Myrtle Beach

Why Myrtle Beach for a Bach Trip

Myrtle Beach is the bach trip for groups who want 60 miles of Atlantic coastline, the Grand Strand's bar density, golf courses everywhere, and oceanfront high-rise rentals at prices well below Florida. The bachelorette circuit dominates, especially for groups in their early 20s through early 30s. Broadway at the Beach (an outdoor entertainment complex with bars, restaurants, and nightclubs) and the OD (Ocean Drive) for the Grand Strand bar scene give you walkable nightlife. The food scene is mostly seafood and chain-y, but the value is real.

The right group is one looking for a high-volume, low-cost beach weekend with structured nightlife. The wrong group is looking for sophistication; Myrtle Beach is overtly tourist-friendly and the polish is limited.

Where to Base Your Group

Stay oceanfront. The high-rise hotels along Ocean Boulevard offer per-room rates that beat almost any other beach city. For groups, oceanfront condo rentals through Atlantic Vacation Homes or Beach Vacation Properties; expect $400 to $1,200 per night for a four-bedroom oceanfront unit. North Myrtle Beach is the slightly quieter, more residential alternative; same beach, less circus.

When to Go (and When to Avoid)

Best months: April, May, September, October. Mild weather, swimmable water, lower lodging prices. Summer is peak; lodging triples. Winter is quiet but the water is too cold. Avoid Bike Week (May, Harley-Davidson rally, lodging triples and the city is loud), Memorial Day, July 4th week, and Labor Day.

The Day Scene

Beach time. Beyond that: golf at one of 80 plus area courses (Caledonia Golf and Fish Club is the splurge, Founders Club is the value pick). Helicopter tours from Helicopter Adventures of the Grand Strand. Banana boat or jet ski rentals at the major beaches. Brookgreen Gardens (sculpture and nature park, 30 minutes south) for a quieter afternoon. Sunset boat cruises from Murrells Inlet.

The Night Scene

Broadway at the Beach has bar density: Senor Frog's, Crocodile Rocks (dueling pianos), Latitude 22 (rooftop). The OD area: OD Pavilion, Boulevard Bar, Studio E. Murrells Inlet's MarshWalk (15 minutes south) is the boardwalk of bars-and-restaurants over the marsh; Drunken Jack's, Wahoo's Fish House, Wicked Tuna. Most bars close at 2 AM.

Food and Drink Worth Planning Around

Sea Captain's House for the iconic oceanfront breakfast. Hot Fish Club, Drunken Jack's, and the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk for fresh seafood. Croissants Bistro and Bakery for brunch. Pier 14 for the casual oceanfront dinner. The Original Benjamin's Calabash Seafood for the all-you-can-eat seafood buffet (yes, this is a thing here). For BBQ, Carolina Roadhouse.

Pro Tips

Book oceanfront condos four months out for summer; off-season pricing is dramatic. Bike Week in May is a unique Myrtle Beach experience but a deal-breaker for non-biker groups. Drive 15 minutes south to Murrells Inlet for better food than Broadway at the Beach. The pier (the actual pier into the ocean) is free to walk and a great morning. Bring cash for the boardwalk vendors. And the shaft on Highway 17 between hotels and Broadway at the Beach is a 10-minute drive but Uber surge gets bad after midnight.