We are traveling from the top of the Grand Strand to the bottom and exploring the unique 14 communities that make up the Myrtle Beach area. Just to the south of Myrtle Beach, you will find Surfside Beach, known as the “family beach” in the Grand Strand. Surfside Beach was the first town to be certified as autism-friendly, taking a pledge to learn and assist families who travel with persons of sensory-processing disabilities. Surfside’s clean beaches are also supervised by lifeguards for an extra pair of eyes while your children are swimming in…

We believe that everyone can find where they belong at The Beach! We recognize that families traveling with loved ones with autistic or sensory issues need additional support in their vacation destination – and The Beach is a place where this support is a reality. We desire to instill hope that vacation is possible at The Beach, regardless of any disability barriers. Surfside Beach and the City of Myrtle Beach are certified autism-friendly through the Champion Autism Network (CAN). Through this certification, many attractions, hotels,…

When most people think of Myrtle Beach, they think of the Boardwalk--a hub of resorts, attractions, dining, and amazing beach access – where our tourism shines. However, Myrtle Beach is so much more than the Boardwalk area. The Grand Strand is home to 14 different communities, all with their unique flavors and activities, stretching 60 miles down the coast. From the North Carolina border to Pawleys Island, South Carolina, few vacation destinations offer such a wide variety of attractions for the whole family. The Beach boasts the SkyWheel,…

WHAT: Tanger Outlets Myrtle Beach – Hwy 501 is hosting a sensory-friendly shopping day for our patrons with autism. Shoppers can enjoy corn-hole, Jenga, Connect 4 and Tanger Outlets memory games, as well as other fun activities. A quiet room will be provided when needed. Wheelchairs are always free for shopper use (while supplies last), and strollers will be FREE for members of Champion Autism Network (CAN) during the event (while supplies last). WHEN: Monday, March 23 until 9 p.m.; from 4 p.m.– 6 p.m., CAN shoppers will receive a Tanger…

The weekend of Friday, November 15, through Sunday, November 17, is sure to be a fun one along the Grand Strand as the Champion Autism Network (CAN) has organized a Sensory-Friendly Family Fun Weekend for families near and far. For those coming from out of town, Bluegreen Vacations is providing discounted rates as low as $69/night, and there is a fun sensory-friendly activity planned from start to finish. Here is a look at the schedule: Friday, November 15: Join CAN families for a pool party at Harbour Lights to play, splash, eat and mingle.…

When traveling with children, parents quickly learn the value of a good playground. And thankfully we have tons to choose from in the Myrtle Beach area. From oceanfront playgrounds to shaded hidden gems to multi-acre park experiences, here is a list of some of our favorite area playgrounds: Savannah’s Playground 3600-3640 Emmens Ave, Myrtle Beach, SC This multi-acre playground is an enabling playground featuring all ADA-approved playground equipment and structures designed to provide children of all abilities the opportunity for social…

April 2 nd , Battle of the Beaches World Autism Awareness Night at the Pelicans. Pelican’s (Chicago Cubs) battle the Charleston River Dogs (New York Yankees) in the exhibition game. Sponsored by Bee Sharp Professional Training. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., game starts at 6:3 p.m. Pelican’s Stadium 1251 21st Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. Go to www.championautismnetwork.com for tickets April 6th, Sensory Friendly Showing of the movie Shazam!, Grand 14 Market Common, 4002 Deville Street, Myrtle Beach. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., the movie starts promptly…

Here in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, we know traveling with children can be chaotic, especially for those families who may have the added anxiety of taking a child with autism away from the structure and familiarity of home life. But the Myrtle Beach community is working hard to make sure all families get the relaxing vacation they deserve. For visitors arriving by air, that means a warm welcome at Myrtle Beach International Airport in baggage claim, where family members with autism can take advantage of the airport’s ‘quiet room.’ This space…

There is so much to love about The Market Common area of Myrtle Beach. It’s been a great spot to grab lunch or dinner, do a little shopping, see a movie or even go for a run since it opened in 2008. But in 2016, the area made headlines when it became home to the Southeast’s first enabling playground, Savannah’s Playground. This playground is one-of-a-kind and beloved by visitors and locals alike. The $3 million, multi-acre park features all ADA-approved playground equipment designed so that children of all abilities have the opportunity to play…

A couple weeks ago, we went to the brand new Savannah’s Playground at the Market Common in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for the park’s grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. To say the gathering was heartwarming is an understatement. It was a perfect morning made up of beautiful weather, beautiful people and a beautiful community coming together to celebrate the realization of a dream long in the works. Savannah’s Playground—a project of Myrtle Beach Mayor John Rhodes, several area legislators, business people and community members—is…