City Style and Living magazine (CSL) guide to what to do, where to stay, and what to eat in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Myrtle Beach
Comprising 12 distinct communities on 60 miles of white sand beaches on the Atlantic coast of South Carolina, Myrtle Beach offers an array of entertainment, dining, and recreational activities. visitmyrtlebeach.com
SEE
Huntington Beach State Park
An easy 15-minute drive from downtown Myrtle Beach, this 2500 acre state park features 3 miles of white sand beach, birdwatching, a freshwater lake, fishing, camping, trails and plenty of flora and fauna (including the chance to see loggerhead turtles, and alligators). 16148 Ocean Highway, Murrells Inlet; (843) 237-4440; southcarolinaparks.com/huntingtonbeach
Atalaya at Huntington Beach State Park
Moorish-style former winter home of Archer Huntington, a philanthropist and his wife Anna Hyatt Huntington a renowned sculptor. 16148 Ocean Highway, Murrells Inlet; (843) 237-4440; southcarolinaparks.com/huntingtonbeach
Legends In Concert Myrtle Beach
Seasonal lineup of tribute artists perform a live show at Broadway at The Beach entertainment complex. 2925 Hollywood Dr, Myrtle Beach; (843) 238-7827; legendsinconcert.com
The Carolina Opry
Fun, live entertainment show featuring music, comedy and dance performed in a state-of-the-art theatre. 8901 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach; (800) 843-6779; thecarolinaopry.com
Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade
Stroll the 1.2 mile long beachfront where festivals, events, an amusement park and pier vie for attention with the natural surroundings.
Myrtle Beach State Park
One of the last remaining stretches of maritime forest in the United States, the park offers fishing, camping, nature trails and rental cabins. Excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. 4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach; (843) 238-5325; southcarolinaparks.com/myrtlebeach
DO
Black River Outdoors
Guided kayak tours including the Huntington Beach Salt Marsh tour. See a range of flora and fauna, learn about pirate secrets and paddle along the banks of placid waterways. Pawleys Island, SC; (843) 546-4840; blackriveroutdoors.com
Coastal Expeditions
Take the ferry from Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge to Bulls Island, enroute naturalists navigate the estuary while giving historical and ecological tidbits about the area. The 5 000 acre uninhabited island boasts a variety of wildlife (bobcats, alligators, and birds), trails, picnic areas, and boneyard beach where the skeletons of cedar and oaks create a sculptural landscape. (843) 881-4582; bullsislandferry.com
Myrtle Beach SkyWheel
Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Myrtle Beach from this rotating, enclosed Ferris wheel situated near the oceanfront boardwalk and promenade (perfect for selfies and aerial photos). 1110 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach; (843) 839-9200; myrtlebeachskywheel.com
Brookgreen Gardens
This National Historic Landmark is a spectacular garden and open-air sculpture exhibition that prominently features, among other artists, the oeuvre of former owner, Anna Huntington. America’s first public sculpture garden, the 9 000 acre site also includes animal exhibits, a restaurant, boat rides, and the Lowcountry History and Wildlife Preserve including an interactive display on Gullah culture. Best of all, admission is good for seven days. 1931 Brookgreen Garden Dr, Murrells Inlet; (843) 235-6000; brookgreen.org
Hobcaw Barony
Guided tour of parts of the 16 000-acre wildlife refuge and research reserve situated on the Waccamaw Neck. Native American lore, remains of slave cabins, and the mansion of Wall Street millionaire and presidential adviser Bernard Baruch all figure in the tale of this historic rice plantation. 22 Hobcaw Rd, Georgetown; (843) 546-4623; hobcawbarony.org
Hopsewee Plantation
A former rice plantation and the birthplace of Thomas Lynch, Jr., one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, this private residence is open for tours, and offers traditional English tea at River Oak Cottage Tea Room. 494 Hop Sewee Rd, Georgetown; (843) 546-7891; hopsewee.com
The Barefoot Princess Riverboat
Offers dinner and a unique boat ride on the Intracoastal Waterway. (843) 272-6796; mbriverboat.com
Wonderworks
Interactive exhibits combine science with entertainment in six ‘wonder zones’, perfect for families. 1313 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach; wonderworksonline.com/myrtle-beach
The Rice Museum
Dioramas, maps, artifacts and other exhibits including the impressive Browns Ferry Vessel built in the 1700s, display the history of the rice crop. (843)546-7423; ricemuseum.org
EAT AND STAY
The Marina Inn at Grande Dunes
Multi-storey luxury hotel near the Intracoastal Waterway with private balconies, pools and casual and upscale dining options from executive Chef Julien Lancrerot. Conference space, access to the resort’s grand clubhouse, eco-options (for example, resort credits for opting out of housekeeping) and a location near shopping centers, activities, and golf course make this an ideal hub in Myrtle Beach. 8121 Amalfi Place, Myrtle Beach; (843) 913-1333; marinainnatgrandedunes.com
Croissants Bistro & Bakery
Owner Heidi Vukov serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch at her 20 year old establishment. With a selection of cakes, gelato, pies and savoury dishes (including wonderful shrimp and grits), al fresco dining options on the outdoor patio, and a welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant remains a local and visitor favourite. 3751 Robert M Grissom Pkwy, Myrtle Beach; (843) 448-225; croissants.net
Thoroughbreds Restaurant
Specializing in beef and seafood, this local restaurant features racing themed rooms and table-side service since 1988. 9706 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach; (843) 497-2636; thoroughbredsrestaurant.com
Sea Captain’s House
Dating from 1930, with a beautiful ocean view, this restaurant on popular Ocean Boulevard specializes in seafood dishes. Don’t miss the she-crab soup.
3002 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach; (843) 448-8082; seacaptains.com
The Cypress Room at Island Vista Resort
Located on the beach, the restaurant’s diverse cuisine includes Lowcountry and casual dining and an excellent bar. 6000 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach; (843) 449-6406; islandvista.com
Café Amalfi
Oceanfront casual fine dining with an inventive menu with a focus on seafood. Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort, 10000 Beach Club Dr; (843) 449-5000; hilton.com/en/hotels/south-carolina/hilton-myrtle-beach-resort-MYRBHHH
Aspen Grille
Chef and owner Curry Martin’s seasonal menu of traditional Southern fare includes classics like shrimp and grits, crab cakes and bread pudding along with international touches like seared yellow fin tuna with Asian slaw, wasabi cream, and soy sauce. 5101 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach; (843) 449-9191; aspen-grille.com
This original article initially appeared in the Winter 2015/16 issue of City Style and Living Magazine. Want to know CSL’s top 9 Reasons to Visit Myrtle Beach Now? Looking for 8 Great Eats in Myrtle Beach?
