Experience Myrtle Beach, SC
Along some of the best beaches in South Carolina lies Myrtle Beach, where year-round fun in the sun meets southern charm.
Just a quick nonstop flight from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, Myrtle Beach is a beautifully versatile destination. With 60 miles of graceful white-sand beaches, this coastal strip in northeast South Carolina, known as the Grand Strand, offers endless fun-filled opportunities above and below the waves. Besides beaches, it is home to water parks, amusement parks, beautiful oceanfront condos, and serene campgrounds. Add on rooftop bars, more than 80 golf courses, Tanger outlets and fine dining in “the seafood capital of South Carolina,” and you’ve got a perfect vacation for kids of all ages.
Good to Know
Airport: Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
Average Flight Time: 1 Hour 45 Minutes
Book a Trip: allegiantair.com
The Heart of Myrtle Beach
The Boardwalk Entertainment District, also known as “the heart of Myrtle Beach,” plays host to all sorts of fun for the whole family. The bustling Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is more than a mile long and features arcades, rides, museums, ice cream shops, retail and tons of dining options. For thrill seekers, the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is the biggest Ferris wheel on the East Coast and provides incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. After riding the wheel, hop over to Free Fall Thrill Park and experience adrenaline-pumping rides and attractions right next to the ocean. Then, head to one of the many shops to pick up souvenirs.
The fun doesn’t end once you leave the Boardwalk Entertainment District. Just five minutes from downtown Myrtle Beach sits Broadway at the Beach, an outdoor complex featuring Broadway Grand Prix race park, Myrtle Waves Water Park, Hollywood Wax Museum, Legends in Concert, Wonderworks, escape rooms, helicopter rides, jet boat rides, mini-golf and arcade games.
Just five miles north of Broadway at the Beach, music lovers can catch a show at The Carolina Opry, Myrtle Beach’s oldest and first live theater.
Beautiful Beaches
Nestled in Horry County, Myrtle Beach is home to some of America’s prettiest Atlantic Ocean beaches. For those who prefer a bit of a slower pace compared to bustling downtown Myrtle Beach, there are several quaint beach towns located within 20-30 minutes of Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR).
North Myrtle Beach is a family friendly spot known for its high-end resorts, beaches, seafood, activities and attractions. It is home to four smaller beach communities, each with their own unique qualities. Cherry Grove, Windy Hill, Ocean Drive and Crescent Beach offer great restaurants and charming beachfront vacation rentals. Barefoot Landing, a premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination is also located in North Myrtle Beach, as is the Alabama Theatre, which offers a rich variety of shows, concerts and special events.
About 20 minutes south of downtown Myrtle Beach lies Garden City and Surfside, two family friendly hot spots known for their quiet beaches and laid-back atmosphere. A variety of affordable vacation rentals, including ocean view condos, can be found in these two communities.
Just south of Horry County lies Murrells Inlet, a historic fishing village that offers some of the best seafood on the eastern coast. It is also home to Goat Island, the perfect place to please your inner animal lover, and Brookgreen Gardens, a must-visit destination for art and nature enthusiasts. Stroll through garden after garden while viewing the largest and most comprehensive collection of American figurative sculptures in the country
Litchfield Beach, known for its biking trails, world-class golf courses and beautiful beaches is another wonderful vacation spot. History lovers don’t want to miss visiting Pawleys Island either. Originally settled by rice planters in the early 1700s, the island still has houses from the late 18th century for guests to visit and learn about the history of the area.
More to Explore
Myrtle Beach State Park, located between downtown Myrtle and Surfside beaches and Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet, offers public beach access, campsites, fishing areas and explorable salt marshes. For those who love to fish, you’ll have a fin-tastic time on one of the many available fishing charters and excursions.
If you are interested in exploring more of the Palmetto State, check out Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, located an hour away from downtown Myrtle Beach. It is home to some of the most diverse freshwater wetland systems in North America, providing visitors with a first-hand look at the flora, fauna, and animals that call South Carolina home.
If you are feeling adventurous, historic Charleston is located about two hours south of Myrtle Beach. Take a drive and spend a day emersed in history. Visit Fort Sumter, the site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired in 1861. Stop by historic Waterfront Park off the Charleston Harbor and take a selfie at the famous pineapple fountain. Admire the city’s architecture, including Rainbow Row, the famous block of historic homes that date back to the late 18th century. Tour a plantation or a historic house or check out one of the city’s many museums. Stop by the City Market, one of the country’s oldest markets, to find locally made goods. Several popular cruise lines also depart from this area.
Whether you’re flying to the Myrtle Beach area for a relaxing getaway or beach vacation – or it’s the first stop of a longer journey – this destination has something for everyone. Fly from BLV to Myrtle Beach and experience the perfect blend of sunshine, sand and sight-seeing guaranteed to create lasting memories. If you are looking to stay in this vibrant area, there are plenty of Myrtle Beach hotels, motels and resorts to be found.
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