Myrtle Beach, SC

6 min read

May 15

Sunshine & Savings: A Budget-Friendly Beach Escape to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach, affectionately nicknamed the "Grand Strand," beckons budget-conscious travelers with its miles of pristine beaches, vibrant entertainment scene, and family-friendly atmosphere. Contrary to popular belief, a beach vacation here doesn't have to break the bank. Here's your guide to experiencing Myrtle Beach's magic on a budget:

A Budget-Conscious Weekend Itinerary:

Day 1: Beach Bliss and Boardwalk Delights

Morning: Greet the sunrise with a walk along the iconic Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Soak up the fresh ocean air and enjoy the panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean. Free public beach access points are readily available along the entire boardwalk, saving you on entrance fees.
Afternoon: Channel your inner child at the Myrtle Beach State Park (minimal entrance fee). Splash in the waves, build sandcastles, or participate in a free beach volleyball game. Pack a picnic lunch to avoid spending on beachside concessions.
Evening: Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Enjoy a delicious and affordable meal at one of the many restaurants lining the boardwalk, offering everything from fresh seafood to classic American fare. Later, catch a free street performance or browse through the souvenir shops.

Day 2: Water Adventures and Cultural Exploration

Morning: Embark on a budget-friendly dolphin watching tour. Many operators offer affordable tours that allow you to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Look for discounts and deals online.
Afternoon: Explore the Brookgreen Gardens (minimal entrance fee). This enchanting sculpture garden boasts a stunning collection of artwork amidst beautiful gardens and reflecting pools. Pack a picnic lunch or enjoy a light bite at the on-site cafe.
Evening: Enjoy a free outdoor concert at the Myrtle Beach Pavilion (seasonal). Alternatively, catch a movie under the stars at one of the many outdoor movie theaters in the area (minimal fees may apply).

Day 3: Exploring Beyond the Beach & Farewell Feast

Morning: Visit the Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach (discounted tickets available online). Immerse yourself in the underwater world and marvel at a variety of marine life exhibits.
Afternoon: Take a day trip to Huntington Beach State Park (minimal entrance fee), a short drive from Myrtle Beach. Explore the pristine coastline, hike through nature trails, or go for a refreshing swim in the calmer waters.
Evening: Treat yourself to a delicious and affordable seafood feast at a local restaurant. Many restaurants offer early bird specials or happy hour deals, allowing you to savor fresh seafood without breaking the bank.

Must-Try Restaurants:

Budget-Friendly:
Sea Captain's House (Restaurant Row): Local favorite serving up fresh and delicious seafood platters.
Myrtle Beach Waffle House (Multiple Locations): Classic Southern comfort food at budget-friendly prices.
Hot Dog Heaven (Boardwalk): Wide variety of hot dogs and toppings for a quick and affordable lunch or snack.
Mid-Range:
Wicked Tuna (Restaurant Row): Lively atmosphere with delicious seafood dishes and creative cocktails.
Croissants Bistro & Bakery (Myrtle Beach): Upscale casual restaurant with French-inspired cuisine.
Senor Frog's (Boardwalk): Fun and vibrant Mexican restaurant with a lively atmosphere.
Splurge:
Waterfront Restaurant (Restaurant Row): Fine dining experience with breathtaking ocean views and innovative seafood dishes.
Seabrook Castle (North Myrtle Beach): Historic mansion turned restaurant offering an upscale dining experience with a unique ambiance.
Ocean Annie's (Restaurant Row): Upscale seafood restaurant with an extensive wine list and stunning oceanfront views.

Accommodation Options:

Budget-Friendly:

Motels:
Sea Dunes Ocean Front (Simple, clean rooms with some ocean views and balconies, plus an outdoor pool): This no-frills option offers excellent value for money with basic amenities and a convenient beachfront location.
Sea Captain's House Motel (Classic motel with an outdoor pool, close proximity to the beach and restaurants): This family-friendly option provides clean and comfortable accommodations with a pool for relaxation and easy access to the beach and local eateries.
Landmark Resort (Older property with simple rooms and an outdoor pool, close to the Boardwalk): While not the most modern, this budget-friendly motel offers a central location near the excitement of the Boardwalk and a refreshing pool to cool off after a day at the beach.
Camping:
Myrtle Beach State Park Campground (Wooded campsites with access to the beach and park amenities): Nestled within the Myrtle Beach State Park, this campground offers a nature-filled experience with basic amenities and direct access to the beach and park trails. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.
Ocean Lakes Family Campground (Large campground with various amenities, including pools, water slides, and kid's activities): This sprawling campground caters to families with a variety of amenities like pools, water slides, and organized activities for kids. While campsites may be slightly more expensive than Myrtle Beach State Park, the on-site activities can save you money on external entertainment.
Vacation Rentals:
Look for budget-friendly apartments or condos on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. Consider sharing a rental with friends or family to further reduce costs. Opt for locations slightly further from the beach for the most affordable options.

Mid-Range:

Oceanfront Hotels:
The Dunes Golf Resort (Spacious rooms with balconies and ocean views, multiple pools, on-site golf course): This resort offers comfortable accommodations with stunning ocean views, multiple pools for relaxation, and the option to enjoy a round of golf (additional fees apply) during your stay.
Landmark Resort (Oceanfront towers with balconies, multiple pools, and lazy river): This resort boasts oceanfront towers with balconies, perfect for enjoying the views, along with multiple pools, a lazy river, and on-site dining options for added convenience.
The Breakers Resort (Spacious oceanfront condos with kitchens, multiple pools, and waterslide): This resort provides spacious oceanfront condos with fully equipped kitchens, ideal for families or longer stays, along with multiple pools and a thrilling waterslide for some splashy fun.
Resorts (Look for deals and promotions during off-peak seasons):
Captain's Quarters Resort (Spacious condos with balconies, multiple pools, and lazy river): This resort offers spacious condos with balconies, perfect for relaxing after a day at the beach, along with multiple pools and a lazy river for endless entertainment.
Myrtle Beach Resort (Variety of room options, multiple pools, water park, and on-site dining): This sprawling resort caters to families with a variety of room options, numerous pools, a water park (potentially additional fees apply), and on-site dining options for added convenience. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons or looking for promotions for the best deals.

Splurge:

Oceanfront Luxury Hotels:
Marriott Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort & Villas (Luxurious oceanfront hotel with upscale amenities, multiple pools, and spa): This luxurious oceanfront hotel pampers guests with exceptional service, upscale amenities like a spa (additional fees apply), and multiple pools offering stunning ocean views.
The Dunes Ocean Resort (Oceanfront towers with balconies and upscale amenities, multiple pools, spa, and fine dining): This resort boasts oceanfront towers with balconies, perfect for enjoying the views, along with upscale amenities like a spa and fine dining options (additional fees apply), in addition to multiple pools for relaxation.
Ocean Enclave by Hilton Club (Elegant oceanfront condos with balconies, multiple pools, and fitness center): This resort offers elegant oceanfront condos with balconies, perfect for a luxurious stay, along with multiple pools for relaxation and a well-equipped fitness center.

SimpleSmarties Travel Pro Tips:

Travel During the Shoulder Seasons: Consider visiting Myrtle Beach during the spring or fall to avoid peak tourist crowds and potentially find better deals on flights and accommodations.
Free Fun in the Sun: Take advantage of Myrtle Beach's many free offerings:
Beach Days: Myrtle Beach boasts miles of pristine coastline with free public access points. Pack a beach umbrella and chairs, sunscreen, and a picnic lunch for a budget-friendly beach day.
State Parks: Explore the natural beauty of Myrtle Beach State Park or Huntington Beach State Park with minimal entrance fees. Hike the trails, enjoy a picnic lunch, or go for a swim.
Outdoor Entertainment: Catch a free concert at the Myrtle Beach Pavilion (seasonal) or enjoy a movie under the stars at one of the many outdoor movie theaters (minimal fees may apply).
Embrace the Boardwalk: The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk offers a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, arcades, and street performers. Many performers offer free entertainment, and window-shopping is always free!
Festival Fun (with Budget-Conscious Options):
The Carolina Country Music Fest (CCMF): This premier country music festival takes place in June. While tickets are required, consider attending free events like artist meet-and-greets or enjoying the lively atmosphere on the outskirts of the festival grounds.
The Myrtle Beach Seafood Festival (October): This annual event celebrates the area's rich seafood heritage. Free admission allows you to enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations, and arts and crafts vendors. Sample delicious seafood dishes for a fee, or pack a picnic lunch to enjoy within the festival grounds.
Dining on a Dime: Look for restaurants offering early bird specials or happy hour deals to save on costs. Take advantage of free breakfast buffets often included with budget-friendly motel stays. Pack snacks and drinks to avoid unnecessary concession stand purchases. Consider self-catering in a vacation rental with a kitchen to save on dining expenses.
Souvenir Savvy: Skip the overpriced trinket shops and be a savvy souvenir shopper. Explore local artists' markets or souvenir shops selling locally-made crafts for unique and budget-friendly mementos.

With its miles of pristine beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and abundance of free and budget-friendly activities, Myrtle Beach offers an unforgettable escape for budget-conscious travelers. By following these tips and utilizing SimpleSmarties Travel pro hacks, you can experience the Grand Strand's magic without breaking the bank.

Soak up the sunshine, explore the beauty of the South Carolina coast, and create lasting memories on your budget-friendly Myrtle Beach getaway!

Enjoy some additional photos below: