Fitting a relaxing vacation into your schedule can be tough sometimes. Some go all out for their vacations {Mykonos frequenters, we’re talking to you}, and some stay local {hello, Jersey Shore}, but some of us want something in between. We’re talking a quick plane ride to a place that is sure to cure any fun-in-the-sun craving. Pack those bags and book a ticket to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for the weekend. Keep reading to learn all about a weekend getaway to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
How to Get There
A flight to Myrtle Beach International Airport {MYR} from Newark Liberty International Airport {EWR} is just under two hours {one hour + 50 minutes to be exact}. If in the mood for a road trip, it will take about 10+ hours by car {so bring those snacks}.
Where to Stay
Along the beach are many hotels to choose from, but choose and read reviews carefully. While there are many beautiful hotels here, several vacationers have claimed that some hotels look nice online but were not acceptable in person. Pro Tip: take recommendations from family/friends who have stayed at these hotels or, of course, take our recs below {we’ve tested them out for you}.
Wyndham Ocean Boulevard {410 South Ocean Boulevard}
This resort is legit — located in North Myrtle Beach {right on the beach}, the Wyndham Ocean Boulevard is made up of condos complete with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and literally everything one would need for a few days {or more} away from home. The resort and condos are extremely clean and there is plenty to do without even leaving. Within the four towers, amenities include three outdoor pools, two indoor pools, two indoor hot tops, six outdoor hot tubs, two lazy rivers, an outdoor children’s pool, and the list goes on.
North Beach Plantation {100 North Beach Boulevard}
Also located on the beach is a resort that will make guests feel like they are in the Bahamas. With a Caribbean-themed pool and swim-up pool bars, this is a great option for an adults-only vacay {though we can’t promise there won’t be families there as well}. Amenities also include dining, a fitness center, a spa, and plenty of activities to enjoy daily. North Beach Plantation has many other properties around Myrtle Beach, so be sure to check those out, too.
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Paradise Resort {2201 South Ocean Boulevard}
Get a taste of paradise at this modern hotel that sits on Myrtle Beach’s oceanfront. Amenities range from pools to hot tubs, lazy rivers, food and beverage options, and more. What we love about this hotel — every room gets an ocean view.
Sheraton Broadway Plantation Resort Villas {3301 Robert M Grissom Parkway}
To get away from the beach strip and be more near the action, the Sheraton Broadway Plantation Resort Villas is just steps away from popular local attractions. Just because this resort isn’t on the beach doesn’t mean it lacks fun in the sun. The resort has swimming pools and lazy rivers for guests to enjoy as well as a poolside bar and grill.
Rent an Airbnb
If traveling with a large group, an Airbnb is always a cost-friendly option. There are several different condos and houses to choose from, both on the beach and not.
Where to Eat
Trying out new foods is quite possibly the best part of any vacation and Myrtle Beach has no shortage of savory locales to visit.
Dick’s Last Resort {4700 Highway 17 South}
If being roasted and yelled at while eating dinner wearing huge paper hats sounds fun — this place is a must. No, we aren’t kidding. Dick’s Last Resort is a unique dining experience where the staff is trained to be totally rude to guests {all in good fun}. Visitors can’t get enough and rave about the fun experience. Diners definitely need a sense of humor for this spot and shouldn’t go in here expecting classy service.
Chuck’s Steak House {9695 North Kings Highway}
This local steakhouse is popular with vacationers, many raving about both the food and service. Before the meal, diners will get cheese and crackers while waiting {you ain’t in Jersey anymore} — but diners claim that it’s a cute touch and a big win with kids. Also a huge win, Chuck’s has a salad bar and good happy hour specials.
Pop Pop Pit’s BBQ {8724 Highway 707}
For a true taste of the South, Pop Pop Pit’s BBQ is serving up authentic, mouth-watering grub. This is also an option for those throwing any worry about calories out the window {it is a vacation, after all} — from ribs to brisket to fried chicken and all of the traditional southern sides, expect to be drooling from simply reading the menu.
Toscana Italian Kitchen {2703 N Kings Highway}
If feeling a little homesick, a good Italian restaurant can do the trick. Though we can’t promise anything outside of Hoboken will be just as good {we’re spoiled with authentic restaurants like Augustino’s}, Toscana Italian Kitchen is pretty legit. The menu boasts all the classics {gnocchi, please} and the prices are right too.
Other Options
If you’re in the mood to walk around and stumble upon a restaurant, take a drive to Broadway at the Beach. This area features many different restaurants like Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville {1114 Celebrity Circle}, Señor Frogs {1304 Celebrity Circle}, Joe’s Crab Shack {multiple locations}, Wahlburgers {1320 Celebrity Circle}, Wet Willies {1306 Celebrity Circle}, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen {1202 Celebrity Circle}, and a lot more.
What to Do
After all that food, beach-goers will need a way to burn it all off. Luckily, this South Carolina city is full of fun activities to get into.
Take a Ride on SkyWheel Myrtle Beach {1110 North Ocean Boulevard}
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For the ultimate views of Myrtle Beach, hit up the SkyWheel. The SkyWheel opened in 2011 and became the first observation wheel of its kind in the United States. It’s literally located right on the beach, but this isn’t a Ferris wheel — it towers almost 200 feet in the air and has enclosed, private gondolas that are heated and cooled {depending on the weather}. If anyone in the group is afraid of heights, there are plenty of other activities to do like a ropes course and mini-golf.
Go to Broadway at the Beach {1325 Celebrity Circle}
This is a must when visiting Myrtle Beach — Broadway at the Beach features restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. Whether there are young children or all adults in the group, there’s something for everyone here {for those familiar with the Orlando, Florida area, think of this as the South Carolina version of Disney Springs}.
Attractions at Broadway at the Beach include Topgolf, Ripley’s Aquarium, escape games, mini-golf, go-karts, and a lot more. As far as shopping goes, there’s no lack of that here, either — from souvenirs to candy to familiar chain clothing stores.
Go to Medieval Times {2904 Fantasy Way}
Let’s be real, just because you’re visiting the beach doesn’t mean the weather is going to cooperate every day. For those rainy/stormy days {and Myrtle Beach gets some pretty good storms}, Medieval Times is sure to call for a good time. Medieval Times caters to all ages — both kids and adults {hello, turkey legs}, and they usually run deals for tickets, especially for larger crowds.
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Play Golf
Fun fact: Myrtle Beach is the golf capital of the world. With that being said, there is a countless amount of courses to choose from if golfing is on the vacay itinerary, and each one is more beautiful than the next. Players don’t have to be pros {or even good} to hit up a golf course for the day, so definitely give it a try anyway.
Enjoy Water Sports
Typical for any beach town, there are many companies that offer water sports such as jet-skiing, parasailing, and even scuba diving. For a more chill way to enjoy the water, there are plenty of boat rentals, too — from sailboats to banana boats and sightseeing cruises.
Relax
For those staying on the beach strip, it’s not a bad idea to just have a chill few days in Myrtle Beach. And by that, we mean eating, drinking, and “beach-ing” it all day, every day. If your hotel is right on the beach, sand and sun are literally just steps away, so this isn’t a bad idea. It’s a vacation after all, so if a low-key mini getaway is what you’re looking for, go for it.
The beach, the hotels, the fun — Myrtle Beach doesn’t lack any of our faves summer for those looking for a quick and easy getaway.
Have you visited Myrtle Beach? What was your favorite part? Let us know in the comments below!
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