Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a city that tries to offer something for everyone. I personally have enjoyed vacations there since I was child. And while the city has evolved, it is still my favorite place to get away.
For those with children, Myrtle Beach offers plenty of variety with very little driving. So if you are looking for a long weekend away, here is a great three day get away.
Day one
Sandcastle South Beach
2207 South Ocean Blvd Myrtle Beach, SC
Check in: The Sandcastle is great for both the budget and the kids. Rates vary by season, but the Sandcastle is good year round. They have both indoor and outdoor swimming areas that include pools, hot tubs, and lazy rivers. The rooms are clean and comfortable. Don’t get me wrong, the Sandcastle is not a five star resort. It is, however, a place that both you and your children can relax.
Afternoon: After a long drive, the last thing you want to do is hop back in the car. This is the perfect time to relax on the beach. The afternoon crowd will be thinning, so there is more room to stretch your legs. This also gives little ones more area to spend that pent up energy.
I would suggest avoiding any of the piers. They charge a fee just to walk on them, and the main view is windburned fishermen cutting up live bait. The view is better from shore, trust me.
Dinner: The Sandcastle offers a full service restaurant. Like almost all beachfront restaurants, the menu tends to be a tad on the expensive side. I find that not getting back in the car that first day is worth it.
Evening: The heated indoor lazy river is great for winding down the evening. If there is a clear sky, I would highly suggest checking out the moon rise. I have seen some spectacular views as a giant orange moon seems to emerge from the ocean.
Day Two
Morning: The morning is one of the most serene times at Myrtle Beach. Heading north up the beach should provide enough shell hunting to keep the entire family entertained.
Breakfast: There is no shortage of breakfast themed restaurants in Myrtle Beach. Pick any of them besides Denny’s, and you are good as gold.
Play time: Today is worth the drive! Head a couple of miles inland to Broadway at the Beach. Located at 1325 Celebrity Circle Myrtle Beach, SC 29577; this megacomplex has two vacations worth of things to see. Personally, I would skip dining there. Prices are way too high… even for the beach. I would suggest hitting the Ripley’s Aquarium. It provides a spectacular underwater view. My kids love to pet the rays at the end of the tour.
I also suggest going to MagiQuest. This is a huge magic themed, interactive adventure. While not really the battle themed quest it implies, MagiQuest is more of a scavenger hunt for the whole family. We spent hours there, and my five year old never got bored. Now that is magic.
Lunch: After working up an appetite, I suggest going to one of the two restaurants that are mandatory for any trip to Myrtle Beach. For this early afternoon meal, you should head a few miles south to Damon’s Grill. Even if there is a wait, absolutely dine on the deck. The view is great, and the breeze adds a little something extra to the meal.
Damon’s Grill is located at 2985 South Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.
If you love barbecue ribs like me, then these are not to be missed. There are plenty of items on the menu for every taste. They also have reasonable prices, so you can the splurging for dinner.
Afternoon: Before heading back to the hotel, I would suggest hitting Gay Dolphin Gift Cove. (That is gay as in happy.) This three floored gift shop offers some of the most unique and thrifty souvenirs Myrtle Beach has to offer. The Gay Dolphin is located at 910 North Ocean Boulevard Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.
Do not bother with the franchised beach shops that seem to be on every corner. They constantly have going out of business sales. They have been having these sales for the thirty years I have been going to Myrtle Beach.
The rest of the afternoon can be spent on the beach and in the pool. Use this time to work up a big appetite. Where you are going for dinner, you are going to need it.
Dinner: Crabby Mike’s. Just thinking of this place makes me hungry. I warn you, it is expensive. At $35 per person, this may be a little too much. But if you can afford it, it is most certainly worth it. My wife and I discovered this heavenly seafood buffet by accident long before our son was born. We were headed to a different buffet, when my wife pointed out the the overflowing parking lot of Crabby Mike’s were all locals. My jaw dropped at the price, but we ate there anyway. Their scallops melt like butter. I can honestly say it is the best seafood I have ever had. Good thing it is all you can eat. You can find Crabby Mikes at 290 U.S. 17 Business Surfside Beach, SC 29575.
Night: Time to retire and take in the views from your balcony. If you hit every point on the list, then the whole family should be exhausted.
Day Three
Morning: Again, hit the beach or the pool. There should be enough time before check out to tucker out the kids. This will replace the “are we there yets” with sleepy heads for the ride home.
Heading out: This is more of a do not than a do. On the way in, you may have seen souvenir shops or candy outlets that seem like a good last stop before heading home. Do not waste your time or money. None of these places are the bargains there many billboards claim to be. Hopefully, you got everything you needed at the beach.
It is hard to cram a week’s vacation into three days, but this itinerary seems to do the trick. That may be what draws me back to Myrtle Beach. So much fun and so many memories without any stress. I hope you enjoy your three day getaway as much as I have in the past.
