Myrtle Beach is known as one of America’s favorite destinations with its long stretch of sandy beach, warm ocean water, and more seafood buffet restaurants than you know what to do with. But there’s more to Myrtle Beach than that famous, fun vacation place where families have traveled for decades.
So where did the name Myrtle Beach come from? “Myrtle certainly sounds like a woman’s name possibly a famous resident from the early nineteen hundred. Or maybe, it’s from an American Indian heritage paying homage to our early natives.
There’s even a story that it had to do with a guy’s daughter that would come to this beach a long time ago. In reality, the name Myrtle came from a contest among the residents and the name “Myrtle” was submitted by a local resident. The name Myrtle Beach comes from the thousands of wax myrtle trees that used to line the beach, not the showy crape myrtles that most of us are familiar with.
The Wax Myrtle is an evergreen shrub. It provides nesting cover for wildlife in the winter when other foliage has gone dormmate. Wax Myrtles only grow from 15′ to 20′ tall and can reach its full size very quickly. They make excellent privacy barriers and are easy to propagate as a shrub because they are resistant to most insects and diseases.
The Wax Myrtle plant grows into a gray wax containing berries that have many uses. Early residents used the plant to make candles. Many wildlife creatures will use the Wax Myrtle for protection and food. The branches and thick foliage offers an excellent nesting location for birds found along the coast.
Now that you know where this famous destination got its name, Head to this great beach city today for awesome attractions and shows and resorts. Book your vacation today and get the best deals the area offers!
The Myrtle Beach lifestyle has not been overtly altered in recent weeks despite the current global pandemic. Travelers and locals can still bask in the soothing Carolina sunshine while splashing in the vast Atlantic Ocean. In fact, the sheer magnitude of the Grand Strand allots approximately 60 miles of pristine beach access. And, because of travel restrictions, there’s never been more space to spread out in the sand than right now as we approach summer 2020. We strongly urge all guests to heed the CDC’s social distancing guideline this summer, which will likely be no tall task, thanks to our exclusive beach access here at legendary Sand Dunes Resort. There’s still plenty of beach fun to be had along this sandy paradise. So, pack your beach gear, hop into the car, and head to South Carolina’s crown jewel without a care in the world.
Summer Beach Fun: 20 Activities Fit for 2020
While we’re all focused on what we can and cannot do in 2020, it’s important to note that these 20 beach activities will remain relevant for decades to come. When Mom and Dad hear the phrase “beach fun,” memories of building sandcastles, searching for starfish, and lapping up ice cream are likely to come to mind. Beach fun, in and of itself, is all about making everyone in the family happy, from your glee-filled youngest to your skeptical teenager. Try sitting down with the entire family before your departure to go through these 20 activities. You might be surprised to discern that everyone can find common ground when it comes to basking in the glorious, mid-summer Myrtle Beach sunshine.
- Build a towering sandcastle
- Fly a vibrant kite on a particularly windy afternoon
- Go for an early-morning sunrise jog before the kids wake
- Toss the Frisbee around—there’s just something refreshing about diving into the teal Atlantic for an errant throw
- Search for distinct seashells
- Savor a picnic highlighted by fresh fruit, crisp vegetables, and chilled sandwiches
Paint an awe-inspiring Atlantic Ocean sunrise- Learn to surf
- Swim for several hours, until it’s time for a cocktail
- Sunbathe—use sunblock, please
- Read that engrossing crime novel that you’ve been dying to finish
- Play Marco Polo with the fish of the sea
- Play two-hand touch football (or perhaps “500”)
- Kick the soccer ball around the sand—the World Cup is fast approaching
- Capture that perfect selfie or Insta classic
- Try people watching, Myrtle Beach-style
- Listen to your meticulously curated beachy playlist filled with country music hits, The Beach Boys tunes, and perhaps some chillwave from the likes of Washed Out, Bayonne, and MGMT
- Practice beach yoga while the kids splash in the on-site Sands Resorts Waterpark
- Start a water gun fight—please be respectful of your neighbors
- Hop on a floater and just sort of drift away—just don’t fall asleep, now
Hopefully, you were able to gather a good amount of potential beach fun for your next sunny escape to Sand Dunes Resort. Simply put, there is a seemingly endless array of fun things to bring to the beach. You just have to be mindful of the whole family.
Myrtle Beach Hotels…On the Beach
Thanks to Sand Dunes Resort’s countless complimentary amenities, there’s no end to the cheap family fun in Myrtle Beach. Guests can enjoy free access to our on-site water park, several acres of prime beach, and even a newly-upgraded Family FunZone. Our neighbors, North Shore Oceanfront Hotel, also just opened a new restaurant. For those hoping to experience several of the world’s best links-style courses, we boast a wide variety of Myrtle Beach golf packages on our website. To learn more about our oceanside haven, please visit us online (or call us today at 866-845-1011).
One of Myrtle Beach’s defining features is its sprawling, 1.2-mile boardwalk, a bustling mecca for amusement, exercise, people watching, and quick eats. There’s no doubt that the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade is a crowded tourist trap. However, what sets this scenic, nostalgia-inducing entertainment hub from other open-air destinations is its Southern charm. And there’s no better place to start and finish your day in sandy paradise than right here at Sand Dunes Resort, one of the top-rated hotels near the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. We’re less than five miles up the Grand Strand from the Promenade—close enough to the action but far enough from the swarm of tourists.
15 Things to Do on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
There are countless restaurants, attractions, shops, and vendors on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Thus, it’s important to arrive with a foolproof plan intact. Otherwise, you’re bound to lose track of time and overspend on lunch, entertainment, and souvenirs. We always recommend undertaking a bit of research and setting a budget before arrival. Well, without further ado, here are 15 quintessential things to do on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.
- Ride into the heavens on the SkyWheel
- Master Skee-Ball at the Fun Plaza
- Slurp up a unique ice cream flavor at MadMyrtle’s Ice Creamery
- Meet a legion of aquatic critters inside Ripley’s Aquarium
Devour a world-famous foot-long hot dog from Peaches Corner- Go for a jog as the sun peeks above the Atlantic Ocean
- Discover all things bizarre inside Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
- Purchase a tote full of South Carolina-themed souvenirs at Gay Dolphin
- Cast a line into the Atlantic from the Second Avenue Fishing Pier
- Brave the hair-raising, shriek-inducing Sling Shot
- Practice your people-watching skills
- Watch a live performance at The Bowery, the historic birthplace of Alabama
- Satisfy your sweet tooth inside I Love Sugar
- Share a bucket of Myrtle Beach’s tastiest fries
- Gaze up at the Second Avenue Pier’s Wednesday evening Myrtle Beach Boardwalk fireworks
Myrtle Beach Hotels on the Beach
After a memorable day with the whole family on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, return to Sand Dunes Resort for some splashtastic fun at the on-site Sands Resorts Waterpark. Admission to the water park is complimentary to all guests. Float down the lazy river, get soaked under the giant water bucket, and watch the kids climb the aquatic jungle gym. Not only is Sand Dunes Resort an affordable South Carolina getaway option, but it also boasts money-saving golf packages, a newly-upgraded Family FunZone, several on-site restaurants, and free parking. Give us a call today at 866-845-1011 to learn more about a potential summertime escape to sunny Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, remains an unquestionably alluring coastal haven for families, couples, and groups alike. There’s no denying that this seaside paradise has the East Coast’s premier collection of championship golf courses, head-turning attractions, and fee-free conveniences. And the best way to commemorate a stellar day of aquatic adventure, birdie putts, and mouthwatering coastal cuisine is by visiting a top-reviewed Myrtle Beach winery. Sand Dunes Resort, home to the region’s most exclusive water park, is only a short drive from a handful of beloved South Carolina wineries, including the oft-visited Duplin Winery and La Belle Amie Vineyard.
Swirl, Sip, and Savor: A Practical Myrtle Beach Winery Guide
Before or after a brief stint on Restaurant Row, at a nearby museum, or under the sea, plan a relaxing trip to a top-rated Myrtle Beach winery. There are nearly a dozen wineries near Myrtle Beach, including several vineyards and tasting rooms across the border in North Carolina. However, these five selections perfectly embody the essence of a classic Carolina winery.
Duplin Winery, North Myrtle Beach, SC
The most-visited Myrtle Beach winery remains Duplin, whose home base is in Rose Hill, NC. Duplin opened a second location in picturesque North Myrtle Beach in 2015. The impressive, 15,000-square-foot facility features a 28-foot-tall replica of the Cape Hatteras Light Station, which is an ode to its North Carolina roots. Duplin’s Barefoot Landing locale helps draw hundreds of thousands of thirsty patrons each year.
La Belle Amie Vineyard, Little River, SC
For true backcountry vineyard ambiance, we always recommend La Belle Amie, the pride of Little River. Little River, of course, is celebrated for its salt marshes, but it’s now home to both a distillery (Twelve 33) and a quaint, peaceful vineyard. Enjoy a vino sampler of Twisted Sisters’ finest vino this summer amid lush grapevines and towering trees at La Belle Amie.
Carolina Vineyards Winery, North Myrtle Beach, SC
Carolina Vineyards, much like Duplin, rests near the serene Intracoastal Waterway inside North Myrtle Beach’s Barefoot Landing. This elegant tasting room is an idyllic spot to savor fine wine after a hearty meal, boat ride, or live performance. Most of the labels are in-house varietals, such as the Rock Step fruit wine or Tropical Paradise, a pineapple white grape wine.
Coastal Wine Boutique, Myrtle Beach, SC
If you’re hoping to make a quick pit stop at a petite wine bar along Ocean Boulevard, we highly recommend Coastal Wine Boutique on 21st Avenue. The sleek tasting room features many shades of crimson, a striking checkered countertop, and a variety of beautifully-plated delicacies. Locals often slink into the wine bar to try an exotic new hookah flavor.
Grapefull Sisters Vineyard, Tabor City, NC
There are only a handful of true vineyards within driving distance of the boardwalk. Luckily for you, the short, scenic trek to Grapefull Sisters Vineyard is bound to be a highlight of your weekend in paradise. This classic “Myrtle Beach” winery crafts some of the tastiest coastal wine in the Carolinas. Grapefull Sisters’ countryside ambiance is the perfect way to cap a day of championship golf.
Charming Myrtle Beach Hotels on the Beach
After a full day of golf, gourmet cuisine, and wine tasting in Myrtle Beach, retreat to Sand Dunes Resort for a relaxing evening under the stars. But first, before dusk approaches, indulge in a lazy river float inside the free, on-site Sands Resorts Waterpark. Our charming, affordable suites, meanwhile, are just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean’s soft waves, as well as several waterfront dining options. If you’d rather explore the heart of the city after dark, feel free to read our Myrtle Beach travel guide. We’re also one of the only regional resorts to offer discounted Myrtle Beach golf packages at some of the best courses in North America. Please give us a call today at 866-845-1011 to book a long-waited, well-deserved spring or summertime vacation to sunny South Carolina!