When you’ve lived here long enough, you get asked for recommendations galore.
Friends and family want to know where to eat and drink, which attractions are worth the money and the holes in the wall that the big-name national web sites haven’t picked up on yet.
And, of course, I’m asked about beach spots.
Consider these among the best insider’s tips I can give you.
Up and down South Carolina’s Grand Strand, some 60 miles of uninterrupted sand lines our shores, connecting the Atlantic Oceans to all the other sights and sounds that have aided in making us such a popular tourist destination for decades. And, for my time (and money), these are the three I use the most.
BETWEEN 36TH-50TH AVENUE NORTH, MYRTLE BEACH
Zoned residential long ago, nothing but dunes and private housing line this section of the beach in Myrtle Beach city limits. That means smaller crowds and a decent swath of space for you and your crew. That part is big, as we’ve found that most beach goers aren’t looking for a spring break-type party every time they head out.
Public parking is plentiful (the lots are spaced out every couple of blocks), and the city has done a fine job of keeping the walkways not only accessible but usable for carts and rolling coolers alike. Any of those beach access lots, then, are mere steps from the sand and your happy place.
FOODIE TIP: We’ll preface this by saying that we understand some folks don’t like taking food to the beach. But if that’s not an issue, hit up Burky’s Grill (4001 N. Kings Highway) prior to your arrival at your access point and grub on a tasty burger while the wave crash.
HUNTINGTON BEACH STATE PARK
There’s really no such thing as a private beach in the state of South Carolina, as only the handful of private communities make it difficult to enjoy several small areas of the sand. However, we find Huntington Beach State Park’s three miles of beaches to be among the least crowded spots to soak in the rays.
Annual pass holders long ago figured out that the $99 per year for a family was worth every penny. And even those who pop in for one day know that $8/person is a steal for not being jammed in among monstrous summertime crowds. The added bonus miles of hiking and biking options – if you want to make a day of it.
If not, just go and enjoy the beach in peace.
FOODIE TIP: Just a short ride north from Huntington Beach you’ll find the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk. While technically inland a hair from the Atlantic, Hot Fish Club (especially the gazebo out back) is among the most relaxing place to eat with water views in the area.
MAIN STREET, NORTH MYRTLE BEACH
Mix one part history, one part ease and another fun, and you’ve got what amounts to a spot that even the shrewd beach goers have to appreciate. North Myrtle Beach’s Main Street beach access can get a bit crowded, sure, but the diverse feel of the clientele – for lack of a better term – taking advantage of the north end’s most popular beach spot can mean loads of fun.
To get there, find Main Street and head east. That’s it.
Once there, set up shop and plan to stick around a while. Any possible provisions are a short walk away at any of the nearby shops.
FOODIE TIP: That line you see stretching down Main Street? Yeah, those folks are headed to Melt. The locally owned ice cream parlor has become an in-season fan favorite. Beach goers looking to take the edge off the summer heat know no wait is amazing and a little bit of one is worth it.
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