You know the song: “M-I-C … K-E-Y …M-O-U-S-E!”

Now discover why others are singing a different vacation tune: “M-Y-R…T-L-E … B-E-A-C-H!”

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has been named America’s no. 1 family vacation destination by various travel groups and media outlets because it has so much to offer its visitors. Surrounded by a 60-mile stretch of beach known as the “Grand Strand,” Myrtle Beach has all the great attractions, accommodations, dining, and shopping of Orlando, along with a few things you won’t find at Disney.

Here are five reasons to spend your next family vacation in Myrtle Beach versus Orlando:

1. The Beach: A Top Feature of Myrtle Beach

The beach is an obvious but critical variable when you’re deciding between Myrtle Beach versus Disney World for a family vacation. If you’re considering the Magic Kingdom because you think of Florida as a relaxing, beach-filled destination, think again. Orlando is landlocked, and you’ll need to travel about 60 miles to reach the ocean. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, a beach vacation in South Carolina is the way to go versus Disney. The Grand Strand area has 60 miles of beach in its backyard, and sandcastles and swimming are just steps from your oceanfront hotel. 

2. The Cost of the Magic Kingdom vs. Myrtle Beach

The Grand Strand boasts one of lowest costs of living in the nation, making it easier for families to stretch their vacation dollars in Myrtle Beach compared to Orlando. The International Airport offers low fares from many US cities, and driving to and getting around Myrtle Beach requires less cash, since gas prices fall below the national average. You can also visit several top attractions in the Grand Strand for less than the $109 single day Disney admission. Plus, there are many resorts with water parks and pools in Myrtle Beach that do not charge extra admission, which beats the $74 daily fee of a Disney water park.

3. Family Vacations in Myrtle Beach Are Convenient

Simply put, its convenient location makes Myrtle Beach, South Carolina worth visiting. The Grand Strand is within a day’s drive of half of the US population, so folks with a one-week vacation won’t spend the entire time traveling. The Myrtle Beach International Airport also offers convenient nonstop fares from 50 US cities, and it is located less than five miles from resorts on the strip. You’ll also find attractions, including the beach, golf courses, and the popular boardwalk area, just a short walk along the ocean or a few-minutes drive away. Orlando International Airport is 20 miles from the resort via toll roads, and driving to the ocean and other attractions outside of Disney during your Orlando vacation will take at least an hour.

4. A Myrtle Beach Vacation Offers More Outdoor Fun

A noteworthy difference between Myrtle Beach and Disney is that your beach vacation offers many more opportunities for active outdoor fun, including water sports. A family vacation in Myrtle Beach can also include hiking, biking, and swimming (which isn’t allowed in any of the Disney lakes). There are amusement parks in the Grand Strand for thrill seekers, and also some rides you won’t find at the Magic Kingdom, like banana boats and jet skis. While you might spend a great deal of time outdoors at Disney, some will be lost waiting in long lines. 

5. Golfing Is Better in Myrtle Beach vs. Disney

Golf course selection and availability are areas where Myrtle Beach excels compared to Disney. The Grand Strand has more than 80 golf courses within a 60-mile radius, which includes a mix of affordable courses for average Joes and top choices for pros, like the historic Dunes Golf & Beach Club and the award-winning Caledonia Golf & Fish Club. There are also tons of mini golf courses in Myrtle Beach for family entertainment. Walt Disney World offers only four standard courses and two mini golf courses on its property.

Whatever you’re looking for in a family vacation destination, you’ll find it in Myrtle Beach. With impressive resort deals and affordable attractions, your beach trip won’t cost as much compared to Disney, so you can splurge on scenic cruises, shows, and other top attractions without breaking the bank. You’ll find choosing Myrtle Beach over Orlando gives your family plenty of things to do, from beach days and water sports to golfing, and it’s all conveniently located near world-class hotels and resorts.

The Myrtle Beach Sports Center is a 100,000 square-foot indoor sports complex that features facilities for multiple sports. This sports center is home to 8 basketball courts and 16 volleyball courts, as well as courts for various sports, wrestling, gymnastic, pickleball, and table tennis. This venue is also a great place to host trade shows! Whether you are coming to Myrtle Beach for a sports event or for a special event or trade show, staying near the Myrtle Beach Sports Complex is not only great for convenience, but this attraction is located in the heart of Myrtle Beach near tons of things to do!

If you’re looking to stay near the action, check out this list of hotels near the Myrtle Beach Sports Complex:

Myrtle Beach conference hotels host company events and industry-wide seminars with ease, leaving you to focus on networking, presenting, or closing deals. If you’re producing or planning a conference and need a venue, look no further. The Grand Strand is a destination people are happy to travel to, and there is no shortage of attractions, dining, and things to do around Myrtle Beach during downtime. Plus, the group discounts on rooms can help boost attendance to make your event a success. 

The top hotels for weddings in Myrtle Beach are known for staging seamless customized gatherings, and these reception halls easily transition into conference centers. Expert coordinators spearhead event setup, seating plans, and attendee accommodations, so Myrtle Beach conference hotels lend themselves effortlessly to corporate retreats. Catering options let you add a light lunch between speakers or a cocktail hour for networking when the day is through, without a hitch.

If you’re worried your event is too large or small to use the Myrtle Beach conference center at your hotel, don’t be. Skilled event coordinators are happy to help arrange industry-wide gatherings, expansive company banquets, or intimate board meetings in these flexible facilities. Typically, a Myrtle Beach hotel conference room can seat 100 to 200 attendees with ease, and a smaller board room has no trouble hosting a dozen or so shareholders or executives. Landmark Resort in Myrtle Beach has 20,000 square feet of meeting space to host large conferences; its ballroom accommodates 900 attendees in a theater-style seating plan, and meeting rooms can be divided for seminars and breakout presentations. The North Shore Oceanfront Resort and Sand Dunes Resort feature conference spaces for up to 400 professionals. In North Myrtle Beach, Ocean Creek’s meeting spaces are suitable for 350 people, and nearby Beach Cove Resort has the flexibility to handle any number of participants from 40 to 700.

Go ahead and mix business with pleasure when you stay at any of these Myrtle Beach resorts. Enjoy team-building and networking right on-site, and take advantage of the fabulous amenities when you’re off the clock. Browse this list of Myrtle Beach hotels with conference rooms to start planning your corporate event, training seminar, or meeting today.

South Myrtle Beach hotels are the best option if you want to be close to the action without being in the middle of it all. While “South Myrtle Beach” isn’t a separate city like North Myrtle Beach, the term generally refers to the area from the end of the Boardwalk/Downtown district all the way to Surfside Beach and Garden City. It’s a lovely stretch with plenty of attractions including Family Kingdom, Myrtle Beach’s only seaside amusement park, as well as The Market Common. 

Although South Myrtle Beach doesn’t feature as many attractions as the Boardwalk/Downtown area, many vacationers consider the quieter atmosphere a plus. Instead of experiencing nonstop action and entertainment, visitors who stay at the best South Myrtle Beach hotels enjoy beautiful accommodations (many of which are more affordable than options in the city center), serene vistas, and uncrowded beaches—all while remaining just a short drive from the area’s most popular restaurants, shopping, and other attractions.

If this type of low-key location sounds like your dream beach vacation, these top 10 South Myrtle Beach hotels and resorts may be your best bet for a relaxing experience. Also, remember to check out our Myrtle Beach hotel deals to find discounts on rooms or suites in South Myrtle Beach.

Many travelers think visiting Myrtle Beach in September is too late in the year to find things to do and enjoy the weather, but the opposite is true. Early fall in Myrtle Beach is quite an active time at the beach and nearly everything in the city is still open so you can check out all the best attractions with less crowding and shorter lines. Though Labor Day marks the ‘unofficial’ end of the summer for most, it is still hot enough in September in Myrtle Beach to do all the summertime things you love—beachgoing, watersports, fishing, and riding roller coasters—without navigating the flocks of other tourists. Strolling the Boardwalk in Myrtle Beach in September is another favorite activity made even more pleasant with quieter crowds. And though a few seasonal shops and restaurants shutter in the off-season, nearly all remain up and running through September, and the promenade is open for strolling and sightseeing year-round.

With the fabulous blue skies in Myrtle Beach and warm average temperatures during September, travelers are happy to spend the last of summer at the best spots in the Grand Strand: sparkling hotel pools and sandy beaches. The ocean holds steady at 70 or 80 degrees in September, and hotel pools in Myrtle Beach remain open for at least another month, so you can go swimming and lounge in the sun for your entire vacation if you wish. 
If you’re still somehow on the fence and wondering, “Is September a good time to go to Myrtle Beach?” We have all the proof you need to finish booking your hotel for a fantastic fall trip:

1 | Get Great Hotel Deals in September

Getting off-season hotel rates without the off-season temperatures is just one reason September is a prime month to visit the Grand Strand. All the amenities are still open, and thanks to fewer tourists, you can enjoy spacious pool decks and shorter lines at the waterslide and pool bar. Since more hotels will have extra rooms they’re eager to sell, you’ll find many room deals in September, too. This leaves cash in your pocket to spend on other adventures or for dining at the best restaurants around the Grand Strand. You can even upgrade your stay and try out a 5-star resort you wouldn’t usually spring for.

2 | Have Myrtle Beach Attractions To Yourself

You don’t have to worry about trying to elbow your way through crowds at your favorite attractions when you head to Myrtle Beach in September. This time of year, places like Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the Beach are clear of the summertime crowds, so you can actually enjoy shopping and strolling the waterfront areas. And, the beautiful weather in September makes the plaza patios seem extra inviting spots to partake in a spontaneous drink or two. If you’re heading to town on a girls’ trip or couples getaway, check out the area’s hot nightlife during the quieter months. Dance the night away and listen to awesome live shows without spending your evening in line at the bar or wading through seas of people.

3 | Enjoy Fabulous September Weather in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach weather in September is perfect for experiencing any and all outdoor activities. The average air temperature in Myrtle Beach during the month of September is 85º, which is warm enough to take a swim but cool enough in the mornings and evenings to make spending time outside pleasant. 

Though visiting in September does put you here during hurricane season, storms are well-monitored and most travelers won’t experience any disruption to their vacations. If you’re caught in a rainstorm, conditions will generally clear quickly and there are other things to do when it rains.

4 | Take Your Pick of Endless Outdoor Activities

All of the outdoor activities from summer are still available in September, so you can enjoy the best Myrtle Beach experiences in the fall, too. The events and celebrations and countless things to do are what make September one of the best times to visit. Here are some of the top ways to take advantage of the beautiful weather and give summer a grand send-off:

See the Season’s Flora & Fauna

Take a tour of Brookgreen Gardens to explore acres of lush local flora and fauna and see sculptures from some of the country’s most prolific artists. Brookgreen Gardens also hosts the Lowcountry Zoo, which is home to a variety of native animals. While you’re there, stop by the butterfly exhibit to experience this seasonal display before it closes in October.

Take an Ocean Cruise While the Weather Is Warm

Visit Voyager Fishing Fleet to embark on a deep-sea fishing adventure or join a family-friendly dolphin-watching tour. There are a few dolphin tours each day throughout the month for cruising in the sunshine or watching the sunset. Half- and full-day fishing charters are also still offered in September, so choose your adventure and climb aboard for a day in the late-summer sunshine.

Have an Active Day on the Water

You’ll find various other outdoor ideas for fun hosted by River Island Adventures. Explore the local waterways on a kayak or take a tour on a pontoon boat. This outfitter hosts many challenging adventure games on their own private island and offers a variety of glamping and camping excursions. Trying these experiences in September means you won’t have to worry about getting too hot to paddle or too cold in the evenings. You can spend all day and night soaking in the end-of-summer fun.

5 | Attend Fun Fall Events

There are many events offered only in the fall in Myrtle Beach, which makes visiting in September feel like a brand new adventure. If you’re in town for Labor Day, catching the fireworks and celebrations at Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing are must-do activities, but there are worthwhile events happening all month long. Check out these September events when you visit:

• Saturday Markets: Head to The Market Common every Saturday in September from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to shop for local crafts and fall goodies.
• Statewide Garage Sale, September 7, 2024: The Convention Center hosts South Carolina’s Largest Garage Sale from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Admission is free!
• Atalaya Festival, September 27–29, 2024: This arts and crafts fest is hosted annually at Huntington Beach State Park and features over 100 artisans. Gates open at noon Friday, 10:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, and close at 5:00 p.m. daily.

Beach ‘n Chili Fest, September 27–29, 2024: Check out the World Championship chili contest, taste samples, and enjoy a beer garden in downtown Myrtle Beach.

Select any of the oceanfront resorts with smoking rooms in Myrtle Beach to make yourself at home in a fabulous suite with grand hotel amenities. Many area resorts feature designated smoking areas for guests on the grounds, but there are only a few beachfront hotels in Myrtle Beach with smoking rooms. These resorts offer suites with all the comforts you’re used to plus world-class amenities throughout. 

Many visitors assume smoking is allowed on the balcony of any oceanfront unit, but in Myrtle Beach, only certain hotels allow smoking on guest terraces. The outdoor pool decks and tanning lawns are also smoke-free unless otherwise stated. Littering cigarette butts on public beaches in Myrtle Beach is illegal, so those who smoke may find it more convenient to book a smoking room rather than trying to seek out designated disposal areas.

Whether you want a Myrtle Beach hotel with a golf package or a balcony suite at a waterfront resort, you’ll find smoking rooms for any getaway. Consult this list of properties to begin your search for hotels with smoking rooms in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: