Myrtle Beach Vacation Blog

Archive for the ‘Myrtle Beach’ Category

Everybody loves the beach. That’s why Myrtle Beach, SC remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the U.S. year after year. But what about the off season when splashing in the Atlantic waves isn’t an option?

You can still head for Myrtle Beach. But rather than your beach ball, why not bring along some golf balls. After all, Myrtle Beach is also one of America’s favorite golf destinations.

The Myrtle Beach area features more than 100 spectacular championship golf courses, including some of the most unique and picturesque layouts you’ll find anywhere. And whether you’re a beginning novice or a seasoned professional, you’re sure to find a course that suits your game.

With its seaside location, Myrtle Beach offers up a variety of oceanfront holes and scenic fairways designed by golf legends ranging from Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer to Tom Fazio and Robert Trent Jones. 

Looking for a little added adventure with the kids? You can all test your putt-putt skills on one of the almost 50 miniature golf in and around Myrtle Beach.

Golf vacation packages can be created any time of the year, tailored to any skill set. So get ready to tee it up in Myrtle Beach. Better yet, you can also enjoy amazing accommodations at Westgate Myrtle Beach Resort. For more details, go to www.westgatereservations.com today.

You’ll never have a lack of things to do when visiting Myrtle Beach. From the beach to the golf courses to a seemingly never-ending string of attractions, dining and shopping, there’s always something for the entire family to enjoy. But if you’re still fishing for fun, why not cast a line and experience Myrtle Beach’s abundant fishing options.

With immediate access to the Atlantic Ocean, along with myriad creeks and channels that feed into the ocean, there’s a vast array of salt water fishing opportunities. For those used to fishing in freshwater lakes, you can learn all you need to know by stopping into one of the area bait and tackle shops. Ocean surf fishing typically requires a different type of bait and tackle designed for fishing along the ocean bottom.

For those ready for a bigger ocean fishing adventure, you’ll also find a number of deep sea fishing charters designed for catching larger trophy fish.

In addition to the Atlantic Ocean, the Myrtle Beach area offers a variety of picturesque inland waters offering ideal fishing conditions. These include the Intracoastal Waterway, which runs parallel to the coast as well as other smaller rivers and tributaries that feed into the waterway.

The vast Intracoastal Waterway system runs from Boston to Key West. The waterway was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, taking advantage of existing rivers and other waterways and digging canals as needed to connect them.

For information about Myrtle Beach area attractions and discount vacation packages, go to http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

When it comes to beach vacation destinations, Myrtle Beach, SC remains one of the most popular places in the world. Need proof? Just check out all the accolades Myrtle Beach has been receiving from leading travel groups.

The U.S. News & World Report recently listed its best vacation destinations for 2011-2012. Myrtle Beach was named #7 among Best Affordable U.S. Destinations; #9 for Best U.S. Beaches; #6 for Best Family Beach Destinations in the U.S.; and #6 in the category for Best Family Vacations in the U.S.

In the 2011 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, Myrtle Beach was named the #1 U.S. Best Beach and #6 among the world’s best beaches.

The 2010 National Geographic awards named Myrtle Beach as having the third best Boardwalk in the U.S. The beach boardwalk was also listed among America’s best by Travel & Leisure Magazine.

New to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is the SkyWheel, the largest observation wheel east of the Mississippi. Standing 190-feet high, the SkyWheel offers a phenomenal view of the city and the beach from its air conditioned gondolas. After sunset, you’ll also enjoy a spectacular light show by the SkyWheel’s computer-generated lighting system.

Of course, you can also enjoy spectacular beach accommodations at Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort. Westgate offers a wide selection of room and resort amenities including a kids’ water play area and a lazy river.

For more information on Myrtle Beach discount family vacation packages and savings on resort accommodations, visit http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

Virtually every trip to Myrtle Beach starts at the beach. With ideal surf, sand and sun, the spectacular beach offers relaxation and excitement. But venture away from the beach and you’ll find a little added adventure in Myrtle Beach? In fact, dare devils are sure to a thrill ride or attraction that will fit their specific needs for speed or excitement. Myrtle Beach offers a variety of heart-racing options along the beautiful Grand Strand.

Families can start at Carousel Park within Broadway at the Beach where youngsters can find a miniature ferris wheel as well as bumper cars and other rides. Then head over to the other side of the complex and Pavilion Nostalgia Park offers a mix of wilder rides for the teens and beyond.

At nearby NASCAR Speedpark, jump in a go-kart and experience various tracks and speeds - from the bumping and banging on the Intimidator track to smaller and calmer layouts for younger racers. There’s also an arcade and mini golf for your enjoyment.

On a hot day, head over to Myrtle Waves Water Park and check out the aqauatic thrill rides like Turbo Twister, Ripride Rocket, Snake Mountain, Arooba Tooba, Night Flight, Super Chute and Thunderbolt. Or simply relax in the Wave Pool or Lazy River.

Look to the Atlantic Ocean for thrills of a different kind - parasailing. Hop in the back of a boat, strap on a parachute and then float 50-feet high into the sky over the Atlantic for a bird’s eye view of the area.

If you prefer the ocean from sea level, you can rent jet skis and other watercraft including banana boats and pontoon boats. You can also find a scuba diving trip or a dolphin-watching tour.

For another thrill ride, check out the Skyscraper. Located in the heart of downtown Myrtle Beach, Skyscraper is a 160-foot propeller featuring twin arms that spin riders in a full circle in open air cars, spinning at speeds in excess of 55 mph and at heights of 16 stories.

Also downtown is the Sling Shot, twin towers that rise 300 feet above the landscape. Riders are strapped into an open-air car connected to bungy cords and hurled into the sky at speeds of more than 100 mph.

Family Kingdom amusement park also offers several thrill rides including The Galleon, Hurricane and Swamp Fox roller coaster, plus a log flume.

The newest ride in Myrtle Beach is the epic SkyWheel, the largest ferris wheel east of the Mississippi River.

For information on other Myrtle Beach attractions and lodging including Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort, go to http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

The summer fun never ends in Myrtle Beach.

While the beach remains the focal point of the Myrtle Beach area, there’s never a lack of fun, entertainment and attractions when you’re ready to get away from the surf and sand.

There’s also plenty of free entertainment, including the Hot Summer Nights Live Concert Series held every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday night at the oceanfront boardwalk downtown beginning at 8 pm.

The entire family can enjoy an evening of relaxation. So kick back and enjoy music from some of the hottest Myrtle Beach area bands like Ten Toes Up, Tru Sol, Scott Pittman Band, Fireshot and others.

The concerts take place at Plyler Park on the Boardwalk now through September 3. The Boardwalk also features a wide variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment.

Go to www.westgatereservations.com for information on Myrtle Beach attractions and discount Myrtle Beach vacation packages and resort accommodations.

Dolly Parton’s closed Dixie Stampede dinner show location in Myrtle Beach, S.C., is set to reopen this week as a new show with a brand new pirate and mermaid theme.

Now called Pirate Voyage, the all new dinner show adventure brings an exciting and up-tempo pirate tale to Grand Strand. To get ready for Pirate Voyage, the Dixie Stampede building underwent a substantial $11 million renovation. The centerpiece of the facility now includes a 15-foot, 750,000 gallon indoor pool. At either end of the pool you’ll find 30-foot pirate galleons while a third sunken pirate ship sits in the middle of the set.

Dolly Parton wrote the musical score for the new show which features pirates, mermaids and sea lions in addition to horses.

For those interested in the Dixie Stampede show, Parton’s original dinner show attraction is still operating at two locations, Branson, Missouri and Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, Tennessee near Parton’s Dollywood theme park.

For discount tickets and accommodations in Myrtle Beach, Branson or Gatlinburg, please visit www.westgatereservations.com.

There’s always plenty to do in Myrtle Beach and 2011 is shaping up as another exciting year along the Grand Strand of South Carolina.

The biggest (at least the tallest) happening in Myrtle Beach is the much anticipated opening of SkyWheel Myrtle Beach in May. This towering, 200-foot tall wheel will instantly become the main attraction along the Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade.

A unique observation point, the SkyWheel will offer some of the best panoramic views of the beach and surrounding areas. The Boardwalk area will also feature a new restaurant in 2011, with the opening of Landshark Bar & Grill.

Come springtime, the local Myrtle Beach Pelicans will open their 2011 season as a new affiliate of the Texas Rangers. After spending 12-years as a minor league affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, the Pelicans will become the Rangers’ Class A-Advanced Carolina League team.

Already home to more than 1,000 restaurants, Myrtle Beach will welcome more in 2011, including three new establishments at Broadway at the Beach entertainment complex. The complex is also slated to add a new attraction when WonderWorks - an amusement park for the mind - opens its fourth location in March.

After 15 years at its current location, the show Legends in Concert will move to a new 600-seat Las Vegas style theater next door to Broadway at the Beach and Planet Hollywood. Meanwhile, another new dinner show, Pirates Voyage, featuring pirate battles on full size ships within an indoor water lagoon, will open in June.

For more details on happenings throughout Myrtle Beach, please visit www.myrtlebeach.com or go to www.westgatemyrtlebeach.com. For information on discount hotels and resort lodging in Myrtle Beach as well as Myrtle Beach vacation package deals, please go to www.westgatereservations.com.

Enjoy the Christmas season with an unforgettable and nostalgic journey called Christmas on Ice, now playing at the Palace Theater in Myrtle Beach.

From the producers of the hit show, Spirit of the Dance, this two-hour holiday spectacular features championship ice skaters, high-kicking dancers and, of course, all of your favorite Christmas songs sung by the best of Broadway and London’s West End.

Santa and his helpers will take you along for the ride - a special Christmas journey set amidst a 40-ft ice skating rink and a giant winter wonderland stage. Songs include: White Christmas, Winter Wonderland, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Chestnuts Roasting, Jingle Bells, Away in a Manger, O Come All Ye Faithful, Let it Snow, Silent Night, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Deck The Halls, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, O Holy Night, among others.

It’s all happening at The Palace Theatre within the Broadway at the Beach complex in the heart of Myrtle Beach. The Theatre itself is an impressive 63,900 square feet and features a nearly 7,000 square foot, golden-domed lobby with three crystal chandeliers and a winged staircase leading up to the mezzanine.

For more on Myrtle Beach getaways and accommodations, visit www.westgatereservations.com.

Whether you head to Myrtle Beach for the beach or to golf, you’re sure to enjoy a long day of fun and adventure. But when the sun goes down, you’ll also find plenty of lively nightlife in Myrtle Beach. So why not enjoy a special night out at The Alabama Theatre, home to “One - The Show.”

This special live variety show production is loaded with live music, spiced with comedy, with some snazzy choreography and showbiz sparkle thrown in for good measure. Perfect for the entire family, the show features powerful singers, fast stepping dancers, and plenty of laughs.

Although One - The Show features an overall country theme, there’s plenty of music to match everyone’s tastes, including pop and rock.  The theatre is located at Barefoot Landing, one of the area’s most popular attractions. Barefoot Landing features plenty of shopping, dining, entertainment and special events along a boardwalk that is reminiscent of an old fishing village.

For details on Myrtle Beach attractions and nightlife, as well as Myrtle Beach resorts and accommodations, go to www.WestgateReservations.com or www.WestgateMyrtleBeach.com.

While summer is drawing to a close, there’s still plenty of summer fun to be had in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina - including the 5^th Annual Beach Boogie and BBQ Festival on Sept. 3-4, 2010.

The festival, held at Grand Park in Market Common features family friendly entertainment and events, samples from local and regional barbecue teams, live music, a kid’s zone, wake board demonstrations, beer gardens, food vendors and arts & crafts.

There will also be a fireworks celebration to close the event on Saturday night.

For information on discount Myrtle Beach vacation packages, go to www.WestgateReservations.com.