360 Travels to the Coast
Welcome to our new series called 360 Travels! If there’s one thing we love, it’s finding affordable family fun destinations close to home. Our plan is to search them out, try them out, and share them with YOU! In the spirit of summer, our first trip was to the coast.
No time like the present to head to the shore. It’s certainly hot enough. Although it’s humid (aka suffocating), the ocean breeze makes the blazing sun bearable, even enjoyable.
Accommodations heads-up the To-Do List. Back in the Pavilion days, downtown Myrtle Beach was the place to stay. Remember when everyone “cruised” the strip? That was fun. That also makes me old. Since the rides disappeared, so did the desire to spend time along ocean boulevard. Our family enjoys everything from Garden City to Georgetown.
WHERE TO STAY?
Litchfield Inn is one of our favorites. It’s no shiny high-rise, but it’s clean and sits in the sand. Pawleys Island Realty is a helpful site. You will also have a lot of success scrolling through VRBO and Airbnb. IMO, hotels are not the way to go when booking a week in this area. If you have kids in tow, we have to mention Ocean Lakes Family Campground. And no, you don’t have to own a camper or tent to stay there. Once you’re in, you never have to leave. Our kids enjoy the water slides, pool, putt-putt, arcade, and weekly activities inside the recreation building. Ocean Lakes holds some of my fondest childhood memories. Families can rent a golf cart to get around. Oh, and remember the cruising that used to happen downtown in Myrtle Beach? Well, it takes place on a much smaller “strip” in this campground. Like nothing I’ve ever seen – it’s a real family event every single night. It’s a much safer alternative to hanging out downtown. Preston had a ball walking and meeting new people. By people, I mean girls, but let’s move on…
WHERE TO EAT?
Allow us to introduce you to a few spots we frequent often (every time we’re there). The Golden Egg or Omega Pancake House top the list of our breakfast picks if you’re in Garden City or Surfside. Feel free to sleep in because they’re open till two and serve breakfast till close. Further down the highway, make a mental note for Litchfield Restaurant. It’s one of those places you’d never stop unless someone recommends it. Get past the lack of curb appeal and enjoy ample portions, reasonable prices, and good southern cooking! I ordered breakfast tacos for the first time here. Recently, friends took us to another one of those places only locals frequent. With a name like Beach Burger & BBQ, we’d never have stopped for our first meal of the day. The burgers are top-notch, but they serve up an unforgettable breakfast! Also, order a milkshake, even if it’s morning. You will thank us!
When it’s time for seafood, Creek Ratz in Murrells Inlet is perfect for families. Technically a beach bar, they have a really good children’s menu, relaxed atmosphere, and live bands on most Wednesday nights. It’s right on the Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk, so kids of all ages enjoy the view. *Insider tip: if you don’t eat seafood, eat here. The pizza is exceptional, and the tater tots will make your mouth water* A more traditional seafood restaurant is a bit further down the road in Litchfield. Hanser House Low Country Cuisine is family owned, so we like to support them. Dinner reservations are a good idea during the summer months, unless you’re like us and eat with the seniors at five.
WHAT TO DO?
Since our group loves fishing, crabbing, kayaking, boarding, and all things ocean, we usually don’t spend a lot of time on other entertainment. We do LOVE to visit Myrtle Beach and Huntington Beach State Parks. Be sure to check out their websites for everything they offer. MBSP is our go-to for science related activities, trails, and playgrounds. HBSP is perfect for nature and history. The Atalaya Castle is located inside and is a must-see. Both are great spots to enjoy the beach.
Georgetown is another historic spot with a quaint downtown. The Harbor Walk is gorgeous and the perfect place to watch the sun go down.
If it rains, our friends at Big Air Trampoline Park have a location in Myrtle Beach!
We know the summer is coming to a close, but we love the beach in the fall too! Let us know your favorite spots and don’t forget to tag us in your family adventures!
Want to stick around in the Upstate? Check out 360 Events Calendar here.