Myrtle Beach holidays

The self-proclaimed ‘Golf Capital of the World’ swings big with more than 90 courses and enough putting greens to keep you chipping away for weeks. Holidays to Myrtle Beach don’t end at the fairway, however. Enjoy idyllic beach boardwalks, best-in-class barbecue and the kind of laid-back Southern charm that will have you teeing up early for your next visit.

Myrtle Beach holiday highlights

Sean Pavone 2015

Entertainment galore

See why Myrtle Beach is dubbed the ‘Vacation Capital of America’. Aside from miles of sandy beaches, the city has lots of entertainment options to suit all travellers. Broadway at the Beach is South Carolina’s biggest entertainment complex, with everything from a zip-line course above the water to fairground rides.

Golfing paradise

Find over 90 championship golf courses on your holiday to Myrtle Beach. Lush fairways and pristine greens will keep amateur enthusiasts and professionals swinging for days on end. Try the Dunes Golf and Beach Club or the majestic Barefoot Resort & Golf with its quartet of courses crafted by masters. Or head to the picturesque natural wetlands of TPC Myrtle Beach.

Local flavours

The culinary scene here serves up everything from fresh-off-the-boat seafood to traditional Southern barbecue delights. Must-try dishes on your holiday to Myrtle Beach include shrimp and grits (often given different twists by local restaurants), she-crab soup (a Lowcountry speciality made with blue crab meat and crab roe) and hush puppies (deep-fried balls of seasoned cornmeal batter).

Myrtle Beach: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)

High season

May – August

Low season

November – February

Find the best time to go to Myrtle Beach

Weather in Myrtle Beach

March – May: Spring is warm and pleasant. Morning fog burns off, and highs climb into the mid-20s°C. By the end of May, the ocean is almost warm enough for swimming.

June – August: Summer in Myrtle Beach is all sunny days and balmy nights. The warm water attracts swimmers — and jellyfish. Afternoon rain is likely, and watch out for hurricanes.

September – November: Cooler weather drives visitors to the golf courses. Hurricanes are a threat throughout the season, so pay attention to the forecast.

December – February: Winters can be chilly but not freezing. Temperatures hover around 15°C, and some attractions close for the season.

Events in Myrtle Beach

Saint Patrick’s Day Parade (March): Floats parade down the Grand Strand for this popular event honouring Irish heritage. After the parade, check out the street festival with Irish dancers, pipe bands and more.

Bike Week (May): Gearheads descend on the beach for one week each spring to celebrate all things motorcycling.

Blue Crab Festival (May): Don’t miss a weekend of local seafood feasts and family-friendly festivities in the nearby town of Little River.

Carolina Country Music Fest (June): The East Coast’s largest outdoor music festival draws more than 100,000 country music lovers to the beach for four days of performances by national headliners.

We scan 100 billion prices, so you don’t have to

Compare prices to bag a cheap holiday to Myrtle Beach

Book your holiday to Myrtle Beach, all in one place

The best neighbourhoods in Myrtle Beach

Central Myrtle Beach

Be where the heart of the action is in Central Myrtle Beach. Stroll along the boardwalk and promenade, shop til you drop at Broadway at the Beach entertainment precinct and enjoy the kilometres of beachfront. With plenty of hotels and major attractions, shopping and dining all within walking distance, this is one of the best areas to stay in Myrtle Beach.

Good for: Shopping, entertainment, dining

Cherry Grove

Once a plantation, historic Cherry Grove is the best neighbourhood to stay in Myrtle Beach to enjoy small-town vibes. With its expansive boardwalk, long pier and stunning beach, there are plenty of outdoor activities — walking, fishing, boating and, of course, golf. Grab cocktails or a bite to eat at an oceanfront restaurant while listening to the sound of the sea.

Good for: Beaches, community, relaxation

Pawleys Island

Located at the southern end of the Grand Strand, Pawleys Island is where to stay in Myrtle Beach to slow down. Once the summer home of wealthy pre–Civil War rice planters, today the neighbourhood is a more relaxed alternative to the busy heart of Myrtle Beach. Enjoy fresh seafood at the many restaurants or head to The Hammock Shops Village to browse the local boutiques and gift stores.

Good for: Relaxed vibe, seafood, boutiques

Things to do in Myrtle Beach

Family friendly things to do

With plenty of beaches and all-age attractions, it’s easy to find things to do with family in Myrtle Beach. Ride the SkyWheel Myrtle Beach Ferris wheel to enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Dive into a world of excitement at Family Kingdom Amusement Park or splash, slide and cool off at Myrtle Waves Water Park. Unwind with family picnics and sandcastles on the beach.

Shopping

Fancy a spot of retail therapy? Shopping in Myrtle Beach has variety and value. For trendy fashion and local souvenirs, go to Broadway at the Beach shopping and entertainment centre. To bag a bargain, head to Tanger for an outlet shopping spree. For a taste of local flavours, visit the Myrtle Beach Farmers Market, where you’ll find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

Take in the culture

The museums in Myrtle Beach cater for wide-ranging tastes. Stand face-to-face with your favourite stars at the Hollywood Wax Museum. Relive the glory days of the 1970s and 1980s at the Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum, a nostalgic attraction celebrating American pop culture. Or discover the beauty of the South Carolina coast in paintings, sculpture and photography at the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum.

Nightlife

After the sun sets, Myrtle Beach transforms into a neon-lit wonderland. Central Myrtle Beach is the best place for nightlife — dance the night away, or pick up the karaoke mike. Laugh out loud at the Comedy Cabana, or see the acclaimed Carolina Opry variety show. Head to the village of Murrells Inlet and its MarshWalk for live bands playing at waterfront restaurants.

Places to eat

The Atlantic’s bounty meets Southern hospitality at restaurants in Myrtle Beach. Dive into the ocean’s freshest catches — you’ll find no shortage of great seafood restaurants selling prawn, crab and lobster dishes. Or savour the smoky goodness of authentic South Carolina barbecue. Finish your meal with a serving of peach cobbler and a glass of sweet tea.

Beaches

Feel the soft sands of Myrtle Beach State Park between your toes. Or venture to the sweeping shores of Huntington Beach State Park, where natural beauty meets history beside Atalaya Castle’s ruins. Families will love the gentle waters of Garden City Beach, while keen surfers ride the waves at North Myrtle Beach.

Plan your holiday to Myrtle Beach

Budget

Hoping to plan a cheap holiday to Myrtle Beach? Lucky for you, the best things here are free, including sun, sea and sand. If you’re on a budget, you can expect to pay about 15 US dollars ($) for a simple meal. A domestic beer or morning latte will usually cost around $5. Short taxi rides are about $12.

Day trips from Myrtle Beach

Only 30 minutes inland, Conway is a charming riverfront town with an arboretum filled with native trees. Head up the coast 40 minutes for a lunch of fried oysters and clams in Calabash, the self-proclaimed seafood capital of the world.

Getting around Myrtle Beach

Walk, hire a bike or take a bus to explore Central Myrtle Beach. Buses run along the Grand Strand, and an all-day pass will cost you just a few dollars. Taxis and rideshares are also available. Other attractions, like golf courses, are spread out. Consider hiring a car to make the most of your visit.

FAQs about Myrtle Beach holidays

If you’re looking for hot weather, the best time of year to visit Myrtle Beach is from late May to September. Temperatures still tend to be fairly warm in October, plus it’s often a less crowded and cheaper time to visit. For mild golfing weather, consider booking a short break during the spring.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for payments during your trip to Myrtle Beach. Pay with a credit or debit card when it's possible, but have some cash as a backup for places where card payments aren't an option.
English is the language you're most likely to hear. Master a few local expressions during your city break in Myrtle Beach and you'll easily fit in.
Three to five days is perfect for a trip to Myrtle Beach if you're coming from somewhere relatively close. Consider staying for a week or longer if you're travelling long-distance. You'll be able to visit all of the leading sights and add a day trip or two to your itinerary.
January delivers the coolest conditions for a Myrtle Beach holiday. Book your trip sometime then and you'll experience lows of 2ºC (36ºF).
The hottest month in Myrtle Beach is July, when temperatures hit a maximum of 31ºC (88ºF).
Myrtle Beach is a safe holiday destination. There’s easy access to the beaches without a lot of driving, and the ocean water quality is good. As with all travel, take care to protect yourself and your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
Travel to Myrtle Beach can be tailored to fit your budget. If you’re looking for holiday deals to Myrtle Beach, there are plenty of options for affordable accommodation, including units with kitchens to cut the cost of eating out. Visiting off-peak will provide the best bargains.
With around 22 cm of rainfall, August is the wettest month. If you're going on your Myrtle Beach holiday then, you might want to have a few indoor activities lined up. Eat at one of the city's top restaurants, chill at a cosy cafe, or treat yourself to a shopping spree.
You'll have a hard time running out of things to do in Myrtle Beach. From Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade to Myrtle Beach SkyWheel and more, this city has all the makings of a great escape.

More holiday inspiration

Do I need a visa travelling from Australia?

5 best premium economy airlines worth paying for

Cancelled flight? Your guide to refunds and rebooking