Myrtle Beach: fun or flop?

Every summer, millions flock to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina to catch some rays and well-needed rest. The beaches are nice, though many are connected to resorts and tend to have daily litter accumulated. That doesn’t stop the masses from skipping over lovely beaches like Oak Island in favor of the crowded popular beach. There is nothing wrong with a beach vacation with a epic nightlife, but it isn't for everyone.

Myrtle Beach can be defined by "North Myrtle Beach" and the regular Myrtle Beach. Knowing the difference between these two places is critical to planning a beach vacation in the area. For those looking for nightclubs, tattoo parlors, bars, and a wide array of tourist trap-type places, opt for mid to south Myrtle Beach. If you want a bit of peace and to avoid the nonsense of the strip, navigate towards North Myrtle. Let's look at whether a vacation to Myrtle Beach is right for you.

Is Myrtle Beach worth the trouble?

That depends solely on the individual choosing the perfect vacation spot. Some enjoy a lively beach scene whereas others prefer the quiet seclusion of a people-free beach. There's nothing wrong with either selection, which is typically defined by age. The chances of seeing a 70-year-old woman with a lifted Ford truck with neon lights inching along on "The Strip" probably won't happen. The amount of restaurants, tourist traps, souvenir shops, and other attractions are what you will find in South Myrtle Beach. There is something for everyone on the popular South Carolina beach but if you are seeking an escape from people, this isn't the beach for you.

North Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is part of the Grand Strand, which includes a 60-mile stretch of beaches along the Atlantic coast. The beaches are cleaner and less crowded and there are still plenty of attractions to get into once you're finished at the beach. The resorts tend to have small waterparks and all have private beaches with easy access and rental chairs. Places like the Dunes Villiage Resort offer tiki bars, outdoor and indoor lazy rivers, and pools. Inside there is a massive slide for the kids to enjoy. Floating along the lazy river while sipping a strawberry shortcake daiquiri is the way to go. Other nearby resorts boast free breakfasts, discount rooms, and plenty of activities for the children.

At Barefoot Landing, you can fulfill your shopping needs and catch a show at the Alabama Theatre or jam out at the House of Blues, then head over to the Alligator Adventure to see some toothy grins up close. A bit further down the road will land you at Ripley's Aquarium, which is pretty amazing. That is one stop you will not want to miss out on, but it isn't cheap.

South Myrtle Beach

South Myrtle attracts kids on spring break annually, and for good reason. There is so much to do with friends or your significant other if you fall between 17 - 25. Most of the shops are themed for that age group. The crime rate goes up with the introduction of the hoards of young adults flocking to the town. Where there are bars and parties, competitions to see who has the best ride, and tons of strip clubs, there will also be trouble. Theft, sexual and physical assault, gang violence, drunk or intoxicated drivers, and sexual harassment skyrocket in the evenings. However, any large city with nightlife experiences the same to some degree. South Myrtle is a fun place at certain hours of the day and slowly transcends into complete debauchery after 9 pm in some areas.

Myrtle Beach is fun-filled and shark filled?

Myrtle Beach has its fair share of shark attacks. Most attacks tend to be provoked, like when people are fishing and accidentally bitten, but they are still attacks that count. There are plenty of places where shark attacks are of concern, with many of those attacks taking place in Australia and Florida. Fortunately, Myrtle Beach isn't as dangerous as some other U.S. beaches, though caution should be used anytime you are in the ocean. Myrtle Beach is extremely popular and packed so the incidence of a shark attack makes more sense with more people in the water.

Myrtle Beach is a fun-filled vacation spot with plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. It can be a bit pricier than some other SC beaches due to its popularity and types of lodging offered. Will it come in as your all time favorite beach? It's unlikely, but it is all in the eye of the beholder.