With its long list of both natural and man-made attractions – ranging from the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway to theaters, museums, parks, thrill rides and restaurants of most every type – the Myrtle Beach area truly has something for everyone. It’s why people of all stripes come from far and wide to vacation on the Grand Strand, and many of those keep coming back one year after another.
Today, let’s look at three types of vacationers – families, adrenaline junkies and sports nuts – and consider just a few of the reasons each can find something right up their alley on the Grand Strand:
Families: Definitely the largest attraction in terms of size, and probably the biggest single draw for most family vacationers, the Atlantic Ocean is an obvious reason people flock to the Grand Strand. And at Long Bay Resort, guests have easy access to the ocean, as the beach and our plentiful water attractions are right in the resort’s backyard. Another big attraction that’s within easy reach – it’s about 10 minutes north of the resort off North Kings Highway – is the Barefoot Landing shopping, dining and entertainment complex. Here, families can catch dinner, a show and some shopping, all back to back and without leaving the complex. Another popular nearby spot for families is Pirates Voyage, located about 5 minutes north of the resort on North Kings Highway. Here, families can enjoy a four-course feast while watching the high-flying action as pirates fight over treasure on land, at sea and aboard ships.
Adrenaline junkies: For those with a need for speed, the NASCAR Racing Experience at Myrtle Beach Speedway lets patrons ride along or take the wheel for a few laps in a real NASCAR race car, all on a track built to accommodate high speeds. The Sling Shot thrill ride, located at the corner of 12th Avenue North and North Ocean Boulevard near the SkyWheel in downtown Myrtle Beach, launches a pair of riders more than 300 feet into the air at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. At Shark Wake Park, novice and professional wakeboarders alike can shred the waters sans boat using the park’s unique cable wakeboarding system. And those looking for above-the-ground excitement can find it on the Treetop Adventure high-ropes course at Go Ape, which offers a two- to three-hour aerial journey through the forest canopy that includes zip lines, suspended obstacles and swinging bridges and more.
Sports nuts: Baseball fans can enjoy America’s pastime with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, a Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. The team plays 70-plus home games at Pelicans Ballpark during the spring and summer, and regular promotions include discounts on tickets, food and drinks, as well as post-game fireworks on select nights. Another local destination for baseball lovers is the Ripken Experience Myrtle Beach, where players get a taste of “the show” via nine fields that replicate historic major-league ballparks such as Ebbets Field and the Polo Grounds and play host to major national tournaments. At the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex, the array of sporting-event facilities includes specialized fields for baseball, softball, lacrosse, soccer, flag football and even quidditch. To ramp up the recreational opportunities here, the complex also includes playgrounds, picnic shelters, hiking/biking trails, a dog park and more. And at the aforementioned NASCAR Racing Experience at Myrtle Beach Speedway, NASCAR aficionados can actually get behind the wheel and hit the track at high speeds.
No matter what type of vacationer you are, you can enjoy a getaway at your home away from home on the Grand Strand by booking a stay at Long Bay Resort today. With our long list of comfortable accommodations and luxurious amenities, you and your vacation crew are sure to find just what you’re looking for in Myrtle Beach.