City Series: Myrtle Beach

Welcome to the Dirty Myrtle!

FUN FACT: Myrtle Beach was named (not after the crepe myrtle) but after the waxed myrtle bushes that grew abundantly in this region. Today it’s known for its beaches, seafood, and numerous tourist attractions. Did I ever imagine myself calling this city my home? NEVER! But here we are two years later and I’m incredibly thankful for what this city has spurred within us both as a couple and as individuals.

Myrtle Beach is known to many as being a tourist trap. In fact, locals have affectionately called tourists, tourons. You get the picture. But Myrtle Beach has a lot more to offer than spray-painted tanks, mini golf, and pancake houses. Myrtle Beach is home to many families and is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing areas in the country. Why you may ask? Because we have beautiful beaches and some of the lowest prices in real estate for coastal living in South Carolina. In the two years we have lived here, our neighborhood looks and feels completely different. Forested areas have been torn down to build more neighborhoods. Lanes and traffic lights have been added. Everything is changing around us to accommodate for all the growth and movement. But I’m not here to talk about traffic patterns and surveyors, let’s talk about the Dirty Myrtle and all the fun that can be had in this city!

Here are my favorite sights and bites in Myrtle Beach!

Sights

Brookgreen Gardens: sculpture garden and wildlife preserve, located just south of Murrells Inlet, this 9,100-acre property includes several themed gardens, Night of a Thousand Candles (annual holiday light display) is considered the South’s Most Amazing Christmas Light Display by Southern Living

The Hulk: a 7-mile singletrack and doubletrack outdoor mountain bike park sandwiched between the Intercoastal Waterway and Carolina Forest. Great for biking or walking!

Market Common: full of shopping and entertainment

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

Myrtle Beach Pelican’s Baseball: Myrtle Beach’s Low-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs

Myrtle Beach State Park: South Carolina’s First State Park located right on the beach with 1 fishing pier, 7 picnic shelters, 278 campsites, and 6 covered cabins located within 200 yards of the beach

Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach: MB’s premiere aquarium featuring unique experiences like the penguin playhouse, Glass Bottom Boat ride over the shark tank, and so much more

SkyWheel: Myrtle Beach’s modern, safe observation wheel towering almost 200 feet in the air, day and night rides available

Springmaid Pier: one of the state’s longest piers and Myrtle Beach’s 2nd longest, recently renovated after Hurricane Matthew