Myrtle Beach: The Ultimate Spring Beach Escape on South Carolina's Grand Strand
If life hasn't been a beach lately, Myrtle Beach on South Carolina's legendary 60-mile Grand Strand offers the perfect remedy. With ample space to unwind and budget-friendly spring activities under the sun, this coastal gem beckons families, couples, friends, or solo travelers alike.
Even returning visitors will discover fresh attractions and revitalized favorites. Here are five must-do experiences to plan your getaway:
You Can Get an Instant Megadose of Spring on Arrival
Shake off winter blues at Brookgreen Gardens, a National Historic Landmark and former estate of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington. Spring brings vibrant blooms like foxglove, mountain bluet, snapdragons, daffodils, azaleas, roses, silverbells, and flowering dogwood.
The gardens also host must-see events. Catch Black Southern Bells by Gullah artist Sonja Griffin Evans, a Pan African Cultural Heritage Institute Fellow, on display until March 31 as part of the gardens' acclaimed Gullah Geechee programming.
Don't miss the Rosen Galleries' inaugural exhibition, Wild World: 200 Years of Nature in Art (Feb. 27-May 23), featuring masters like William Curtis, John Gould, and Rosa Bonheur with their botanical and ornithological masterpieces.
Families with kids will love the Lowcountry Zoo's native wildlife, including alligators, river otters, red and gray foxes.
The Natural World Outside Those Walls Is Even More Amazing
Beyond the gardens, Huntington Beach State Park—another Huntington estate gem—spans three miles of pristine shoreline, marshes, forests, and dunes, creating an idyllic preserve.
Home to over 300 bird species, it's a top Southeast birding spot. Spring highlights include roseate spoonbills and ruby-throated hummingbirds, plus alligators, sea turtles, and minks. Stay at the renovated campgrounds for an immersive experience with ocean waves as your lullaby.
Myrtle Beach State Park offers nature trails and prime surf- and pier-fishing. Explore the expanding East Coast Greenway, starting with the easy Waccamaw Neck Bikeway through coastal and forested paths.
Foodies Always Have More to Show Up For
Savor Southern specialties with stunning views. Crooked Hammock Brewery's new North Myrtle Beach spot features Tortuga Island pier bar for sunsets and fire-pit hangs with craft brews, fried bread and butter pickles, or honey fried chicken sandwiches.
Join Carolina Food Tours' Marshwalk in Murrells Inlet for shrimp and grits, fried flounder, inlet vistas, and wildlife like egrets and pelicans.
DIY your tour on the BBQ and chicken bog trails. Hyperlocal spots like Aynor's Radd Dew’s serve ribs, fried chitterlings, vinegar BBQ, corn casserole, biscuits, hush puppies, peach cobbler, and banana pudding—call ahead for hours.
Beat the Crowds to the Boardwalk
Spring at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk means fun without the summer rush. The SkyWheel celebrates its 10th anniversary in May with refurbished gondolas and a dazzling new lighting system.
At Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, the new Penguin Playhouse—largest expansion ever—houses African penguins with a viewable nursery.
Or simply stroll for ocean views and treats like Mad Myrtle’s Ice Creamery.
Every Golfer’s Got Game Here
Myrtle Beach is a golf mecca for all levels. Beginners: Myrtle Beach National's West Course—easiest per USGA, with wide fairways, large greens, and pine backdrops.
Intermediates: Arcadian Shores by Rees Jones, with tree-lined fairways, bunkers, lakes, and contours.
Advanced: TPC Myrtle Beach, former Dustin Johnson home, five-star Golf Digest pick with Tom Fazio's championship layout.
Try disc golf at Splinter City or mini-golf legends like Mount Atlanticus—Myrtle Beach is the mini golf capital.
Ready to Go?
Check out these hotel offers that save up to 35%, discover ways to enjoy social distancing in Myrtle Beach with outdoor adventures, and start planning your vacation to Myrtle Beach.
