5 Best Areas of Myrtle Beach for Vacation

The main part of Myrtle Beach is known as “the strip,” and extends along the oceanfront from 14th Avenue to the 2nd Avenue Pier; this shoreline is home to many recognizable landmarks, including the SkyWheel, Gay Dolphin Gift Shop, and the famed Boardwalk. Booking a room at any of the Myrtle Beach hotels on the strip puts you right on the beach, in the heart of all the action. The party-like atmosphere is amplified by bright neon lights, energetic crowds, and music drifting out of open-air beachfront bars. Because the downtown strip in Myrtle Beach features a mile-long promenade, it is easily one of the city’s most walkable areas, where you can stop at an arcade, find thrill rides, browse souvenir shops, try new places to dine, and then head back to your hotel without ever hopping in a car.

The city’s south end is home to kid-friendly hotels and entertainment for all ages, making it one of the best areas of Myrtle Beach for an active vacation. The nearby Market Common neighborhood offers shopping, a park and playground, a movie theater, 810 Billiards & Bowling, and an escape room, so there’s something for adults, young kids, and teens to do. South Myrtle Beach hotels are removed from downtown on mellower beaches than those near the strip, but you’re still close enough to visit the Boardwalk to enjoy those local attractions anytime.

If you ask, “What is the nicest part of Myrtle Beach?” most people name the north end, which begins near Gardens by the Sea on North Ocean Boulevard and continues to the city limits. Some feel the resorts north of downtown are in the safest areas to stay in Myrtle Beach, but the tourist areas in the Grand Strand are also considered safe, especially if you use common sense in crowds and while exploring the nightlife. This part of Myrtle Beach is quieter than the strip, yet only a few miles of sand separate you from all of the lights and buzz of downtown. Many of these hotels are within walking distance of restaurants so it’s easy to grab a bite to eat or a cocktail and be back in time to watch the sunset from your private balcony.

North Myrtle Beach is one of the best areas to stay near Myrtle Beach because this city is less crowded, so there’s less waiting at attractions and the beaches and hotels are quieter. Visiting the resort pool and walking the sandy shoreline in this area can compel anyone to unwind on vacation—and the spas at the 5-star hotels also help. Families choose North Myrtle Beach hotels because there are lodging options for any budget, and the beaches are just right for all ages. The endless things to do in North Myrtle Beach, like visiting the Barefoot Landing shopping and dining complex, make spending days out and about a breeze. This city is only a short drive from the strip, so you can check the main attractions off your list without much hassle.

Staying near Broadway at the Beach makes entertaining kids and having fun on vacation effortless. Play at this 350-acre entertainment complex all day enjoying the kid-centric attractions, amusement rides, and niche retail stores. Restaurants at Broadway at the Beach range from the local favorite, Melt, to popular chains, like Dave & Buster’s and Margaritaville. You’ll also find the Grand Prix Race Park and Hollywood Wax Museum nearby. When you add up all the things to do, the value of choosing hotels near Broadway at the Beach is unmatched. It’s no wonder families insist this is the best part of Myrtle Beach to stay for vacation.