Though Myrtle Beach is a year-round destination, summer is the peak season for tourism when area attractions are in full swing. If you're heading to Myrtle Beach for a weekend getaway this summer, this itinerary will help you get the most out of your stay. Do you like luxury accommodations, mouth-watering food, and outdoor escapades? Then keep reading for a local's tip on the best places to go while visiting Myrtle Beach.
Getting to Myrtle Beach
Getting to Myrtle Beach by car is the most popular way visitors come to the area. Driving here means you'll be able to get up and down the Grand Strand and avoid the expense of a rental car. If driving isn't an option, you can fly to the Myrtle Beach International Airport, conveniently located in the heart of the Grand Strand. Reserve your rental car ahead of time, pick it up at the airport and quickly be on your way.
Where to Stay in Myrtle Beach
If you're looking for modern oceanfront accommodations that offer the comforts of home, you'll love Royal Palms Condominiums at Kingston Resort. These spacious condos are on the North end of Myrtle Beach, which is nice if you want a quiet retreat away from the crowds. Wake up and step out onto your private balcony, where you'll enjoy the fresh ocean air and a gorgeous ocean view. Whether visiting Myrtle Beach alone, traveling with a friend or partner, or bringing the whole family along, Royal Palms Condominiums has different floor plans that accommodate one person or ten people.
Unwind with a Relaxing Walk to Apache Pier
After traveling by car or plane and checking into your condo, you'll probably be ready to stretch out your legs and take a refreshing walk on the beach. From your condo, hit the sand and head south toward the Apache Pier, the longest wooden pier on the east coast, measuring 1,200 feet in length. Get an ice-cold drink at the pier restaurant, Croakers, and take a moment to enjoy the view of the Grand Strand. The Apache Pier is not too far from your Royal Palms condo, and it's a great way to start your weekend in Myrtle Beach.
Friday Night Dinner in Myrtle Beach
After walking on the beach and all that fresh ocean air, there's no doubt you're getting hungry. If you're ready for some of the best seafood in Myrtle Beach, plan on having dinner at Hook & Barrel. They are dedicated to serving well-prepared delectable foods and committed to sustainability. At Hook & Barrel, you'll find a fine selection of specialty cocktails and an impressive beer and wine list. Their distinctive menu offers a variety of dishes made with local and sustainably sourced produce and seafood. They also have chicken and beef options and luscious desserts to round out your meal. It's less than five miles from your condo, so you won't have to go too far away.
Saturday in Myrtle Beach
You've had a good night's sleep after a long day of travel, a visit to the pier, and a memorable seafood dinner. That's a good thing because the itinerary for Saturday is full of fun things to do. Your day starts with breakfast at The Sea Captains House, a local's favorite for over sixty years. Here, you'll get a delicious southern breakfast while enjoying a grand ocean view from your breakfast table.
After breakfast, it's time to restore your well-being with a rejuvenating massage at the Anderson Ocean Club Awakening Spa, conveniently located five avenues south of the Sea Captains House. The Awakening Spa offers massages, aromatherapy, facials, and body treatments. You can settle for a massage or create a custom package with a combination of their services. Awakening Spa is the #1 rated spa in Myrtle Beach, and the massages are excellent.
Now that you're feeling your best, it's time to refuel with lunch at Winna's Kitchen. They are open until 2 PM on Saturdays, so be sure to get there around noon. Winna's Kitchen offers a variety of comfort foods, so they're sure to have something to satisfy your taste. This bright and cheerful cafe would be easy to miss without my recommendation to check them out. They are conveniently located less than two miles from the spa.
It's time to get a better perspective on the Grand Strand. No better way to accomplish that than taking a ride on the Myrtle Beach Sky Wheel. This oceanfront observation wheel will take you 200 feet above sea level. You'll ride in a safe and secure, climate-controlled, fully enclosed gondola with large windows for taking in the view.
Ready for a stroll on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk? From the Sky Wheel, head south and stop at the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove along the way. This fun and unique gift shop has been a Myrtle Beach landmark for seventy years. You'll want to pop in and take a look around. They have a little bit of everything here.
It's five o'clock somewhere. That means it's time to enjoy some margaritas at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Restaurant. This award-winning entertainment destination is at center stage of Broadway at the Beach. Try some of their great island-inspired drinks at several of their unique bars. Their knowledgeable staff will answer any questions you may have and help you make your selections if you need help deciding. "Margaritaville is more than a restaurant; it's a state of mind."
After you've sampled your way through the margarita list, stop by Old Tyme Portraits for a fun souvenir photo. It's a few doors down from Margaritaville. Then, meander your way through the rest of Broadway at the Beach. This 350-acre shopping plaza has both nationally recognized and unique specialty shops to enjoy.
Though Broadway at the Beach has many restaurants to choose from, tonight, dinner will be served at Crave Italian Oven and Bar on North Kings Highway. They have classic Italian dishes and excellent New York-style, wood-fired pizzas. They offer a hundred bottles of wine and twenty different wines by the glass. Want to switch things up? They have an extensive selection of cordials, cognacs, whiskey, scotch, bourbon, mules, and cocktails. From Crave, it's a short six-mile drive back to the condo. Set your alarm for 5 AM. Tomorrow is another big day.
Sunday in Myrtle Beach
Your Sunday begins before dawn with a sunrise portrait session at Apache Pier. It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the pier, and you'll want to be there by 6 AM. I will meet you there and discuss a few things you'll need to know before your session begins. It's a quick 30-minute session, and you don't want to be late. Arriving on time allows me to capture the sunrise behind you, and you'll get beautiful keepsake photos to remind you of your weekend in Myrtle Beach.
There's no doubt that after a sunrise session and walking to the pier and back, you're ready for some fresh hot coffee and a hearty breakfast. For that, drive over to Blueberries Grill on North Kings Highway. You won't have to go too far because it’s only four miles from your condo. Try to be there by 7:15 AM to get in and out before the breakfast rush.
If you've stuck to your schedule thus far, you'll have enough time to eat breakfast and arrive at Black River Outdoors in Murrells Inlet by 8:45 AM. Today you'll learn about the ecology of the salt marsh on a two-hour guided kayak tour. Your guided inlet tour begins at 9 AM. Check your email confirmation for the exact meeting location.
Now, it's time to enjoy a waterfront lunch at Dead Dog Saloon, located on the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk. Dead Dog Saloon has a menu to die for. You can eat outdoors and enjoy a little more of that salty marsh air. Dead Dog Saloon is the perfect lunch spot to compliment your inlet kayak tour. You'll love the food and the view. After lunch, take a little stroll on the Marshwalk and check it out.
Your weekend in Myrtle Beach ends appropriately with an afternoon at Huntington Beach State Park. Here, you'll get three miles of undeveloped beach to enjoy. The park also has a nature center, wooded trails, and a castle to explore. After you tour the park, take it down a notch and relax on the beach for a while. Get rested for the trip home while you listen to the sounds of the Atlantic ocean.
I hope you enjoyed your stay here in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina!
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