Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has been one of the nation’s top vacation hotspots for decades now. And even if you can’t afford to go on vacation, you can do like “yours truly” here and just move there. And for the last 10-years I’ve had no regrets. After all, this oasis of bliss is simply magical, even still. For no matter how long, you’ve visited our little slice of paradise; the sights, sounds, activities, glorious seafood and beautiful ocean breezes make everyone a regular, and both ready and willing to sacrifice most anything to get here for at least one week to take in the pristine beauties of South Carolina. So regardless how many times you’ve had the privilege to grace these pristine Southern shores, I want to share with you what I believe are the top 5 things you must put on your vacation bucket list once you pick up your first pair of beach sandals from our local Wings or Eagles. And trust me, it won’t take long for you to realize these are not just any excursions, but what I believe is the heart and soul of any native that calls this place home. So, grab all your beach accessories, leave your troubles behind, and let’s get into the Myrtle Beach adventure!

  1.  Stroll the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk at Sunrise

Ah, the boardwalk! Just mentioning it gets the heart reeling, especially when waking up with a fresh cup a Joe while toes are in the Myrtle Beach sand as the sun rises to greet you with “Hello”. The air is pleasantly cool, the animal life gathers their morning breakfast with invigorating chatter, and the plans for the day whisper fondly to not be in such a rush just yet. Besides the fact that it’s just you, a few insomniacs who finally gave up the fight, and an entourage of early risers, sun worshipers, surfers and reflective philosophical types, taking in all the beach gives without prejudice to anyone who longs to take it in.

It’s about a 2-mile stretch from the 14th Avenue Pier to the 2nd Avenue Pier should you venture that direction. At first, you’ll pass shops galore, the famous Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, and the salty air that you can’t help but breathe in with reckless abandon. You can of course stop and sit down on one of the benches along your journey should you choose or grab that second cup of coffee to get you through the start of the greatest morning you’ve had in you can’t remember when. And before you know it, the beach begins to open its blinds to all who would love to take in what it has to offer, as you have wrapped up perhaps the best part of your day since last year at this same time.

  •  Get Them Toes in the Sand at Myrtle Beach State Park

And as you probably already knew as you were making your Myrtle beach destination plans, we’re famous for 60 miles of shoreline, aptly named “The Grand Strand”.  However, if you ask most, the Myrtle Beach State Park is the gift that keeps on giving long after you’ve packed up and headed back home. In fact, it’s just south of the downtown’s sights and sounds, and this 312-acre stretch seems to merge perfectly with the rich South Carolina nature and the beautiful ocean in a way that makes you want to plop your chair down and stay for a while. Especially with things like the soft, snow-white sand between your toes and a rich maritime forest just behind you; not to mention the vast ocean stretching out before your eyes.  And by the way, don’t forget your journal and your camera because you’ll want to savor and remember this moment that nothing else can give you while you’re here.

Now to be sure you “must” pack a picnic.  Perhaps pack some local shrimp “po’boys” as we call it from Dagwoods, and then claiming your spot under some shady oaks, or if you’re like me, right by the water’s edge.  And the park has got everything you could possibly need for your time there with things such as clean restrooms, picnic shelters for the whole family, and even a fishing pier where you can see and smell all the amazing ocean wildlife enjoying their days adventures in typical animal workday fashion.  Or, if you’re here in the summer (duh), you should absolutely be ready to dip into the warm ocean waters, or take a stroll along the famous Oak Nature Trail where the pine scents never disappoint, and the flock of seagulls and oyster beds remind you that are smack dab in the midst of a rich and awe-inspiring ecosystem that always delivers.  And finally, with just a few bucks to park, you will have a front-row seat to the vast beauty that our ocean oasis longs to deliver, and why the locals never grow tired of calling this our home.

  •  When In Season, You Gotta Make Sure to Go to a Myrtle Beach Pelicans Game

Oh, and I almost forgot to tell you about my secret pleasure as well as a favorite local tradition: catching a Myrtle Beach Pelicans game!  And when in season, there is no better way to spend an evening than at TicketReturn.com Field (I didn’t name it, so don’t shoot the messengerJ).  But picture this if you will: the crack of endless bats, constant roars of the crowds, and the smell of fresh popcorn and a baseball game hot dog with zero rivals.  Also, the Pelicans, our beloved Single A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, bring a small-town vibe with a big-league heart with an experience that’ll make you feel missing the beach for a couple of hours was just the right diversion.

And by the way, the tickets are easy on the pocketbook even at the Beach, and the fun to be had is a memory the family will be sure to remember.  The stadium is right off the infamous 21st Avenue North. It’s also just a hop, skip and jump from the beach, and the energy is what only a baseball game can deliver. Perhaps your kid will even get a foul ball for a souvenir while the mascots (the Pelican struts) head straight for your funny bone, and there is always some additional quirky entertainment to keep all the family entertained throughout the duration. And by all means, do not skip the concessions!  Get that hotdog I told you about, or perhaps some peanuts; or if you’re like me, you absolutely must have the “Pelican Burger” (man’s actual best friend), stacked high with everything but the kitchen sink!  And well, as you probably guessed; win or lose, the Pelicans game will give you a taste of the great spirit of Myrtle Beach—laid back, welcoming, and full of cheer for everyone involved.

  •  Devour Fresh Seafood from None Other than “Mr. Fish”

So, I’m sure it goes without saying that you can’t come to any beach, much less Myrtle Beach my friend, without indulging in our mout watering seafood.  I mean it’s a rite of passage for goodness sakes, and one you should embark on more than once while you are in our oasis of sheer goodness.  Now, as a local, my go to spot is none other than “Mr. Fish”, tucked away on Kings Highway, where this family-owned gem is where the ocean always delivers in a fresh and delicious way!  You’ll have your choice of mounds of golden-fried shrimp, oysters so fresh your feel you are eating the very tide itself, and hushpuppies (did I say hushpuppies?), that smacked down with a generous portion of butter could very easily become your guilty pleasure. 

Or you could start with some good ole “she-crab soup.  It’s creamy rich, and with just a hint of sherry. Or you can dive into a seafood platter with flounder, oysters, scallops and crab legs, or order a Low Country boil with steaming potatoes, corn and sausage that spills out in a perfect “made in heaven” union with their seasoned shrimp.  Oh, and don’t forget the sweet tea, and add a little key lime pie as well.  Because here’s the deal: eating at a place like Mr. Fish isn’t just a meal, it’s a real smorgasbord of what the Myrtle Beach coast can deliver to the point that you’re just about ready for dinner and a movie with the family at the Beach house, now perfectly stuffed into Myrtle Beach oblivionJ.

  •  Catch a Sunset at the Marshwalk at the Famous Murrell’s Inlet

I’m saving my personal favorite for last, because sunset at the Marshwalk is a great experience, coupled with the variety of local eateries and lovers walking hand in hand with seemingly not a care in the world. Which brings tons of joy at the close of your day at Myrtle Beach. Not to mention that it is also considered the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina”.  Need I say more?

Hey, and please make sure you grab a spot at one of my favorite restaurants also, such as the “Dead Dog Saloon, and grab your favorite beverage and sit out on the deck enjoying at the scenery on this little slice of heaven called Murrell’s Inlet.  You’ll have your choice as the sun starts to go down of a plethora of bands the liven up the nightlife, and if you’re lucky. you might even spot a dolphin or two and get your own local feel of those living the dream of houseboat heaven, as you dream of adding that to your bucket list you almost forgot. It’s so beautiful y’all!  Oh, and be sure to bring that camera, your family and friends, and enjoy the picturesque beauty that may just make you a little sad that Saturday “check out” is fast approaching. 

Why Myrtle Beach Steals Your Heart Like It Did Mine?

It was 10 years ago now with kids starting to exit the nest, that my wife and I decided to move “to the vacation” as I mentioned earlier. And I can tell you with full conviction that there is not a day that my wife and I take our golfcart down to the inter-coastal waterway or take a quick hop over the bridge to the ocean for an afternoon of solitude that we pinch ourselves to see if this dream is still true.  An afternoon filled with brisk conversation, a good book, and our chairs right at the ocean’s edge for an hour or two, that we realize we made the best decision in moving here.

Now maybe you’re not at the state in your life when you can “move to the vacation”.  I get it.  However, there is something about Myrtle Beach that draws you in, makes you think of the taste of the good life for a change, and that mostly just wants you to make sure, even if you can’t move here just yet, that you save up enough to make this joyous trip each season as Myrtle Beach will be sure to be a new line item in your budget, and you’ll be glad it did. We’ll be waiting!