09/22/2025
How To Do Myrtle Beach on a Budget Known for its sun, sand, and Southern hospitality, Myrtle Beach welcomes all travelers. But visitors don’t need
How To Do Myrtle Beach on a Budget
- Chloe Ketterer
- September 22, 2025
- 9:30 am
Known for its sun, sand, and Southern hospitality, Myrtle Beach welcomes all travelers. But visitors don’t need a hefty budget to enjoy the beauty and excitement this in-demand destination has to offer. Affordable vacations in Myrtle Beach are absolutely possible with the right approach.
When planning a trip to Myrtle Beach on a budget, choose the right time to visit, prioritize low-cost and free activities, and know where to eat and stay. Stretch your vacation budget by spending time on the beach and visiting affordable local attractions, such as the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.
Know When To Visit Myrtle Beach on a Budget
The cheapest time to visit Myrtle Beach is during the winter, from November through February. This offseason window offers lower hotel rates, cool coastal weather, and thin crowds, making it one of the best times to visit the Grand Strand. During winter, you can:
- See Myrtle Beach’s famed Christmas shows
- Take in winter-friendly indoor attractions, such as Ripley’s Aquarium
- Golf at top area courses without peak-season waits and congestion
One of the best ways to save money in Myrtle Beach is to spend time enjoying the area’s natural beauty. The Grand Strand is filled with scenic outdoor spots that are great for getting exercise and exploring nature. Many of them can be enjoyed at no charge or with a minimal fee. A few top examples of these affordable things to do in Myrtle Beach include:
The Beach
The most enchanting aspect of Myrtle Beach doesn’t cost a dime — its pristine shores. Spend your days soaking up the sun, taking leisurely strolls along the coastline, and enjoying ocean views. Bring a beach towel, pack a picnic, and relish the simple pleasures of a day by the sea.
Huntington Beach State Park
Located just south of Myrtle Beach, Huntington Beach State Park delivers an escape to nature for only $8. Visitors can walk the boardwalks over a salt marsh, spot wildlife, and enjoy a peaceful stretch of beach. Add a tour of the Moorish-style Atalaya Castle for just $2 more per person.
Waccamaw Neck Bikeway
The Waccamaw Neck Bikeway is a shady, mostly flat paved path that parallels U.S. Highway 17 from Murrells Inlet to Pawleys Island. It’s free to use and perfect for budget-friendly adventures by foot or on a rented bike. Expect to see live oaks, salt-marsh views, and coastal wildlife.
Myrtle Beach State Park
Myrtle Beach State Park offers opportunities to enjoy nature right in the city. Visitors get access to a wide, uncrowded beach, a fishing pier, and easy-to-hike nature trails through a maritime forest. Admission is just $8 for adults.
Choose Affordable Myrtle Beach Restaurants
Myrtle Beach offers many dining options that let you indulge in local flavors without breaking the bank. Explore food trucks and mom-and-pop eateries for delicious yet affordable seafood, Southern-style barbecue, and hearty breakfasts. Don’t miss the chance to try Calabash-style seafood, an area specialty that won’t take a big toll on your wallet.
Some of the best places to eat in Myrtle Beach on a budget include:
- River City Cafe: A laid-back local chain known for big burgers and baskets
- Peaches Corner: A historic diner on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk serving hot dogs, burgers, fries, and shakes
- Mr. Fish Seafood Market & Grill: A casual seafood spot with a broad menu of tacos, platters, and steamed plates
Enjoy Budget-Friendly Myrtle Beach Attractions and Entertainment
Myrtle Beach is brimming with attractions and entertainment options that won’t cost you a fortune. Visitors can check out free events, attend local festivals with no admission fee, and explore the area’s vibrant arts scene for little or no cost.
Try these top things to do in Myrtle Beach for free or with a small fee.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
The 1.2-mile Myrtle Beach Boardwalk runs along the oceanfront from the 14th Avenue Pier to the Second Avenue Pier. It’s a prime place for seaside walks, people-watching, and seeing the downtown sights — and it doesn’t cost a cent to visit.
Broadway at the Beach
Broadway at the Beach is Myrtle Beach’s signature open-air entertainment district. It circles the 23-acre Lake Broadway and features more than 100 shops and 20-plus restaurants, along with theaters, rides, and other attractions. The best part? Browsing and exploring are free.
Fireworks Shows
Summer fireworks shows are a Myrtle Beach tradition, and they’re free at several area locations. Top destinations for recurring fireworks shows on the Grand Strand include Barefoot Landing, Broadway at the Beach, and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the Beach also host free New Year’s Eve fireworks shows if you’re visiting in the winter.
Burroughs-Chapin Art Museum (Small Fee Required)
Myrtle Beach’s Burroughs-Chapin Art Museum features 11 rotating art galleries that display works ranging from painting and photography to ceramics and sculpture. Admission is just $8 for adults, so you can take it in without putting much of a dent in the budget.
Select a Budget-Friendly Spot To Stay in Myrtle Beach
The best places to stay in Myrtle Beach on a budget offer comfortable accommodations, stay-improving amenities, locations near top attractions, and affordable pricing. You’ll get all of this at Monterey Bay Suites:
- Spacious oceanfront and ocean-view suites
- Amazing amenities, including multiple pools and a complimentary hot breakfast
- A prime location close to Myrtle Beach’s most popular points of interest
- Money-saving specials to help you stretch your vacation dollar
Book your budget-friendly stay at Monterey Bay Suites today!
09/12/2025
Your Perfect Wine Tasting Experience Near Monterey Bay Suites Myrtle Beach isn’t just a beach lover’s paradise, it’s also home to some wonderful wine-tasting experiences
