5 out of 5 stars for both family and couple trip.
This was my second trip to Myrtle Beach, the first being a few years back as newly weds, and the last week 7 day family trip.
We decided to drive at night starting at 9pm and arriving at the resort at about 4 pm from MD. The trip was uneventful and plenty of rest stops and late night gas stations along the way. I was happy and thankful for
that c
onsidering there was six people riding with me.
We loved Myrtle Beach the first time and wanted everyone to experience the same things we encountered from the last trip. Number one being relaxing on a nice clean beach and others included see food buffet, Ripples Aquarium, the alligator farm, and shopping. The very first thing to do on a vacation like this is to grab a coupon book and brochures at the lobby of your hotel. You will find valuable coupons and ideas to spend your time. Myrtle Beach has an excellent coupon book called the “Monster Coupon Book.” Its still a good source to find out what is available if you are Mr. Money Bags and don’t need coupons.
The main street at Myrtle beach is Root 17. All the restaurants and shopping as well as some attractions are located on this street. There are two Super (has groceries) Walmart within ten miles of each other. A thing to note is, it seems there are two prices at Myrtle Beach: one for locals and one for visitors. This is the case in any major vacation spot but I was surprised to discover this at Myrtle Beach by simply overhearing a couple ask for the local price and then got a discount. Its something to try if you can pass off as a local but I am sure its tough to do.
The first thing we did was of course hit the beach the whole of the first day. It was the first week of June and the weather held at a nice sunny 80 degrees for the whole time we were there. If you have the guts, there is a paracailing, super fast speed boat rides, fishing excursions, and general site seeing. The best time to collect seashells is in the morning after the tide is out. You can get some nice ones before the rest of the people come out.
On the top of our list was Ripley’s Aquarium, a must see if you have not done this:
It features an automated walkway so you just stand and watch the sharks go by.
Another must see is Alligator Adventure. Lots of different crocks to see, but that’s not all: Otters, birds, and some kind of main attraction is always at hand. When we were there, the main attraction was Bengal tigers. Before that it was Ligers (largest cats in the world), which I really wanted to see. There are several live shows throughout the day so you can easily spend a whole day with he crocs. And yes, they do have a live alligator feedings where they jump up to grab the chicken from the hand. And yes, its freaking cool!
Seafood buffet is the thing at MB. I recommend Original Benjamin’s Calabash. With a name like this and 170 food items…how can you go wrong?! Each place has its gimmick. This place boasts a dry aquarium, basically fake big ass fish hanging from the ceiling. Other restaurants with gimmicks include girls in mermaids costumes in a pool in the middle of the restaurant… to large sea creatures on the roofs of the restaurant.
There are lots of put-put courses with their own gimmicks. Jurassic Park is one of the favorites. You will definitely end up going to one of these considering how many you pass by on the main road.
Barefoot Landing is a nice place for shopping. There is a carousel and a mirror maze for the kids. Broadway at the Beach has lots of kids rides for about $3 bucks a ride.
Shopping is OK. Mostly you will find yourself window shopping. Look for going out of business sales at various “bargain” stores.
Another day to spend is at the Brookgreen Gardens where you’ll see the world’s largest collection of American sculpture. There are also vineyards to explore and taste vine. Ran out of time for either of this and had to save it for next time.
Leave any question in the comments below and have fun!
