Myrtle Beach and sister city North Myrtle Beach are the east coast’s family summer vacation spots. This is discerned by the incredible number of miniature golf courses and the interminable amount of pancake houses. And the two are often found together on the Grand Strand!
Every theme for miniature golf is here, from airplanes to jungles to pirates, and blue water is everywhere, flowing down lava mountains and spouting from elephant trunks. Play all day for $5 at most of the locations. There is even a local top 10 list of favorites.
The pancake houses have themes too, from Golden Egg to Omega, National and International. Apparently a favorite with the younger crowd early in the morning.
The area is famous for seafood though, and Murrell’s Inlet is a great spot to try she-crab soup at Dead Dog Saloon and the catch of the day at Graham’s Landing. Seafood buffets line the main drag, with names like Giant Crab, Flying Fish and Noisy Oyster, and there is a top 5 list of these too. But don’t look for BBQ, the spots are few and far between and rarely open. Those that we tried were not good.
Myrtle Beach is also a haven for real golfers. There are over 80 regular courses, plus par 3’s, driving ranges and of course, golf shops.
Shopping is a theme here too, with regular malls like Broadway at the Beach and Coastal Grand Mall, outlet malls like Tanger, and upscale shopping in Market Commons and historic towns of Georgetown and Conway. You can get a handmade hammock on Pawley’s Island or a bathing suit at Ron Jon’s or Alvin’s.
Family activities abound here, and there is someone for everyone. Check out alligators or plantations, fishing, shelling, horseback 
riding, helicopter rides, or theme restaurants like MagiQuest or Medieval Times. Or kick back on the beach at Myrtle Beach State Park or Huntington’s State Park.
Highway 17 is the main drag, and even during the week before the big spring break week it was one long traffic jam. There are options like 31 that will get you around the snarl.
North Myrtle Beach’s claim to fame is the dance called The Shag, popular in the 40’s 50’s and 60’s as ‘beach music’ developed. A local club – Fat Harold’s – still teaches the dance on Tuesday nights. And you can buy the right dance shoes just down the street.
Myrtle Beach has something for everyone. If you have not been it is worth a trip. With it’s history, golf and beaches you will connect with Myrtle Beach.
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Edward says
May 11, 2013 at 8:34 pmI’ve heard that Myrtle Beach was the perfect place to get away and play some golf, but I had no idea about the pancake houses. Thanks for sharing this great tip!