While I generally choose more secluded beach destinations, I also love to indulge in kitschy tourist attractions by the sea — the likes of which only Myrtle Beach can offer (within driving distance of Chattanooga, anyway). Between Labor Day and mid-October is a great time to go, when the weather starts to cool off, the crowds get thinner and lines for Putt-Putt and Ferris wheels get shorter. Here are a few of the best ways to spend some time along the Grand Strand.
What to do:
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade
Strolling down the boardwalk is a must-do at Myrtle Beach. Even if you're not staying nearby, it's worth it to make one trip. Come for a smorgasbord of souvenirs, arcade games and ice cream shops, and take a ride on the famous SkyWheel for sweeping aerial views of the beach from a climate-controlled gondola.
lan Solomon / Chicago Tribune / TNS / The boardwalk lures the hungry, the thirsty, the souvenir-hunters and thrillseekers to downtown Myrtle Beach.Myrtle Beach is famous for its abundance of golf courses, both traditional and miniature. This is the best mini golf Myrtle Beach has to offer, according to my coworker who grew up nearby. There are two courses, so you could spend a good part of a day here, and they're also open at night. This is a pretty popular place, so you may end up waiting a bit if it's busy or if you have a big group of drinkers playing before you (alcohol is sold here).
Broadway at the Beach
Imagine Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Downtown Disney all thrown together on a waterway near the beach, and you have Broadway at the Beach. You'll find tourist favorites like Paula Deen's, the Hollywood Wax Museum and WonderWorks, plus a Ferris wheel, shops, live shows and a host of other restaurants, rides and attractions.
Where to eat:
Aspen Grille
For fine dining, head to Aspen Grille for fresh seafood and steaks, along with vegetarian and vegan options. As a bonus, many dishes are made using locally sourced ingredients.
Cafe Old Vienna
You probably didn't expect to feast on wiener schnitzel and other German-Austrian cuisine during your beach vacation, and that's one of many reasons to go to Cafe Old Vienna. Other reasons include apple strudel, black forest cake and soft pretzels.
Where to stay:
Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes
This oceanfront resort is located in the upscale Grande Dunes community, outside the hubbub of Myrtle Beach's more congested areas. It offers amenities such as a spa, indoor pool and hot tub, outdoor pool with food and drink service, room service and a breakfast buffet that guests rave about in online reviews. Rates start at $289 per night for a standard room.
Getty Images / Beachgoers pass sand dunes on the way to the ocean at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.Although it's not on the ocean, the Marina Inn offers shuttle service to a private beach outfitted with chairs and umbrellas. Other amenities include a heated pool, whirlpool, sauna, golf course and tennis courts. The hotel has several on-site restaurants, including a Ruth's Chris, and it's located near attractions such as Broadway at the Beach. Rates start at $253 for a standard room.