3 Myrtle Beach itineraries for romance, friends or family fun

A getaway any group will love. (Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach/RYOT)

Paid for by Visit Myrtle Beach


Whether summer has gotten away from you or you’re still trying to find ways to use your PTO, Myrtle Beach is an ideal shoulder season destination. A short distance from many cities within the United States, with sunny days and just-right sweatshirt weather nights, Myrtle Beach is a getaway that ticks all the boxes. That’s because, within 60 miles of coastline lies 14 distinct communities. That means that whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, family adventure, or girlfriend getaway, you can find it at “The Beach.”

Bonus: Many hotels offer fall packages, providing can’t-miss discounts that can make your vacation dollars stretch even farther. Here, where to stay, what to eat and what to do — so you can spend less time trying to decide on your itinerary, and more time enjoying every moment of your time off.

The many mini golf courses dotting Myrtle Beach make mini-golf a must for any family vacation.
Who's going to get a hole in one? Whether your family is competitive or low-key, mini golf is a Myrtle Beach must.


Myrtle Beach is a dream family destination that will make even the most eye-rolling tween lose the attitude (and the screen) and, well, act like a kid. Book a hotel with ample water features so there’s plenty to do even before you create an official “itinerary.”

Stay: Grande Cayman Resort

Kids (and kids at heart) will love the three-story waterslide, lazy river and enclosed pool space for year-round water fun. There’s also shuffle board, mini golf and other attractions, such as a giant chess set within the resort complex.

Eat: Giant Crab Seafood Restaurant

A giant crab outside the establishment will entice even the most seafood-wary kid to expand their palate, while a special kid’s buffet rounds out seafood with such kid-friendly favorites as chicken fingers, corn dogs and fries. Meanwhile, the adults can feast on seafood faves such as crab legs, shrimp, oysters and mussels in an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Play: Alligator Adventure

One of South Carolina’s premiere tourist attractions, Alligator Adventure is one of the largest facilities for reptiles in the world. It’s a place to learn and see these stunning creatures in their natural habitat. Check the schedule for alligator feedings, where you can watch gators leap out of the water to grab their prey.

Spend a rainy day at Fun Warehouse and test your laser tag skills.
Tweens, teens, and kids at heart will love hitting up the arcade or playing laser tag. (Photo: Fun Warehouse)


Couples come to Myrtle Beach for the romantic vibes, including the opportunity to walk on the beach.
A romantic walk on the beach is perfect at any time, in any season. (Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach)


A sunrise coffee, followed by a stroll on the beach. A dip in the whirlpool, a poolside lunch for two and a chance to toast on your private balcony. At Myrtle Beach, you can accomplish everything on your romantic bucket list — and that’s even before you leave your hotel.

Stay: The Marina Inn at Grand Dunes

A popular Myrtle Beach wedding destination, the romantic waterfront vibes of this resort make it a perfect couples retreat. The resort offers in-room whirlpools, in-room spa services including options for couples massages, and a private beach exclusive for resort guests.

Eat: The Brentwood Restaurant and Wine Bistro

Low-country French cuisine sourced with local ingredients, an indulgent tasting menu, and an impressive wine list make The Brentwood Restaurant ideal for celebrating a night a deux. For a night to remember, reserve a spot for the restaurant’s weekly Lobster & Jazz night.

Play: Sunset and Sea Life Cruise

Choose your mood: A live music cruise can help you keep your energy up for a long night ahead, or a full moon cruise can be incredibly romantic. Either way, a saltwater marsh cruise can help you appreciate the beauty of Myrtle Beach beyond the shore.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has many reputable tattoo shops. Why not put a tattoo on your Myrtle Beach bucket list?
Commemorative tattoos are one creative way to capture a Myrtle Beach couples vacation. (Photo: Getty)


A girlfriend getaway at Myrtle Beach is the perfect opportunity to let loose and catch up.
Catch live music or hit up happy hour. At Myrtle Beach, fun is always on the agenda. (Photo: Getty)


Grab your girls and get a long weekend on the calendar. Whether it’s a reunion, bachelorette or a time to catch up with your BFFs, Myrtle Beach is a great destination to get away from it all. And resorts know it too, with dozens participating in girlfriend getaway packages, offering discounts on room rates as well as deals for local attractions.

Stay: Beach Cove Resort

Four pools, three whirlpools and a gigantic lazy river give you plenty of options for a marathon catch-up session. And through the fall, a girlfriend getaway package allows your group to save up to 40% each night, as well as receive an exclusive discount card that provides savings at local attractions.

Eat: The Wicked Tuna

With its own fishing fleet for a “hook to table” experience, this sushi restaurant is a local hotspot. Hit up their legendary daily happy hour for a quick snack, or share a sushi feast, including their namesake “Wicked Tuna” roll that includes a mouth-watering combo of tempura shrimp, lobster salad and spicy tuna.

Play: Crocodile Rocks

At Myrtle Beach’s only dueling piano bar, the crowd is always included in the show. Open until 2 a.m. with plenty of room for your entire group of friends and bartenders slinging creative cocktails, it’s a unique experience that just may be the highlight of your weekend social media feed.


 Murrells Inlet MarshWalk in Myrtle Beach has live music and is great for girlfriend getaways.
Let the night unfold at Murrells Inlet MarshWalk. (Photo: Murrells Inlet MarshWalk)



From Visit Myrtle Beach:

Sixty miles of coastline, award-winning golf courses, legendary Low Country cuisine and all sorts of adventures for everyone in your family await you at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend away or a week-long adventure, Myrtle Beach is the destination for girlfriend getaways, romantic trips and family adventures. Balmy fall and winter weather make Myrtle Beach an amazing place to escape the cold, reconnect with your loved ones and find where you belong. To learn more and book a trip, go to visitmyrtlebeach.com.

This article was paid for by Visit Myrtle Beach and created by Yahoo Creative Studios. The Yahoo Life editorial staff did not participate in the creation of this content.