How to Vacation in Myrtle Like a Local

HOW TO VACATION IN MYRTLE LIKE A LOCAL
(WHERE TO STAY + WHAT TO DO)

The Grand Strand sees an estimated 17 million visitors each year. Besides the beach, they’re looking for great food, fun entertainment, amazing memories, and a comfortable and convenient place to stay! There is no question — accommodations matter to the overall enjoyment of a trip. That is even more true with you are traveling with kids and/or a large number of people.

That is why Away & Stay has curated a beautiful array of stunning and functional short-term rentals. We’re excited to highlight a few of them and the “locals approved” things to do in each area.

first, decide where to stay!?

Away & Stay is a locally owned boutique hospitality company specializing in upscale, short-term accommodations.

Each property is beautifully furnished, well stocked, meticulously cleaned, and most offer something *extra* special — think designer pools, golf-simulators, or arcade rooms!

Their properties stretch from North Myrtle Beach down to Pawleys Island. Each one has ratings/reviews, dozens of photos, a list of amenities, house rules, and a calendar for booking. Check out some of them below and what else we recommend doing in the area where they’re located.

what to do: north myrtle beach

This is just one of six Away & Stay properties at Barefoot Resort & Golf. All rentals at Barefoot include access to their 2.5 acre water escape which includes swimming pools, spas, a lazy river, a swim-up pool bar and private cabanas. The grounds are beautifully maintained and they offer a free shuttle to the beach.

WHERE TO EAT: Barefoot Landing is an obvious spot to dine. We particularly like Crooked Hammock and Big Chill Island House but Lulu’s and River City Cafe is also good. Blueberry’s Grill is great for breakfast or brunch. Away from Barefoot, there is Cava, Johnny D’s Waffles, Grumpy Monk, and Boardwalk Billy’s.

PARKS: There are two parks in Barefoot Landing but outside of that we like Yow Park (and small community park) and McLean Park (a little bigger with a small pond and paths). Even bigger and the place where some summer concerts will happen is the NMB Park & Sports Complex. It’s also home to Shark Wake Park which will be fun for older kids and adults!

SUMMER EVENTS: Barefoot Landing has SummerFest (strolling characters, entertainment, music) each summer. Our favorite is Nick Pike’s performances, they’re free, funny, and interactive! The farmers market also happens weekly on Fridays.

OTHER KID FUN: STAR Academy is an indoor sensory-friendly play center.

NATURE AREAS TO EXPLORE: We love going to Vereen Gardens and visiting the charming Oyster Tree. Have kids paint seashells or oyster shells and bring those to hang on the tree.

what to do: CENTRAL MYRTLE BEACH

Beachwalk Cottage puts you right in the heart of Myrtle Beach. It’s just a short walk to the beach and within 10 minutes of all of central Myrtle’s top attractions: The Market Common, the SkyWheel, Ripley’s Attractions, Broadway at the Beach, the Arts & Innovation District and more!

WHERE TO EAT: Zeytin, Zardin, Honest Greens and Kindbelly Cafe are some healthier options. Swig & Swine and Tu Taco are some of our favorites. Mr Fish is a staple for fresh seafood. Lekker Eats and Loleo are great for juices, smoothies and small bites. Tidal Creek Brewhouse and Grand Strand Brewery have yard space for kids to stretch out. Other recs in this post!

PARKS: Myrtle Beach State Park is great for beach access, their nature center, and a few trails. Gardens by the Sea is a beautiful small park by the sea (but I’d avoid it during the summer bc of limited parking). Futrell Park is the area’s newest park and has the area’s only splash pad (we’ve never had an issue here but some people don’t love this location). This big park in Carolina Forest and Savannah’s Playground are two of the most popular parks.

SMALL BUSINESSES WE LOVE: STAR Academy for indoor sensory-friendly play. Rooted Beauty Pottery for a pottery class. Studio 43*19 for an art class. Nailed It DIY for a project or slime bar! Back Again Bookshop has 2nd hand books and resident cats!

OTHER KID FUN: Ripley’s Aquarium, Ripley’s Crazy Golf, Popstroke, a show at Broadway Theater, riding the SkyWheel, or any of the area’s other awesome putt-putt spots is a great start.

OTHER PLACES TO CHECK OUT: Broadway at the Beach is a huge shopping and dining destination. They’ll have fireworks weekly over the summer. The Market Common is another great shopping/dining destination. For indoor fun try Stars & Strikes or Dave & Buster’s.

what to do: south strand

Your own personal pool and pickleball court, outdoor kitchen, multiple open concept living spaces, and the gourmet kitchen will have you not even wanting to leave the property! This is a home that is perfectly suited for the slower pace of Pawleys Island. It’ll be sure to stay booked so secure your dates here quickly!

WHERE TO EAT: Pizza Hyena, Tu Taco, Milk and Honey, and Johnny D’s Waffles are some favorites in the Surfside area. The MarshWalk is packed with restaurants but most are very pricey and are not our favorites (we do like Hot Fish Club). In Georgetown, Between the Antlers (kid-friendly and The Independent (not as kid-friendly) are great. Drippy’s for the best ice cream in the Grand Strand.

PARKS: Huntington Beach State Park is where I’d spend most of my time! It’s the best place for public beach access, has a park, nature center and trails. We also love Morse Park, Fuller Park and All Children’s Park.

OTHER THINGS TO DO: The beach hula and fire shows are a MUST. The Surfside Beach farmers markets are great and on Tuesdays. Brookgreen Gardens is worth seeing both in the daytime (normal admission) and their nighttime summer lights show.