Myrtle beach, also commonly referred to as The Beach, is arguably one of the best beaches worldwide. It is the perfect getaway not just for the family but for lovers as well due to its romantic touches.
In this article, we will discuss reasons that will determine whether Myrtle Beach is your perfect vacation destination or not.
Is Visiting Myrtle Beach Worth It?
For the most part, visiting Myrtle Beach is worth every penny you spend on the trip.
You are very likely to have an amazing time and make life-long memories either solo or with your loved ones.
Located in South Carolina, the beach stretches over 60 miles of the Atlantic Coastline, earning it the alias “The Grand Strand.”
Named after a local evergreen shrub, the beach boasts temperate weather, meaning it is warm-ish even during winter. Thus, visitors can partake in outdoor activities all year long.
Speaking of outdoor activities, there is a myriad of them on the beach, as will be discussed shortly in the article.
The stunning view of the sunrise over the ocean is breath-taking. Still, not as breath-taking as the sunset, an amazing sight to take in with your lover.
However, the beach is not without faults.
For Instance – Summer can get pretty crowded, making it hard to relax. Additionally, it can get uncomfortably hot during summer, which can be uncomfortable.
Even so, Myrtle Beach is a tourist haven, attracting upwards of 20 million visitors yearly. The following are the main reasons why Myrtle Beach is popular.
Why is Myrtle Beach Popular?
Myrtle Beach is special for the following reasons.
The Beach
The Grand Strand is the most attractive thing about Myrtle Beach. Sixty miles of sandy beaches is no small feat- it is every vacationer’s dream.
The northern side of the beach consists of smaller beaches, such as:
- Cherry Grove
- Atlantic Beach
- North Myrtle Beach
On the southern side, you will find:
- Surfside Beach
- Litchfield Beach
- Garden City Beach
- Pawleys Island
While swimming and sunbathing are among the favorite beach activities, you can also surf, play volleyball, lounge, and even frisbee.
A Hub for Golfing and Other Sports
Myrtle Beach is a golfer’s paradise.
Home to about 100 quality golf courses, the beach has been dubbed the “miniature golf capital of the world.” What’s more, some of the courses have been designed by legendary golf players.
The golf courses have themes to them. For instance, the Jurassic Fantasy Golf course has a historical theme.
If you are into medieval themes, then the Dragon’s Lair Fantasy Gold course would be perfect for you.
Besides Golf – You could go to the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center to play and watch various sports. For instance, you can watch the Myrtle Beach Pelicans in action.
The Myrtle Beach Skywheel
At 20 storeys high, the Myrtle Beach Skywheel is the highest in South Carolina.
Climb one of the wheel’s gondolas and catch a perfect panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and the city’s skyline.
It is especially magical in the evening when the city’s lights are on, and the moon is shining over the Atlantic.
The sky wheel is open every day between 11 am and 9 pm. You can get a ticket at the entrance.
However, it is more convenient to purchase your ticket online to escape queues at the venue.
Nature
You will enjoy moments of tranquillity strolling through Brookgreen Gardens. The garden is vast as it has 9000 acres worth of flowers.
Additionally, it has sculptures scattered throughout the garden, and pools and fountains, which come in handy during hot weather.
Admission to the gardens is $14 per person, which is discounted for kids and the elderly.
Other places where you can stroll as you enjoy nature include the:
- Conway Riverwalk
- Murrells Inlet Marshwalk
- and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is located downtown on the beach, and it extends 1.2 miles between 1st Avenue and 15th Avenue North.
It is perfect for a family walk as it also features venues where kids can have fun, such as the Fun Plaza Arcade and Ripley’s Haunted Adventure.
Fishing at the Myrtle Beach State Park Pier
If you are into angling, you will want to make a stop at the Myrtle Beach State Park Pier. You will be so thrilled to catch an amberjack, barracuda, and other rare fish.
It is advisable to go fishing in the morning when the local fisherfolk are also fishing so that they share a tip or two with you.
Entry into the pier is about $5 per head.
If you didn’t bring your own fishing gear, worry not, as you can rent at the location for a small fee. Note that the pier is open daily between 6 am and 8 pm.
Restaurants
There are more than 2000 restaurants in Myrtle Beach, leaving you spoilt for choice.
These restaurants offer different types of foods, from seafood to other local cuisines. Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk is easily the seafood capital of South Carolina.
At the Flying Fish Public Market and Grill, you can have freshly-caught fish prepared by one of the chefs in whichever way you desire.
Entertainment
Myrtle beach is a haven for adventure and learning.
Wonderworks, an upside-down house, is one of the places you will have an unforgettable experience at this beach. At Ripley’s Aquarium, you will have an amazing under-the-sea experience.
Additionally, you will be able to enjoy live entertainment at the theatres on the beach, including:
- the Carolina Opry
- Legends in Concert
- Alabama Theatre
- and the GTS Theatre
If you are into art, you will be elated to learn that the beach presents more than 600 fine art events at different times of the year.
A tour of the La Belle Amir Vineyard
The Belle Amir Vineyard has a rich history.
For one, it started off as a tobacco plantation some two centuries ago.
Also, it is family-owned and runs several generations back, with wine-making expertise passed on through generations from the Bellamy ancestors of the South of France.
If you are a wine lover, then you will love it here. As you learn about the vineyard’s history, you will taste various wines.
Furthermore, there are bonfire events during winter and music festivals in summer.
Shopping
Myrtle Beach is a perfect destination for retail therapy. There are so many spots where you can satisfy your shopping appetite.
You will be able to purchase clothes, shoes, gifts, and souvenirs from shopping spots such as:
- Barefoot Landing
- Tanger Outlets
- Broadway at the Beach
- Common Market
The People
Myrtle Beach is always filled with fun, friendly, warm, and welcoming people. The people provide a family-friendly environment where visitors can make new friends.
Nightlife at the Bowery
If you like to engage in nightlife shenanigans, then Myrtle Beach has you covered. It has spots like The Bowery, where you can have a celebratory night of beers and cheers.
The Bowery has been a favorite nightlife spot for close to seven decades. It was the breeding ground for the country band ‘Alabama.’
With a touch of a rustic interior, The Bowery plays country rock and other music genres courtesy of the house band.
It is the perfect place to dance the night away. If you get hungry, walk to Duffy’s Tavern, which is just next to the Bowery, and grab yourself a burger and Cajun wings.
Things We Don’t Like About Myrtle Beach
While Myrtle Beach is one of the best vacation destinations, the following are reasons you may want to avoid visiting the place.
- There are strict laws about dress codes. For example, people are prohibited from wearing bikinis at the beach, even during summer when the weather is perfect for a bikini.
- The beach can be quite crowded, especially during summer. There are lots of people everywhere you look, which can eat into the fun as it will be hard to relax with people everywhere.
- Pollution can be rampant, especially during peak tourist season. Many people don’t clean up after themselves, resulting in trashed beaches. On top of that, it can get quite noisy with all the people and cars. There is loud music all over, which can be annoying, as well as shouting vendors.
- There is a high crime rate for a place its size. Therefore, The Beach is not as safe for visitors as it ought to be.
- The weather can be too hot during summer, which may be slightly uncomfortable for some visitors.
- Myrtle Beach is not as cheap as it used to be. Where a family of four could comfortably spend $50 on food a few years ago, you would need upwards of $150 for the same amount of food at a sub-par seafood restaurant.
What are the Alternatives to Myrtle Beach?
There are other beaches in South Carolina that you can visit instead of Myrtle Beach. The best ones include the following.
Isle of Palms
Visitors can comfortably participate in myriad activities at Isle of Palms as it is normally not too crowded. On top of its sandy beaches and pristine water, the beach is also known for its natural wildlife and classy resorts.
Folly Beach
Folly beach is another beach in South Carolina, not too far from Myrtle Beach.
It is only a quarter the size of Myrtle Beach, and, therefore, can only accommodate a fraction of the people that The Beach can.
Even so, it is hardly ever as crowded as Myrtle Beach. Additionally, accommodation and food are relatively more affordable.
Hilton Head Island
Also, in South Carolina, Hilton Head Beach is way quieter than Myrtle Beach. It is perfect for a person who wants to spend quality time alone or on a romantic getaway.
It also features wildlife and high-class hotels and restaurants within walking distance of the beach.
Edisto Beach
Located on Edisto Island, Edisto Beach is a favorite destination for people looking for a quiet place to unwind and kick back.
Thus, it is a great compromise against a crowded beach like Myrtle Beach. Edisto is also a shopping paradise and full of adventures for the whole family.
Verdict?
Myrtle Beach is a beautiful and perfect tourist destination, especially during off-peak seasons such as winter.
There are fewer crowds then, and the weather is still humid and warm enough for people to sunbathe and enjoy outdoor activities.
The Myrtle Beach Skywheel is an experience that is unique to the beach, as is the mini-golfing experience.
Myrtle Beach also has beautiful gardens and walkways for morning and evening walks as the sun rises and sets over the Atlantic Ocean.
Final Thoughts
It is important to take a breather from everyday activities and treat yourself and your family to a getaway. One of the perfect places for such getaways is Myrtle Beach in South Carolina.
The Beach is a popular tourist destination for various reasons, as stated in the article above. While this beach has some drawbacks, it is a lovely place to visit.
