Condo and home rental are more the norm for the Outerbanks. We prefer Hatteras Island which is south of Kitty Hawk and Nags Head but there's not much to do on Hatteras as it's mostly federal land dedicate to the National Seashore. I can give you realtors if you want.

 

[susanktz]

Being from the Charleston area and having just been to Myrtle recently, I can tell you that unless you're just really set on Myrtle, there are SOOO many nicer beaches to visit that you'd probably get better deals at...Hilton Head, Charleston, Isle of Palms, Atlantic Beach, Outer Banks. There is a lot to do at Myrtle, but it's very commercialized. If it's Myrtle you want though, North Myrtle is a great and will probably have some better deals.

I have to agree and disagree with you.

Yes, IMO, Hilton Head, Charleston, Isle of Palm and Outer Banks are much nicer. But I think the "cost of living" is more expensive in those locations. I think sales taxes are higher, food prices are higher. But I cannot attest to lodging prices.

 

[minnie1012]

We are going this summer and staying at the Embassy Suites at Kingston Plantation. It will be our third time staying there. Its right on the beach and its very peaceful in that section of Myrtle Beach. There is a small water park and lazy river but I think your kids may be too big for the water park. There is also a Hilton on property which last time I checked it was cheaper to stay there. The water park is closer to Embassy and you receive a free buffet breakfast and evening reception at Embassy. We stay there because we eat lunch in the room and I have to bring food because of my daughter's allergies so its nice to have the fridge, microwave etc. I got a deal buy 5 nights get one free. There isn't much to walk to except a pizza place at the front of the complex.

 

[Jessica527]

I recommend renting a house for the week near Broadway at the Beach. While you will need to drive to the local beach, it will be $700-1500 for the week for a whole house. Hopefully you find something that works best for you!

 

[graceesmom]

I will also recommend Kingston Plantation. The Embassy Suites hotel there is right on the beach, but they also have lots of nice condos there that are just a short walk to the beach. It is a beautiful set up and this resort area is set up much like most of the resorts in Hilton Head. Lots of biking trails within the resort area, tennis courts, work out facilities, etc.

I love Charleston and would not want to live anywhere else (except maybe Disney), but Myrtle Beach is a perfectly nice vacation place. As a teenager, I much preferred going to Myrtle Beach over Charleston.

No, the water is not like the water on the Florida gulf coast, but it is still nice and there are tons of people swimming in that water, including myself on occasion.

It is touristy, but sometimes that's what you want. Broadway at the Beach has a MagiQuest, Ripley's Aquarium and Wonderworks -- all of which are lots of fun for kids and adults. They also have good shopping and decent restaurants.

If you want a quiet beach, gorgeous lowcountry scenery, history lessons and fine dining, then come to Charleston. I'll even show you around.

If you want a fun beach vacation with lots of entertainment for pre-teens and teens, waterparks, mini golf, and fried seafood as far as you can see, then Myrtle Beach is a great choice.

We took our daughter to Dunes Village in January to check it out. It was a fine resort, but I wouldn't go there for the waterpark. I think Kingston is the better choice. I really like the condos at Kingston as long as you don't need an ocean view from your room.

 

[lisaross]

Looks like a nice resort - will put it on my list

I'm sure you have enough information by now, but we love the Avista resort. It's beachfront and Google says $123/night. From their website:
"Water features include: 2 pools, 1 lazy river, kiddy pool and 2 hot tubs. Outdoor pools are not heated.
Indoor water features include: 1 pool, 1 lazy river and 1 hot tub. All indoor water amenities are climate-controlled.
Fully appointed kitchens with refrigerator, microwave, oven and appliances"
Along with a ton more. The area has touristy shopping - I love it - and minigolf on every corner. Hope this helps!

http://www.avistaresort.com/default-en.html

 

[CTdiznymom]

DH and I just returned from MB. We stayed 4 nights at Oceans One. Granted it was off season and a little less expensive than what you're looking at. I can highly recommend the hotel though. We had a 2br/2bath fully equipped condo which included a washer dryer. Full ocean view. Our room was on the 11th floor. Absolutely perfect. Housekeeeping was very attentive. The parking wasn't a problem being right across the street. There was an indoor pool, lazy river, and outdoor pool. (too cold for us to use) Family Kingdom ammusement was 2 doors down. Would definately stay here again.

 

[HeatherC]

I noticed you are in New York OP. We are in Mass.....three hours from NY City and drive to Hilton Head all the time. It is exactly 16 hours from our house...So if you are three hours closer, it should be about 13 hours for you. It is a straight shot down 95 to Hardeeville, Sc exit and is exactly thirty minutes from there.

You can definitely rent nkce condos for much less than $400 a night. We have rented beautiful places for about $800-$900 a week in Palmetto Dunes Plantation which is beautiful.

Lots to do, beautiful bike paths all over the island, great restaurants and shopping, etc.. It is a great place for a family.

 

[royaltybuff]

Marina Inn Grand Dunes is my recommendation. It's a beautiful hotel with activities for the kids. It is not beachfront, but there is a quick shuttle to the beach, and they have a private beach club. It's also a quick drive to Broadway at the Beach and other activities, and the pool is beautiful. The staff members were gracious, and the place was very clean. It has more of a resort feel than you will find in many other MB area hotels.

I really don't like the Long Bay, although it does have a lazy river and is spacious. We stayed there once, and it was just awful. It was dirty, and the refrigerator was broken. The staff were beyond rude. I have relatives who have stayed there multiple times because of its proximity to another family member's property and for the fact that it is beachfront, but none of them actually like the place.

If you are looking for restaurants, Aspen Grill is good. We also liked Hana (Japanese hibachi), Collectors, and the Sea Captain's House (hush puppies and she crab soup).

If you can do a side trip to Charleston, it's a nice break mid-week. Charleston is gorgeous, and there are some fantastic restaurants. The Peninsula Grill at the Planter's Inn is one of my favorites (and the Planter's Inn itself is beautiful).

Good Morning!!

You guys always know the most so help me!

Thinking of planning a vacation for next summer to Myrtle Beach, SC. It will be about a 12 hour drive for us i think....

The boys will be 14 and 12 at the time. I would like to be on the beach or within walking distance. Would love to have a hotel with lazy river/waterpark if not too expensive!

Thinking maybe 4 or 5 nights.....

Any suggestions/must do's etc.

Also would like to be able to park car and walk many places - breakfast in hotel would be a plus