
Sensory-Friendly: Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach
April 28
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has been committed to providing an autism-friendly vacation experience since January 2016, when Surfside Beach was recognized as an autism-friendly destination. The Beach is the place to be for your next family vacation, with visitors enjoying our 60 miles of pristine beaches, exciting entertainment and attractions, delicious dining and southern charm.
Families, in particular, have found the area to be their favorite vacation spot, and the destination has taken steps to make sure everyone who visits feels welcome, including partnerships with the Champion Autism Network and TravelAbility. In addition, the Myrtle Beach Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department is a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for visitors.
Families with children diagnosed with autism and autism spectrum disorder often experience additional stress and challenges while traveling such as overstimulation, repetitive behaviors, and hesitation in new environments to name a few.
Recognizing the needs of families traveling with autistic family members, Visit Myrtle Beach and the locally-based Champion Autism Network (CAN) – along with many attractions, hotels, restaurants, local residents and even the Myrtle Beach International Airport – have come together to make the Myrtle Beach area the ideal autism-friendly destination. From sensory-friendly experiences and autism aware, specially-trained staff to preferred entrance to attractions and travel discounts, Myrtle Beach offers an inclusive approach for families to travel together in a way only The Beach can.
"Myrtle Beach was a blast. It gave me hope that it’s possible for autism families to enjoy vacations together. I hope more places get inspired by Myrtle Beach and their autism-friendly places."
Check out these recent stories highlighting how The Beach is the place for a memorable sensory-friendly trip.
The Beach is a place where everyone can find where they belong – and we mean every body, every ability, every family, every one. Visit Myrtle Beach is partnering with the Champion Autism Network (CAN) and TravelAbility for The Beach is for everyBODY: Sensory-Friendly Pledge. Click to learn more about the local businesses who have already pledged their support and are making the Myrtle Beach area a more inclusive destination for visitors of all abilities.
The Beach strives to equip you with what you need to enjoy your stay.
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When did the Myrtle Beach area become a certified Autism-Friendly destination?
In 2016, Surfside Beach declared the first autism-friendly certified destination in the country through the Champion Autism Network (CAN). Then in 2018, the City of Myrtle Beach issued a proclamation making it an autism-friendly destination.
Read MoreDoes the Myrtle Beach International Airport have a Quiet Room?
The Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), in conjunction with the Champion Autism Network, opened their first Quiet Room in 2016. The Quiet Room at MYR was the first of it's kind in the U.S. and paved the way for other quiet rooms for travelers around the world.
Read MoreDo restaurants and attractions offer sensory-friendly resources?
Yes! Businesses around the Myrtle Beach area offer discounts and other incentives through the CAN card. CAN offers cards for families to show at participating restaurants and attractions, notifying them they are a family with autism. These cards can be requested through CAN ahead of time or picked up at the Myrtle Beach Welcome Center or the Town Hall of Surfside Beach.
Read MoreWhat are the top five things to do in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina?
1. Go to The Beach (of course) - 60 miles of beach to be exact!
2. Play a round of Golf at one of the 90+ golf courses.
3. Eat some Southern, coastal cuisine, especially fresh seafood.
4. See a dazzling live show or experience a thrilling attraction.
5. Shop 'til you drop at malls, outlets and more!
Read More
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