North Myrtle Beach
Sun-kissed beaches, free fun, family memories on a dime
Highlights
Family-friendly sands with calmer waves ideal for kids and photography at sunrise.
Free waterfront shops, wildlife views, and market vibes in a scenic landing area.
Vibrant free promenade with beach access, street food, and people-watching spots.
Budget nature exhibit with gators and birds for family wildlife encounters.
Quiet free beach for shelling, picnics, and relaxed family downtime.
Where to Stay
3 picks
Sea Watch Resort
Budget condo-style units with kitchenettes, pool, and direct beach access.
Marvista Grande
Oceanfront efficiency suites with balconies, shared pool, and grills for picnics.
North Beach Plantation
Villa rentals with lazy river, pools, and proximity to free landing attractions.
Where to Eat
14 picks
Pier 88 Market
Fresh shrimp baskets or hot dogs; casual outdoor seating.
Waffle House
All-day waffles, eggs; quick family staple.
Street Vendor Hot Dogs
Classic boardwalk dogs with toppings; grab from local carts.
Dairy Queen Boardwalk
Blizzards and burgers; beach treat.
LuLu's Takeout Shack
Fried shrimp po'boys or burgers; quick beachy bites.
Market Common Food Carts
Tacos or BBQ from stalls near landing.
Windy Hill Food Truck
Tacos or BBQ plates from beachside trucks.
Subway Beachside
Custom subs; healthy family option.
Greg Norman's Grill Takeout
Fish tacos or salads; casual counter service.
McDonald's Drive-Thru
Happy meals and nuggets; easy pickup.
Mel's Kitchen
Breakfast all day like pancakes or sandwiches.
Pita Pit
Fresh pitas with local shrimp add-ons.
Captain Geech
Shrimp burgers or fish; laid-back spot.
Beachside Shucker Shack
Oyster shooters or fries; casual end.
What to Do
14 picks
Cherry Grove Beach
Relax on family-friendly sands, build sandcastles, swim in gentle waves; great photography at pier.
Cherry Grove Pier
Free pier views for fishing watching, ocean photography, and breeze.
Ocean Drive Beach
Stroll the free boardwalk, dip in ocean, family beach games.
Ocean Drive Boardwalk
Free promenade walk, shop windows, street performers; photo ops.
Barefoot Landing
Free stroll shops, waterway views, alligator alley peeks; family photos.
Alligator Adventure
Walk trails viewing gators, birds; nature education for kids.
Windy Hill Beach
Quiet sands for shelling, kite flying, relaxed family picnic.
North Myrtle Beach Park
Free playgrounds, trails, sports fields; family playtime.
LuLu's Beach Arcade
Free outdoor play areas, arcade window watching; low-key fun.
Intracoastal Waterway Trail
Free short nature walk spotting birds, kayaks; photo spot.
Crescent Beach Walk
Free beachfront path for sunset photos, gentle waves.
Flea Market Browse
Local weekend stalls for souvenirs, snacks; street market must-have.
Heritage Shores Nature Trail
Free short boardwalk through marsh; birdwatching photos.
Free Beach Farewell
Final swim, sand play, family reflections.
Good to Know
8 picks
Pack Beach Essentials
Bring towels, sunscreen, cooler; buy groceries first day for picnics to save big.
Check Tides for Beaches
Use free apps for low tide shelling; avoid high tide crowds.
Free Shuttle Awareness
Town offers seasonal free beach shuttles; confirm schedules on arrival.
Grocery for Breakfasts
Stock up at Food Lion for yogurt, fruit; skip hotel breakfast fees.
Sunset Timing
Beaches face west-ish; prime free photography 7-8 PM in summer.
Kid Sunscreen Routine
Reapply every 2 hours; free park showers help rinse sand.
Market Bargain Tips
Haggle politely at flea markets; best deals end of day.
Weather Flexibility
Have arcade or arcade-free indoor backups; most free anyway.
Map
Map unavailable
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