Where to Stay on the Grand Strand: Resort Options from Myrtle Beach to North Myrtle Beach

What the Grand Strand resorts offer

The Grand Strand is a 60-mile stretch of South Carolina coastline centered on Myrtle Beach, lined with oceanfront and near-beach resorts that range from budget chains to high-end properties. Most resorts here sit within a few blocks of the Atlantic, offer pools and beach access, and cluster in three main areas: central Myrtle Beach (the busiest, with the most dining and attractions nearby), North Myrtle Beach (quieter, more residential feel), and the southern end near Surfside and Garden City (less crowded, family-oriented). Unlike vacation rental homes, resorts provide daily housekeeping, front-desk staff, and often restaurants or bars on-site—useful if you want services without managing a property yourself.

The Grand Strand has hundreds of resorts, so the choice depends on your budget, what you want to do, and how much activity you want around you. A beachfront high-rise in central Myrtle Beach puts you steps from boardwalk restaurants and shops but means crowds and noise. A smaller resort in North Myrtle Beach or the southern end trades some convenience for quieter mornings and easier parking. Most resorts charge nightly rates that vary by season—peak summer and spring break are most expensive, while fall and winter are cheaper and less crowded.

Key Takeaways

• Central Myrtle Beach resorts are closest to the boardwalk, restaurants, and attractions, but charge more and draw larger crowds, especially in summer.
• North Myrtle Beach and southern Grand Strand resorts offer quieter settings and lower rates, with beach access and pools but fewer on-site dining options.
• Beachfront high-rises provide ocean views and direct sand access; garden-level or back-building rooms cost less and suit families who don't need constant water views.
• Rates drop significantly in fall, winter, and early spring, and many resorts offer package deals for golf, dining, or multi-night stays during slower seasons.
• Resort amenities vary widely—check whether parking, Wi-Fi, pools, and beach chairs are included or cost extra before booking.

Central Myrtle Beach: The busy heart of the strand

Central Myrtle Beach—roughly from 14th Avenue North to 82nd Parkway—is where most of the Grand Strand's resorts cluster. The area includes the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, a 1.2-mile pedestrian path with restaurants, shops, and arcades. Resorts here are mostly high-rises with oceanfront views, and they fill fastest during summer break (June through August) and spring break (March and early April). Parking can be tight and often costs extra; some resorts charge $10 to $15 per night for a parking spot.

This zone suits visitors who want to walk to dinner, catch live music, or browse shops without driving. The trade-off is noise—especially near the boardwalk—and higher nightly rates. A beachfront room in central Myrtle Beach in July might run $150 to $300 per night; the same room in November might be $60 to $120. Many central resorts have on-site restaurants, bars, and pools heated year-round, which matters if you visit in cooler months.

North Myrtle Beach: Quieter and more residential

North Myrtle Beach, north of 48th Avenue North, has a different character—smaller resorts, fewer high-rises, and a neighborhood feel. The area includes Barefoot Landing, an outdoor shopping and entertainment complex with restaurants and live music venues, but it's less densely packed than the central boardwalk. Resorts here tend to be 4 to 12 stories rather than 20-plus, and many are older properties that have been renovated or newer mid-range chains.

North Myrtle Beach draws families and couples looking for beach time without constant activity. Parking is usually free or included. Nightly rates run 15 to 30 percent lower than central Myrtle Beach for comparable rooms. The beach itself is the same Atlantic Ocean, but the vibe is calmer—fewer late-night crowds, easier morning walks, and quieter evenings. If you plan to spend most of your time on the beach or at golf courses (North Myrtle has several), this area makes sense. If you want to walk to dinner and nightlife every night, central Myrtle Beach is more convenient.

Southern Grand Strand: Surfside, Garden City, and Pawleys Island

South of central Myrtle Beach, the Grand Strand spreads out. Surfside Beach and Garden City are small, laid-back towns with family-oriented resorts, fewer high-rises, and a slower pace. Pawleys Island, further south, is even quieter and more upscale. These areas have fewer restaurants and shops within walking distance, so you'll likely drive to eat or explore, but the beaches are less crowded and the atmosphere is more relaxed.

Resorts in Surfside and Garden City are often smaller properties with pools, beach access, and basic amenities. Nightly rates are typically the lowest on the Grand Strand—$50 to $120 in off-season, $80 to $180 in peak summer. Pawleys Island resorts skew higher-end and pricier, but still quieter than central Myrtle Beach. This zone works well if you want a beach vacation without the boardwalk scene, or if you're combining beach time with golf or nature activities like kayaking in nearby salt marshes.

What to check before booking a resort

Resort amenities and fees vary widely, so read the fine print. Some resorts include parking, Wi-Fi, and beach chairs; others charge $10 to $20 per night for parking alone. Check whether the pool is heated (important in winter), whether there's a fitness center, and whether the resort has a restaurant or if you'll need to leave the property to eat. Ask whether the resort charges resort fees—many add $15 to $30 per night on top of the room rate, and this isn't always obvious in the initial price quote.

Beachfront rooms cost more but offer ocean views and direct sand access. Garden-level or back-building rooms are cheaper and often quieter, though you'll walk to the beach. If you have a car and don't mind a short walk, a back room can save $30 to $50 per night. Check the resort's cancellation policy, especially if you're booking months ahead—some offer free cancellation up to 14 days before arrival, others charge a fee or require full prepayment.

Seasonal rates and package deals

The Grand Strand has distinct seasons. Summer (June through August) and spring break (March and early April) are peak and most expensive. Fall (September through November) and winter (December through February) are cheaper and less crowded—a good time to visit if you don't mind cooler water and occasional rain. Early spring (February and early March) and late fall (November) offer a middle ground: lower rates than summer but better weather than deep winter.

Many resorts offer package deals during slower seasons—golf packages that include a room and rounds at nearby courses, dining packages with restaurant credits, or multi-night discounts. Check the resort's website or call the front desk directly; packages aren't always advertised prominently online. If you're flexible on dates, visiting in September, October, or January can cut your nightly rate by 40 to 60 percent compared to July.

Getting around and what's nearby

Most Grand Strand resorts are within 10 to 20 minutes of Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR). If you're renting a car, you'll have access to golf courses, state parks, and restaurants throughout the area. If you're not driving, central Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach resorts are walkable to some attractions; southern resorts require a taxi or rideshare for most outings. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce website lists attractions, restaurants, and events by area, which helps you decide where to stay based on what you want to do.

The Grand Strand has over 100 golf courses, many within a few miles of resorts. Huntington Beach State Park (near Murrells Inlet, south of Garden City) offers nature trails and a pier. Brookgreen Gardens, also near Murrells Inlet, is a sculpture garden and wildlife preserve. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk has free access to the beach and promenade, though parking nearby costs. If you're interested in history, the nearby town of Georgetown has colonial-era sites and riverfront dining, about 30 minutes south.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a beachfront resort and one a block away?

Beachfront resorts have direct ocean views and sand access from the building; you step outside onto the beach. Resorts one or two blocks back cost 20 to 40 percent less, have a short walk to the beach (usually under five minutes), and are often quieter. If ocean views matter to you, beachfront is worth it; if you just want beach access, a back resort saves money and often feels less crowded.

Do I need a car on the Grand Strand?

In central Myrtle Beach, you can walk to restaurants, shops, and the boardwalk, so a car is optional. In North Myrtle Beach, a car is helpful but not essential if your resort is near Barefoot Landing. In Surfside, Garden City, or Pawleys Island, a car is nearly necessary—there's little within walking distance. If you're flying in and don't want to rent a car, choose a central or North Myrtle Beach resort.

What time of year has the best weather?

Late April through May and September through October have mild temperatures (70s to low 80s), lower humidity, and fewer crowds than summer. Water is warmest in August and September. Winter (December through February) is cool (50s to 60s) and sometimes rainy, but resorts are less crowded and rates are lowest. Spring break (mid-March through early April) is warm but extremely busy and expensive.

Are resort fees included in the advertised nightly rate?

Usually not. The nightly rate shown online is often just the room; resort fees (for parking, Wi-Fi, pool access, or beach chairs) are added at checkout. These can be $15 to $30 per night. Always ask the resort to confirm the total cost including all fees before you book, so there are no surprises.

Can I book directly with the resort or should I use a booking website?

Both work. Booking websites like Expedia or Hotels.com sometimes show lower rates, but calling the resort directly can reveal package deals or loyalty discounts not listed online. If you find a lower rate online, call the resort and ask if they'll match it—many will. Direct booking also means you can ask questions about room location, amenities, and cancellation policies before confirming.