North Myrtle Beach is part of the Grand Strand and helps make up 100 kilometres of glorious sandy shoreline. It’s a diverse vacation hot spot that sees return visitors year after year because the accommodations are affordable, the food is delicious, the people are kind, the area averages 215 sunny days per year, and sunrises over the Atlantic Ocean will leave you breathless. There are also endless water activities in this South Carolina beach town and nothing beats a room with an ocean view.
As the cooler weather descends upon us, many Canadians fly south for vacation and snowbirds pack up for a road trip to warmer climates as Myrtle Beach is home to year-round attractions. The main strip is only half an hour drive from North Myrtle Beach, which is more laid back and further removed from the crowds. You can chill for hours and relax to the sound of the waves but there are still plenty of things to do, so needless to say you will never be bored.
Here are five reasons to venture to North Myrtle on your next trip south.
1. Relax in a Condo-Style Resort
If you aren’t quite ready to make the leap to buying a timeshare you can rent one in North Myrtle Beach. This is the perfect situation if you are looking to save money and want the convenient feel of home. Many guests come back year after year to stay in a timeshare and some people end up buying one. Shore Crest Vacation Villas are located on South Ocean Blvd and boast large balconies where you can sit for hours looking out at the ocean. The full kitchen is perfect for preparing meals and there are many nearby grocery stores to stock up on supplies. Relax and unwind in their lazy river and swim in their refreshing pool under the sun. Shore Crest Villas are part of Bluegreen Vacations, a vacation ownership company, but they have rental availability offered through their strategic relationship with Choice Hotels and the Ascend Collection brand. For a non-Bluegreen owner, the best way to book a vacation at Shore Crest is through Bluegreen Rentals or Choice Hotels.
2. Walk for Hours Along the Shore
This should be a given, but sometimes we get so consumed with planning activities that we forget it’s okay to have a day (or a week!) where we just chill out. North Myrtle Beach is the perfect place to walk along the shore without a care in the world. Search for washed up shells, stroll hand in hand with a loved one, or watch kids build sandcastles for hours. Take time to admire the sand dunes and sea oats that separate the hotels from the beach, but be careful not to disturb or walk on them. They are the first defence in the event of a storm or hurricane and are also crucial to sea turtle survival.
3. Shop and Dine at Barefoot Landing
Barefoot Landing is an entertainment complex set along the Intracoastal Waterway that features a 27-acre lake and a chill southern atmosphere. It’s the perfect North Myrtle Beach location for a night out. There are plenty of places to shop for souvenirs at their unique waterfront boutiques and retail stores. Kids and kids at heart will love the magic tricks for sale at TrickMaster Magic Shop. Make sure to arrive hungry to this massive complex, as there are so many delicious restaurants to choose from including Ultimate California Pizza. Build your own tasty pizza with fresh veggies such as spinach, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and fresh basil. Vegans will love the plant based mozzarella cheese option. Or catch a thrilling live show at Alabama Theatre, their Christmas performance starts in November and continues through New Year’s. If you are staying at Shore Crest Villas it’s about a 15-minute walk.
4. Play Mini Golf Among Hawaiian Gardens
Head on over to Hawaiian Rumble Mini Golf for their fun 18-hole golf course centered around a tropical Hawaiian Garden. The huge 40-foot volcano right in the middle of all the action erupts fire every 20 minutes. This of course is matched only by the rocking tunes straight from the Hawaiian tropics. Golf lovers of all ages will love putting and weaving around their course trying to get a hole in one.
5. Paddle A Kayak at Sunrise
If you are going to wake up before sunrise you should do it in North Myrtle Beach and take full advantage of the early morning beauty as the sun rises over the majestic Atlantic Ocean. You may even spot dolphins jumping and dancing in the distance. If you are adventurous head to J & L Kayaks. Their focus is eco-tourism and these trips are ideal for both experienced and beginner kayakers, it’s also the perfect family friendly event. Their Island Sunrise Adventure tour will have you paddling out towards Waites Island and visiting Cherry Grove beach to admire the start of a brand new day from the soft sandy shore.
For additional information on the Myrtle Beach area, visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com
All Photos by Miriam Porter
The writer was a guest of Shore Crest Villas, they did not review or approve this article.
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