Myrtle Beach is a classic family vacation destination for a reason. With pristine public beaches, a lively oceanfront boardwalk and a bevy of kid-friendly activities — from Putt-Putt to parasailing — this coastal resort town feels designed for memory-making.
Of course, if you’re planning a multi-generational getaway, some thoughtful preparation is required. Considering that the ideal vacation scenario looks different for everyone, and you’ll likely be dealing with a wide variety of ages, budgets and needs, proper coordination is the key to a low-stress trip. From selecting the right accommodations to curating your day-to-day itinerary, here’s how to plan an epic holiday in Myrtle Beach with the entire crew.
Find Accommodations to Suit Everyone’s Needs
Organizing your multi-gen Myrtle Beach vacation starts with choosing the right accommodations to satisfy everyone’s core requirements. Will you need immediate access to the beach, so everyone can come and go as they please (and as nap schedules dictate)? Will you require ample programming and activities to entertain little ones with limited attention spans? Or would you prefer to book a vacation rental, so people have plenty of space to recharge and prepare their own meals? Identify the needs of your group, then book accordingly.
- Dunes Realty Vacation Rentals
Got an extra-large group? Dunes Realty boasts a large variety of well-appointed vacation rentals including some that are pet-friendly, oceanfront or dockside. Sort by amenity, location or neighborhood to get everyone exactly what they want. - The Ellie Beach Resort Myrtle Beach, Tapestry by Hilton
For families with both young children and older adults, proximity to the beach is invaluable. At Tapestry by Hilton, you start your morning with coffee and breakfast at Ocean Blue, overlooking the water. Then spend the day sunbathing, building sandcastles and boogie-boarding on gentle waves. If you want to get away in the evenings, the entertainment complex Broadway at the Beach is just five miles away.
Nearby, the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront feels like an endless playground. There are tons of fun amenities and activities for the whole family, including mini golf, multiple indoor and outdoor pools, and two lazy rivers, plus public beach access and fishing off Springmaid Pier are mere steps away. And there are several oceanfront eateries on-site — like Southern Tide Bar & Grill, which has both indoor and outdoor options.
Seek Out Activities for All the Different Interests
When it comes to crafting your family’s itinerary, you need options that will appeal to younger kids, teens and adults alike — but keep in mind that it’s okay (even preferable to some) to split up into smaller groups on some days, too. One group can rent personal watercrafts (PWC), while back on dry land, another can take advantage of blooming botanical gardens, a children’s museum and a shopping-and-entertainment complex.
- Express Watersports
Thrill-seekers can spend a day with this local outfitter that offers a wide range of aquatic activities, such as parasailing, PWC rentals, stand-up paddleboarding, and scuba-diving charters and lessons. Then meet back up with the whole family for a Sunset Happy Hour Cruise (conveniently both wheelchair- and stroller-accessible) — they’ll all love the snacks, drinks and stunning views from the boat deck. - Broadway at the Beach Bask in the nostalgic smells of cotton candy and saltwater taffy at Broadway at the Beach, billed as the biggest entertainment complex in South Carolina. Both kids and adults alike will love The Hangout, which has summer-long live music and courtyard games in addition to seafood, tacos, burgers and sandwiches.
- The Market Common The Market Common has a bustling calendar of local arts and culture events featuring everything from live music to a farmer’s market held every Saturday from April through December. It features baked goods, fresh produce and handmade gifts (perfect for souvenirs).
- EdVenture Children's Museum
EdVenture, Myrtle Beach’s premier children’s museum, is a great place to give littles a break from the sun with exciting, hands-on exhibits and play spaces. - Brookgreen Gardens A lauded sculpture and botanical garden, Brookgreen blends art, nature and history with public gardens and an incredible art collection, plus a native animal zoo — there’s truly something for everyone here.
Research Dining Options in Advance
Delicious fresh seafood is reliably available in Myrtle Beach, of course. But if you’re dealing with picky eaters, taking the time to research restaurants before the trip could mean the difference between an enjoyable dining experience and a meltdown at the table. Layer on dietary restrictions and large group sizes and, well, you’ll be happy you called ahead.
- Big Chill Island House
Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, Big Chill Island House has a scenic, sunny patio with prime water views. Popular items include crab cakes, daily fresh-catch ceviche and the Island House Lobster Roll. The kids’ menu is equally delightful, with cheeseburger sliders and pasta with butter sauce leading the way. - RipTydz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar
RipTydz is situated right on the buzzy boardwalk, within walking distance of several main attractions. The massive menu here is bound to make everyone happy; it includes burgers, salads, seafood entrees, tacos and a raw bar. There’s also a sizable list of fun, fruity cocktails — like the Grape Crush, a refreshing mix of vodka, blue curaçao, grenadine and cranberry juice. - Hook & Barrel
In addition to its legendary and indulgent seafood tower, this sustainability-focused restaurant — with emphasis on the finer side of dining — will also have kids chowing down on options like chicken tenders, mac and cheese and beef tips with French fries. - Swig & Swine
Local BBQ restaurant Swig & Swine offers to-go meals specifically for larger groups (anywhere from 10 to 35 people), which come with pork, brisket, sausage or turkey, sweet tea, and your choice of sides. - Crooked Hammock
Eateries with outdoor games are always a huge plus when you’re traveling with family. At Crooked Hammock, you can engage in some bocce or cornhole while waiting on your food. Tasty, inventive pub fare is what’s on the menu: think cedar-plank salmon, peach ale pork chops and slow-cooked chicken wings with pineapple-jalapeño sauce.
Remember to Delegate
Don’t let all the responsibility fall on one family member. For the most harmonious trip, assign one person to plan the group activities, another to make the restaurant reservations and another to research hotels. When you’re there, consider taking turns watching the kids to give one another some quiet adult time. After all, less stress always equals more fun — and a much more rewarding vacation.