Family memories seem to shine a little brighter when they’re made in the presence of sandy shores full of shells and sharks teeth. That’s why when it comes to planning family vacations, beaches are a tried-and-true favorite. While mom and dad relax with a good book and their feet in the sand, granddad enjoys building sandcastles and splashing around in the shallow surf with their grandchildren.
If you’re looking for a multi-generational-friendly vacation destination that adults and children alike will adore South Carolina’s Surfside Beach.
For those who like to vacation in quiet areas, Surfside Beach, located just south of the popular Myrtle Beach, offers a variety of vacation homes and condos overlooking gorgeous, pristine beaches. These vacation homes and multi-room condos are perfect for multi-generational travel or other big groups.
The perfect family vacation calls for the perfect accommodations. Whether your preference is a small cozy motel on the beach, a resort hotel with all the amenities, a condo, or a beach cottage overlooking the Atlantic, Surfside Beach has it all.
Oceanfront Relaxation at Surfside Beach
If you prefer a hotel, check out the Holiday Inn Resort Oceanfront at Surfside Beach.
Once we settled comfortably in one of their cozy beachfront rooms, with two queen-sized beds and a balcony we slid open glass sliding doors eager to soak up the ocean view. Following two days on the road, we were ready to unwind and enjoy the balmy weather under the shade of palm trees while enjoying cocktails and some snacks by a spectacular oceanfront pool.
Spend your days sunning on our oceanfront pool deck, then enjoy your evenings by the fire pit while listening to your favourite music. Every day is an opportunity to relax…listen to the ocean waves…soak up the sun and discover hidden treasures tucked into this quiet residential community.
Time for something to eat, you can dine with a view at their Saltaire Coastal Kitchen and Bar and indulge in creative dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
If your family wants a Myrtle Beach vacation, but the grandparents prefer a quieter, more peaceful destination, then Surfside Beach and the Holiday Inn Resort Oceanfront, at Surfside Beach is the perfect location. https://www.hisurfsidebeach.com/
Myrtle Beach
As we drove just minutes north of Surfside Beach, a blanket of white sand sloped toward the sea, gulls glide overhead, waves curl and the sounds of children playing sounded our arrival to Myrtle Beach. Against a backdrop of blue ocean, this coastal town is awash with amenities, adventure and good old-fashioned family fun.
Myrtle Beach, named for the myrtle trees in the area, is in the middle of a 60-mile stretch of beaches called the Grand Strand.
Many think this is just a golfer’s destination, but are surprised to find that many vacationers don’t even pack their clubs. It’s truly a complete year-round family vacation destination with something for all ages.
The beach may be the biggest draw, but that’s just the beginning of all the fun and excitement that awaits visitors.
Choose from amusement parks offering roller coasters, Ferris wheels and chills and thrills for kids of all ages. Water parks are another way to cool off.
A round or two
It’s well-known that Myrtle Beach is the miniature golf capital of the world. A visit to the South Carolina coast isn’t quite complete without going for at least one hole in one. With so many to choose from, you will find links featuring caves, slopes, dinosaurs, exotic critters, waterfalls, and maybe a pirate or two, these Myrtle Beach mini golf courses are our best bets for multi-generational-friendly fun.
Miniature golf courses challenge everyone and give all those budding Tiger Woods a place to practice. We played four fun courses; Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf, Jurassic Golf, Jungle Safari Mini Golf and Shipwreck Island Mini Golf.
Taking inspiration from the magical tale of Peter Pan, Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf is a popular pick for the whole family thanks to its many familiar faces. Travel to Neverland for a retelling of the fabled story, complete with the Darling siblings, the Lost Boys, and Tinkerbell, all with a mini-golf spin.
Elephants, zebras, giraffes, oh my! Jungle Safari Mini Golf is where visitors will encounter life-size animal figures in Myrtle Beach’s own savanna. If you have an animal lover or two in your family, they’ll love taking on the 18-hole course in the jungle.
Our round at Jurassic Golf, is located in one small slice of paradise, commonly known as Myrtle Beach, was spared from destruction from the giant meteorite that made dinosaurs extinct so long ago. Even today, you’ll find plenty of dinosaurs roaming through Jurassic Golf, cheering you on from the sidelines.
The Myrtle Maiden pirate ship has wrecked atop a mini-golf reef and now the treasure is missing! Enjoy Shipwreck Island Mini Golf, a pirate-themed course which features waterfalls, shipwrecks, and sharks, ideal for the most adventurous group of mini golfers.
Rainy day blues, not in Myrtle Beach
Even when it rains there is so much to do. We pack our umbrellas and head to Broadway on the Beach. This entertainment park, full of theatres, shops, restaurants, nightclubs and its own 23 acre lake, also has some of the best attractions that Myrtle Beach has to offer.
Enjoy the underwater world at Ripley’s Aquarium
At Ripley’s Aquarium, the world of the oceans comes to life right before your eyes. Guests venture along a 330 foot long underwater moving sidewalk that brings you face-to-face with 12-foot sharks, stingrays, turtles, moray eels and thousands of underwater creatures. https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/myrtlebeach/
Broadway at the Beach
Broadway at the Beach is an outdoor shopping and entertainment center at the heart of Myrtle Beach with tons of shops and activities. We browsed around and had fun checking out all the shops and entertainment centers. We even bought a thing or two. Well, the ladies did.
Simpsons 4D
It was one of those hot days at the beach, so we took refuge from the heat at the Simpsons in 4D exhibit. This Simpsons themed exhibit was such a fun time for everyone! The Simpsons in 4D is an interactive exhibit that recreates the Aztec Theater and Kwik-E-Mart down to the tiny details, and the Kwik-E-Mart actually functions as a real convenience store with prices you would expect from the gas station down the street. If you are a Simpsons fan then this is a must. https://si4d.com/
Brookgreen Gardens
One of our favourite attractions is a short drive south. Brookgreen Gardens, located between Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island, is considered the finest outdoor presentation of American figurative sculpture in the world. Brookgreen was created in the early 1930s by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington on the site of four former rice plantations. The Gardens contain their famous sculpture garden, Lowcountry history and wildlife preserve, and acres of native plants and animals.
Brookgreen Gardens is a beautiful outdoor attraction this historical property was once a working rice plantation, but is now an award-winning sculpture garden that boasts a variety of sculptures, flowers, plants, and animals. Guests can take a walking tour, or book a spot on a boat tour or an overland excursion.
Of course, families won’t want to miss the Lowcountry Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens, which features local Lowcountry animals such as otters, bald eagles, alligators, foxes, and much more!
The Lowcountry Zoo is the only zoo on the coast of North and South Carolina that is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums – America’s most respected organization for zoos and aquariums. The zoo features a collection of animals native to the woods, swamps and waters of the Lowcountry, along with domestic animals of the plantation and cypress aviary. https://www.brookgreen.org/
I’ve only touched on a couple of our favourite Myrtle Beach attractions. There are so many others to enjoy.
It’s show time!
The sun may be setting over the ocean, but that’s hardly the time to head for your hotel room. Myrtle Beach is home to some top-notch entertainment. So, while in town it is a must to see a show or two.
Carolina Opry
Our first show was the spectacular The Carolina Opry, enjoying the toe tapping music of two shows Carolina Opry and Good Vibrations. The entire family will enjoy live country music, rock ‘n roll, dance numbers, and old-fashioned musical entertainment.
If you are at the beach during the holiday season, don’t miss the Carolina Opry Myrtle Beach Christmas Special. Known as the ‘ Christmas Show of the South,’ the Opry Christmas is complete with real snow, horse-drawn sleighs, and award-winning costuming and special effects! For the production, the theatre is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with 75 wreaths, over 5 miles of tree lighting wire, countless ornaments, and of course, over 35 Christmas trees, including a 30-foot lobby tree with 25,000 lights.
This is a must-see music show when you visit the Myrtle Beach area at any time of the year. https://thecarolinaopry.com/
Alabama Theatre
Another of the Grand Strand’s favorite entertainment attractions, Alabama Theatre offers area visitors an evening of singing, dancing, and comedy. Opened by country superstar group Alabama over 20 years ago, Alabama Theatre is a popular attraction bringing visitors from all over to experience the musical variety show.
This year Alabama Theatre is proud to present their brand new variety show…ICONIC! Featuring new and fantastic choreography, an updated song selection, and more comedy, thrills, and entertainment.
Then, once the holiday spirit starts to fill the air, the Alabama Theatre hosts their famous South’s Grandest Christmas Show, bringing the joy of the Holiday Season to the stage. Filled with popular holiday songs, festive dance, spirited comedy, and even a possible appearance from the man in red, himself. This is one family experience that everyone will remember and enjoy!
With Iconic, The South’s Grandest Christmas Show, and guest entertainers, Alabama Theatre has something for everyone. https://www.alabama-theatre.com/
Tummies won’t go hungry in Myrtle Beach
And if you’re hungry, you’re in luck. Over 2,000 restaurants of Myrtle Beach cater to every taste under the sun.
The Giant Crab
We didn’t eat much for breakfast or lunch the first day, as we knew we were in for a treat at one of the Strand’s largest all-you-can-eat restaurants the Giant Crab. Overlooking the Intercoastal Waterway in the restaurant row, this all-you-can- eat delight resembles an authentic Fisherman’s Wharf Village including a 50-foot lighthouse. But, the real eye catcher is the giant crab perched just above the entrance.
From the minute you see The Giant Crab, and your eyes go to the 170 item buffet, you know it’s not just another all-you-can-eat seafood buffet. Sure, it specializes in serving seafood, and items for non-seafood lovers, but it does so in such tremendously giant fashion. A crew that is never “crabby”, keeps the buffet well-stocked and, you guessed it, fresh. https://giantcrab.com
The Hangout
My family got to experience a new spot at Broadway at the Beach. The Hangout is a new gathering place for great food and family fun. It will also offer live music year-round both on indoor and outdoor stages
The Hangout has quickly become the place to be for great food and family fun in the Myrtle Beach area. The menu spotlights seasonal seafood dishes, beach side burgers, sandwiches, tacos, appetizers and sides prepared from scratch in a world-class, hi-tech kitchen designed to handle thousands of diners daily. The Hangout offers live music year-round on their dual indoor and outdoor stages.
The Hangout’s unique brand of family entertainment includes dancing and contests led by energetic cast members, a ton-of-fun sand pile, fire pits, and courtyard games. The 40,000 square foot destination will include a whimsical retail store and an assortment of unique art installations curated especially for this location, including a wall covered in rare antique lunch boxes, an enormous collection of Pez dispensers, a “wish wall” and other interactive and creative installations. Sports enthusiasts will have plenty of viewing options to catch the game on the numerous big screens.
“We are a great family dinner experience, with a live band every night 6-10pm, kids foam, kids games, kids sand area, outdoor games, slide in the restaurant, selfie areas, great food and an MC show every hour,” explains Michelle Day, Director of Sales, Marketing & Events. “It’s definitely an experience and even includes guests dancing on the tables.”
The Hangout is all about different generations coming together, making memories and experiencing many flavours of fun.
For more information, visit www.thehangout.com.
Dave and Busters
Another perennial family favourite located at Broadway at the Beach is Dave and Busters.
Here we journeyed to a new world full of exciting mini-game adventures to play and collect points for loot, bragging rights, and have tons of fun, with more to come!
Dave & Buster’s is the only place to eat, drink and play. It’s the most fun you’ll have at Broadway at the Beach.
We were treated to the latest chef-crafted dishes and after dinner played the hottest interactive games. This was the most fun you could have all under one roof.
https://www.daveandbusters.com/us/en/about/locations/myrtle-beach
Crooked Hammock Brewery
Another new fun spot was the Crooked Hammock Brewery recently opened at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach. This indoor and outdoor experience will include a pet-friendly beer garden, island bar, hammocks, fire pits, playground, as well as a restaurant.
For a simple and delicious meal in Myrtle Beach, you can’t go wrong with the Crooked Hammock Brewery. The wonderful setup is like someone created a brewery in your backyard without telling you. With large colorful hammocks strewn to the trees and repurposed barrels used as dining tables, this fantastic outdoor space is the perfect place for a beer, live music, a light lunch, and their famous giant pretzel.
Crooked Hammock’s onsite brewery features a 30 barrel system that makes seasonal brews, in addition to limited runs of their brewers’ whimsy.
The dog- and family-friendly brewery offers outdoor relaxation with hammocks, games and more. The kitchen offers a variety of elevated bar food, including nachos, burgers, and sandwiches. The Island Bar features 360 degree
“Come for the beer, stay for the swaying palms and bar swings.” www.crookedhammockbrewery.com
Myrtle Beach is a destination that has a little something for everyone and once you go, we are sure you’ll soon be back.
So if it’s the beach you crave, pack your bags, load up the grandkids and head south. Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach is only a two-day drive away. For more information on Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach vacations visitwww.visitmyrtlebeach.com or https://www.visitsurfsidebeach.com
