Plan a Road Trip to The Beach
Shelbi's Note: Taking a road trip is hands down one of my favorite activities. Living in Myrtle Beach, I can easily travel to nearby cities to explore what makes them unique, just like you can at The Beach!
Get on down here!
One of the most exciting ways to travel is by car due to accessibility and the option to stop anywhere along the way. Luckily, Myrtle Beach is a prime destination for road-tripping in the U.S. because of its proximity to major cities, many sights, and various things to do! Myrtle Beach is a part of the Grand Strand, which consists of 14 communities, most of them along the ocean. All are within an hour's drive from Myrtle, providing numerous attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas. Find more information on each of the communities in the digital Visitors Guide.
Regardless of where you’re traveling from, South Carolina is an attractive option for anyone living on the East Coast. From Florida to as far north as Canada, most travelers from these cities can get to Myrtle Beach in only a day or less! Here you can find how far and close cities like Toronto, Nashville, New York, and Atlanta are to The Beach. A big reason road trips are so popular, aside from the perks of seeing attractions along the way, is because they let you stretch your dollar. As the end of the summer nears, there’s no better way to vacation than by car to be travel savvy. Even if you don’t have a vehicle you see fit for riding in for a couple of hours, RV rentals have become a popular alternative to riding planes. Some are equipped with kitchens, allowing you to cook homemade meals even when you’re on the road, and staying at a campground in Myrtle Beach could let you get experiences you wouldn’t otherwise have if you stayed at a hotel. The Grand Strand has a handful of places you could park for a few days in your RV, some including:
Be nature’s guest at this resort in the heart of Myrtle Beach! Right on the ocean, Lakewood has sites to fit all your needs including full hookup sites, free Wi-Fi, picnic tables, and full-service bathhouses. With your reservation, you also can access all the resort's amenities including pools, waterslides, a playground, outdoor games, an arcade, kayaks, and more. It’ll be one of the best camping experiences you’ve ever had!
After driving all day, pull into Ocean Lakes and spend the evening with your toes in the sand. With nearly a mile of oceanfront properties and 310 acres of accommodation, there is sure to be a spot for you and your family! Operating for more than 50 years, this resort has every water activity you can think of and even does special events around the holiday seasons.
One of the highest-rated resorts on the East Coast that’s on the outskirts of the Grand Strand is WillowTree. If you truly want a vacation you won’t forget, bring your RV and camp out here for a few days to enjoy the fresh lakes, nature trails, fishing, and inflatable in-lake waterpark! This spot is just a minute’s drive from the beach and is close to the Cherry Grove fishing pier, Myrtle Beach, Calabash, and Sunset Beach.
Plus, by doing a road trip, you would have free accessibility to any nearby communities along the Grand Strand such as Conway, Murrells Inlet, or Surfside Beach. Not to even mention the views and states you could visit on the way to your big vacation!
Yet, taking a road trip isn’t only about the journey, but also the perks that come with it once you reach your stopping place. Myrtle Beach is a great destination, however, not everything in the city is in close proximity to each other. Rather than taking an Uber or taxi to get from one spot to the next, you can hop in the car after your afternoon at the beach and drive to your favorite dinner spot at no extra charge. So, not only is it more convenient, but it’s also a way to save money.
Resorts throughout the city also accommodate those who drive, usually including a free parking space upon booking. Additionally, various hotels such as Avista, The Prince Resort, The Roxanne Towers, and more, have fully equipped kitchens. This way you and your friends or family can purchase local goods at the grocery store to bring back to your resort and cook, rather than dining out every night.
Before you start your road trip to Myrtle, don’t forget to use our Passport to Fun - an easy way to discover, enjoy, and win prizes! The Passport to Fun is delivered instantly to your phone via text or email with no app to download, offering a one-touch passport to navigating the best of the Beach. Show your phone to participating partners to redeem experiences or perks. When you check in with four participating partners, you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip back to the Beach! The sweepstakes is running now through September 30th, so pack your bags and prepare for a trip on the road, cause Myrtle Beach is waiting for you!
