Get a Jump on Your Christmas Shopping in Myrtle Beach

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Myrtle Beach is best known for sunning, swimming, surfing, golfing, fishing, parasailing and lots of other fun-filled verbs. But during the holiday season, the Grand Strand has become a popular place for another activity – shopping.

The Myrtle Beach area is filled with a wide range of retail outlets to make it easy for visitors to find everything they are looking for in one trip. Considering the reduced hotel rates this time of year (Long Bay Resort is currently offering oceanfront accommodations for as low as $44 per night), it's more affordable than ever to combine a relaxing winter retreat with a big shopping spree. In fact, many pay for their visits with all the money they save on holiday shopping.

We have seen a dramatic increase in a specific type of visitor who takes a mini-vacation between Thanksgiving and Christmas for the dual purpose of a relaxing winter retreat and a bargain-hunting shopping expedition. It pays to take full advantage of all the retail opportunities on the Strand while also soaking up some recovery time at Long Bay.

Below is a list of all the major shopping hot spots on the Grand Strand. Use this list to plan your shopping strategy and then you can look forward to enjoying your holiday season without the headaches of shopping lists and mall traffic jams. Best of all, you get to squeeze in a little rest and relaxation at Long Bay before returning to the regular routine. So shop until you drop and drop in to stay with us at Long Bay Resort:

Districts: Shopping, dining and entertainment districts like Broadway at the Beach are ideal for shoppers who have families in tow. Drop the husbands off at the sports bar and the kids off at the Pavilion Nostalgia Park while you knock out your shopping list at the many national, regional and local stores. These complexes also offer some extras you won't find at the malls, like free carriage rides at Market Common and a firework show Saturdays at Broadway at the Beach.

Malls: One of the reasons folks like to vacation-shop in Myrtle Beach is the abundance of shopping malls. With Coastal Grand Mall on the central Strand, Myrtle Beach Mall on the north end and Inlet Square Mall on the south side, the area is literally covered with indoor shopping centers. Better yet, there are two Tanger Outlet Stores in Myrtle Beach – one on Kings Road and the other on Highway 501.

National Chains: If you prefer to do your shopping in a more traditional retail setting, you have come to the right place. The Grand Strand has all the major national chain stores and big box outlets you need to complete your shopping list, including Wal-Mart, Bass Pro Shops, Best Buy, hhgregg, Kohl's, Target and Toys-R-Us. Or check out the anchor stores of Coastal Grand Mall including Belk, JCPenney, Sears, and Dicks Sporting Goods.

Local Stores: Not only does the Grand Strand have all the major national chains, but we also have a wealth of locally owned and operated stores with unique gift ideas that you can’t find at all the big box shops. Put a little slice of Myrtle Beach under the tree this season by shopping at the local mom-and-pop shops, such as art galleries, flea markets, clothing and apparel boutiques and more.

After all your shopping is done, it’s time to head back to Long Bay Resort to relax on your oceanfront balcony and take a dip in the indoor waterpark. It’s all part of what makes the Grand Strand the perfect place to do all you holiday shopping.