Beach Bag Essentials for your Next Vacation

Are you headed to North Myrtle Beach for your next vacation? Nothing says vacation like spending the week at the beach soaking up the sun. When staying in one of our Oceanfront Condo rentals, having the right items in your beach bag will help make your vacation much better. Be sure to pack your beach bag with the essentials to guarantee a relaxing vacation with your family.

Beach Bag Essentials

A Beach Bag

Making sure you have the right beach bag can make all the difference for your family. Sure, you can throw all of your items into any bag, but did you know that all beach bags were not created equal. We suggest looking at the size, water and sand resistance, security and stylish when searching for your bag. We have found that even using a backpack, diaper bag or a large utility tote bag works perfect as a beach bag.

Beach Towels

Be sure to pack a beach towel for everyone in the family whether you will sit in the sun or play in the ocean. Having an extra towel with you is always a good idea especially if you have little ones with you. To make sure that each family member has their own towel, allow them to pick out a beach towel that they like from the store. That is a good way to keep track of whose towel belongs to who. And if you are looking for a little more storage with your towel, you can sew one end of the towel to make pockets. The pockets can hold a few select things such as sunscreen or sunglasses.

Sunscreen

The sun in North Myrtle Beach can be brutal, especially during the summer months so sunscreen is a must for any beach bag. Use a sunscreen that is designed for your beach activities such as waterproof, sport, high SPF, etc.). Dermatologists recommend that you use a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF while you are enjoying the sunshine. And don’t forget to Reapply throughout your day as we don’t want you to ruin your vacation the very first day your here with a sunburn. If you do happen to get a little too much sun while on vacation, then make sure you have some aloe in your bag or back in your vacation rental.

Water-Resistant Phone Pouch

Between the water, sun and sand, the beach is filled with many things that can damage your phone. Bringing a water-resistant pouch to the beach can be a lifesaver for many. If you are unable to find a water-resistant pouch before you leave for spring break, you can grab a sandwich bag or Ziploc bag. Both of these items will keep your phone and other electronic devices safe from the elements of the beach. If you do happen to get some water on your phone, soak your phone in a bowl full of rice to help get the moisture out.

Reading Material

One way that you can improve your tan and your mood is by bringing a book or magazine to the beach. We understand that bringing your children to the beach means less time to read a book, but maybe bring a few of their books too. This way when you are ready to read a little, have them come play in the sand near where you are or have them sit under the umbrella and read a little bit of their own book.

Sunglasses, Hats & Shirts

Making sure to pack all three of these items are a must on any vacation you take to the beach. The sun in the south is a lot warmer than it would be up north, and so we want to make sure you are protected. Sunglasses will protect your eyes from the suns bright rays and will offer you some relief when trying to keep an eye on your little ones playing. Whether you have a floppy hot or a baseball cap, you will be happy that you brought these along with you. If you feel the kids are getting too much sun on their shoulders, have a light colored shirt to put on them to keep them safe from the sun. Be sure to pack one for each member of your family.

Water Bottles

When you are spending the day in the sun and at the beach, you will want to stay hydrated as well. Throw a few water bottles in the cooler or bring a reusable bottle such as an insulated water bottle as they will keep your drink ice cold all day long. The sun and salt will dry you out so make sure that you have enough water to go around for everyone in your family for the whole day. If you are staying in one of our Oceanfront Condo rentals, then you will be able to go back to refill the bottles.

Baby Powder

You may not have thought that this would be a must, but it is whenever you go to the beach. Whether you are staying in a vacation rental or you decided to drive your car to the beach access, sand will be all over you when you leave the beach. So, bringing baby powder in your beach bag will magically get the sand off of your body without irritation and leave a nice scent too. This is perfect for everyone in the family and not just the kids.

Beach Spiker & Bluetooth Speaker

Have you ever tried to set your drink into the sand only to see it tip over and get sand into the drink? We all hate that, and there is an easier way to set your drinks down. Get yourself a beach spiker where you can place in the sand, and your drink can sit up without the worry of sand in your drink. It can also hold your phone, sunglasses, and Bluetooth speaker. Speaking of Bluetooth speakers, having one on the beach can allow you to listen to music and enjoy the day more. There is no need to purchase an expensive one; anyone will do it!

There are many other items that you can pack into your beach bag for your next trip to North Myrtle Beach, but these are the must have items we thought you should have with you. If you are still looking for a place to stay this summer, then check out our Oceanfront Condo rentals today. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you enjoy the South Carolina Coast!

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!

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!

Escape the Winter Months with a Long-Term Rental in North Myrtle Beach

It’s hard to believe that winter will be here in just a few short months, and many don’t like to live in the cold. Instead of staying home where you could experience the cold, snow, and ice, why not stay in a Long-Term Rental in Myrtle Beach. We at North Beach Realty wanted to share why it’s a good idea to spend winter in the area to escape the cold below.

Weather

We understand that spending time in the cold all winter long can be a downer and, for many, causes seasonal depression. Instead of dealing with the cold this winter, you could be enjoying the more excellent weather here on the Grand Strand. You’ll often find that the highs during the days are around 70 degrees, and at night it can get down in the ’50s. Even though it might not be summer, you’ll still be able to enjoy spending your days on the beach, but you may not want to swim in the water as the temps can get quite chilly.

Shopping

Shopping is another reason that many families love staying in North Myrtle Beach during the off-season. While shopping during the warmer months can be fantastic, the winter months still have a great selection as well. Not only will you have access to Barefoot Landing, but you’ll also have options to the two Tanger Outlets in the area and Broadway at the Beach. No matter what you’re looking for, we can guarantee you that North Myrtle Beach has it.

While there are many other options that you can choose from to help make your stay in the North Myrtle Beach area better, we wanted to share these with you. If you are ready to stay in the area a little longer this winter, give us a call today. We can’t wait to hear why you’ve decided to stay in North Myrtle Beach this year!

Don’t Miss These Fun Events this November in North Myrtle Beach

Have you ever been on vacation to North Myrtle Beach during November? If you haven’t then you have been missing out on the fun events that are happening around town. Staying in one of our North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals will keep you and your family wanting to come back year after year during this time of the year. Even though schools may be back in session, it doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Let’s look below at some of the fun events happening in the area that you don’t want to miss.

Myrtle Beach Seafood Festival

Don’t you love coming to the beach just to get a taste of that fresh seafood? If you do, then you are going to love the Myrtle Beach Seafood Festival being held in Downtown Myrtle Beach. On Friday, November 1^st from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm and on Saturday, November 2^nd from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Not only will there be plenty of fresh seafood that you can chow down on, but there will be plenty of things that the kids can do as well. There will be live music and entertainment, kid-friendly activities and so much more. Don’t miss coming to this fun event with the family and enjoy the fresh seafood of Myrtle Beach.

27^th Annual Myrtle Beach 400 Race

Do you have a future racecar driver in your family or have someone who loves trucks? Come join in the 27^th Annual Myrtle Beach 400 Race where you and your family will be able to see Super Trucks, Limited Late Model Pros and Challengers. Beginning on Friday, November 15^th beginning at 1:00 pm, your family will be able to sit in the stands and cheer on their favorite driver. Come back on Saturday, November 16^th at 12:00 pm where you can see some of the Late Model qualifying and even get a fun visit from Santa Claus. And for the added bonus of the weekend, come out on Thursday, November 14^th your family will be able to see many practice rounds and be able to get your seat in the Grandstand for Free! You can purchase your race tickets here to enjoy the weekend and it’s one you’ll never forget!

The Great Christmas Light Show

During the holidays, many families make it a tradition to go and see the Christmas lights around town, so why stop if you’re on vacation? Beginning on Monday, November 25^th come to the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex where your family can see more than 2 million twinkling lights displayed for you to enjoy. The Great Christmas Light Show returns with more than 500 light displays and many have been custom designed just for this spectacular. Santa’s Village will be open on the weekend starting on Friday, November 29^th and ending on December 15^th, just in time for Santa to return for Christmas. There is an admission of $15 per car but that covers up to 15 people in your vehicle. Don’t miss the fun event that you will want to keep as a tradition every year during the holiday season!

While there are many other things happening during the month of November, these are the few we wanted to share with you. If you haven’t booked your next vacation staying in one of our North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals, we still have availability. We hope that your family has a wonderful trip to the beach this November!

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!

Don’t Miss These July 4th Events in North Myrtle Beach

Are you and your family heading to Myrtle Beach this week for the 4^th of July? If the answer is yes, then we have to tell you about the local events you don’t want to miss. Staying in one of our North Beach vacation rentals will keep you close to where the action is at. Let’s look at a few of the local events that you can go to while you are on vacation below.

Independence Day Race

For many families local or visitors, they love to get involved in a themed race every holiday. Come and help celebrate the 10^th Annual Myrtle Beach Independence Day 5K race this year happening at the Market Common. The race begins at 7:30 am and each runner will receive a race shirt and a post-run breakfast from Bojangles. If you don’t think that you will be able to complete the 3.1 miles, then why not do the 1-mile run. What a great way to get in your daily steps or exercise while you are on vacation.

It’s a Flyover

If you happen to be staying in one of our North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals, then you will not want to miss this next event. The 10^th Annual Salute from the Shore will be happening on the 4^th of July and will take off from Cherry Grove around 1:00 pm. This is something that the armed forces do to help celebrate the birth of our country. They will be flying from Cherry Grove all the way to Hilton Head Island. Don’t miss this fun event that is free for everyone to enjoy as they fly over the beach.

Firework Display

For many families, coming to the beach during the week of July 4^th has been a tradition for years. If you are close to Cherry Grove Pier, then you don’t want to miss the firework show that they will be putting on this year. You are sure to get the best seat possible from the beach as your family sits in awe over the display. Make sure that this is a family tradition that sticks for years to come as you come celebrate this festive holiday with us.

While there are many other local events that are taking place during the week, these are the few we thought you’d enjoy. If you still haven’t made you family vacation plans but would like to visit the beach, now is the time. We at North Beach Vacations hope that your family has a safe and wonderful 4th of July!

Easter Events to Enjoy with the Family in North Myrtle Beach

Are you and your family heading to North Myrtle Beach for Easter break? If the answer is yes, then you must come and see what fun activities and events are happening in the area. Staying with us in one of our Oceanfront vacation rentals will keep you close to where all the fun is at. Let’s look at what you and your family can do while you are on vacation for Easter.

Breakfast with the Bunny

Do you have a special breakfast planned for one of your days you are on vacation? If you do not, then we have to let you know about having breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Ripley’s Aquarium. Happening on Saturday, April 20^th from 8:00 am to 10:00 am at Ripley’s Aquarium is where the fun will begin. Enjoy a wonderful buffet along with some other fun such as games, a live DJ and even a private Mermaid Show. Prices for this event as $25 for ages 12 & up, $10 for ages 10 & under your aquarium tickets are included in the price of the breakfast. What a great way to surprise the kids with a fun morning at the aquarium this year.

Fun Easter Egg Hunts

Don’t miss the 37^th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at McLean Park in North Myrtle Beach for some extra fun. Beginning at 10:00 am the family can hunt for eggs throughout the park and it’s a free event to join in. Those who want to participate in the egg hunt will be divided into different age groups from infant and up. The Easter Bunny will be taking pictures with everyone and will be handing out candy to all the kids. Don’t forget to bring your cameras or have your phone charged enough to capture those precious moments.

If you and your family are up for another fun Easter Egg hunt, then you can head over to Surfside Beach at the Huckabee Complex. On Saturday, April 20^th starting at 1:00 pm you and your family can hunt for some eggs and enjoy the Children’s Festival. This is a free event that is available to the public and there will different entertainment such as inflatables, food and vendors. Be sure to bring your camera along with you so that you can capture the memories with your family as you Celebrate Easter at the beach

Easter Celebration at the Fair

Come to the Myrtle Beach Speedway on Sunday, April 21^st beginning at 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm for their 4^th Annual Horry County Fair. Admission to the event is $5 per person and children 4 & under are free to attend. Here you and your family will be able to enjoy an Easter Service, as well as carnival rides, games and so much more. There will be a petting zoo and let’s not forget about the pig racing. This can be a fun family day spending it out and about on the town for some Easter Fun.

While there are so many other activities happening throughout the weekend to help you and your family celebrate Easter, these are the few we thought you’d enjoy. If you still haven’t booked your Easter vacation, now is the time to make those reservations in one of our Oceanfront vacation rentals. We can’t wait to see you and your family on your next vacation to the area!

4 Winter Activities to do in North Myrtle Beach While on Vacation

Are you vacationing this winter to North Myrtle Beach and not sure what to do? We at North Beach Realty can tell you about the fun winter activities to take advantage of when you come on vacation this year. Myrtle Beach has a ton of things to do and trying to find the right one that fits what your family needs may be in this list. Let’s look at what fun winter activities to take advantage of on your next family vacation.

Visit Museums

Some of the museum selections that are available in Myrtle Beach may surprise you. Many of the museums are all family-friendly and great for kids of all ages. The Hollywood Wax Museum where you can “meet” wax celebrities or go through the mirror maze and then do the zombie-themed adventure towards the end of the tour is something fun for everyone. WonderWorks is another museum that you may have never experienced before. This is more like an amusement park in itself and is fun to experience. There are several different hands-on activities, rides and exhibits that your family can take part in such as laying on a bed of nails and more. Who wouldn’t want to do a few days of this on your next vacation?

Enjoy the Scenery

Finding a new adventure when you are on vacation can be fun but seeing what Myrtle Beach has to offer is better. Head on over to the Boardwalk where you can find the Skywheel. Here you and your family can go on a giant Ferris Wheel but it’s not like any other you may have gone onto. The Skywheel is enclosed with air-conditioning for you to enjoy. And we can tell you the views are absolutely amazing and breathtaking! You may find that everyone in the family will fall in love with being able to see what they can see in Myrtle Beach and the ride is a good long one too.

It’s Putt-Putt Time

Many people these days can remember vacationing at the beach and heading over to do a night or two of miniature golf with their family. So, why not start this as a tradition with your family on each vacation you take to North Myrtle Beach? There are plenty of miniature golf places that your family can try out in the area. But pick a few places to try before trying to figure out if it’s the new “family” mini-golf course you want to visit every trip. And you may find that some of your family members will be very competitive too which can be fun for everyone. But just go out and enjoy the day or the evening with your loved ones.

Speed Away

Is your family a little competitive against each other? If the answer is yes, then we suggest heading over to Broadway Grand Prix for a night. Here you will be able to take advantage of racing each other in a round or two of go kart. And we understand that if you have younger children in your family they will want to feel included too in the fun. So, have no fear as there are several things for them to take part in too such as the carousel, kiddie speedway, pro tow and their very own sky wheel. There are also bumper calls for the whole family to enjoy, an arcade, mini-golf and rock-climbing wall. So many different activities for everyone to take part in while they are on vacation!

While there are many other things you can do in North Myrtle Beach while you vacation, we thought you’d enjoy these few. If you happen to be dealing with the cold and winter weather, then come stay in one of our Oceanfront vacation rentals for a little getaway. We can’t wait to see you soon as you make new traditions with your family!