Let me be upfront with you: the Grand Strand is not subtle. Sixty miles of continuous South Carolina coastline, anchored by Myrtle Beach at the center, and it leans into its identity as the Carolina coast’s entertainment capital with absolutely zero apology. There are amusement parks. There is mini golf everywhere. There is a boardwalk and a Ferris wheel and more restaurants than you could visit in a month. And if that sounds like your kind of beach vacation, or more importantly, if you have kids who would lose their minds at the sheer number of things to do, then the Grand Strand is going to deliver exactly what you’re looking for, and then some.
But here’s what people miss when they write the Grand Strand off as too commercial: it’s bigger and more varied than Myrtle Beach alone. Cherry Grove at the northern end is quiet and residential with a great fishing pier and a completely different energy from the strip. Surfside Beach earns its Family Beach nickname with a calmer, less commercial stretch that families with young kids especially love. And Murrells Inlet at the southern end is worth visiting purely for the MarshWalk, a half mile waterfront boardwalk lined with seafood restaurants serving some of the freshest catch on the coast, with almost none of the chaos of Myrtle Beach proper. The Grand Strand contains multitudes. You just have to know where to look.
Cherry Grove Beach in North Myrtle Beach, SC: home to the iconic 985-foot Cherry Grove Pier, wide uncrowded beaches, canal-side vacation rentals, and the best Southern seafood on the Grand Strand. Your complete family vacation guide.
Myrtle Beach offers miles of sand, family attractions, and plenty of seafood. Yet some of the Grand Strand’s best experiences lie beyond the city limits. A short drive opens the door to charming beach towns, historic waterfronts, nature preserves, and fantastic dining spots.
Whether you want a quieter beach, a scenic rental home, or fresh coastal cuisine, these day trips add variety to your vacation. Best of all, most destinations sit within two hours of Myrtle Beach.
Here are the best day trips from Myrtle Beach for beach lovers, foodies, and travelers seeking a memorable coastal adventure.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to sleep well, swim in a great pool, and wake up to Atlantic Ocean air. The 60-mile stretch of South Carolina coastline that runs from Little River down to Pawleys Island has more than 400 hotels and resorts. A lot of them charge a premium. But scattered among them, some right on the oceanfront, sit genuinely solid budget properties that deliver way more than their prices suggest.
Here’s what nobody tells you about the Grand Strand before your first visit: sixty miles of South Carolina coastline, a boardwalk humming with energy, and more beach bars than you can responsibly attempt to conquer in one trip.
Myrtle Beach isn’t just a family beach destination. It’s a genuine beach-bar paradise, where frozen daiquiris meet live bands, rooftop ocean views, and that specific kind of salty-air happiness you can’t manufacture anywhere else. Whether you want to dance on a rooftop at midnight or nurse a cold beer watching pelicans cruise the shoreline, the Grand Strand delivers.
Surfside Beach, known as the “Family Beach,” is a tranquil two-mile stretch of South Carolina coastline. It features an array of family-friendly amenities, including a fishing pier, a nearby water park, and diverse dining options. Recognized as an autism-friendly destination, it offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families seeking a low-key beach vacation.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a lively vacation destination featuring 60 miles of coastline, numerous theme parks, and over 1,800 restaurants. Ideal for families, it offers a sandy beach with warm waters, diverse accommodations like condos, and vibrant entertainment on its boardwalk, including the famous SkyWheel and various dining options.
North Myrtle Beach offers a perfect mix of relaxed beaches, delicious seafood, and vibrant nightlife across its nine-mile coastline. Merging four communities, it features unique neighborhoods catering to families and couples alike. Visitors can rent local accommodations, enjoy beach activities, and experience the Carolina Shag dance, making it a memorable vacation destination.