Living in the Triangle has many perks, but perhaps our favorite is the proximity to both the beach and the mountains. Last weekend, Daniel and I traveled to North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to visit his parents and to take in the salty seaside air. If you are interested in taking a trip to North Myrtle Beach, we have the following recommendations for you:
- Watch the sunrise over the ocean: Start your day by witnessing the beauty of the sun rising over the ocean. Find a spot on the beach and enjoy the peaceful sound of the waves as the sun gradually illuminates the sky. Our favorite spot is overlooking the Cherry Grove Pier. Check out the video below for a taste of what you can expect on a good morning.
- (Speaking of) Visit the Cherry Grove Pier: Once this pier is repaired from the residual damage from 2021’s Hurricane Ian damage, take a walk on the famous Cherry Grove Pier. This marvelous feat of engineering extends over 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, offers stunning views of the ocean, and is also a popular fishing spot.
- Go for a bike ride: Rent a bike and ride along the beach to explore the scenic beauty of North Myrtle Beach. Pedal past the iconic beach homes, sand dunes, and wildlife, taking in the fresh ocean air. If you didn’t bring your bike down, we recommend Trailblaze Adventures, which offers convenient booking, and has a wide variety of beach cruisers and electric bikes.
- Explore Barefoot Landing: Visit the popular shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, Barefoot Landing. Stroll through its charming streets lined with unique boutiques and shops, or catch a performance at one of its theaters. After you have shopped till you dropped, you may want to relax in the sun at the Duplin Winery and enjoy a tasting of their muscadine wines.
- Enjoy a seafood dinner: Indulge in a fresh seafood dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants in the area. Sample local specialties such as shrimp, crab cakes, and oysters, all caught fresh from the nearby Atlantic Ocean. One of Sarah’s newest discoveries is Boardwalk Billy’s, which features delicious happy-hour appetizers, drinks, and sushi specials.
- Watch a live concert: Catch a live concert or performance at one of the many outdoor venues in North Myrtle Beach. Soak in the sounds of live music under the stars, and enjoy the relaxed, beachy atmosphere. Daniel recommends House of Blues to catch a dinner and a show, while his parents give the thumbs up to La Belle Amie Vineyards when it comes to enjoying live music and wine.
- No trip to North Myrtle Beach is complete without a shag: This popular dance similar to swing is best enjoyed with beach music and is thought to have originated in Cherry Grove during the 1930s. You can catch a lesson every Tuesday at Fat Harold’s Beach Club. Whatever you do in North Myrtle, you are bound to have a great time in the sun.