Golfers find Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, a paradise. But there’s plenty for every type of traveler here – from the coastal wilderness of the Russell Burgess Preserve to the giddy heights of the SkyWheel.
LessA good night’s sleep is guaranteed at Anderson Ocean Club, thanks to the comfortable king beds with “posturepedic” mattresses which respond to your body shape. Views of the beach can be enjoyed from your private balcony, while there’s no end of water-based activities to choose from – take a dip in one of two outdoor pools, lounge on an inflatable on the lazy river, or warm up in the evenings with a dip in the outdoor hot tub.
Hominess is at the core of the Strand, from the farmhouse furniture, plush sofas, and unlimited DVD rentals in the rooms to the hearty burgers and sandwiches on offer at the Market Restaurant. Golfers will find this spot particularly rewarding – packages help you tee off at several world-class courses. But for those uninterested in four-irons and sand wedges, a pool and tanning lawn afford views over the ocean.
The name says it all: originally built in the 1960s, this friendly place encapsulates the spirit of a vintage American motel, while adding Hawaiian touches like lei-style floral patterns. Try your hand at a new sport on the bocce court – a sandy arena for a bowls-like pastime – then take a dip in the outdoor pool, or sit back in the relaxing hot tub cabana.
This lively, modern hotel offers something most can’t – an indoor waterpark right on the grounds, with two swirling slides and a splash pad for younger kids. If that sounds like too much excitement, there’s also a languid lazy river and three hot tubs. Throw in the new, super-comfortable guestrooms and you’ll be tempted never to leave – but be sure to check out nearby attractions like the Broadway Grand Prix.
The pretty pastel hues of the wooden villas and bungalows might have you thinking you’re in Charleston’s Rainbow Row, but the laid-back atmosphere of the Cottages is pure Myrtle Beach. The Oceanfront Pools complex encompasses a swim-up bar, several hot tubs, and a lazy river – and that’s before you even get to the private beach access. The Cinzia Spa offers restorative hot stone and deep tissue massages.
Adjacent to the acclaimed Myrtle Beach Convention Center, this gleaming hotel sets the bar for laid-back luxury – from the palm trees which dot the lobby to the classic decor of the rooms and indoor heated pool. With Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf and the Free Fall amusement park both in walking distance, there’s plenty of opportunities for beachfront fun, while the huge SkyWheel offers the best views in town.
Outdoorsy types are well catered for at this lodge, where golf, fishing, boating, and biking are among the activities on offer in the unspoiled coastal area of Murrells Inlet. Suites have a rural feel, with wooden shutters and whirring ceiling fans, and many have kitchenettes so you can cook for yourself. An outdoor pool and breezy courtyard are among the spaces where you can relax.
As is often the case in Myrtle Beach, golf is high on the agenda at Tilghman. The resort features traditionally decorated suites and condos – with full kitchens and DVD rentals for the perfect night in – backing onto a beautifully manicured rolling golf course. If golf’s not your thing, though, there are indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, and jacuzzis, plus a splash pool for kids.