Autism-Friendly Vacations

at The Beach

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.

Champion Autism Network

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." 

Eileen Lamb, Founder of The Autism Cafe

Where to Stay, Play, and Eat

Autism-Friendly FAQ