Vacationing in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is our favorite vacation spot! We were there in April and it was still a little chilly but we spent plenty of time on the beach. My best tips are stay out of the buffet places (like the Giant Crab-acckk), bring lots of sunscreen and use baby powder to help get sand off of feet and out of cervices

We went to the boardwalk amusement park and ds had a blast. He is just a bit over 4 and went on a lot of the rides, which really suprised me. We went to the Ripley's underwater exhibit, way $$$$ but it was very cool. There's a nice mall by the Ripley place with a lake and lots of carp to feed, bring quarters! There are neat little stores and a Ben and Jerry's . Ds is a big fan of Dixie Stampede which is incredibly cheesy, kind of spendy, but a lot of fun and a great meal. There's also the outlet mall it's outdoor, but has a really nice covered walkway if it's rainy. They also have a million different mini golf places, perfect for a 5 year old. My ds didn't get into it at all.

Since you're in a condo, do you plan on cooking? That's what we did and it was so much easier than going out for every meal. Depending on where you are staying, the WalMart : is likely the easiest spot to grocery shop and the grocery stores tend to be really high priced. We ate dinner at Bonefish Grill, it was incredible, wonderful food.

It's really a beautiful place to visit. We stay at the Kingston Plantation and we really could just stay there and not ever leave the grounds. I can't wait to go back next year. But with a 5 year old and an infant, we're flying not spending 18 hours in the car!

: We're planning on going to Myrtle Beach in Sept. I think I've lost my mind, since we'll be tent camping with a 23 month old and a 8 month old.

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Ok, sorry for posting after my own post, but I just reread this more cloesly. I've always said Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg TN (the area I live in) is just like Myrtle Beach except with mountains instead of ocean. Holy cow was I right! We have a Ripley's Aquarium, a Dixie Stampede, tons of outles mall - including one with a Ben and Jerry's, and tons of mini golf. Now methink we might want to consider a different beach or camp in the backyard and enjoy a locals discount at basically the same attractions.

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We are probally going to do the same thing in July with a 32 month old and a 10 month old.

i'm in NC and haven't been to myrtle in years (i prefer a quieter more family-oriented beach), but as for going in the water, your ds should be fine. there are sharks in the water, but that's like saying there are bears in the woods. probably way less dangerous actually 'cause your ds wouldn't go out deep enough for many sharks and sharks really rarely attack people. i'm sure getting struck by lightning is a much greater risk, seriously ! on the off chance you see any jellyfish (occasionally they will wash ashore) it's best to avoid them 'cause there's a chance a dead one could still sting. if the water is rough don't let him go out too far 'cause there can be dangerous rip currents or undertows, but if the water is rough he probably won't want to go out to far. just check it out and pay attention. those are the only things i can think of that you'd need to be aware of beyond just general water safety. hope he has a blast playing in the water and building sand castles and you all have a wonderful vacation!

Beanma, thanks for your reply! We did some research and all of a sudden dh thinks that the navy blue suit ds has with two white stripes on the side could attract a shark. He also doesn't like his other multi toned suits and is trying to insist that we get ds yet another suit. This kid doesn't grow fast and can still fit into his very first suit with Thomas the Tank Engine on it! Why do I need four suits!!? .

We won't be going out deep. I personally, am only good for waist deep in the ocean myself. I doubt our son will go any further than knees in.

We are very excited to be going and can't wait.

sure. i totally would not worry about much. i never think about sharks when i'm at the beach. i think i have seen one in the surf once in my 40 years of going to the beach. it's _really_ not a big deal. the riptides and undertow are more likely imho, but a little kid wouldn't be likely to be out by himself deep enough to get caught in one. i imagine myrtle has lifeguards now, too, that would warn you about such things. where i usually go there aren't lifeguards. here's a link that might be helpful -- http://www.tripsmarter.com/myrtlebeach/info/info4.htm .

don't worry about things like sharks and have fun!