Myrtle Beach Travel Guide 2025

Myrtle Beach isn’t just one giant beach—it’s actually over a dozen beach communities, each unique with different things to see and do. Together, they are known as the Grand Strand. A trip to Myrtle Beach can include amusement park rides, museums, mouth-watering Southern delicacies and golf courses galore.

This South Carolina gem is a great spot for couples to visit, with romantic evening strolls at sunset and Diamond-designated resorts designed for luxury. Myrtle Beach is very versatile to each traveler, with it also being one of the best family vacation spots in the entire U.S.

Whether you are bringing the family, solo-traveling or visiting as a couple, a trip to Myrtle Beach requires quite a bit of planning. Our team at AAA has put together a Myrtle Beach travel guide to make your life a whole lot easier as you dream up your perfect vacation.

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Your own two feet can serve you pretty well for exploring the main areas of town. However, if you’re going to travel anywhere for day trips or check out other local places, having a car offers the most convenience. Besides, you might not be eager to do much walking around if the weather’s rainy or chilly during your stay.

If you are road-tripping your way into Myrtle Beach, you’re all set as far as transportation. If you’re flying in, renting a car at the airport is simple enough. Since most people in the area rely on cars to get around, expect some traffic. US-501 and other roads into town are more likely to be congested during summer and spring break.

Myrtle Beach has metered parking along the streets and in less crowded areas, you can find all-day parking.

If you want to enjoy a car-free vacation, plan on catching the Coast RTA buses to get around. The main routes to pay attention to as a visitor here include:

We recommend an unlimited day pass for better savings if you’ll be riding the buses frequently.

Many streets have bike lanes in Myrtle Beach, making them safer for cyclists. But you can only bike on the beach itself during certain times—from May 1 through Labor Day, before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

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What is most important to you during your visit can help you decide when it’s the ideal time for a trip to Myrtle Beach. Let’s give you a couple of examples of what we mean:

Aiming for the best beach vacation ever? That means coming here in summer when you’ve got warm ocean temps for swimming and lots of sunshine. All of the area’s attractions are open during this peak tourist season, too, so you won’t miss out on anything. Just note that summer is also when Myrtle Beach is at its busiest—and hottest!

Is saving money your biggest goal? Then you’ll want to visit during winter or shoulder season. Rates are usually at their lowest since it’s too cold for swimming and beach lounging. Some attractions and businesses are closed for the season, but you get to enjoy festive holiday events, like Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals, if you come at the right time.

How about reduced prices and not as much heat? Coming in spring means having milder weather, though spring breakers can drive prices up a bit. An autumn vacation here comes with cooler weather, decreased rates, and fewer tourists—but it’s also during hurricane season.

Ripleys Aquarium

Going to the beach doesn’t mean staying on the actual beach all the time when you come here. Myrtle Beach has so much to do beyond the beaches. You’ll have plenty of things to keep you busy during your entire stay, from taking in amazing views at the top of the SkyWheel to looking for loggerhead sea turtles and other local critters in state parks. These are some of the best ways to spend your time while you’re in town:

Despite the name, it’s not just fish and other sea creatures you’ll see here. Ripley’s Aquarium has sloths, too! You can also see reef sharks, sea turtles, penguins and tons of other marine animals. Watch sharks being fed, wander through underwater passages and get up close to piranha and manta rays on this family-friendly activity.

The northern part of the Grand Strand offers a bit of a break from all the activity of Myrtle Beach. At North Myrtle Beach, you can spend your time shopping at Barefoot Landing or grab a bite to eat. For something more daring, go parasailing over the water for breathtaking views!

If you need an activity that all ages can enjoy, how about WonderWorks? It’s part of Broadway-on-the-Beach, the entertainment complex that also houses Ripley’s Aquarium and other attractions. Try a glow-in-the-dark ropes course, brave the Hurricane Shack and enjoy some friendly competition with laser tag games. Explore six wonder zones in all—including an art gallery and space discovery zone.

For outdoor excitement and exploration, visit the trails and dunes of Myrtle Beach State Park. Fish for mackerel, trout and flounder from the fishing pier, or see how many birds you can find from the park’s birding list. Hike through a maritime forest along the Sculptured Oak Nature Trail. You might also catch a glimpse of loggerhead sea turtles if you come at the right time of year.

If you are hoping to see dolphins during your trip to Myrtle Beach, go on a cruise along the barrier islands for a good chance to watch them play and swim around. On the way, you'll enjoy a 30-minute cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway, passing by grand homes and a historic fishing town.

Getty Images / John Coletti

Resorts, rental homes, hotels, bed and breakfasts—Myrtle Beach has so many different kinds of accommodations that choosing one can be hard. You can stay at a waterfront place for ocean views from your windows. Or you might want to choose a place closer to dining and shopping. Our AAA experts recommend considering these AAA Diamond-designated accommodations for your trip to Myrtle Beach.

Having views of the water doesn’t always mean booking an oceanfront room. Marina Inn offers scenic views of the Intracoastal Waterway, where you can watch boats go sailing by in calmer waters. As a resort, this place has lots to do—get a massage, soak in a sauna, or play a round of golf.

If you prefer seeing the Atlantic Ocean from your room, the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort and Spa is right on the beach, making it quick and convenient to go swimming or sunbathing. You’ll also have a lot of other ways to spend your time at the resort, like playing games or swimming indoors or outdoors—take your pick of pools!

If a waterfront place isn’t a must, you might opt for staying close to amenities instead, like restaurants and stores. That’s where you’ll be at the Hilton Garden Inn. Shopping, entertainment, dining and other things to do are right nearby for easy access. It’s also close to the airport if you’ll be flying here.

With its prime location across from a lively dining and entertainment complex and a mile from the beach, the Fairfield by Marriott Myrtle Beach Broadway at the Beach provides a warm welcome with rooms that are both comfortable and spacious, with some suites even having pull-out sofas. After a day of exploring, unwind at the inviting outdoor pool.

The high-rise SpringHill Suites by Marriott Myrtle Beach Oceanfront features studio suites with spacious desks, streaming-enabled TVs and pull-out sofas. The hotel shares its public spaces and pools with the Courtyard by Marriott Myrtle Beach Oceanfront, with parking located in a garage across the street. Guests also can use the Breakers Resort's pools and water attractions.

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It’s no surprise that Myrtle Beach is known for its seafood restaurants. But those are just one of many choices you have here in terms of cuisine. Whether you want prime rib or pancakes, the area has something to suit your appetite. Our travel experts at AAA recommend trying these places to eat while you’re in town!

For a swanky place to eat, dine on European cuisine at The Library, a piano bar right on the main road of Mrytle Beach. Have a cocktail in the speakeasy lounge before heading to your table and reviewing the menu. After you’ve ordered, staff will prepare your meal right next to your table for a unique dining experience.

Hook & Barrel proudly serves sustainable, locally sourced fish and other fresh seafood. Try the fresh catch of the day, or go for short ribs, filet mignon or other land-based entrees if seafood isn't your thing. Careful asking for a dessert menu—you might have a hard time choosing from its tempting options, like pineapple bread pudding or mini southern caramel bundt cake.

Can’t decide if you want a sea or land kind of meal? You’ve come to the right place at Aspen Grille! It’s got a menu filled with prime aged beef selections, along with salmon, trout, shrimp and other seafood entrees. For the best of both worlds, try the surf and turf with filet mignon and lobster tail.

How about a pizza for breakfast, made with scrambled eggs and bacon bits? That’s one of many tasty breakfast items you’ll find at Croissants Bistro and Bakery. There’s also a lunch menu if you stop by later in the morning or afternoon.

For American dishes with Pacific Rim and Italian flair, dine at Fire & Smoke. The American fusion menu has tons of enticing, high-end dishes—including free-range elk chops imported all the way from New Zealand! You’ll also find seafood, steak, pork and other entrees here, along with a wine and spirits list.

iStockphoto.com / Sean Pavone

Candid images are a great way to capture authentic vacation photos. But there’s nothing wrong with picking out the perfect spot for everyone to pose for photos, too. The Grand Strand and surrounding areas are packed with possibilities! Here are the top spots we recommend for your vacation photographs.

What’s a beach visit without a boardwalk stroll? Here at Myrtle Beach, this means walking for over a mile along an award-winning boardwalk. That gives you lots of chances to stop and get your camera ready for great shots. A couple of places for fun backgrounds include:

As one of the area’s most iconic landmarks, this giant Ferris wheel is easy enough to get in the background of many photos. But to really get the best images, head out when it’s dark. That’s when the SkyWheel lights up with vivid colors and light displays, giving you eye-catching backdrops.

There isn’t just one definitive pier in the area for the best background, you’ll find several here. Some of our favorites include:

Walk along any—or all—of these to get great images with the ocean behind you.

Drive down US-17 for about 20 minutes to get to Huntington Beach State Park. That’s where Brookgreen Gardens and all of its photo spots are. Take your time wandering through here—there’s a lot to see. But some sites that are ideal for family portraits or other photographs include the Butterfly Garden, Live Oak Allee and any outdoor sculptures that catch your eye.

You don’t have to go all the way to Hollywood to take pictures with the stars. Just visit here to pose for photos with lifelike wax figures of A-list movie stars, pop singers, and other celebs. These make for fun vacation shots that you can’t get in many other places.

iStockphoto.com / Sean Pavone

If you are in Myrtle Beach for a weekend getaway, it doesn’t leave much time to explore other areas, but if you’re here for longer, why not add a day trip to your plans? You don’t need to go far, unless you want to. Most of our recommended destinations are around 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach.

This little fishing community near the NC border offers a slower pace than the bustling Grand Strand. Taking SC-31 N gets you here in about a half-hour. While visiting Little River, you can dine on seafood that the local fishing boats catch—or try catching some yourself on a deep-sea fishing charter!

If you’re up for a longer day trip, how about Charleston? It takes a couple of hours to get there, but it’s worth the drive. Or you can leave the driving to someone else and take a Charleston day trip tour that includes a horse-drawn carriage ride, shopping, a harbor boat tour and more.

For a historic place to see, drive along US-17 S to Georgetown. You’ll be there in under an hour, but leave early enough to give yourself time to wander through the whole area. The Kaminski House Museum takes you back to life in the 1700s—and it’s just one of many historic structures here.

Stop and visit here on your way to Georgetown—or make it your sole day trip destination. Pawleys Island has marshes to explore, the Hobcaw Barony mansion to visit and a chance to watch dolphins playing in the ocean. It’s also home to some of the top golf courses in SC, like Pawleys Plantation and True Blue Golf Club.

US-17 S gets you to the Seafood Capital of South Carolina in less than 30 minutes. Murrells Inlet’s a fishing village known for its freshly caught crabs, oysters and other seafood served in fine dining restaurants and casual eateries alike. It also has a wooden boardwalk—the MarshWalk—to explore and Huntington Beach State Park with its Moorish-designed Atalaya Castle.

Courtesy of Myrtle Beach Travel Park

Accommodations and attractions are where most of the money goes when you visit Myrtle Beach. But it doesn’t have to cost you a ton to enjoy a vacation here. Spending time on the beach is just one way to have a budget-friendly trip. Our travel guide to Myrtle Beach gives you more tips and ideas to consider when you are visiting Myrtle Beach with a budget in mind.

Yes, Myrtle Beach is mainly known for being a beach town—but it’s also a great place to camp! Myrtle Beach State Park has campgrounds you can reserve for fees that are much lower than booking rooms at an oceanfront resort or hotel. Pitch a tent or pull your RV in for an outdoorsy adventure here. There’s a ranger station with firewood and other supplies handy that’s open seasonally.

You never know how much you could save with coupons and deals for area attractions and amenities. But visit this local non-profit group to find out! You’ll find coupons for food and drinks at local eateries, deals on attractions and activities, and other ways to bring trip costs down. Check often, since these discounts and deals change frequently.

Splash around in the surf for free as much as you want! But don’t miss out on Myrtle Beach’s other free and low-cost events and attractions, like the Summer Nights Entertainment Series at Broadway or the Hot Summer Nights zone at the Boardwalk and Plyler Park. Explore Huntington Beach and Myrtle Beach State Parks for a small admission fee. Or visit one of the area’s 35 mini golf courses for low-cost fun.

As a member, you can get reduced rates and discounts on many travel-related expenses, including all of the following:

Summer vacations at Myrtle Beach often mean spending big bucks for accommodations—you’re competing with all of the tourists who want to stay here. If you don’t mind cooler weather, plan a trip to the area in any other season to avoid higher prices and more competition for rooms.

Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Myrtle Beach trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or a la carte options.