myrtle beach
 

I am dreading my choice of a summer vacation at Myrtle Beach. Everything I read says how bad Myrtle Beach is. We fly into Myrtle Beach International Airport. We have 3 daughters (20, 17 & 14). We love the ocean. We thought of renting a condo on the north end of Myrtle beach on the ocean but now wonder if we should go elsewhere. We read that Hilton Head is not worth it either. Any suggestions on where we should look. We want to hang at the beach….find shells, swim, visit cute little towns. It's my 50th and just want to spend quality time with my family. Don't want the craziness of the boardwalk. People suggested going north of downtown Myrtle Beach. Any suggestions? We have rented a car for the week so we can drive to another area once we get off the plane. HELP.

Litchfield and Pawley's Island both have what you want, I believe, and are close enough to Myrtle (ugh) Beach that you won't feel you have made a mistake by flying there.

Litchfield and Pawley's Island are laid back but within day trip range of Charleston, and your girls can go to Myrtle Beach for the day or evening if they want to enjoy a kid-focused scene or play miniature golf.

VRBO or Homeaway for houses.

Ack beat me to it!! Look at Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort for possible rentals.
The beach is not crowded, there are pools, tennis courts. Best seafood on the coast in Murrell's Inlet 5 miles up the road. Brookgreen Gardens for an afternoon of gardens and sculpture.
MB airport is a great entry, however--small and easy to get in and out of.
AND don't miss going to Georgetown (15 minutes south) for an afternoon of shopping and lunch. And its historic district is wonderful--old Revolutionary War era homes plus great Victorian.

Agreeing with the two previous posts. More relaxed feel, but still within a short drive to MB if you choose other activities. Huntington Beach State Park (across from Brookgreen Gardens) is one of our favorite places to relax. And we agree, Murrells Inlet has great seafood! Hampton Plantation is a short drive away, if you enjoy historical sites. You could also easily drive to Charleston for a day trip, although I would suggest perhaps spending a night or two there to fully appreciate the area. Very easy to explore on foot - spend the day taking a carriage ride thru the historical streets, stroll thru the market/shops, tour some of the historical homes, eat at great restaurants, etc.
Don't stress out; just have fun!

Don't look to North Myrtle Beach as some quiet oasis away from the crowds. It's not much better than Myrtle proper -- lots of chain restaurants, T-short shops, traffic, etc.

What's your budget?

The Sea Islands all have their own different level.

Some like Sullivans or Kiawah are extremely expensive, other not so financially demanding.

How much do you want to pay a week and how far you you drive from the airport.

I agree with the other comments about MB.

It is about as bad as it gets, mile after mile of below average nothingness.

HH is like a slightly upper market MB. Much smaller but completely lacking any character.

We've rented condos in North Myrtle Beach many times. The beach is beautiful. It may not be everyone's cup of tea but I think MB is a fun place to go with kids your children's age. Lots to do, or not. As I said the beach itself is really nice. VRBO or Homeaway has a large selection of oceanfront properties.

You can also look North of NMB. - Try Brunswick County, NC. There is Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle, Holden Beach, Oak Island. All good too. Good luck and have fun!

THANKS EVERYONE! We would like to pay, out the door, $2000. I will check out what your recommended bankbabe. I did look at Litchfield and Pawley's Island but way more than we wanted and can spend. Keep the info coming.
It is greatly appreciated.

Is that for one or two weeks.

There are many house rentals on the Sea Island for $1500 to $2000 a week.

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-ren...b?flspusage=fl

Is just an example in Murells Inlet. Houses with docks are really good fun, fishing, swimming, and watching the dolphins go by.

That is interesting, and we were just there last week. Murrell's Inlet is "happening" these days. A LOT of new housing construction and places to eat
BUT I will say that being on the inlet would not equal the ocean!!
But the idea to look for VRBO in Pawley's, etc. is a good one.
I think the money mentioned is slim for in season but depends on how much space is desired also.

When are you going? You might want to book soon. You may be finding few things within that budget because they're rented already.

I booked our place today in Kingston. It is north of Myrtle Beach. Our condo is on the ocean…great views…pools…lots to do on site. Now I need more info on where to dine. I turn 50 while there so would like a fun, trendy great restaurant. We love Italian, Asian….everything. Kids don't like seafood but we do. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Re Kinston restaurant for 50th birthday -
http://chefandthefarmer.com/

Two interesting places for you to try.

Parson's Table in Little River. It is an old church converted into a restaurant. It has a huge collection of stained glass church windows that were rescued from churches that were being torn down. We have eaten there many times and always enjoyed it. Little River is North of where you are, but not far. The church is a block or so off the road to the right.

The House of Blues. They have a great Sunday Brunch with excellent live gospel music. Other times, they also have live music with good Southern food, everything from ribs to cobblers, all good and all homemade. It is a fun place and they have a store with things like harmonicas. Not far from you either, but can't remember the exact location.

starrs, Kingston is a NMB development. It's a long way from Kinston. :)

I have a friend with a place at Oak Island. She likes the Captain's Table.

Oops! Sorry!

thanks everyone!

If your family likes great Austrian food
Cafe Ole Vienna is highly rated on TA
I don't get up to MB often, but if I go I make reservations at this authentic
restaurant. Its on the small side. They
moved to a new spot,but still small.
They have added a beer garten also
And they are located within a block to the new boardwalk and skywheel
My kids and grandkid love the boardwalk, piers and the skywheel
Broadway at the beach is nice too.
The Sea Captains House is a good
Ocean front restaurant
And I second the House of Blues at Barefoot Landing.
If I think of anything else I will post it.
Have Fun, Kingston Plantation is a Beautiful and safe place.
Less crowded Beautiful clean beaches.