North Beach Vacations – North Beach Realty Blog

5 Hidden Gems to Explore in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is known to many as the best destination because it offers 60 miles of beautiful sandy beaches with stunning views. Did you know there is so much more to explore in the area that doesn’t include visiting the surf and sand? Myrtle Beach is a great location to stay in a vacation rental where you can be close to some of the fun. We’d like to share some of our best-kept hidden gems on the Grand Strand.

Waites Island

Did you know about 1000 acres of undeveloped land north of North Myrtle Beach? Waites Island is a hidden gem in the Myrtle Beach area as it is hidden in the plain sight of visitors. You can only reach this island via horseback, but you can kayak through the marshland to get by water. This land was donated to CCU to help preserve nature and beauty and use it for research. Some wildlife on the island is blue herons, osprey, dolphins, and loggerhead sea turtles. Schedule a tour to experience this unique island with the family.

Atalaya Castle

Archway entrance to Atalaya at Hungtinton Beach State Park in South Carolina.

Another hidden secret to many visitors of Myrtle Beach is the Atalaya Castle. This castle is in Huntington Beach State Park near Murrells Inlet. It was first built in the 1930s as a winter home to the famous sculptor Anna Huntington and her husband, Archer. Now you can explore this Great Depression-era estate in the park. Now that it’s a national landmark in the Myrtle Beach area, this is one that you can’t miss visiting on your next trip.

Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens

Have you ever visited the Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens before? If not, let us share this unique hidden gem with you. Here you’ll be able to walk along the Intracoastal Waterway with a stunning view surrounded by nature. This park is located just north of North Myrtle Beach in Little River and is one you don’t want to miss. They offer boardwalk trails for bringing the whole family, including your pup, to walk through natural wetlands. What a perfect area to do a scavenger hunt with the kids on your next trip to North Myrtle Beach.

Heritage Shores Nature Preserve

view of the marsh in Cherry Grove South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is filled with a lot of nature to offer locals and visitors, including Heritage Shores Nature Preserve. This park is in Cherry Grove and is a great place to find some extra hidden gems. Some of the things you’ll find at this park are about seven acres filled with walking trails, boardwalks, and observation decks that are accessible. Be sure to bring your camera or binoculars as they have extensive wildlife that can be seen, such as birds, fish, plants, and other animals.

Horseback Riding

The final hidden gem we wanted to share is horseback riding with Inlet Point Plantation. Here you’ll be able to find several different tours that you can take, from private island rides to waterway trail rides. They can be a perfect surprise for the kids as they get to see and explore the beach differently. And the best thing about visiting Inlet Point Plantation is they offer horseback tours year-round!

There are so many hidden gems in the Myrtle Beach area, but we had to share these with you. If you’re still looking for a great place to stay, North Beach Vacations still has many vacation rentals available this year. We can’t wait to hear if you found a hidden gem in the area on your next trip!

What to Pack on a Beach Vacation

Do you have a family vacation to North Myrtle Beach coming soon but aren’t sure what to pack? Have no fear, as we have all the details on what to pack and what to leave at home. Staying in one of our North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals will keep you and your family never wanting to go back home again. Let’s look below at what items you should pack on your next vacation to the beach.

Checklist

We know that packing for the whole family can be overwhelming, but we have a checklist to help keep you organized. Check out each checklist below:

Woman packing suitcase with luggage for a beach trip

Clothes & Accessories

Underwear
PJ’s
Coverups (Swimsuit)
Jeans
Shorts
T-shirts
Tank Tops

Dresses
Casual Shorts/Pants
Socks
Waterproof Day Bag
Swimsuits
Beach Bag

Tennis Shoes
Sandals/Flip-Flops
Water Shoes
Hats
Sunglasses
Lightweight Jacket

Toiletries

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Hand Soap
Deodorant
Shampoo
Conditioner
Disposable Wipes/Diapers

Hairbrush
Hairdryer/Curling Iron
Makeup/Remover
Face Cleaner
Body Wash
Dental Floss
Contact Lens/Solution

Sunscreen/Aloe Vera
Moisturizer
Feminine-hygiene products
Hand Sanitizer
Medications/Vitamins
First Aid Kit

Beach Gear

Beach Towels
Beach Umbrella
Beach Blanket
Beach Chairs
Book or Kindle

Cooler
Portable Speaker
Beach Toys
Beach Games
Reusable Tumblers

Inflatable Floats/Boogie Board
Snorkel Gear/Goggles
Beach Safe
Beach Wagon

Items for Vacation Rental (Doesn’t include food items)

Pack ‘n Play (for babies)
Stuffed Animals or Blankets
Pillows (sometimes your own is best)
Nightlights
Sound Machine

Bed rail
Laundry Detergent/Dryer Sheets
Dish Soap
Dishwasher Tablets
Disinfectant Wipes
Non-Stick Spray/Oil

Plastic Wrap/Foil
Sponge
Storage Containers
Trash Bags
Ziplock Bags/Reusable Bags

Miscellaneous Items

Books/Magazines
Maps/Directions
Reservation Information/Confirmation
Insurance Cards
Emergency Contacts

Copies of Important Documents
Camera/SD Cards/Chargers
Tablets & Laptops
Pen & Paper
Movies

Chargers for Electronics
Snacks
Sleep Travel Kit
Headphones
Tissues
Cash/ATM/Credit Cards
List of Medications

There are many other things that you could pack but we wanted to start out with just the basics. If you are now ready to book that North Myrtle Beach vacation to stay with us, give us a call. We can’t wait to see you and your family this coming up season!

January North Myrtle Beach Events

Are you and your family coming to the North Myrtle Beach area this January? If the answer is yes, then we have to tell you all about the fun events that are happening in the area. North Myrtle Beach is a great place to experience the area the winter and the fun things happening. Let’s look below at a few of the events that are happening in January in North Myrtle Beach.

Early Myrtle Beach & The War Years Trolley Tour

Have you ever experienced what Myrtle Beach was like during World War II or even earlier than that? If you haven’t, then we must tell you about the Early Myrtle Beach & The War Years Trolley Tour that is happening on January 4^th beginning at 10:00 am. Here you and your family will be able to climb aboard a trolley that will take you through some of Myrtle Beach’s oldest areas. You will also visit the Pine Lakes Country Club and Historic Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum all while learning some history too. After the trolley you will be able to enjoy some of the shops and dining that happen to be at The Market Common. What a fun day to spend with the family all while learning more about Myrtle Beach!

South Carolina Restaurant Week at Tidewater Grill & Bistro

Beginning on January 12^th through 22^nd your family will be able to participate in Restaurant Week in South Carolina. You can visit both locations of Tidewater Grill and Bistro where you’ll be able to enjoy a 3-Course Chef’s Tasting Menu. The price per person is $50 but you will receive the following choices:

First Course: Baked Crab & Artichoke Dip, Fried Grouper Bites and Thai Style Fried Shrimp
Second Course: Chicken Alfredo, Blackened Atlantic Salmon, Prime Bone-in Pork Chop, Calabash Style Fried Shrimp and Shrimp Scampi
Third Course: Key Lime Pie, New York Style Cheesecake with Strawberries or Chocolate Brownie A La Mode

This can be a great date lunch or a great way to experience some of the food around town that you won’t want to miss.

2023 Grand Strand Boat & Sportsman Expo

This year bring the family to the 2023 Grand Strand Boat & Sportsman Expo at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. If you have ever considered purchasing a boat for your family to use on your next vacation or to use at home, this is the event for you! Not only will you be able to check out some pretty amazing boats, but you can also check out other outdoor equipment like kayaks, paddle boards and more. Admission into the event is $10 per adult, $8 per senior, $5 for children & Free for children under 3. The hours of the event are from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm on Friday; 9:00 am to 7:00 pm on Saturday and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday. Don’t miss this fun event with the family on your next vacation from January 6^th to January 8^th, 2023!

While there are many other fun events that are happening on the Grand Strand in January, these are the few we wanted to share with you. If you haven’t booked your next vacation to stay in one of our North Beach vacation rentals, now is the time. We hope that your family has a wonderful and happy New Year!

Vacation this Thanksgiving in One of Our North Myrtle Beach Rentals

Are you and your family looking to get out of town for Thanksgiving this year? If you are, then allow us at North Beach Vacations to share why you should come to North Myrtle Beach. Staying in one of our North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals will allow you and your family to spend quality time together. Let’s look below as to why you should vacation to North Myrtle Beach this Thanksgiving.

Family Space

Staying in one of our North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals will allow you and your family to have plenty of space to enjoy. We have plenty of homes that can sleep up to four people to homes that sleep up to 25 people. That means that you can invite the whole family, including grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins. All of the homes have plenty of bathrooms because we understand that this can become an issue with teens. The living space in the houses is large enough that everyone will have somewhere to sit. Think of how unforgettable your vacation will be with having room for the whole family!

The Kitchen

Another excellent reason to stay in one of our North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals is the large kitchen. When you stay in a hotel, you usually don’t have a full kitchen to cook your Thanksgiving dinner. You will find that our vacation rentals have full-sized kitchens where you can cook and bake in them. They have all the necessary pots and pans, as well as the dishes. Your family can go grocery shopping once you arrive and pick up all the ingredients for dinner. Cook your Thanksgiving Day dinner together in your vacation rental this year to start a new tradition.

Amenities

Staying in one of our vacation rentals will allow your family to take advantage of some of the other amenities they offer. If you’d like to bring your pet along with you, then check out our pet-friendly vacation rentals. We have many homes that offer you different views from marsh view to oceanfront. Depending on where you stay along the Grand Strand, you will be close to shopping, restaurants, and more. Just sit back and enjoy your Thanksgiving Day vacation this year in North Myrtle Beach with the family.

Black Friday Deals

Anytime you visit North Myrtle Beach during Thanksgiving, you can do a little shopping on Black Friday. While many stores are closed on the holiday, you’ll notice that some great deals hit around the Grand Strand on Friday. North Myrtle Beach offers many different options for shopping around town, from the malls to the outlets. You may also find great deals at local stores to bring home a one-of-a-kind souvenir perfect for that someone you know. Check the paper on Wednesday for those Black Friday ads you don’t want to miss!

There are many other reasons you should take your vacation to North Myrtle Beach this Thanksgiving; we wanted to share them with you. If you haven’t booked your stay yet in one of our North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals, now is the time. We hope that you and your family have a great Thanksgiving this year!

Don’t Miss These Fun June Activities in North Myrtle Beach

Summer will be here sooner than we think and it means that your summer vacation will begin soon too. When you stay with us at North Beach Vacations, you and your family will be close to where all the action is. June is a great month to take your family vacation since the weather will be nice and you can fill those days with sunshine and sand. But why not take advantage of some of the other fun activities that are happening around town while you are on vacation. Let’s see what kind of fun activities your family can enjoy in the North Myrtle Beach area below.

Take the Family Out to a Ball Game

Taking your family to see the Myrtle Beach Pelicans play a game or two this summer can be a highlight of your vacation. While their baseball season is in full swing now, you don’t want to miss a single second of the game. The tickets to see each game will cost around $12 per person and we can guarantee that you will have a great seat. Many of the June home games will include playing against the Fayetteville Woodpeckers and the Fredericksburg Nationals. Don’t miss this fun activity with the family as you cheer on our hometown team the Pelicans!

Carolina Country Music Festival

Don’t miss the Carolina Country Music Festival that is bringing more than 30 of country’s hottest starts to Myrtle Beach. This 3-day event is every June and it will not disappoint. Beginning on Thursday, June 9^th and ending on Sunday, June 12^th is where you and your family can come and enjoy some of the best singers in the industry. Chase Rice will be helping kick off the festival on Thursday, June 9^th. Some of the other amazing acts will be Luke Bryan, Gabby Barrett and many more. What a fun event that you and the family can come and rock out to some amazing music! Get your tickets today and spend the weekend with us.

There are many other fun things that you and the family can do while in the North Myrtle Beach area, but these we thought you’d enjoy more. If you still haven’t made your North Myrtle Beach vacation reservations yet, now is the time. We can’t wait to see you and the family as you get the summer started here in the North Myrtle Beach area!

3 Things to Do this Summer in North Myrtle Beach

Do you and your family have a vacation planned this summer to stay in North Myrtle Beach? We at North Beach Vacations can tell you about three things to do in the area. Staying in one of our North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals will keep you and your family close to the action. Let’s look below at what you can do this summer as a family in North Myrtle Beach.

Try a New Restaurant

North Myrtle Beach is an excellent place to vacation because of the different dining options you have to choose from. There are several places that your family may enjoy, such as a new milkshake bar called The Crazy Mason Jar. They are located in the Market Common area, and it’s a sweet treat like you’ve never had before. Another place that your family can eat at is Umberto’s at Barefoot Landing. This is an Italian restaurant that has some of the best family-style food. There are many other restaurants that you can pick from in the area, so try one you’ve never eaten before.

Alligator Adventure

Another fun thing that you can do with the family this summer is head on over to Alligator Adventure. They are located at Barefoot Landing, and they are open daily. Not only will you be able to see alligators, but you will also be able to see other animals as well. Some of the other animals that you may see are flamingos, bobcat, macaws, and other reptiles. This can be a fun day to spend and learn about the animals that are here. We know the kids will get a kick out of seeing the animals!

Hawaiian Rumble Golf & Batting Cages

Have you ever taken a beach trip and done a mini-golf? If you haven’t, then you are in for a fun treat. For many families, they love to take at least one evening and have a friendly game of golf. We know that many of the members in each family will get a little competitive, but they make the game enjoyable for everyone. Hawaiian Rumble Golf is a great place that is located in North Myrtle Beach, and they also have batting cages as well. Don’t miss out on this fun adventure with the family this summer.

While there are many other things that you can do in the area, these we wanted to share with you. If you haven’t booked your next summer vacation to stay in one of our North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals, we still have availability. We can’t wait to see you with your family this summer and try new things!

Don’t Miss These Fun Events Happening in North Myrtle Beach

Do you and your family have a vacation to North Myrtle Beach in March? If you do, then you don’t want to miss any of these fun events that are happening. Spending the week in one of our North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals will keep you and your family close to the fun. Let’s look below at where some of these fun events are happening in the area.

Irish Festival

Have you and your family ever been to the Irish Festival that happens at The Market Common before? If you haven’t then you are missing out on a fun festival. This year your family can come and explore the different kinds of foods that are found in Ireland and even for the adults try different adult beverages too. There will also be a fun activity for the whole family to do such as live entertainment, music and even some activities for the kids to do. Don’t miss this fun one of a kind festival happening in Myrtle Beach this year on March 14, 2020 at 10:00 am!

Salty Saturday

Do you kids want to do something fun at Ripley’s Aquarium? Join in on a Saturday Morning Camp at the aquarium at Broadway at the Beach on March 23, 2020. For kids ages 5-9 they can participate from 9:00 am to 10:30 am and kids ages 10-15 can participate from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. The price is $15.99 per person and this does include admission to the aquarium too. What a great way for the kids to still learn even while they are on vacation to the beach!

North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Are you spending St. Patrick’s Day in North Myrtle Beach this year and are looking for something fun to do? If the answer is yes, then we have to tell you all about the 2020 North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This year the parade will be on Saturday, March 14^th at 9:00 am. This is a fun filled day with not only the parade but the fun festival that happens after the parade. This year North Myrtle Beach will be expecting for close to 40,000 people attend the parade and festival is one that you won’t want to miss.

While there are many other fun things happening during the month of March, these are the ones we wanted to share with you. If you haven’t booked your next North Myrtle Beach vacation rental yet, now is the time. We can’t wait to see you and your family on your next family vacation to the area!

Spend Your Next Vacation in North Myrtle Beach This Fall

Are you and your family heading to the North Myrtle Beach area this fall for your vacation? If the answer is yes, then we have to tell you about a few of the fun events that are happening in the area. North Myrtle Beach is a great place to come and relax while many of the locals are back to work and school. Staying in one of our North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals will keep your family close to where the fun is at this fall. Let’s take a peek at a few of the fun events that you can head to while you’re on vacation below.

Oktoberfest

Have you ever wanted to travel to Germany to attend Oktoberfest? Have no fear because you don’t have to travel out of the country to enjoy Oktoberfest this year. Myrtle Beach is hosting their very own Oktoberfest at Market Common on October 11^th from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm and October 12^th from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. Not only will you get to enjoy live entertainment and amazing food, but there will be other activities for the kids in the family. Some of the activities that they can do are face-painting, jumping on inflatables, exploring a pumpkin patch and more. Don’t miss out on this fun event with the family this year as you help celebrate Oktoberfest in Myrtle Beach!

15^th Annual Little River ShrimpFest

Do you and your family love eating shrimp whenever you come to the beach? If the answer is yes, then we have the perfect event for you. Head to Little River on October 12^th & 13^th to the Historic Waterfront to enjoy the 15^th Annual Little River ShrimpFest. Your family can enjoy 2 different stages that will have live entertainment, a kid’s zone, and some pretty amazing food. Of course, this is the ShrimpFest so what would it be like without the headliner food, shrimp? You will be able to enjoy some of the local seafood that many of the local waterfront restaurants will have on these days. This is an event that you don’t want to miss this year with the family for some pretty amazing local seafood.

BooFest! At Barefoot Landing

This is a classic event that many families love to head to year after year is the BooFest! at Barefoot Landing. This year the event will be on Saturday, October 26^th from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The BooFest! is a great place that the kids can wear their costumes at the beach and enter in a costume contest. There will be prizes for the best costumes and you can enjoy some other things like live entertainment and activities for the whole family. What a great way to spend a Saturday before you head back home from your wonderful vacation in the North Myrtle Beach area.

There are so many more events and activities happening during the month of October, but these are the few we wanted to share with you. If you still haven’t booked your next vacation to stay in a North Myrtle Beach vacation rental, we still have availability. We can’t wait to see you and the family as you take your fall vacation to the North Myrtle Beach area!

4 Fun Kid Activities for the Beach

Summer for kids means that it’s time for your annual trip to North Myrtle Beach. North Myrtle Beach is a great place that your family can enjoy year after year and spend as much time in the sand. Staying in one of our North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals will keep your family close to where the fun in the sun happens. We have come up with 4 fun kid activities for the beach below.

Do You Wanna Build a Sandman?

Think of the snow, think of the cooler weather as your kids build their very own “snowman” out of sand. What a fun activity this can be for kids of all ages to build or build a family of sand people. All you will need is a few sand buckets, several shovels, seashells, driftwood and imagination. Take a picture of each child with their sandman and frame them when you get home.

Play Musical Towels

Play a classic game with the kids by playing musical towels on the beach. Bring your small radio or a smartphone with speakers so you can jam to some tunes. Make sure before you head to the beach for the day that you have enough towels for everyone to play. Then once you are on the sand, lay the towels to make a circle, then it’s time to play musical towels. What a fun way to spend the day and have a good time with the kids!

Tic-Tac-Toe, Three in a Row

Just like the game that you play with the kids indoors can now be played outdoors on the sand. This is the best way to enjoy your time on the beach by playing this game with the kids or letting them play on their own. All you need to have is a stick or a shell to draw the boxes for the game and to use to make the X or O. You can always keep a tally on who wins each time the game is played and give the winner a small prize.

Wait, Is That Skeeball?

Yes, this game is normally found in an arcade or on the boardwalk but can now be found on the beach. Make your own skeeball game in the sand by making a small lane and digging about 10 holes into the sand. You will want to make sure that this is in the shape of a triangle for you to be able to play the game right. Also, make sure that you have a small ball that can be used as the “skeeball” to roll down your lane. Keep a tally of who gets the most points and just have a great time playing together with the family!

There are many other things that your kids would love to do on the beach, but we wanted to mention these. If you still haven’t made you reservations for your next North Myrtle Beach family vacation, now is the time. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you make new memories together on the sand!