Planning a trip to the east coast of the United States can be daunting considering just how many potential vacation spots there are on the coast. With over 118 million people calling the east coast home, there are plenty of gorgeous locations to consider. Among all of those potential spots, Myrtle Beach stands out as one of the best locations for both individuals and families alike.
Where Is Myrtle Beach Located?
For those who have never heard of the city before, Myrtle Beach is located in southern South Carolina on the eastern seaboard of the United States. Specifically situated in Horry county, this city was established in the early 1900s and became renowned for outdoor activities such as fishing and swimming along with the amusement parks in the area.
Is Myrtle Beach a Popular Travel Destination?
Even though Myrtle Beach is a lesser known travel destination around the world, this does not mean that it is not a popular travel destination. With close to 20 million visitors descending upon Myrtle Beach on an annual basis, it is easily one of the most popular travel destinations on the east coast to consider.
The Weather in Myrtle Beach
During the summer months, Myrtle Beach experiences an average high temperature of 86°F (30°C) and an average low temperature of 69°F (21°C). The humidity can make it feel even hotter, with heat indices sometimes exceeding 100°F (38°C). Thunderstorms are common during the summer, with the possibility of heavy rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds.
In the fall, temperatures start to cool down, with average highs ranging from 81°F (27°C) in September to 68°F (20°C) in November. The humidity begins to decrease, making for more comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.
Winter in Myrtle Beach is mild, with average highs ranging from 57°F (14°C) in January to 62°F (17°C) in March. While snow is rare, there is still the possibility of chilly temperatures and occasional rain.
Springtime in Myrtle Beach is mild and comfortable, with average highs ranging from 68°F (20°C) in March to 80°F (27°C) in May. The weather is generally pleasant, with occasional showers and thunderstorms.
Overall, Myrtle Beach is known for its warm and sunny weather, with summer being the most popular season for tourists. However, visitors can enjoy the beach and outdoor activities year-round, with milder temperatures in the spring and fall, and mild winters with occasional rain.
How Much to Budget for a Myrtle Beach Vacation
As you start to think about building a budget for your Myrtle Beach vacation, you need to consider the type of vacation you are taking and what you plan on doing. When visiting a beach city, there are two primary vacations you could take: leisure vs. activity. Assuming you plan to spend the entire city in leisure and simply sitting on the beach, your expenses will likely just be the hotel.
However, if you are planning on adding any activities into your itinerary then the cost of your vacation will rise drastically. A one-week vacation for a single traveler can cost as much as $2,000, which is a rough estimate for how much to budget for a Myrtle Beach vacation as well.
What to Do in Myrtle Beach
Assuming you have been convinced that Myrtle Beach is a destination you wish to consider visiting, there are a number of popular activities that you can consider doing. Each of these family-friendly activities in Myrtle Beach offer something unique for visitors to do:
1. Enjoy the Broadway at the Beach Attraction
As a uniquely designed building, Broadway at the Beach is one of South Carolina’s most famous travel destinations. Offering a number of different shops and restaurants for visitors to consider, there are countless locations to eat, shop, and simply enjoy live entertainment in the area while absorbing the sun.
2. Go on an Exciting Dolphin Tour
For those who love animals, Myrtle Beach offers exciting dolphin tours for visitors to consider. Those who take part in this will head out on a boat to popular areas where dolphins reside in an effort to spot any. Dolphins may jump up out of the water near the boat or simply swim by, but even if you don’t see any then you can enjoy the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean waters.
3. Take a Ride on the Famous SkyWheel
The SkyWheel is a famous ferry wheel located in Myrtle Beach right on the water. Located on the Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade, it is an observation wheel that stops periodically to give riders a chance to see the view that is around them. Taking you around 200 feet up in the air, the SkyWheel is a ride that isn’t for those who are faint of heart when it comes to heights.
4. Visit the Famous Aquarium at Myrtle Beach
Finally, additionally for animal lovers, the famous aquarium in Myrtle Beach offers a number of marine life that you can view. There are thousands of different sea animals located within the aquarium and a number of different activities to consider that are fun for the entire family. At a low price, visiting this aquarium is an excellent choice for families who are on a stricter vacation budget for their trip.
Plan Your Next Vacation Today
When it comes to getting an east coast vacation on the calendar, there is truly no wrong choice in terms of location. With that said, Myrtle Beach is one of the best options to consider in comparison to all other locations due to the variety of options for activities. Whether you want to sit on the beach and lounge or hop on a boat to see some wildlife, there is something for everybody at Myrtle Beach.