Flight and hotel Myrtle Beach
An introduction to Myrtle Beach
Located at the center of the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is a popular beach destination stretching some 60 miles along the coast of South Carolina. The earliest travellers here were the Spaniards from Hispaniola. In 1526, the US saw its first European settlement here, and since the 1800s, Myrtle Beach has been a fully residential area and a vacationer’s paradise.
What to know before booking your flight to and hotel in Myrtle Beach
The area is served by Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR). There are regular flights from Washington to Myrtle Beach and from the other major destinations such as Detroit, New York, Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale and Boston, carrying both domestic and international travellers. Flights to and hotels in Myrtle Beach are best booked months in advance if you plan to visit during the peak season of May to August. If you want to explore the area on your own, there are car rental agencies at the airport.
When to book your Myrtle Beach flight and hotel
Getaways to Myrtle Beach are pleasant any time thanks to its year-round good weather – the only things that change are the crowd and events. Ideally, the best time to enjoy the sea is from June to August, which usually brings only a few afternoon showers. As this is the peak season, all attractions are open, and the festival calendar is full. The Carolina Country Music Fest and the Sun Fun Festival, celebrating the beach’s travel scene, are held in June. On the 4th of July, there are spectacular fireworks displays by the water. The Myrtle Beach World Amateur Handicap Championship, an annual golf tournament with over 3,000 players, is held in August. With 300 women competing, it is one of the world’s largest women’s golf championships. The Craftsmen's Classic Arts and Crafts Festival is also held in August.
Vacation packages in Myrtle Beach are relatively low from March through July, when the temperatures are warmer and college students fill the beach for spring break. Oceanfront homes are available at much cheaper rates. You can book your weekend getaways in Myrtle Beach during golf season, which is at its peak from February through May and mid-September through November. Weekend getaways in Myrtle Beach during March and April are particularly popular, with fun events such as the National Shag Dance Championships, St Patrick's Day Festival and Parade, and the Rivertown Jazz Festival.
For active getaways in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach, full of amusement parks complete with water slides, race tracks and roller coasters, offers plenty of thrills during your beach vacation. The area provides excellent entertainment and loads of options for excursions and sports. Some ways to celebrate your getaway in Myrtle Beach:
- Visit the Carolina Opry, Legends in Concert and Alabama Theatre for world-class live entertainment.
- Golf on the areas ~100 courses, which cater to every skill level.
- Check out Myrtle Waves, the largest water park on the US East Coast.
- Take part in aquatics, martial arts, dance classes, basketball, tennis, hockey, soccer, football, and skateboarding at the area's recreation centres.
- Read a book at the library and shop at the farmers' market.
- Go swimming, camping, biking, fishing and hiking at Myrtle Beach State Park, a short excursion from the Grand Strand beach.
Which attractions are often included in Myrtle Beach vacation packages?
With several connecting flights from New York, Myrtle Beach sees a huge influx of vacationers, with an annual footfall of 14 million visitors. Some 100,000 travellers visit from overseas. Most international flights to Myrtle Beach bring visitors from the United Kingdom, Canada and Germany. With 60 miles of golden, sandy beaches, Myrtle Beach is one of the East Coast’s best family hotspots for lounging by the sea. Besides the beaches, some must-see attractions to include in your Myrtle Beach getaway are as follows:
- WonderWorks, where you can explore an amazing upside-down house.
- Ripley's Aquarium, which offers a peek at underwater life.
- Pirate's Voyage and Medieval Times, which both offer unlimited thrills and adventure for families with kids.
- The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, which has been ranked the 3rd-best boardwalk in the country by National Geographic.
- Brookgreen Gardens, to stroll through the greenery.
- Conway Riverwalk, which offers a romantic getaway in Myrtle Beach, away from the hustle and bustle.
- Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, for enjoying nature at its best.
What to eat In Myrtle Beach
With more than 1,900 restaurants, Myrtle Beach has something to suit every taste and budget. Often called the 'seafood capital of South Carolina', Myrtle Beach boasts excellent dining options such as The Pier House Restaurant and Pier View Bar and Seafood House Calabash Buffet. Venture down Kings Highway, called the 'Restaurant Row' by locals, to choose from a variety of cuisine. Some visitor favourites include Aspen Grille, Sole Italian Restaurant and Fire & Smoke.
What souvenirs can you bring home from Myrtle Beach?
Shopping is must, whether you're on a long vacation or short weekend getaway in Myrtle Beach. Look for the perfect gift for your loved one or some lovely trinkets for yourself at one of the area's many shopping areas, such as Coastal Grand Mall, Broadway at the Beach, The Market Common and Barefoot Landing. If you're seeking typical souvenirs of your Myrtle Beach getaway, shot glasses, boogie boards, coffee mugs and ashtrays abound. Kitsch fans will be pleased to find plenty of water-monster-themed paraphernalia such as alligator heads, shark frames and shark mugs.