Need Advice on First Time Trip to Myrtle Beach

[WLfamily]

We are going to Myrtle Beach this summer for the first time. I know nothing about the area and would love any advice anyone has to give. I have booked us at the Hampton Inn and Suites Oceanfront in South Myrtle, I was told that end was the better for families. Does anyone know anything about this hotel? We are trying to do this trip on a budget, around $1500 for the total trip. We are staying 4 nights at the end of June, after hotel that would leave around $150 a day for food and anything else we choose to do. My kids are very simple, ages 11 and 15, all they want in a beach vacation is pool, ocean, sand, food, and mini-golf. That's why we can do it cheap! The hotel has breakfast so that meal isn't an issue.
Any recommendations on can't miss budget things in the area? I have no desire for the Ripley's type stuff I can see down the road in Gatlinburg. Any resturants you can recommend we try? Would love to hear the good and the bad. Thanks for any help!

 

[poegirl30]

We stay at Surfside Beach (a few miles from Myrtle), and it really is the "family beach." Our favorite restaurant is Nibils at Surfside Pier. It's right on the beach, and they have a great breakfast and lunch. I'm sorry that I can't help you with the hotel. (We stay with family when we go.) Have a great trip!

 

[simonsmom]

I can tell you - don't do the aquarium. It was very small and not worth the money - it took us like half an hour

 

[jerseygirl81]

Damons grill has great ribs and there are some good seafood places in Murells inlet Nances more casual Lees a bit more expensive. Linda

 

[erin327]

We have been twice in the off season, so rates are much lower. We stayed at Grand Shores the first time and liked it. It was clean and right on the ocean and the price was right. They second time we stayed at Dunes Village. It had many more amenities, but might be more expensive in the summer. I would recommend either of them.

 

[wondermomamy]

My sister lives near Myrtle Beach in Murrells Inlet and we visit her fairly often. Having four kids means I am always on a budget!

Between Murrells Inlet headed south on US 17 towards Litchfield there is a nice bike path that runs pretty much parallel to the road, but in most areas is separated from the road by a section of trees. It is a great place to ride bikes if you are into that. Part of this trail passes by Huntington Beach State Park. Another park in the area is Myrtle Beach State Park, its closer to Myrtle Beach. Both parks are pretty nice.

 

[rosebud4]

If you are looking for a better deal on your budget, keep checking bookit.com for deals. I booked eight days in July 2nd to July 8th in North Mytle Beach, an oceanfront room at the Sands Dunes Resort for 39.00 a night. I noticed that some deals are better the closer to your date of stay. I didn't check it for your resort, but it might be on there for a lower price than you booked.

 

[Pixie Princess]

I have no desire for the Ripley's type stuff I can see down the road in Gatlinburg.

That is hilarious! I grew up in SC and frequented Myrtle Beach. The first time I went to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge I noted that it was Myrtle Beach in the mountains! Pancake houses at every turn. LOL!

Personally, I would avoid any calabash seafood place and stick with the good fresh seafood places in Murrells Inlet. It has been many years since I've been to Murrells Inlet, so I can't remember any specific restaurants.. they are probably closed by now anyway! I do think Myrtle Waves is that one tourist trap water parks you need to go to, there are better ones though. Its just one of those things you have to do.

If you're up for a pretty short drive there is a lighthouse up in N.Myrtle/Cherry Grove. (I'm more familiar with the N. Myrtle area than S. Myrtle). Also the best salt water taffy IMHO is at We R Sweetz at Barefoot Landing in N. Myrtle.

There is no shortage of mini golf places, and many are elaborately themed. There also used to be this great burger and hot dog diner type place on Ocean Blvd. across the street from the Pavillon Amusement park. The Pavillion is gone , so I'm not sure if any of the surrounding businesses closed as well. If its still there someone at your hotel should know. I wish I could remember the name! The food was great as was the price.

 

[pixiedustaholic]

Check out your hotel on tripadvisor.com.

My family LOVES to eat at The Farm House. Go early b/c it is very popular and it is in an old farmhouse so there isn't a ton of seating. Totally worth the wait though.

 

[staciepm]

We just did a road trip up there to do MagiQuest. My 8 and 11 year olds love it. It is a fun addition to a day at Broadway at the Beach. www.magiquest.com http://www.magiquest.com/locations/kingdoms/myrtle-beach/

 

[wondermomamy]

I second MagiQuest. We just did that last weekend. Lots of fun!

 

[mafibisha]

If you are looking for a better deal on your budget, keep checking bookit.com for deals. I booked eight days in July 2nd to July 8th in North Mytle Beach, an oceanfront room at the Sands Dunes Resort for 39.00 a night. I noticed that some deals are better the closer to your date of stay. I didn't check it for your resort, but it might be on there for a lower price than you booked.

Thats a great price.

We also prefer the family atmosphere of NORTH Myrtle and the Northern part of Myrtle.

There's a section of Route 17 in N. Myrtle called Restaurant Row, featuring excellent seafood restaurants. Our favorite is The Chesapeake House. Not cheap but definitely quality food.