Budget-Friendly Fun in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach knows how to serve up some Southern hospitality for families on a wide range of budgets. And if your family is on a tighter budget, there are easily plenty of options here for that, too. From outdoor recreation, amusement parks, and entertainment to dining, golf, accommodations, attractions, and more.
Photo: Myrtle Beach
This area hosts more than 20 million visitors year-round for a reason, and this is a collection of cost-friendly things to see, do, and stay!
As far as transportation, driving to Myrtle Beach by car would be the most affordable way to travel. From most cities across Ontario and Québec, it ranges from a 10-16 hour drive. If that is not an option for those of you traveling from afar, most major airlines fly or connect to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) and offer discount flights in the slower winter months. And, once you land and grab a ride-share from the airport to your resort, many resorts offer free shuttles to and from entertainment and restaurant venues around town and Coast RTA operates a free Entertainment Shuttle each summer through Labor Day every 30 minutes from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. throughout Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach.
The biggest investment of your vacation in Myrtle Beach, of course, is the resort you decide to book for your stay. Oceanfront resorts abound at the beach, which all feature a wide range of sizes in accommodations for your family and a lengthy list of amenities, such as pools, water parks, lazy rivers, onsite dining, and more.
If you need to focus on more affordability and oceanfront isn’t a priority for you and your family, shift directions and book a hotel or beach house rental with another family that is a block or two from the beach. It’s still a win-win, saving you money and serving as a great vacation spot in Myrtle Beach.
For more money-savings in the lodging department, consider renting a condo near the beach in the slower winter or spring seasons, which could save you 50 percent or more. Or, check into any of the campgrounds either at the beach or a little more private like Sun Outdoors. You can also camp in Myrtle Beach State Park.
Even adjusting your trip dates a little to earlier in spring (April - May) or later in Summer / Fall (Sept. - Oct.) can have a significant impact on your overall rates for hotels and can lead to substantial savings. Hotels often reduce their rates during these slightly quieter times to attract visitors.! The good news: these are amazing times to visit as the weather is still VERY nice, the water remains warm and you can still enjoy everything the Grand Strand has to offer.
Photo: Family
Myrtle Beach is host to more than 2,000 restaurants that feed families of all budgets, but dining out can get expensive. Cut costs by getting groceries for lunch and dinner to prepare in your suite or condo’s kitchenette and then plan to eat out for breakfast, which is usually the cheapest meal. It’s also budget-friendly if your resort offers a free breakfast spread each morning, which many of them do. That doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of any of the many restaurants that Myrtle Beach has to offer while staying on your budget. Go out for dinner late afternoon take advantage of early bird specials or kids-eat-free restaurants.
Entertaining the family in Myrtle Beach doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Again, there are discounts on dinner shows, entertainment venues, attractions, and mini golf available in the many coupon books usually displayed in your hotel’s lobby. Kids also Golf for Free all Summer at most of the top courses. Check out the many free festivals and concerts scheduled during the summer at Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot Landing, and Plyler Park on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Stroll along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk or the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk for more music, restaurants, games, and fresh views of the water. Explore the Myrtle Beach Art Museum, which offers free admission, The Market Common, and the Myrtle Beach or Huntington Beach State Park, which have low admission fees. And fish on any of the piers.