Myrtle Beach is a top vacation destination on the East Coast, also called the Grand Strand. Known for the sparkling coastline and tons of unique attractions, live entertainment, and world-class shopping and dining, this coastal town holds plenty of things to do for all ages, from mini golf and waterparks to award-winning golf courses and attractions. Have your best vacation yet – keep this guide handy when you’re planning a trip to Myrtle Beach!
Monterey Bay Suites is an ideal option for vacationers craving an oceanfront escape. This oceanfront hotel in Myrtle Beach offers suites with both full and partial ocean views, private balconies, and stunning water amenities. Enjoy the beautiful indoor/outdoor pool, bask in luxury beside the rooftop pool and hot tub, or unwind in the soothing indoor hot tub.
Start your day off right with a free hot breakfast every morning, served cafeteria-style with daily staples and rotating offerings for variety during your stay. Monterey Bay Suites is also home to Surf Shack Oceanfront Tiki Bar, just steps from the beach with delectable delights from refreshing cocktails to poolside munchies. Other amenities at this oceanfront resort in Myrtle Beach include a cardio center with treadmills and weights, a kids homework room, onsite entertainment, and more.
Visiting Myrtle Beach? Depending on where you’re coming from, you might fly into Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) or drive in. Navigating within Myrtle Beach can be challenging during peak vacation times, but the beauty of a centrally-located hotel like Monterey Bay Suites is that you’re steps from the beach, a short walk from attractions and restaurants, and a quick drive from the rest of the Grand Strand’s offerings.
You won’t have to worry about finding or paying for beachside parking when you stay with Monterey Bay Suites. Rather than drive around looking for a space and paying the meter, guests at Monterey Bay Suites enjoy direct beach access from the hotel.
If you venture out beyond walking distance and do need to pay a meter, all parking meters in Myrtle Beach accept U.S. coins, some accept debit and credit cards, and some offer additional options like Tap to Pay.
While the beach is the biggest draw for many vacationers in Myrtle Beach, there are plenty of things to do besides the beach! If a sunburn, rainy day, or just the need for a break from sun and sand has you seeking things to do in Myrtle Beach besides going to the beach, check out these popular places to visit around town:
1325 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach
Broadway at the Beach entertainment complex in Myrtle Beach is home to WonderWorks Science Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium, and Legends in Concert, plus tons of shopping and restaurant offerings. Broadway at the Beach hosts free fireworks shows on select nights throughout the year.
300 S Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach
A favorite among generations of locals and vacationers alike, Family Kingdom Amusement Park is a family friendly amusement park in Myrtle Beach that boasts a wide range of rides, from kids-only coasters to the classic ferris wheel and bumper cars. Have a water lover in the family? Family Kingdom’s water area is the perfect place for them to enjoy.
4898 Hwy 17 S., North Myrtle Beach
Barefoot Landing is a shopping and entertainment destination in Myrtle Beach known for their live entertainment and expansive retail and restaurant offerings, from local boutiques to celebrity restaurant chains. Barefoot Landing is a family friendly destination in North Myrtle Beach, perfect for visiting families and groups of all ages.
Want to stick around the hotel? Monterey Bay Suites is home to a variety of on-site amenities. Take a break from the sun without missing out on the pool and lazy river, thanks to the indoor water amenities, or bask in the rays at the rooftop pool. Guests of all ages love the oceanfront cornhole games and delicious offerings at Surf Shack Oceanfront Tiki Bar, where guests 21+ can enjoy refreshing cocktails with their snacks while the younger crowd indulges in other thirst-quenching drinks.
Planning a trip to Myrtle Beach? Don’t forget about these weather considerations when choosing your travel dates:
Winter weather in Myrtle Beach typically stays above freezing, with average temperatures in the high 50’s and few rain days. It rarely snows, though you will see plenty of snowbirds in the area! Winter is a great time to visit Myrtle Beach for attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium, WonderWorks, live entertainment, and dinner theater, plus the added bonus of smaller crowds and awesome hotel deals.
Spring in Myrtle Beach offers mild weather and the return of festivals, markets, and more outdoor fun. The ocean is warm enough for a dip, and seasonal attractions along the coast like Family Kingdom Amusement Park reopen in the spring.
Myrtle Beach is at its busiest in the summer, and for good reason. Businesses are open and vacation season is in full swing, which does mean larger crowds – but more awesome things to do – in Myrtle Beach. Guests can easily build a full itinerary of festivals, live music, fireworks shows, and more, making summer one of the best times to visit Myrtle Beach.
Visiting Myrtle Beach in the fall? Expect a bit of rain, as fall is Myrtle Beach’s rainiest season. The weather is typically still mild into the end of fall, offering plenty of time to squeeze in more beach trips even after the water is too cold for swimming. College football season returns, and with it trips to nearby Conway to see the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers play.
Keep an eye on the weather report when you visit Myrtle Beach. The coastal weather can change quickly, and plans made outdoors might not go as scheduled. Always have a backup! If your outdoor plans are postponed, visit one of the fun indoor attractions in Myrtle Beach, like Ripley’s Aquarium, WonderWorks, or Hollywood Wax Museum.
Myrtle Beach can accommodate budgets of all kinds. One of the most popular cost-effective attractions in Myrtle Beach is Family Kingdom Amusement Park, where guests can purchase single ride tickets or simply enjoy the experience of the park without riding and enter for free – there is no purchase required to visit Family Kingdom.
There are plenty of other free things to do in Myrtle Beach, from visiting the actual beach to free concert series and movie nights all over town, making it easy to take a trip to Myrtle Beach on a budget.
Wondering how much restaurants cost per person in Myrtle Beach? It depends on where you dine. There are a variety of restaurants in Myrtle Beach, from beachside snack shacks to fine dining. Here are a few highlights:
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Peaches Corner: a Myrtle Beach icon and old-school diner with classic burgers, fries, and shakes
Big Mike’s Soul Food: local favorite serving up southern-style comfort food like fried chicken, collard greens, and mac and cheese
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The Bowery: gastropub offering gourmet burgers and unique takes on classic pub fare, plus an impressive selection of craft beers
Bummz Beach Cafe: beachfront cafe in Myrtle Beach with a diverse menu offering seafood, chicken, pasta, and sandwiches with oceanfront views and occasional live music
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Greg Norman Australian Grille: upscale waterfront restaurant in Myrtle Beach with exotic Australian dishes, tender steaks, and fresh seafood, plus extensive wine, tequila, and bourbon lists
Hook & Barrel: seasonally-driven restaurant in Myrtle Beach that focuses on fresh, sustainable seafood and features an award-winning raw bar
The best month to visit Myrtle Beach depends on what you need from your vacation! Some vacationers swear by the quiet, slow pace of Myrtle Beach in the winter for a relaxing trip, while others plan their visit around the hottest weather to enjoy the sparkling water of the coast.
The more you plan, the more you can see! Most visitors take 2-3 days in Myrtle Beach, but we always recommend staying as long as you can to enjoy this amazing coastal town.
The cheapest month to visit Myrtle Beach is typically during the winter months, when vacationers can take advantage of snowbird specials and spring for a more luxurious stay than during the summer.
The cost of your trip to Myrtle Beach will vary based on many factors, from the size of your group and where you’re traveling from to the activities you choose while you’re here and where you dine. Your accommodations will also have an impact on cost, especially when taking into consideration that your hotel may come with on-site amenities that can cut activity costs for your group.
Ready to begin planning your trip to Myrtle Beach? Start your planning with Monterey Bay Suites, an oceanfront resort in Myrtle Beach with a perfect location, luxurious accommodations, and plenty of on-site amenities for fun, relaxation, and convenience.
The best time to visit Myrtle Beach is June through August, perfect weather for splashing around in the Atlantic and lying on the beach! But, Myrtle Beach is truly beautiful year round and anytime is a great time to come stay on the Grand Strand.
Hot Events to Catch This Summer in Myrtle Beach Get ready for a summer filled with music, laughter, and unforgettable experiences along the Grand Strand!
