The Girlfriends’ Guide to Myrtle Beach
It’s hard to find anyone who hasn’t been to Myrtle Beach on spring break or a vacation with their family. The beautiful stretch along the Atlantic coast of South Carolina is vacation lover’s paradise. This means sunrises along endless beaches in a subtropical climate, but there’s more to the area than heading out in your bikini.
The unlimited supply of attractions makes for a place where you can’t leave un-entertained. If you’re up for a fun ride, grab your dose of Southern Hospitality with this ultimate travel guide to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
WHERE TO STAY IN MYRTLE BEACH
Anderson Ocean Club and Spa
Be careful, because this resort might tempt you to not even set one foot outside during your stay here. Anderson Ocean Club and Spa is owned by a local family and is our pick for those looking for great food and all comforts. We fell in love with the fact that we could rent an entire unit and stay together- with a full kitchen, 2 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms- we had everything you can ask for the perfect group getaway.
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If you’re like us and enjoy easing into your trips, we truly recommend starting with a beauty treatment in their spa, The Awakening Spa at Anderson Ocean Club and Spa, straight after hopping off the plane. We’ll be honest- having a massage and a facial while steps away from the beach is the nicest feeling and there is nothing better than that to get you in a relaxed state of mind.
The pools overlooking the ocean can double as your spot to check out South Carolina’s sunrise – that is if the cocktails from last night didn’t get to you first.
Address: 2600 North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC, 29577
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MYRTLE BEACH
Explore Brookgreen Gardens
The absolute must-see in Myrtle Beach is Brookgreen Gardens. What used to be four rice plantation has been transformed into any nature or art lovers paradise with 550 figurative sculptures shown.
You can go around spotting your favorite American sculptures, focus on varied ecosystems, visit historic sights by boat or go on back-road excursions. In short, there’s good reason admission is valid for a week because we spent a sold 3 hours walking around and still don’t think we got our fill. The park is stunning, and you can tell how much attention to detail goes into every plant.
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Tip- bring a book and maybe a snack or two and hang out here all day. You can also take one of the tours that teach all about this wonderful garden that lovely couple that built it.
Address: 1931 Brookgreen Garden Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Ride the Myrtle Beach Skywheel
When strolling along the boardwalk, it’s hard to miss one of the cities most iconic landmarks: the observation wheel towering over the city at 187-foot high. It’s the place to score some breathtaking views over the coastline, from inside your glass gondola. We recommend getting on a sunset ride if you can- there’s just something magical about watching the sun go down from way up in the sky.
TIP: The sunset ride tends to have a lot of interest so get there early and be prepared to wait in line.
Address: 1110 North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC, 29577
Get lost in the wonder that is Broadway at the Beach
While not really on a “beach”, a stop at Broadway at the Beach could easily last you a day. It’s bliss for shopping addicts or allows you to go all out in activities ranging from Mirror maze to the famous ‘Bodies Human’ anatomy exhibition to Dave and Busters.
In between bar hopping and theater shows, simply do a walk-in at Helicopter Adventures for what likely will be the highlight of your stay.
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TIP: Wear comfy shoes and be prepared to hang out here a little after dark where everything lights up.
Address: 1860 21st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach
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Enjoy nature of Huntington State Park on a Segway Tour
Surprisingly, this isn’t simply something to do for adventure lovers, but nature lovers will enjoy it all the same. The Segway tour around the Grand Strands cruises past wetland and wildlife preserves. It’s a great way to spot loggerhead turtles and endangered animal or plant species. One animal you will surely spot are sunbathing alligators along the park’s freshwater lake. After spotting the Atalaya castle, the tour will have entertained you for around two hours, including training.
When you’re done your segway tour, be sure to head out and explore the castle right in the middle of the park.
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What once was the original winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington (yes the very same couple responsible for Brookfield Gardens across the street from the State Park), this Moorish-style castle is full of interesting rooms where the Huntingtons and their staff lived.
Mrs. Huntington had a large art studio in the castle where she kept live animals to model for her sculptures. You won’t regret exploring this little piece of history in the middle of one of the most beautiful state parks around.
Find your inner child (or adult) with the Simpsons 4D
There’s a 0.001% chance that you didn’t watch the Simpsons growing, and because of that, you’re going to be just as stoked as we were with the Simpsons 4D experience located in Broadway at the Beach.
This first-of-its-kind attraction features Springfield’s Aztec Theater with a fully-themed lobby and 4D theater experience. What we really loved was the KWIK-E Mart/gift shop right next door.
Stroll along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
Don’t underestimate the power of a good beach. It seems common sense, but a visit to this endless coastline shouldn’t be skipped. Foremost, because this isn’t your average beach where you can only find sea and sand between your toes. The energy on the boardwalk is electric so try to come and spend some time here- regardless of whether your hotel is located on the beach or not.
Recent development has essentially turned the Myrtle Beach boardwalk into one gigantic fun fest, where you can spend hours strolling from activity to activity. Essentially, consider the place one big open-air park next to an ocean making it perfect for the girlfriend’s getaway weekend.
Try to match your trip up with your festival of choice: there’s fright nights around Halloween, food festivals with live music to get summer started, or the Carolina Country Music Festival.
Grab dinner and a show… with pirates
If you want to unwind, but you’re not quite done with sightseeing either, a dinner show might be an option. Spot mermaids, birds and sea lions and get entertained with an acrobatic competition during your four-course meal. Half the fun is the life-sized pirate ship your sitting on.
Pre-show starts at 7.30pm, an hour before the meal and main event, while the adventure ends around 10 pm.
Address: N Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC, 29572
Get your shopping on at Market Commons
One of the best things about being in a place with nice weather is being able to enjoy while doing other activities that you enjoy. And we love shopping- and being outdoors together- enter Market Commons- an outdoor shopping and dining complex that makes for a great day out activity.
THE BEST PLACES TO EAT IN MYRTLE BEACH
Magnolia’s at 26th
Owned by the local Anderson family, we’d suggest heading to this Magnolia’s at 26th for breakfast, because you can never go wrong with their hash browns and grits. The interior is simple, but their insanely cheap buffet dinner is a great way to budget things out, while still capturing some Southern charm.
Address: 2605 North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Strong Waters Craft Cocktails & Kitchen
Now here’s a place to do South Carolina proud. This speakeasy is known for serving impressive drinks – and if you’re not a lover of craft beers, this place will turn you into one. We love how everything goes under a “farmer to shaker” philosophy, to ensure the freshest local produce. Do yourself a favor and order oysters, the lobster roll and top it off with a honeysuckle mule.
Their kitchen is open from 4pm till 10, though hours are a little shorter on Sundays. If you’re short on time, simply hop in for a beer and Cajun cheddar popcorn.
Address: 2005 North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Located a short 7-minute drive from Huntington Beach State Park, this place was truly a gem. Their menu has items that we haven’t seen anywhere else- the perfect combination of delicious and creative. If you have the choice- opt to sit on the patio and enjoy overlooking the water.
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Regardless of what you’re in the mood for, we recommend getting the Dragon Egg as a starter- this halved avocado stuffed with cream cheese, smoked salmon, lump and spicy crab served in a nest of tempura sweet potato flakes with spicy mayo and sweet glaze is probably the best thing we had, and are still dreaming about it.
Address: 4132 US 17-Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Hook and Barrel
One of the best spots in Myrtle Beach with not only sustainable and eco-friendly products but also serve the best dishes you’ll find in the city. If you’re a seafood lover like we are, we highly recommend the crab cakes, the fresh crab, the ceviche and the pan seared scallops.
Address: 8014 North Kings Highway Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
WHERE TO GO FOR MYRTLE BEACH’S NIGHTLIFE
Tin Roof
The place for a never-ending line up of acoustic bands, duos or DJ’s. Who’s up for a dance party on the patio? Obviously, wear your dancing shoes.
Address: 1410 North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach
RipTydz
Unwind with live music on this rooftop along the beach. Order their gigantic mason jar filled with cocktails for a fun photo opp. This is the place to go on those hot spring and summer nights.
Address: 1210 North Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
WHEN TO VISIT MYRTLE BEACH
Ask any local and they’ll tell you that fall is best to visit Myrtle Beach. At this time of year, the temperature will have come done a bit, while still being warm and comfortable. Better yet, the crowds are leaving, which means dropping hotel prices and more peace and quiet.
All in all, the Myrtle Beach area makes for a fun girls getaway trip, where you can mix wetlands with shopping, or getting a tan with cocktails by the beach. It’s time to schedule a break in your agenda and find out what to do around Myrtle Beach.
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