Myrtle Beach La Quinta Inn & Suites

Until the late 1960s, the municipality now known as North Myrtle Beach comprised four smaller communities that lay just north of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Today the Grand Strand extends all the way to the North CarolinaOpens in a new window border and is a beloved destination along the eastern seaboard, with fishing competitions, serene seaside scenery and even a pirate ship.

Getting around

Many of the major North Myrtle Beach hotels provide airport shuttle service for their guests. For travelers staying in accommodations without shuttle service, a host of taxicabs, buses and car rental stations are available at Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR).

Once in North Myrtle Beach, you may see people driving golf carts on public streets. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles regulates golf carts the same way it does cars. Golf carts can be a fun way to get around this laidback area, so hop in if you have a driver's license.

What to do

Dining

There are more than 2,000 dining establishments along the Grand Strand, serving up everything from juicy American burgers to 4-star cuisine. Fresh seafood is a major draw here, with well-rated restaurants, including Berry’s Seafood Express Market and Flying Fish Public Market & Grill. Treat your sweet tooth at the many brunch eateries and bakeries, and take your pick from Southern Sunrise Pancake House and Golden Griddle Family Restaurant, among others.

Family fun

Ripley's Aquarium is a great place to get out of the sun for a few hours while marveling at the animals of the deep. After admiring the sea creatures, Pirate Adventures of Myrtle Beach is sure to satisfy. It offers an interactive pirate ship for children to explore. For even more adventure, you can be sure the kids will sleep tight after an afternoon on the zip-lines at Soar & Explore, where they can zip around above Lake Broadway. Laugh out loud evening entertainment can be found at the Carolina Comedy Club, where you can discover new comedians or watch well-known ones.

When to visit

Most people who visit North Myrtle Beach do so for the sixty-plus miles of white sandy beaches. Summertime activities such as kayaking, surfing, snorkeling and sport fishing are popular with visitors and locals alike. For this reason, the peak season for visitors is from May through August.

Special events

The Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo is held in the summer and offers high money prizes. In late summer, families can watch the Bump Up the Boardwalk volleyball tournaments or enjoy relaxing while watching the Movies After Dark in Surfside Beach. The Music on Main Street Concert Series is another fun summer pastime with live music, shopping and dancing in the street!

Where to stay

Most North Myrtle Beach hotels are located within walking distance of the beach, with lodgings ranging from humble motels to lavish high-rise resorts.

Comfort Inn offers a comfortable stay for modest rates. Positioned in the town center, it is two miles from the sea but is surrounded by good places to eat out and makes an ideal pit stop point. The outdoor pool and free breakfast, complete with Belgian waffles, will keep you nice and relaxed.

If you're in town for a while and looking for a sophisticated stay, unwind at the Barefoot Yacht Club & Resort. These waterfront condos are in the midst of on-site golf courses, restaurants and shops. You can even catch the weekly fireworks display that they put on.