Travel Guide: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Have you ever thought about spending your summer family vacation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina?  While it’s only a short drive from me, I’ve never spent much time there until recently. I was impressed at how much the city has to offer other than the beach. There’s truly something for all ages and interests. If you are planning on spending your summer in Myrtle Beach, here’s my travel guide on where to stay, what to eat, and what to do.

Where to Stay in Myrtle Beach, SC:

Hampton Inn & Suites Oceanfront 1801 S Ocean Blvd,  Myrtle Beach, SC

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I love all Hiltons (hello Hilton Honors!!). When we travel , even internationally, we usually book a Hilton. The Hampton Inn & Suites Oceanfront is right on the beach but just a short drive away from Broadway at the Beach, the new Sky Wheel, and Market Common. You don’t have to leave the hotel to enjoy yourself or to keep your little ones occupied. There’s two lazy rivers, three outdoor and four indoor pools. My favorite thing about this hotel is the view. I love looking out at the sea. I spent a lot of time on my balcony writing during the day and then walking on the beach in the evenings.

Where to Eat in Myrtle Beach, SC

Breakfast/Lunch:

Croissants Bistro and Bakery 3751 Robert M. Grissom Parkway, Myrtle Beach, SC

I’ve heard so much about this place. It actually comes highly recommended and rightfully so. This bistro and bakery has been a favorite of locals and out of town visitors since 1995.  It was difficult deciding what to order as the menu has an array of meals to choose from. You can have anything from  Bananas Foster French Toast (which I hear is amazing) to Shrimp and Grits. I went along with the suggestion of my lovely waitress and had the Crab Cake Benedict. So good!! Make sure to stop at the bakery for goodies to go. My children really loved the fruit tarts. They didn’t save me any!

Lunch/Dinner:

Art Burger Sushi Bar 706 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC

I heard about about this restaurant a few months ago and couldn’t wait to visit. Liquid nitrogen cocktails, gourmet burgers, and sushi. It really doesn’t get better than that! The story behind this resturant has to be my favorite part though. When Ms. Linda Weatherspoon had a near-death experience due to a brain aneurysm and stroke she wanted a place to paint. Her son gave her just that. A place to paint right on the sea. You can often find Ms. Linda interacting with the customers at Art Burger while doing what she loves. Painting. You will also find pieces of art work hanging on the walls by local artists. Each piece is displayed and sold. There’s never a charge to the artist. Ever. Pretty amazing. Interested in reading more about Ms. Linda and her inspiring recovery? I highly recommend her book Can I Paint in Heaven?

Photo Credit: Art Burger Sushi Bar

Photo Credit: Art Burger Sushi Bar

What to do in Myrtle Beach, SC

Brookgreen Gardens 1931 Brookgreen Garden Dr., Murrells Inlet, SC

We know the biggest attraction of the area is of course the BEACH but there’s actually a lot of other great things to experience in Myrtle Beach. Just a short drive from the beach is Brookgreen Gardens which is full of art, history, and even a zoo! During my visit to Myrtle Beach, I was a solo traveler and I spent several hours walking the grounds of the gardens. It was beautiful and quite peaceful. One of my favorite moments was spending time talking to one of the staff members, Louise. Louise is 90 years old and has worked at the gardens for the last 23 years. She spent a great deal of time with me discussing the history of the area and even showing me her pin she proudly wears from her time as an archaeologist. I loved her spirit and even after all these years you could still see the love she holds for the place she calls home.

The Carolina Opry 8901 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC

There’s truly something for everyone at the Calvin Gilmore Theater. I decided to visit the TCO show which is a bit of a variety show that has been entertaining guests for over 30 years . It was full of modern music, classic country (I may have sung along to every single song. Can’t take the country out of the girl), comedy, and even hip hop clogging. I was excited to see the dance group ‘All That’ perform as I was a big fan during their time on America’s Got Talent. The entire show is family friendly so your little ones can come along. I would definitely attend this show again!

Photo Credit: The Carolina Opry

Photo Credit: The Carolina Opry

Photo Credit: The Carolina Opry

I really fell in love with Myrtle Beach Safari Tours. Read about my experience HERE. 

*This trip was sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach in partnership with the above businesses. No other compensation was received. As always, all opinions are my own.*

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