Five Places to Escape the Crowds in Myrtle Beach

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The only downside to visiting Myrtle Beach’s most popular attractions is that, by definition, they attract the most people. Big crowds may be a small price to pay to enjoy all the great things the Grand Strand has to offer, but there are some less-traveled locales where you can escape the traffic and see a different side of the Myrtle Beach area in relative seclusion. Here are five of our guests’ favorite places to retreat for some peace and quiet even during the busiest times of the season:

Atlantic Ocean: The best way to beat the crowds is to head east into the Atlantic Ocean. With an abundance of charter boat tours and outfitters on the Grand Strand, it’s easy to find a fun way to spend the day in the deep blue sea, such as on a deep-sea fishing trip or a dolphin-watching cruise. For a shorter trip with more thrills, go parasailing or paddleboarding, or catch a Banana Boat ride just off the coast.

Huntington Beach State Park: Located in nearby Murrells Inlet about 20 miles south of Paradise, this 350-acre park provides plenty of room to get away from it all. The park features a diverse coastal habitat that includes beautiful beaches with towering dunes, maritime forests with hiking trails, and salt marshes where you can spot alligators and birds of prey. Atalaya Castle is a Spanish-style fortress that sits high above the dune line and has a lovely courtyard where you can rest in the shade. The nature center offers educational programs that allow visitors to learn about the unique landscape and native flora and fauna, but self-guided tours of the park via the hiking and biking trails are the best way to beat the crowds.

Intracoastal Waterway: The Atlantic Ocean isn’t the only place to spend a tranquil day on the water. The Intracoastal Waterway, which runs from the North Carolina border at Little River Inlet all the way down to Winyah Bay in Georgetown, offers a nice alternative and plenty of seclusion from the landlubber crowd. Take a charter boat tour, such as the Barefoot Princess at Barefoot Landing or Plantation River Tours in Socastee. Backwater kayak tours and jet ski rentals are another great way to go exploring on the Intracoastal Waterway for the day.

Myrtle Beach State Park: Located only a few blocks south of Paradise Resort is a different kind of paradise — one that preserves the natural beauty of the South Carolina coast. The Palmetto State’s oldest state park features an undeveloped stretch of beach, as well as scenic wetlands and woodlands teeming with wildlife. The Sculptured Oak Nature Trail provides an escape into the maritime forest and a short hike to the beach, and the fishing pier offers a great place to catch a big one.

Tours: Leave it to a local to lead you to some unoccupied spots you would never find on your own. Carolina Safari Jeep Tours is a favorite for those who don’t mind going off-road to see some of the most scenic sights on the Grand Strand. For those who prefer tours of the self-guided variety, the Market Common is surrounded by trails and parks where you can rent a bike, Segway or a Pedego Electric Bike and go for a spin. For those who love the water, Glass Bottom Kayak Tours offer trips to Cherry Grove Inlet and the Waccamaw River.

Of course, guests can also find some alone time during their stay at Paradise Resort, Myrtle Beach. After the crowds desert the oceanfront pool deck to go out for dinner, steal a few moments in the hot tub or lazy river. Guests can also relax on their private balconies overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, or enjoy the comfort of their deluxe accommodations. It’s just one more reason our guests simply call us Paradise.