Where to stay and eat in Myrtle Beach
By Suzanne Rowan Kelleher
Where to Stay
Embassy Suites Myrtle Beach is the flagship of the Kingston Plantation, one of the most desirable hotel-and-condo complexes in Myrtle Beach, set on 145 acres of beautifully manicured grounds. For families, the best reason to choose Embassy Suites is that you’ll get more space than in your typical hotel room. Make that a lot more space. Each suite contains a kitchen, dining area, living room, at least one bedroom, plus a balcony. Decor is tasteful, with a nice use of blonde woods and a palette of soft sand-and-surf colors. (9800 Queensway Blvd.; 800/876-0010 or 843/449-0006; Suites from $200/night, including breakfast.)
Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort makes a particularly nice home base on the oceanfront. The Y-shaped high-rise’s 385 rooms and suites are divided into three wings, so be sure to request a room that faces the water. Every room features the mom-pleasing combination of a small fridge and a microwave. A program of kids’ activities, indoor and outdoor swimming pools (plus a separate outdoor kiddie pool), and complimentary access to a nearby waterpark adds to the appeal. Continental breakfast is included, too. This is a particularly good choice for golfing families, who can take advantage of the top-notch Hilton Golf Academy’s private lessons for junior golfers. (10,000 Beach Club Dr.; 843/449-5000; Rooms from $180/night, suites from $259/night.)
Myrtle Beach KOA has mastered the art of creating happy campers, whether you prefer staying in an air-conditioned cabin or your own RV. The place is a paradise for budget-minded families, featuring two playgrounds, inflated jumping pillow, swimming pool, climbing wall, bike rentals, fishing, outdoor movies, wagon rides, and a new splash pad for cooling off. There’s even a pet playground, so Fido doesn’t feel left out. When the sun goes down, it’s Campfire Time with s’mores and sing-a-longs. (613 5th Ave. S.; 843/448-3421; Pricing: RV hook-up: $53-$66/night, 1-bedroom cabin $65/night, 2-bedroom cabin $77/night.)
Where to Eat
Sea Captain’s House has a fabulous location right on the beach and a legion of devoted seafood-loving fans. A Myrtle Beach institution for over 40 years, this kid-friendly eatery is famous for its she crab soup (prepared with fresh Atlantic bluefin crabmeat and a bit of sherry) and its delectable shrimp salad. For your main course, try the sautéed crabcakes or the seafood platter, which arrives piled high with shrimp, scallops, flounder, and oysters. The children’s menu is admirably varied, running the gamut from shrimp, scallops, and oysters to burgers and good ol’ grilled cheese and PB&J. (3002 N. Ocean Blvd.; 843/448-8082; Open breakfast, lunch, and dinner.)
Sticky Fingers Ribhouse is a Southern chain that’s become legendary for serving up five scrumptious styles of hickory-smoked ribs, which Bon Appetit magazine called “fall-off-the-bone delicious.” The children’s menu features chicken fingers, chicken wings, barbecue sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers and, of course, sweet ribs. Bonus: Kids get free refills on soft drinks, iced tea, and milk. (2461 Coastal Grand Circle; 843/839-7427; Open daily 11am-10pm, and Fri and Sat until 11pm.)
LongHorn Steakhouse is a great choice when your family can’t agree on what to eat. Everyone’s appetite will be satisfied with the huge variety of casual favorites, from steaks, ribs, chops, and burgers to salmon, shrimp, and plenty of delicious salads. The kids’ menu goes beyond the usual standbys of grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken tenders, hot dogs, and cheeseburgers to include grilled chicken salad, sirloin steak, and smoothies made with real fruit. (1180 Oak Forrest Ln.; 843/839-3310; Open lunch and dinner.)
Peaches Corner is a Grand Strand institution with a long-standing reputation for serving Myrtle Beach’s best burgers, hot dogs, and onion rings since the 1940s. So have the kids hop up on some swivel stools, soak up the authentic vintage vibe, and enjoy. Just keep in mind that another tradition lingers from yesteryear. (900 N. Ocean Blvd.; 843/448-7424; Open daily Mar-Oct, 11am-1am.)
More Myrtle Beach with Kids:
Myrtle Beyond-the-Beach: 15 Reasons to Coax Your Kids Off the Sand
