Decisions, decisions! We are driving from central GA to somewhere on the beach, and can't decide where-Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach? We're looking at mid-July, 4 nights (so condo rentals are out), and we have 3 kids between 5 and 7. They have never been to the beach, so that will be the big thing, but they are waterbugs in general so pools are good too. It looks like both places have good hotels with good kids activities, and MB are running about $100/night cheaper for what we need. However, HHI is a 4-4.5 hr drive for us, and MB is a 6-6.5 hr drive, which with 3 kids can be....difficult. The longest driving trip they've ever been on is 4 hours. So what do you think is our best bet?

I like both. It is kinda like asking me which is my favorite aunt. One cooks and the other has great taste in clothes (which she passes down.)

Hilton Head is slower paced. The resorts are quiet. Sometimes of day there is bumper to bumper traffic from the interstate to the beach, but for the most part traffic is better than Myrtle. If you don't want to be stuck in the traffic avoid leaving the island at 5:30 p.m. and consider not checking out on Sunday. There is less for kids to do at HHI. But who needs a four story waterpark if you have the beach?

Myrtle has tons to do if it rains. It is now a year round destination.

Don't give up on finding a condo however. Because of reduced flight schedules and the price of gas, villa owners are eager to split weeks. Try www.vrbo.com.

MB. It's kids place. HHI is a rich kkid's place.

4th of July will be limited availability and higher pricing in both destinations. Kids love Myrtle Beach, but the HHI has a great beach as well.

At HH check out the Holiday Inn. Search hotel locations on Forrest Beach.

If you go to HHI, take your kids to Greg Russell's concert at Harbor Town one night. The show is special for kids your age.

Have fun.

If your kids will be happy with just beach, sand, surf and pool, then HHI. If they need more stimulation (water parks, goony golf, etc) then take them to Myrtle.

I would definitely choose HHI, especially for the drive. Did MB once from Atlanta and that drive was painful.

Go to the closest beach.

I'd go to the Oceanside Inn and Suites on Jekyll Island if I were you. Nice pool, flat lawn for the kids to run on and oceanfront too. Perfect place for a family with a 5, 6 and 7 year old. And get an efficiency room with a kitchenette. Some families park their little red wagons full of beach toys just outside the patio door for the week. And, rent bikes and ride around the island - or one of the pedal carts. There's a mini-golf place too. And, closer to home with 3 kids in the car.

I always vote for HHI but the 4 nite stay is tough. Please let us know if you can find a reasonable place to stay. Price might force you to MB.

I'm with Brian in Charlotte, the Atlanta to MB drive is tough. And if it's just the water your kids want, Hilton Head has beautiful beaches and resorts, will be a little less crowded, etc.

This is just informational, because I don't know if it matters to you (and I don't know either if Myrtle Beach is any different), but we were very surprised by the beach in HHI, which is very wide, but also very hard/packed sand, none of that white fluffy stuff you get in Hawaii or Florida. Great for walking on, not at attractive or great for playing in. (We still enjoyed HHI very much, but again, we were surprised).

I think HH is less developed than Myrtle Beach - more upscale, although I am sure Myrtle has some very nice accomodations as well. There is a range of accomodations on HH as well - the higher priced ones tend to be in the "plantations", Forest Beach has more reasonable ones. We love Sea Pines, there are several Marriott properties there where I think you do not need to rent for an entire week. Even if you do not stay in Sea Pines, try to go to see Greg Russell - I think you and the children will enjoy it. Also Sea Pines is wonderful for bike riding if you enjoy that. Have a nice trip!