101 Myrtle Beach Travel Tips! {What to Know BEFORE You Go}

Get ready for some serious beach fun with this list of the best Myrtle Beach Travel Tips and Things to Do!

So are you planning a trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina?  With 60 miles of spectacular beaches, family-friendly attractions, fantastic shops, and outrageous eats, you’ll love every minute of your visit!

Before you leave home, make sure to check out these insider Myrtle Beach Travel Tips and Things to Do… including loads of clever tips shared by your very own frugal friends!

From the best things to do in Myrtle Beach, to budget-friendly hidden local favorites, these tips will help you plan your dream vacation without breaking the bank!

So go grab your Beach Bag, because it’s time to start planning some serious fun at the beach, South Carolina style…

A special thanks to frugal friend Mary for sharing this fun Myrtle Beach Travel Guide photo!

Related:

• How to Travel for Free or Cheap

Myrtle Beach Travel Tips

So you’re planning a trip to Myrtle Beach?  To visit Myrtle Beach on a budget, you’ll need to do a little planning.  My first tip is to start stashing extra cash away now for your  ‘Myrtle Beach Trip Fund’.  Need to increase your travel fund cash stash?  You can make extra money on the side in your free time!  Here’s my favorite trick for ramping up the vacation budget…

Easy Side Hustles to Save Money For Vacation

How to Get Cheap Flights To Myrtle Beach:

Wondering how to get cheap flights?  My favorite trick is to load up on free mileage points and airline gift cards, then use them to dramatically cut the cost on airfare!  I’ve scored so many free flights this way!  Are you ready to start earning your free airlines miles and gift cards?  Here’s what you need to do…

Best Travel Hacking Credit Cards! {How I Get FREE Flights and Hotel Nights}

25 Southwest Airlines Hacks! {What To Know BEFORE You Fly}

17 American Airlines Flight Hacks {Weird Tricks Everyone Should Know}

16 Delta Airlines Travel Hacks {Savvy Travel Hacking Ideas}

Where to Stay in Myrtle Beach:

Instead of hotels, I recommend staying at a VRBO when visiting Myrtle Beach to save BIG on your trip.  VRBO has so many vacation rentals listed by owner, and they’re such a great way to find nice lodging that is way less expensive than the hotels.  I’ve personally stayed at multiple VRBO’s, and loved every one.  Not only were they significantly cheaper than the nearby hotels, they also came fully stocked with beach towels, beach chairs, boogie boards, and kitchens.  These amenities alone saved us SO much money!

Now do you want to know my favorite tips and tricks for saving BIG on a VRBO?  These little known hacks will save you SO much money!  Check this out…

How to Slash The Cost of Your Next Trip Using VRBO

Liz writes: “North Myrtle Beach is less crowded”

Wendy writes: “North Myrtle/ Cherry grove is a lot more family oriented than Myrtle.”

Elizabeth writes: “North Myrtle Beach is fantastic for families! We stayed at North Beach Resort & Villas.”

Sharon writes: “We go to Myrtle every summer a few times for the last 30 years. Stay in Cherry Grove snd book a condo.”

Jessica writes: “We stayed at a resort and never had to leave the area!  Lazy River, indoor and outdoor heated pools, hot tub, dolphin watching in the morning from our balcony, right on the beach. Absolutely beautiful!”

Rhonda writes: “We don’t stay right on the beach and found a sleeps-8 condo in peak season for $750 for the week. This allows us further savings by our families going together and splitting the cost plus allows us to cook so more money is saved. Good luck… happy vacation everyone.”

Laurie writes: “Stay in North Myrtle Beach and take some drives to North Carolina.  Beautiful area and only minutes away.”

Dia writes: “North Myrtle is a little less busy, more family oriented and much safer.”

Michelle writes: “We go every summer! Highly recommend staying in the North Myrtle Beach area! (As opposed to the downtown MB area which is a bit more touristy, busy and loud.)”

Kirsten writes: “We stayed in North Myrtle over spring break and loved it.”

When You First Arrive, Stock up on Cheap Food and Beach Supplies at Walmart!

Picking up a few of your essentials at Walmart will be is an easy way to save BIG!  Grab some full-size sunscreen, food and snacks for your room, and any beach gear you need {like buckets and shovels for the kids, etc}.  Want to sweeten the deal even more?  Use your Free Walmart Gift Cards!  Check this out…

How to Get Free Walmart Gift Cards

Now keep reading for all the very best Myrtle Beach travel tips and things to do shared by your frugal friends…

What to Do in Myrtle Beach:

Kelly writes: “Huntington State Park!  Awesome beach and cool alligator viewing!”

Kara writes: “Lots to do at Broadway at beach.. playground and splash pad for kids.”

Jerrille writes: “Definitely Broadway at the Beach.  Wednesday nights at 10pm in the Summer they have a fireworks show over the water.”

Chrissy writes: “Murrell’s Inlet and nature boat ride were the highlight of our trip. Huntington State Park and Castle, very cheap, great day.  We loved Garden City Beach, very family orientated.”

Kayla writes: “Head over to Surfside Beach right down the road – better beach and less crowded.”

Kelly writes: “Pawleys island and Huntington Beach State Park are our very favorite spots, we have been going to that area for 40 plus years”

Jennifer writes: “Wonderworks Amusement Park”

Cassie writes: “The Sky Wheel! The boardwalk area is pretty nice. Good shopping at Barefoot Landing, and lots to see and do at Broadway at the Beach.”

Amy writes: “Top Golf (half price Tuesdays for a discount!)”

Kimberly writes: “For kids, the Ripley’s Aquarium is a safe bet.  Mini-golf is available pretty much anywhere (including some indoor facilities), and you can’t really beat those beaches!”

Gina writes: “The Barefoot Landings for shopping!”

Rosanna writes: “I used to live there! Brookgreen Gardens, Pirate’s Voyage, Shag dancing. Oh, and some of the best golfing. I lived on the Dye course at Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach. I think Myrtle Beach is one of the best East coast beaches.  The people there are great as are the sunsets.  Have fun!”

Ann writes: “Myrtle Beach State Park.”

Melissa writes: “Check out Market Common while you are here!  Great shopping & dining.”

Jennifer writes: “We went to a Go Kart/Arcade, and spent a lot of time on the beach or in the pool.”

Summer writes: “Visit the Brookgreen Gardens, just about 20 miles south of Myrtle Beach!”

Beka writes: “Go see Brookgreen Gardens. Huntington is my favorite beach. We also like Market Commons for shopping.  We miss living there!”

Kourtney writes: “Polly’s Island!”

Shannon writes: “Growing up we always had to go down Ocean Drive to play games in the arcade and to the Gay Dolphin gift shop (a junky store with many levels, but you can find treasures if you look for them).  It’s always fun to go to a Wings or Eagles store for souvenirs (t-shirts), there’s one every other block (LOL).”

Megan writes: “If you are in Myrtle Beach you must go to the Gay Dolphin!!  It’s the craziest most random shop where you can buy anything from sea shells to gag gifts to home decor.  A must!”

Susan writes: “Ride the Swamp Fox!  The Gay Dolphin is a fun place to shop & play around.”

Michelle writes: “Visit Callahan’s of Calabash. Such a fun store to wander & shop in”

Mikie writes: “Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the beach are great for shopping. Also Callahan’s is awesome, it’s about 20 minutes north in Calabash NC. We always eat at Umberto’s (Italian), Mellow Mushroom (pizza and such), Clarks (seafood/steak house), and the original Benjamin’s calabash buffet.”

Emily writes: “I go almost every summer!  Carolina Opry, the Gay Dolphin shopping center, the Beaches and so much more.”

Mandy writes: “I live two and a half hours away.  I’ve always enjoyed going to Broadway at the Beach”

Lisa writes: “Definitely have to go to Broadway at the Beach for shopping.”

Jan writes: “Avoid downtown Myrtle Beach and on down toward Springmaid Pier at night!”

Wendy writes: “Rover tours! So much fun”

Kimberly writes: “They have miniature golf everywhere.  Downtown Myrtle always has something going on, concerts and things.  Fireworks are always somewhere.  Banana boat ride on ocean is always fun.”

Pamela writes: “Myrtle Beach Pelicans for a little minor league baseball and the Apache Pier for ocean breezes and live music in the evenings.”

Julie writes: “For adults I highly recommend a boat tour and the speedboat!”

Dia writes: “Main Street in North Myrtle Beach has cool shops, restaurants and shag clubs!!!”

Jennifer writes: “Oak Island Beach”

Lois writes: “A must stop is Fat Harold’s to watch, or participate in the Shag dances”

Alicia writes: “Surfside/Garden city area hands down!”

Michelle writes: “There is a show with people that impersonate famous singers that’s FABULOUS: Legends in Concert.  Also, shop Martin’s for tennis & golf… they are huge.  And don’t forget to spend time on the beach, of course! Walk the longest pier (on the East Coast, I believe)… the Apache Pier.”

Glenda writes: “Go to an outdoor water park!!”

Esther writes: “Visit Huntington Beach State Park and search for shark’s teeth”

Cathy writes: “I liked the wax museum. I love the little “creek” by the Sandy Beach Resort. It’s a waterway that changes size with the tide and it’s pretty cool. We caught all kinds of little fish and found a lot of sharks teeth there.”

Diane writes: “Definitely Rigley’s Aquarium. We just said last week, of all aquariums, that one is tops so far and we have seen a lot.”

Darlene writes: “Definitely the Aquarium! And check with your hotel/resort to see if you can get discounted tickets through them. That saved me a lot of money!  For shopping, Tanger Outlets and Hamrick’s.”

Aimee writes: “I live in Myrtle Beach! The aquarium is pretty awesome!!”

Wendy writes: “Ripleys aquarium is awesome but it’s expensive!  We always do putt putt and go karts.”

Andrea writes: “For those of you who are crafters and like to shop… Myrtle Beach has a scrapbook store, I believe two quilt stores, and a yarn store!”

Christy writes: “Tiger’s Preserve and lazy rivers.”

Debbie writes: “Try to visit Murrels Inlet”

Lynn writes: “There are so many Myrtle Beach things to do!  Then take a side trip to Charleston!  Wilmington in North Carolina is a nice trip, also.”

Kristy writes: “Brookgreen Gardens is really nice and their Pimiento Cheese and Chips appetizer is amazing!  Broadway is a great shopping area. We just love hanging at the beach. Have fun! Not a horrible drive to Charleston if you are looking for a day trip.”

Erica writes: “I live in Georgetown, smack dab in the middle of Charleston and Myrtle. We also have a neat “Front Street” on the water with cool restaurants! Pawleys Island, just south of Myrtle has awesome beaches! Tons of beach house and condos to rent. Much slower pace than Myrtle! 20 minutes north is Murrells Inlet, Seafood Capital….tons of restaurants! Most of the places in Pawleys and MI are not chains, but delicious!!an hour south is Charleston…drive for the day….or 30 – 45 minutes north, Myrtle Beach.”

Lucy writes: “We grew up going to Pawley’s Island – the best!!!!”

Kate writes: “The Apache Pier in North Myrtle Beach is a must! Oh and the Skywheel is pretty cool. Definitely drive down to Charleston for a day if you can, and check out the Angel Oak Tree on John’s Island; it’s the oldest living tree on the eastern side of the country.”

Amanda writes: “I recommend recommended alligator adventure and Duplin Winery.  We also enjoy day trips to Southport and Wilmington NC.”

Where to Eat in Myrtle Beach:

Wendy writes: “Hamburger Joes is a good cheap eat.”

Candace writes: “Dino’s for breakfast, Hamburger Joe’s for dinner ~ the best in the area hands down!”

Billie Ray writes: “I’ve been many many times.  If little ones are involved, Pirates Voyage Dinner Show is good.  Or Medieval Times dinner show.”

Julie writes: “If you have kids you need to take them to Medieval Times!!!”

Peek Inside Medieval Times

Stephanie writes: “River City Cafe at Murrell’s Inlet is my favorite!  My youngest loved the Pirate Show (dinner theater).”

Faith writes: “Carolina Roadhouse”

Michelle writes: “Check out Barefoot Landing! Lots of great restaurants (Flying Fish Public Market and Grill are our favorites)”

Lisa writes: “We always each at the Yamato Japanese Steakhouse, it’s tradition for our family.”

Alicia writes: “Favorite place to eat: Crabby Mikes, we love Barefoot landing, Broadway at the Beach and Alligator Adventures.”

Jennifer writes: “Paula Deen’s Restaurant, Kirk’s Ice Cream.  The same boardwalk that has Paula Deen’s Restaurant had a replica of Simpsons Qwik e mart.”

Peggy writes: “El Patio doesn’t look like much but the Mexican food is so good!”

Summer writes: “Rioz, Brazilian Steakhouse is amazing!”

Kimberly writes: “Eat at Rioz – it’s costly but worth it. It’s a Brazilian restaurant, bread is amazing, but if you don’t eat meat don’t do it.”

Emily writes: “Go to Angelos to eat the best steak ever”

Amanda writes: “River city cafe is a good restaurant with lots of locations in different parts of the city. Damon’s restaurant is also a good one with a wonderful view of the beach. ”

Lynn writes: “Captain George’s Seafood Buffet.”

Rosanna writes: “For food, the Calabash seafood buffets are a big draw if you like that sort of thing. As are the pancake houses – you’ll see then everywhere. There are a lot of chain restaurants but you can find some little locally owned spots that are awesome.”

Mariann writes: “Landshark Bar & Grill was amazing!!”

Nicole writes: “Greg Norman Australian Grille”

Jess writes: “Liberty Steakhouse at Broadway at the Beach. Love it!!”

Shelly writes: “Dicks Last Resort! Good times! 🙂 ”

Beka writes: “Eat at Mr. Fish, and Nacho Hippo has yummy food too.”

Krista writes: “We loved Mellow Mushroom Pizza.”

Susan writes: “You have to stop at The Bowery, where Alabama got their start.”

Michelle writes: “House of Blues is also really popular.”

AJ writes: “In Pawleys there is Brook Green Gardens and Atalaya Castle… you can picnic there and walk through”

Dia writes: “Drive across into NC and eat at any of the restaurants in Calabash. My family’s favorite is Captain Nance’s.”

Lindsey writes: “RipTydz Oceanfront Grille”

Sabrina writes: “Go to Calabash, which is about 20 – 30 minutes away for yummy seafood!”

Kirsten writes: “The original Benjamin’s Calabash!! If you like seafood you have to go. There are a lot of calabash restaurants but The Original is the one you need to go to.”

Beth writes: “Villa Romana Italian restaurant”

Pamela writes: “River City Cafe for burgers and Duffy Street Seafood for seafood.”

Cindy writes: “Bimini’s Oyster Bar – not fancy but great seafood.”

Jana writes: “Eat at Chesapeake House. We go there every year and it’s always a must-do for food!!”

Lisa writes: “Margaritaville is always fun!”

Heather writes: “Broadway at the Beach for sure…. tons to do/eat; Barefoot Landing; Benjamins Calabash Seafood; Angelo’s Steak and Pasta”

Cheryl writes: “Umbertos restaurant in barefoot landing is excellent!”

Phylis writes: “Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar!!”

Jan writes: “Carolina Roadhouse, California Pizza, River City Cafe”

Meredith writes: “Johnny D’s Waffles & Benedicts = Best waffles ever!”

Missi writes: “Spanky’s Pub House”

Amanda writes: “For a nice meal, the Sea Captain’s House is wonderful!”

Dawn writes: “If you go, definitely try the Sea Captain’s House. They have the best deviled crab.”

Sharon writes: “Eat at Boundry House and Crabby Mikes”

Peggy writes: “Best Mexican food is La Pablanita, and a hidden gem is Simply Southern Smokehouse. Real down home south food.”

April writes: “The absolutely best BBQ EVER is at Big Mike’s! Its a little hole in the wall, but you won’t want to miss it!!!”

Shannon writes: “For some reason Krispy Kreme Doughnuts taste better at the beach.” 🙂

More Ways To Save on Your Myrtle Beach Vacation:

Teresa writes: “The more meals you can “fix” vs eating out the more you save.  A family of 4 breakfast could easily be $50, instead grab a box of cereal, disposable bowls, spoons and a quart of milk for a $10 breakfast. Have a cooler and pack it full of lunch options on ice… we stop at parks and make our own lunch. Then we normally splurge on dinner.”

Cindy writes: “Get the hotel’s free continental breakfast. Carry cases of water in the car trunk. Pack lunches and snacks. Only eat out once per day….and when the kids were little we looked for places kids ate free.”

Lori writes: “We bring snacks and beverages and some meals with us, and have simple breakfasts: cereal, oatmeal, muffins, fruit, etc. Have Crock pot soups and sandwiches for lunches.”

Danielle writes: “We stay at hotels that provide breakfast. We take fruit, bread and sandwich fixings, and snacks for daily outings. Then have dinner at places that have 2 for $25 meals.”

Laura writes: “Bring lots of food, get a hotel with a mini fridge and microwave, pick a hotel that has breakfast included, and choose free parking hotels.”

Cindy writes: “We shop for snacks, beverages and sandwich items before we leave town. We stay in hotels that serve a free continental breakfast so we only eat out once a day.”

Letha writes: “Stay where breakfast is included, have a light lunch and modest dinner… carry an ice chest for drinks and snacks.”

Kim writes: “If staying at a hotel with free breakfast, I also grab extra fruit and bread.  Most have small peanut butter {and jelly} packages for lunch.  Also bottled water from the buffet.”

Elecia writes: “We take our own drinks, snacks and lunches.  Stay in hotels that offer breakfast.  Find fun free things to do near the hotel.  Use Groupon to find discounts to attractions and shows.  And always enjoy the hiking trails, parks, and gardens!!!”

Myrtle Beach Money Saving Vacation Hacks:

20 Ways to Save Money on Rental Cars

Free Gas Gift Cards + 9 Ways To Save BIG on Road Trips!

How to Travel for Free or Cheap {19 Brilliant Budget Travel Hacks}

Score Free Coffee at Starbucks!  With all the fresh air, sunshine, and play time… you just might be needing a caffeine fix!  There are lots of Starbucks locations on Myrtle Beach, so check this out…

Starbucks Money Saving Hacks

What to Pack for Myrtle Beach:

Best Baby Travel Gear

Traveling with Baby?  Don’t leave home without these Baby Travel Gear Essentials!  I’ve taken my babies on the long flights and these must-have items will make traveling with Baby so much easier!

19 Carry On Must Haves for your next flight

17 Beach Bag Essentials

Be sure to leave extra room in your suitcase to bring home some souvenirs!

Want a frugal souvenir idea?  Here’s a fun and frugal way to capture some of your favorite beach memories…

Beach Memory Jar! {DIY Vacation Souvenir}

So are you looking for more Frugal Travel Tips for a fabulous vacation in the Southeast?

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So now that you’ve got inspired with these Myrtle Beach Things to Do, don’t miss out!  Get all the latest fun new Frugal Girls Travel Tips, Recipes, Frugal Living Tips + more right here…

So… have YOU ever been to Myrtle Beach before?

What are some of your favorite Myrtle Beach Things to Do?

Leave a comment & share!