Myrtle Beach is one of the more affordable beach destinations in the US, making it the perfect destination for an affordable family vacation. With so many family Myrtle Beach resorts, amusement parks, and kid-friendly attractions, parents can enjoy the relaxing, slow pace of southern culture while kids can stay as stimulated as they want.
While Myrtle Beach is particularly well suited for those traveling with kids, there’s plenty to do here for travelers of all ages. There are a number of Myrtle Beach golf resorts as well as Myrtle Beach resorts on the beach. We found a number of Myrtle Beach resorts with waterparks, game rooms, and easy beach access to keep the fun coming for kids of all ages, as well as resorts that cater to a slower-paced crowd.
Whether you’re looking to veg out on the beach or have some blood-pumping family fun, there’s a Myrtle Beach Resort for your great South Carolina vacation. Let’s dive in and check out some of our favorites this year…
The Top 10 Myrtle Beach Resorts in 2025
-
1
Most Luxurious: Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa Grande Dunes -
2
Best Beach: Coral Beach Resort & Suites -
3
Best for Families: Dunes Village Resort -
4
Best Golf: Ocean Creek Resort -
5
Best for Tennis: Marina Inn at Grande Dunes -
6
Best Waterpark: Crown Reef Beach Resort & Waterpark -
7
Best Budget Resort: Dayton House Resort -
8
A Glam Getaway: Oceans 22 Hilton Grand Vacations -
9
Affordable Waterpark Resort: Ocean Reef Resort
All the Myrtle Beach Resorts We've visited:
What’s Special About This Resort
For those prepared to pay a premium for the ultimate luxury resort experience in Myrtle Beach, the Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa Grande Dunes is an obvious choice. The sprawling resort includes multiple sparkling oceanfront pools, beautifully decorated interiors, spacious rooms, and dependable Marriott service
The semi-secluded location offers a more peaceful, restorative experience for guests while still remaining close enough to get a dose of the unique experiences and vibrant nightlife in Myrtle Beach – and a short drive to and from the airport.
The Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa Grande Dunes sits right on the beach, allowing guests access to a pristine, quiet, semi-private beach. While the beach is breathtaking and tranquil, the resort hasn’t made any effort to make it functional for guests by offering umbrellas, chairs, towels, facilities, or any kind of watersports gear.
Dive into the full review for more information on rooms, dining, and amenities.
Things we like:
-
Gorgeous, elevated interiors
-
Several beautiful oceanfront pools
-
Rooms feel luxurious – clean and updated
-
Beachfront
-
A short drive from Myrtle Beach itself, making this a quieter option than other resorts on our list
Things we don't like:
-
A short drive from Myrtle Beach may not be best for those looking to experience the bustling nightlife of Myrtle Beach
-
Breakfast not included
-
Not as affordable as other resorts on our list
What’s Special About This Resort
The Coral Beach Resort has an awesome semi-private beach, where you can relax, play and enjoy the sand between your toes. Additionally, this Myrtle Beach resort recommends a number of nearby watersport rental spots for you to get the most out of your time on the water. Kayak down the river, parasail on the coast, or zip around on a jet ski right there on the ocean. This resort is perfect for families trying to max out their time on the water.
This resort does not fall short on amenities for kids – between the bowling alley, arcade, children waterpark, Oceanfront pool, Two kiddie pools, lazy river, indoor pool, indoor and outdoor jacuzzis, and an on-site ice cream shop. This resort is definitely a top pick for families traveling with small children.
That said, the amenities for adults are a bit sparse in comparison. This resort lacks the elegance or ambiance you might want for a girls’ weekend or romantic getaway. However, there are a few amenities for parents – an adults-only lounge on the 6th floor and a Roman spa on the resort grounds can give you a nice break from long days entertaining
Things we like:
-
Beachfront location
-
Gorgeous beach
-
Water sport rentals nearby
-
Children’s waterpark
-
Arcade with bowling, pool, and classic arcade games
-
Lot’s of things to do for the whole family
-
Affordable
-
Free parking
-
Attentive staff
Things we don't like:
-
Guest rooms are a bit dated, but still nice and clean
-
Great for families, but not ideal for 20 somethings looking for nightlife or relaxation
What’s Special About This Resort
The Dunes Village Resort is one of the many Myrtle Beach resorts with waterparks, and a family friendly oasis right in the heart of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The resort offers tons to do on the property, featuring jaw dropping amenities like an indoor waterpark, regularly programmed activities and entertainment for kids, several pools, games and beachfront ocean access – your kids will be begging to come back every year.
It’s not too shabby for parents, either. A few amenities also cater to adults, like the full service spa and the oceanside tiki bar. The resort sits right on the beach, featuring a pool deck that overlooks the ocean where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery with a cocktail in hand.
The Dunes Village Resort was very much made with kids and families in mind, so it may not be the best spot for your next romantic getaway or bachelorette party. Excitement is foundational to this resort, so you may want to look elsewhere if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. Dive into the full review for more information on rooms, dining and amenities!
Things we like:
-
Great for family vacations
-
Maintains its value all year long with indoor, heated water features
-
Affordable
-
Vibrant, fun atmosphere
-
Lots of activities for kids and teens
-
Close to the beach
-
Great, central location
Things we don't like:
-
Very much kid-centric — might not be the most appealing to all travelers
-
Rooms are quite dated
-
Huge resort so favorite spots stay pretty busy
What’s Special About This Resort
This 57 acre sprawling Myrtle Beach resort features virtually any hotel room imaginable, ranging from free-standing condos to beachfront high rises and everything in between. The resort is a bit tucked away, about a 20 minute drive from the airport and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. We found this location to be more quiet than other family resorts in the area, perhaps thanks to the spacious grounds.
What really sets this property apart from others on our list is its focus on golf – you’re sure to get the best tee times and rates during your stay. The resort has an entire golf department with its own separate concierge for the sole purpose of helping golfers book rounds of golf at one of the many championship courses in the area. There’s also a nice putting green on the resort grounds to keep your game sharp between rounds.
The Ocean Creek Resort sits right on the beach, with the ocean just a short walk away from your guest suite, so if you get bored of the laundry list of amenities, you can always kick back in the sand with a good book. We found this to be a well rounded resort and would recommend it for families and golfers alike.
Things we like:
-
Beachfront
-
A bit secluded
-
Quieter than other family resorts
-
Tons of amenities
-
Affordable
-
Great food
-
Attentive staff
Things we don't like:
-
Many guest rooms could use a serious remodel
-
About 20 minutes from the airport and Myrtle Beach must-sees
-
Rooms are hit or miss on quality and cleanliness
What’s Special About This Resort
Stretching an impressive 6600 acres, the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes Resort is one of the many Myrtle Beach golf resorts, in addition to being a gorgeous, luxury destination for your next vacation. The design is sophisticated and elegant, making this a perfect resort for special occasions like honeymoons, anniversaries or even your next girls weekend.
While the spacious rooms, stunning views, excellent food, and private beach access makes for a great romantic getaway, we were particularly impressed with the tennis facility and offerings at this resort. Featuring a semi-private tennis club equipped with 10 Har-Tru clay courts, 8 lighted courts and a fully stocked pro shop, the 5,000 square foot tennis facility makes this a great destination for your next weekend getaway with your doubles partner.
While we were admittedly a bit underwhelmed by the watersports offerings, the resort does work with neighboring rental companies to offer guests reasonable rates on jet ski and pontoon boat rentals, as well as a few different adventure tours. If you’re looking for paddle boarding, snorkeling, kayaking and other water activities, you may be on your own to find a 3rd party rental spot.
Things we like:
-
Private beach access
-
Golf and tennis onsite
-
Great service
-
Nice, clean facilities
-
Great for kids
-
Somewhat secluded
Things we don't like:
-
Expensive
-
Not a beach front property (although there is a shuttle to a private beach)
-
Not much to offer in terms of water sports equipment
What’s Special About This Resort
This may not be the Myrtle Beach resort for your restorative getaway, but if you’re traveling with kids and want to keep them thoroughly entertained, the Crown Reef Beach Resort & Waterpark might be your best option. The resort is home to a full sized waterpark, featuring a lazy river, waterslides, splash zones and kiddie pools for your kids to stay busy with all day long.
When they’re done with the waterpark, there’s an entire ocean just a few steps away for building sandcastles, body surfing, and making memories. The location is also quite convenient in relation to the airport and many Myrtle Beach “must see” attractions, like the grand strand SkyWheel and many Vegas-style shows nearby.
For dads who like to golf, this might be the winner for you, as the resort boasts golf packages available for over 80 courses in the area, While this time on the green will come at an additional fee, it’s nice to have the Crown Reef concierge there to get you a good rate and schedule your tee times.
Things we like:
-
Many activities and attractions for kids and small children
-
Beachfront
-
Lots of nearby courses for golfers
-
Waterpark
-
Great location
-
Friendly staff
-
Solid food options
Things we don't like:
-
Almost exclusively catered to kids
-
Pretty rowdy – not the place for a relaxing, restorative vacation
-
Occasional cleanliness issues
-
No spa on the resort grounds
What’s Special About This Resort
The Dayton House Resort in Myrtle Beach offers suitable and affordable accommodations for those who value location and easy access to the beach, as well as a vibrant, family-friendly vibe. This Myrtle Beach resort offers an oceanfront lazy river, ping pong table and a great big grassy lawn between the resort and the beach for playing or relaxing in the sun.
While overall we found this resort to be a great option, and while many guest reviews echo the same sentiment, there were a few noteworthy issues worth mentioning. Since this is a family resort, it may not be the best option for those looking for a quiet or romantic getaway. Additionally, the guest rooms are a bit dated and don’t appear to have been very well maintained over the years.
While these points are important to keep in mind, ultimately we found these issues to be minor – we would still highly recommend the Dayton House Resort in Myrtle Beach for your next family vacation on account of its amazing location and affordable price point. Outoria to our full review for more information!
Amenities include use of pools, two-acre oceanfront lawn with umbrella-covered picnic tables, lazy river, sauna, hot tubs, and fitness center. The resort fee also includes complimentary Wi-Fi, free onsite parking, local and full hot breakfast daily at The Rose Room from 7am to 10am.
Things we like:
-
Affordable
-
Right on the beach
-
Generally convenient location – close to the airport, fairly walkable area, right on the beach
-
Indoor pool, outdoor heated pool, lazy river
-
Offers complimentary breakfast
-
Lively atmosphere
Things we don't like:
-
Interiors are nice but a bit dated
-
Occasional issues with cleanliness
-
Might not be suitable for those looking for a quiet getaway
What’s Special About This Resort
The Oceans 22 Hilton Grand Vacations is a beautiful, beachfront resort located right on the Myrtle Beach Grand Strand. Here, you are walking distance from the iconic ferris wheel, broadway at the beach and a number of other experiences. This Myrtle Beach resort is for folks who value location and want to be right in the middle of the action.
This stunning, luxurious resort has two sparkling pools as well as direct beach access. They offer a state of the art fitness center, excellent dining, a functional business center, and a private lounge.
While we found this resort to be glamorous, it seemed to fall a bit short in terms of amenities and complimentary experiences for being in the luxury price point. In general, the resort is quite expensive and doesn’t include much – Continental breakfast is not included in your stay and even parking is $20/day. We would have liked to see a little more value for our money, but it is undeniably a gorgeous resort in a fabulous location.
Things we like:
-
Beachfront
-
Luxurious, elegant property and interiors
-
Indoor and outdoor pools
Things we don't like:
-
Continental breakfast is not included in your stay
-
Parking is $20/day
-
Expensive
-
Doesn’t provide an airport shuttle service
-
Doesn’t have a spa
-
Generally short on amenities
What’s Special About This Resort
The Ocean Reef Resort is another water park resort in the Myrtle Beach area, featuring a lazy river, outdoor pool deck, indoor pool, indoor and outdoor kiddie pools, splash zones and water slides – all of which stay open and are heated year round.
This Myrtle Beach resort really caters to those traveling with kids with its waterpark, game room, beach access and overall affordability. The food is solid, the service is friendly and consistent, and the whole resort has a vibrant energy that the whole family will love.
While this resort has a lot to offer in and of itself, it may not be the best option for families hoping to explore the city and culture in Myrtle Beach. This resort isn’t exactly central – it’s about a twenty minute drive to the airport and most recommended attractions in the area. While we wouldn’t rule it out, you may need to save room in your budget for a rental car.
Things we like:
-
Waterpark
-
Beachfront Location
-
Affordable
-
Good food
-
Friendly, helpful staff
-
Clean rooms and facilities
-
Lots of options for room sizes, locations and layouts
Things we don't like:
-
Not the best location – a ways off the main drag and 20 minutes from the airport with no shuttle service
-
Not many food options – just one spot for dinner and one for lunch
-
Rooms are a bit dated
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is a popular beach destination located in the scenic state of South Carolina, known for its beautiful beaches, its multitude of championship golf courses, as well as its varied and affordable family fun.
Why trust our Myrtle Beach Resorts review
We know travel can be stressful, expensive, and tedious, so we’re here to make your search as seamless as possible. Our contributors are well-traveled and can distill the essence of destinations while sharing helpful tips and insider information.
We don’t take your trust for granted, so we make it a point to share the highs and the lows of our experience to maintain that trust. Our genuine passion for exploration keeps us hungry and eager to provide inspiration and practical insights for you, our reader.
How to Choose Your Myrtle Beach Resort
Myrtle Beach is home to many resorts that cater to a number of vacation styles, requirements, and preferences. Below is a brief breakdown of which resorts might best suit your needs:
Family Resorts
As we have mentioned, Myrtle Beach is an extremely popular destination for family getaways, and resorts have taken note and made a point to include family-friendly attractions, amenities, and accommodations.
For example, one of our favorites, Coral Beach Resort & Suites, offers a children’s waterpark, an arcade with bowling, pool, and classic arcade games, and nearby water sport rentals for fun the whole family can enjoy.
Another family resort we loved was the Ocean Creek Resort, which offers a quieter, slightly more laid back family vacation setting, with tons of space between buildings and units and beautiful grounds – but with the same kid-friendly amenities you’d find at other family resorts.
Kid-Friendly Resorts with Waterparks
With so many family Myrtle Beach resorts featuring waterparks and kid-friendly attractions, parents can enjoy the relaxing, slow pace of southern culture while kids can stay as stimulated as they want.
The best waterpark resort we saw was the Dunes Village Resort, offering climate-controlled, year-round waterpark fun. This resort is vibrant and fun while remaining affordable despite the laundry list of activities for kids, proximity to the beach, and overall desirable location.
Oceanfront Resorts
Nearly every Myrtle Beach resort we featured this year is an oceanfront resort – we figured the beach is why you’re headed to Myrtle Beach in the first place. Our favorite beach was that of Coral Beach Resort & Suites, which offers a gorgeous beachfront and is close to water sport rentals nearby.
Ironically, we also loved the beach at the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes – even though it’s over a mile from the resort property. While we loved the convenience of an oceanfront beach, many on our list fall very short on beach amenities. This is where The Marina Inn really shines, as it provides a beach shuttle service, beach umbrellas, chairs and towels, showers, a changing room, and full facilities on their private stretch of beach, as well as food and drink at their Oceanfront Beach Club.
Golf Resorts
Myrtle Beach is a magnet for golf vacations, thanks to its dozens of pro-level courses that possess an otherworldly beauty. Ocean Creek Resort was our pick for golfers, as it has invested in an entire golf department with its own separate concierge for the sole purpose of getting you the best tee time at the golf course of your dreams. The resort also features a putting green for staying sharp between games.
We also loved Crown Reef Beach Resort & Waterpark for its golf program, as the resort boasts golf packages available for over 80 courses in the area. They’re sure to get you the best rates on your next round in Myrtle Beach.
Resorts For Couples
While Myrtle Beach may be a bit of a hot spot for family vacations, that doesn’t mean you can’t drum up a little romance with the right accommodations. Our favorite resort for a romantic getaway would have to be the Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa Grande Dunes. While it accommodates families as well, we feel the upscale interiors, excellent dining options, and elegant design would make for a weekend to remember.
Resorts For Adults
While Myrtle Beach is home to many resorts and attractions tailored for kids, there is still plenty for the solo traveler to enjoy. For example, the Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa Grande Dunes offers an upscale experience that appeals to seasoned travelers and a location that puts you close to the vibrant nightlife in Myrtle Beach.
We also liked Ocean Creek Resort for mature travelers. Though it is appealing for families as well, it is far more laid back and quiet than other family resorts on the Grand Strand. We would highly recommend this option for those looking for a restorative vacation experience – best for dreamy rounds of golf and lazing around on the beach.
Pet-Friendly Resorts
The only pet-friendly resort featured on our Myrtle Beach list is, oddly enough, the ultra luxurious Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa Grande Dunes. The Marriott Resort welcomes two pets up to 80 lbs for an additional fee of $150 per stay. While it may not be the most affordable option, those traveling with pets will be traveling in style.
Where to stay in Myrtle Beach
South Myrtle Beach
South Myrtle Beach, or downtown, is home to the promenade, boardwalk, and iconic SkyWheel, located right in the middle of the action. This area is packed with exciting activities and attractions like arcades, souvenir shops, and a mix of family-friendly entertainment.
This area is also known for its vibrant nightlife, making it appealing to travelers of virtually all ages. This area is home to resorts like the Crown Reef Beach Resort & Waterpark or the Oceans 22 Hilton Grand Vacations.
North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach is a short drive from the hustle and bustle of the downtown area and offers a more relaxed, less crowded atmosphere for travelers. The northern side of Myrtle Beach is known for its tranquil beaches, golf courses, and water sports. You’ll find resorts like the Ocean Reef Resort or the Ocean Creek Resort in this area.
What to do in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is mostly known for its miles of pristine beach, dreamy golf courses, and overall stunning natural beauty, attracting a diverse range of visitors, from families to golfers to nature lovers, and even those looking for a healthy dose of nightlife. The city’s laidback, beachy atmosphere appeals to travelers of all kinds.
Myrtle Beach also happens to be one of the more affordable beach destinations, making it a popular pick for families or anyone looking for some summer fun on a modest budget. The generally affordable accommodations help to keep a chunk of budget for some fun outside the resort, whether it’s on the greens, in the sea, or out on the Grand Strand.
The Myrtle Beach area is home to over 1,500 restaurants, 80 miles of beaches, attractions, shows, nightlife, and more, but we did our best to narrow it down to the must-sees.
Beach
We’ll start with the first and most obvious to-do: enjoying the stunning waters of Myrtle Beach. While you can certainly derive tons of pleasure from just laying in the sand with a good book, you can also have some serious fun should you choose to get in the water.
Kayaking – Myrtle Beach is perfect for kayaking, thanks to the large network of beautiful rivers and marshes. Black River Outdoors, Jack’s Surf Lessons & Board Rentals, and Great Escapes Kayak Expeditions are a few of the rental companies we recommend.
Parasailing – If you’re looking for a new perspective or just something a little different, we couldn’t recommend parasailing more. Available for singles or couples, you can arrange a flight with a number of companies in town. We recommend Downwind Sails New Wave Watersports and Express Watersports.
JetSki – For travelers looking for something a little more exciting, there are a handful of jet ski rental options in Myrtle Beach. We recommend Shawn’s Backwater Adventure, Aloha Watersports, and Myrtle Beach Watersports for the best Jet Skiing in the area.
Golf
Myrtle Beach is often referred to as the “Golf Capital of the World,” thanks to its abundance of beautiful courses. The area offers a wide variety of courses for nearly every skill level. Enjoy your time on the green oceanside, playing courses designed by renowned architects that attract golf enthusiasts from around the world. Our favorite resorts in Myrtle Beach for golf tourism are Ocean Creek Resort and Crown Reef Beach Resort & Waterpark.
Boardwalk and Promenade
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is a vibrant area featuring a dizzying number of shops, restaurants, and attractions – home to beautiful resorts like the Crown Reef Beach Resort & Waterpark or the Oceans 22 Hilton Grand Vacations. This is undoubtedly the tourism hub of the city, making it a popular spot for strolling, enjoying ocean views, and staying busy with the multitude of attractions and experiences. Popular attractions include Broadway at the Beach, the iconic SkyWheel, and Plyler Park.
Tours & Guided Adventures
There are far too many excursions, tours, and experiences in Myrtle Beach to list them all in one place, but we’ve selected a few of our favorites to feature here.
Carolina Safari Jeep Tours – a sightseeing adventure and unique way to take in the wildlife, local history, and folklore of the area.
Barefoot Queen River Boat Cruises – 70 foot authentic, wooden riverboat. The boat features indoor and outdoor decks for enjoying the fresh air and scenery and provides entertainment and a charming narration.
Brookgreen Gardens – an idyllic 9,000 acre sculpture garden – rich with local history and culture, featuring over 1,400 pieces of art on the property. A general admission ticket includes all gardens and galleries, as well as the Lowcountry Zoo and exhibits in the Lowcountry History Center. This ticket is also good for 7 consecutive days.
Alligator Adventure – one of the largest facilities for reptile life in the world, visitors can come face to face with fierce local wildlife.
Frequently asked questions
For the best beachy weather and avoiding crowds, springtime is typically the best time to visit Myrtle Beach. Autumn is also nice for these reasons, but late summer and fall can bring hurricanes, which can be potentially devastating in this area. You can also enjoy the beauty of the area for a fraction of the price if you are willing to sacrifice some summer fun on the beach and travel in the winter.
Generally, the cost of living in Myrtle Beach is slightly below the national average, but the cost of your vacation can vary significantly based on your accommodations and the time of year. Off-peak seasons offer better deals, while summer tends to be pricier due to high demand. Even then, Myrtle Beach is still one of the most affordable beach destinations out there and doesn’t require the same kind of investment as Hawaiian or Jamaican vacations might.
Comments