There’s something special about Myrtle Beach. 

A certain aura, a rare blend of southern charm and coastal calm, distinguishes it from a beach to The Beach. With 14 unique communities and 60 miles of pristine coastline, this seaside retreat offers the perfect setting for any traveler. From exploring waterfront dining and recharging in luxurious hotel accommodations to simply relaxing or strolling the boardwalk, Myrtle Beach is where you belong.

A Sun and Sand Experience to Sink Into

Imagine stretching out without bumping into a sunbathing neighbor face down in the sand, lost in their own Myrtle Beach moment, or indulging in an intimate romantic stroll on a vast beach that feels like your own. Or running the coastline for an epic exercise journey, breathing in the coastal air as you zip by without interruption. With 60 miles of pristine, continuous beachscape, Myrtle Beach’s bountiful sun and sand offer visitors their own slice of paradise. The Grand Strand, as it’s commonly known, invokes an unrivaled sense of peace and tranquility through its unique combination of coastal charm and southern hospitality.

This endless scene of the open ocean makes for a wondrous morning watching the sunrise. Feel refreshed and renewed as the rising sun melts away any stress or anxiety. With many hotels offering beachside access, this magical moment can be achieved in just a few steps. Be sure to make this a must on your wellness retreat.

In addition to the abundance of beach-bum activities, Myrtle Beach’s famous boardwalk makes a strong case to put shoes on. With over a mile of coastline-facing festivities, the Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade features a nostalgic assortment of beach shops, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment. From the retro vintage signs above to the hollow steps of the recycled planks popping with seascape tones, there is a picturesque opportunity around every corner. Take a moment to snap a photo with the iconic SkyWheel Myrtle Beach in the backdrop. Standing 187 feet tall, this timeless landmark will reverberate in your pictures for years.

Local Cuisine: Southern Hospitality with Sustainability in Mind

Rooted in regional flavors and sustainable practices, the Myrtle Beach gastronomy scene combines Southern comfort with ocean-to-table freshness. With over 2,000 restaurants and a diverse offering of local, sustainable flavors, Myrtle Beach is as much a foodie destination as it is a beachside getaway.

For an authentic waterfront dining experience, Wicked Tuna features a chef-driven menu that exemplifies their hook-to-table philosophy. With two locations, one off a pier near the Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade and the other in Murrells Inlet, Wicked Tuna celebrates the beauty of South Carolina’s coastal elegance and saltwater estuaries with an Atlantic-inspired fare. The famous Fish & Chips combines a tempura-coated local catch of the day, wonderfully fried to a golden fluffiness, with crispy fries and hushpuppies. Pair it with a refreshing Blackberry Smash or a local brew.

Not to be overlooked, Myrtle Beach is quickly rising to Southern BBQ destination status with local favorites like Swig & Swine. Located in the revitalizing Arts & Innovation District near downtown, this edgy eatery is smoking up hits like turkey, brisket, ribs, and, of course, pulled pork. This Southern delicacy is served shredded, steaming, and juicy for your sandwich-building, taco-bending enjoyment. With an array of house-made sauces, choose the Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce, as it pairs well with this type of regional BBQ.

Laid Back Luxury with Coastal Charm

There’s no shortage of stellar hotel options in Myrtle Beach. Whether you’re looking for a downtown boardwalk experience near family fun and entertainment or a more secluded beach escape, there’s an option for any traveler.

The Embassy Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach combines awe-inspiring views, unique amenities, vibrant bars, and exceptional dining to create the ultimate beachside retreat. Located in the heart of the luxurious Kingston Resorts, this recently renovated property is just steps from the beachscape, offering an oceanfront oasis for family fun or romantic excursions. Enchanted mornings await as the sun seeps into your ocean-facing room and crashing waves call you out of bed. Relax mid-day in a hanging hammock and bubbling hot tub before dining at the Coastal Grill & Bar or Black Drum Brewing. With plenty of onsite options and shuttle service, restaurants and retail experiences are just minutes away.

An All-Season Escape

Of course, the beach is divine during the dog days of summer. After all, Myrtle Beach serves up some of the best sun, sand, and surf this side of the U.S. But even as thermometers drop for the fall and winter, Myrtle Beach offers something to celebrate no matter what season you decide to visit. The small suburb of Conway officially transforms into the City of Halloween. For the past three years, this South Carolina community has truly embraced the spooky season with a list of Halloween events, earning the unique moniker and joining other American cities with peculiar names like Swift City, Arizona, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, and Miracle Whip, Florida. And as we embrace the winter season — with sunny days stretching well into early evening hours — Myrtle Beach offers visitors and locals a certain charm that cannot be replicated elsewhere. With an enchanting schedule of events and magical boardwalk strolls adorned with lights and cheer, Myrtle Beach is your ultimate destination for four-season festivities.

 Start planning your visit to Myrtle Beach here.

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Cover photo Photo courtesy Visit Myrtle Beach.

Martin Ramirez is a brisket-eating, Shiner-loving, road-tripping enthusiast of all things Texas. This Dallas-born writer / adventurer is ready to take his ‘78 El Camino to find the best in food, fun, and fitness throughout the Lone Star State.