Raise your hand if you have memories of a summer beach vacation or Myrtle Beach trip. 🙋🏼♀️
So many of my younger summers were spent visiting my grandparents at the North Myrtle Beach shoreline. Cousins would drive from up and down the east coast—all of us ready to sprint into the salty water, sunscreen heavily applied, goggles on (yes, I know), and a variety of Caprisun pouches waiting under the umbrella for our next snack break. Drip-sandcastles were carefully designed and perched at the edge of the tide, only to be taken back out to sea with an extra strong incoming tide. These times always felt like a movie reel, but, sunburns and saltwater in the eyes were inevitable, and a cousin tiff over the last fruit punch flavored Caprisun was a given, but most of all, the long days spend in the summer formed a bond with each other—and a love for Cherry Grove.
Now, as an adult, who has since moved to this place I used to vacation, I know all the best places and ways to make a summer vacation to the Grand Strand one you’ll remember.
📍The “Grand Strand” is a term deemed by a local newspaper columnist, who in 1945 named the 60-mile stretch of coastline running from Georgetown, SC to Little River, SC.
✨full packing list at the end of the post✨
3 Days of Amazing Activities
I’m a believer that vacation is a time when no one’s allowed to say, “I’m too old for that.” It’s instead a time to let the inner child out to play and embrace all the fun activities the Myrtle Beach area has to offer.
Day 1: Walk around Broadway at the Beach and plan to spend some time at Ripley’s Aquarium. There are so many great restaurants and bars here to choose from that are great for friends, family, or date night. If you like to people watch (like me), find a seat in one of the rocking chairs outside Paula Dean’s restaurant and rest your legs a bit before playing some putt-putt, watching a newly released movie, Building-a-Bear, take a boat ride, or visiting the upside-down house. Drive just across the street for some exhilarating fun at Grand Prix speedway or Myrtle Waves water park.
Day 2: It’s almost a given that it will rain at least one day on your vacation to the beach. BUT, before you frown about it, picture this: You make reservations at Blueberry’s Grill around 11am and as soon as you arrive, the server brings out a mimosa flight and afterwards you decide to order the “Breakfast of Champions” entrée because, you deserve it. You continue the rainy-day celebration at Duplin Winery, just down the road. While sipping on muscadine wine, you brainstorm what would be fun for dinner. On the way home from the winery, you pick up all the ingredients to make homemade pizzas with all kinds of fun toppings. And finish the night with a movie or show marathon.
Day 3: Barefoot Landing is a fun outdoor attraction that includes something for everyone. Delicious restaurants for the foodie, shopping for the ones who do it until they drop, arcades for the gamers who have been away from their Xbox all week, and even a tiger exhibit for the animal lovers. One of my favorite places to eat here for brunch/lunch is Lulu’s (more on this later)! And if it’s closer to dinner time, River City and Crooked Hammock are great options too. As the sun goes down, find some ice cream at one of Barefoot Landing’s many shoppes and enjoy the warm lighting over the water and with its breezes and cooler temperatures.
Best Places for Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
True or false that the sun makes you a little extra tired and hungry? I’m going with TRUE. Here are my go-to brunch, lunch, and dinner spots along the Grand Strand.
Brunch + Lunch
This is the first place I think of when I hear the word “brunch.” I have brought friends and family here countless times for both the food and the aesthetic. There is wonderful indoor and outdoor seating available but call about the wait time and try to beat the crowds in the A.M.
My go-to order:
- Freshly squeezed orange juice or a mimosa
- Monte Cristo with potato wedges
- A mug of coffee
Crepe Creation is in Market Common and makes for such a delightful and fresh lunch. Whether you need a shopping or sun break, this is a must try French lunch spot on the south end.
My go-to order:
- Warm lemon water
- Mediterranean Crepe with Roasted Garlic Olive Oil
- Belgium Waffles
This is a must-try place if you have both adults and kids who want to have a good time. There’s live music, a great beverage selection at the bar, as well as an arcade, ropes course, and beach volleyball. There’s something for everyone here—and lots of delicious food options to fuel the fun.
My go-to order:
- Island Mango Colada
- Peel and Eat Shrimp
- Fresh Arcadian Greens with the grilled fish of the day
A lot of times, I hear talk about all indulgent foods that accompany vacations, but if you’re anything like me, and need to lighten it up at lunch time, Earth Café is a great option—and so close to the ocean in Myrtle Beach.
My go-to order:
- Water with lemon
- Grilled Chicken + Pesto Sandwich or Greek Salad
Dinner
If you like authentic Italian food, you will love this spot. Reservations are recommended and if you want a seat at the bar, it’s best to arrive right at 4pm when it opens. Closed on Monday.
My go-to order:
- Glass of Pinot Noir
- Appetizer of Mussels
- One of the Chef’s features
Located in Barefoot Landing, this dinner spot is as fun as it sounds. With a brewery attached to the restaurant and lots of entertainment on the outside lawn, once you get here, you won’t want to leave.
My go-to order:
- A beer from the extensive tap list
- The giant pretzel with stone ground mustard + cheese sauce
- “The” Grandstrand Burger
Located on the Coquina Harbor in Little River, this is a wonderful spot to watch the sunset over the Intercoastal Waterway. There is wonderful indoor and outdoor seating available, but you will need a reservation—especially on weekends.
My go-to order:
- Vodka martini with their house-stuffed blue cheese olives
- Appetizer of the bacon wrapped scallops
- Either the Clarks Combo or Filet Napoleon, depending on my seafood-mood.
The Clarks Combo has an option for two of the following seafood options: flounder, oysters, shrimp, and comes with a side, salad, and croissant. The Filet Napoleon comes layered with parmesan risotto, asparagus, a crab cake, grilled filet mignon, and topped with balsamic reduction.
Myrtle Beach Trip Packing List
When it comes to packing for any trip—I like to be prepared. And this is especially important when it comes to beach vacations. There’s so much more to pack! Here are some of the games, toys, and items that always make time at the beach better.
- Card and board games
- Corn Hole/ Can-Jam
- Volleyball/ Soccer ball/ Football
- Extra beach towels
- Waterproof flip flops
- Bucket for seashells
- Sunscreen and Aloe
- Waterproof speaker
- Fun koozies and tumbler cups
- Beach umbrella (or a few)
- Cooler for long beach days
- A tentative menu for meals spent at the hotel/condo
- And definitely bring that novel you’ve been meaning to read
Where to Stay?
Now that you know about the activities to do, where to eat and drink, and how to pack, it’s time to book a place to stay. The ocean front options listed below are convenient and have a great view but there are also come great options inland that are close to all the activities and restaurants listed above.
Here are 3 places I recommend:
Notes:
-Make sure to book as far in advance as possible. In June, July, and August, there is rarely availability at any of the ocean front properties along the Grand Strand.
-While many people book rooms in Myrtle Beach proper, there are lots of great options in North Myrtle Beach (listed below) that often have a better price tag during tourist season.
Conclusion
This blog post is your sure-bet that you won’t be thinking on the drive home, “Myrtle Beach looked way cooler in the photos.” With this food and activity guide, you’ll be framing memories for years to come.
xxx
Allie M.
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