There’s something special about a weekend, right? It’s short enough to be spontaneous, long enough to escape, and just the right amount of time to fall in love with a place. And when that place is the South Carolina coast – sun-kissed, sophisticated, and sparkling with charm – a Myrtle Beach weekend getaway is an amazing break from routine.
With its warm summer air, world-class golf, golden beaches, and fresh seafood that tastes like it was caught just for you, Myrtle Beach in July is pure coastal theatre. And the stage? Perfectly set. Festivals breathe almost every evening, and the ocean glows under Carolina blue skies. It’s no wonder so many couples, friends, and families choose this destination for quick, unforgettable getaways.
If you’re wondering when to go, the heart of summer might be the best time to visit Myrtle Beach. You can go paddleboarding at sunrise or dine under string lights with a glass of chilled wine in hand. All you need is a simple and helpful Myrtle Beach travel guide.
Myrtle Beach And the Weekend Escape That Has It All
There are weekend trips you take, and there are weekends you remember! Myrtle Beach always seems to fall in the latter category. It offers what every good escape should. You get proximity, variety, and an adventure tailored to whatever you’re craving.
The location is ideal. For East Coast travelers, it’s often no more than a few hours’ drive or a short flight. That means more time relaxing and less time stuck in airports or behind the wheel. You can leave your home Friday morning and be toes-in-the-sand by lunch. For couples especially, it’s a no-brainer – romantic beach getaways don’t require complicated logistics here.
But beyond convenience, Myrtle Beach is a hub of experiences. There’s a long list:
- Walkable boardwalks
- Scenic golf courses
- Watersports
- Gourmet restaurants
- Boutique shopping
- Theatre performances
It’s everything within a single stretch of coastline. So, whether you’re in the mood for elegant seclusion or crowd-ready energy, you’ll find the best opportunities here. While major events and attractions draw visitors in, you won’t have any problem finding a private beach or the winding gardens nearby. That’s what makes it such a compelling weekend vacation idea.
Why Choose Myrtle Beach for a Weekend Getaway?
Why is Myrtle Beach weekend getaway usually topping the list of best weekend trips in South Carolina? Well, there are a few good reasons, including:
1. It’s Close Yet Feels Far Away
There are few places where you can go from a weekday boardroom to a beachfront bar in just a few hours. Myrtle Beach’s accessibility makes it a top pick for those last-minute plans that suddenly turn into lifelong memories.
2. Affordable Luxury
Sure, you can go big here – with suites, private spas, and oceanfront dinners. But it’s also possible to enjoy the full experience without maxing out your card. Boutique shopping, low-cost entertainment, and hidden culinary gems in Myrtle Beach mean your indulgence can be both satisfying and sensible for you and your family.
Even better, many of the region’s best experiences are free or nearly so. For instance, walking the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, exploring local markets, or enjoying live music under the stars at one of the many summer festivals along the Grand Strand.
3. Tailored to You
Traveling as a couple, are you? Well, couples will find cozy cocktail lounges and romantic walks on the beach. Families will love the aquarium and mini-golf. And, solo travelers can indulge in spa days or gallery-hopping through town (and don’t forget reading by the water).
And if you’re seeking a mix of it all, Marina Inn at Grande Dunes is in the perfect position to deliver a quick beach getaway without compromise. The resort is just far enough from the tourist-heavy sections to feel exclusive, yet close enough that everything – from theatre tickets to jet ski rentals – is within easy reach.
What to Do During Your Weekend in Myrtle Beach
Don’t worry, we went ahead and planned a little itinerary. You can use it as a framwork to plan the perfect one for your trip – whether solo-ing, with a partner, or with a family. So, let’s start with mapping out your weekend. First stop: arrival and unwinding!
1. Arrival & Relaxation
Friday Afternoon
Check-in at Marina Inn at Grande Dunes. It is a refined escape designed with discerning travelers in mind. The architecture features Mediterranean-inspired façades, grand staircases, and wide balconies overlooking either the waterway or the golf course. Every corner of this resort is an ode to comfort and elegance.
Your suite greets you with plush bedding, soft robes, and that subtle scent of spa-level cleanliness. Slide open your balcony door, step outside, and you’re immediately greeted by the hush of the water, the sway of palms, and the promise of tranquility. The chaos of the week falls away quickly as your amazing Myrtle Beach weekend getaway begins.
Before you unpack too much, wander down to the resort’s private stretch of beach – a rare luxury in Myrtle Beach. With no crowds, no loud music, and no distractions, it’s just you, the surf, and a few scattered footprints in the sand. For couples, this is where romance begins. Hand-in-hand walks as the sun dips, waves lapping at your feet, and the kind of quiet that lets you actually hear each other again.
Looking to ease into your stay even more? Schedule a couples’ massage at the Hibiscus Spa. Soft lighting, attentive therapists, and an ambience that whispers calm – it’s the perfect introduction to a romantic Myrtle Beach getaway. And if you’re arriving solo or with friends, the spa still hits the mark, offering facials, aromatherapy, and other tailored treatments that gently coax you into vacation mode.
Friday Evening
As twilight arrives, make your way to WaterScapes, Marina Inn’s flagship restaurant. Here, the food is coastal-inspired and elegantly plated. Think crab-stuffed flounder, seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc, or Lowcountry bouillabaisse that speaks in flavors as rich as the region’s culture. The wine list is carefully curated, and the lighting is soft enough to make any dinner feel intimate.
Prefer to venture off-property? Just a few minutes away lies Sea Captain’s House, an oceanfront institution serving up Southern favorites since the 1930s. Dining here is like stepping into a story – one where shrimp and grits come with a view and every bite feels like home.
After dinner, return to the resort and head to Reflections Bar, where the atmosphere is relaxed, the cocktails are bold, and the marina views feel like something out of a movie. Sip something with bourbon or champagne and enjoy a slow close to a perfectly paced day.
3. Explore & Adventure
Saturday Morning
After a restful night, rise early and embrace the golden morning light spilling across the Grande Dunes landscape to continue your Myrtle Beach weekend getaway. If you’re a golf lover – or even just curious – it’s hard to resist the appeal of the Grande Dunes Resort Course, located mere steps from your room. Wide fairways wind along the Intracoastal Waterway, and the views are nothing short of cinematic.
For non-golfers, or after your round, consider a trip to Brookgreen Gardens, a gem just south of Myrtle Beach that blends history, art, and nature. The gardens unfold in grand sweeps of sculpture, moss-draped oaks, and hidden corners perfect for a quiet moment – or an Instagram-worthy photo!
If you’d prefer something more casual, the best hiking trails in Myrtle Beach offer a different kind of adventure – maritime forests, wildlife sightings, and shaded boardwalks that run along tidal creeks.
Afternoon
By midday, Myrtle Beach is in full swing. This is the moment to lean into the buzz and explore what the Grand Strand is famous for: Broadway at the Beach. It’s a sprawl of boutique shops, waterside restaurants, interactive exhibits, and entertainment that’s as fun for couples as it is for families.
If you’re a fan of aquariums, Ripley’s Aquarium deserves a spot on your list. Here, jellyfish glow under LED lights, sharks circle overhead in a see-through tunnel, and more importantly, the hands-on exhibits delight kids and grownups alike.
Or if you’d rather get a view from above, step onto the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, where glass-enclosed gondolas lift you into the sky for panoramic coastal views that make your heart skip a beat.
If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t miss the seasonal events that bring live music, art, and food vendors to the waterfront. Locals and visitors alike celebrate these festivals that define Myrtle Beach in July – laid-back but lively, fun without being overdone.
Evening
As the sun begins to dip again, trade your flip-flops for something a little dressier and head to a live performance. The Carolina Opry, for instance, is a remarkable experience. With its blend of music, dance, and comedy, it’s a high-energy and refreshingly fun (and sure to leave the restless younglings in awe). If theatre isn’t your thing, you can go for a sunset cruise or post-dinner drinks with marina views.
Some of the best nightlife in Myrtle Beach happens quietly – on patios with soft jazz, in cocktail lounges lit with Edison bulbs, or even from the comfort of your own balcony. There’s no wrong way to wrap up your Saturday, as long as it feels like a reward.
3. Unwind Before You Go
Sunday Morning
If Saturday was for exploring, Sunday is for exhaling. Sleep in. Let the curtains stay drawn. Order room service if you like – coffee, pastries, maybe a mimosa – and enjoy breakfast in bed. The comfort and quiet of your suite at Marina Inn is a kind of luxury that sticks with you long after checkout.
But if you’re someone who likes to make the most of every moment, brunch at Croissants Bistro & Bakery is worth venturing out for. Their menu is inventive and charming – crab cake benedicts, seasonal tarts, and their legendary strawberry French toast. And it’s just one of the many places to eat in Myrtle Beach that turns a meal into a memory.
Still have a little time before you go? Stroll the marina one last time. Let the sunlight hit your face. Take one final walk along the private beach you’ve come to love. These moments are what make a short trip feel like a true vacation.
What Are Some of the Best Dining Recommendations?
Without the best dining options, there is no Myrtle Beach experience and most certainly, no memorable Myrtle Beach weekend getaway. And as most people here, including the locals, love the outstanding variety waiting for you at every corner along the strip.
Here’s what we suggest looking for at Marina Inn:
- WaterScapes Restaurant – It has a relaxed atmosphere with an emphasis on fresh seafood and Southern ingredients. Moreover, it has an excellent wine list and an ambiance perfect for romantic beach vacations.
- Location: 8121 Amalfi Pl, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
- Phone Number: (843) 913-2845
- Visit Website
- Reflections Bar – Here, you can sip cocktails like spiced peach mules or a classic negronis while watching boats drift through the marina. It’s where locals and travelers intersect.
Nearby:
- Sea Captain’s House – It is a Myrtle Beach landmark where you can expect Lowcountry classics a cozy dining room with ocean views.
- Location: 3002 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- Phone Number: (843) 448-8082
- Visit Website
- Hook & Barrel – This is one of the most top tourist-favorites as well. It’s a creative and sustainably sourced seafood in an open-concept setting.
- Location: 8014 N Kings Hwy B, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
- Phone Number: (843) 839-5888
- Visit Website
- Croissants Bistro & Bakery – This is an upscale café and brunch spot, a lovely place to start your day after unwinding following your arrival.
- Location: 8014 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
- Phone Number: (843) 448-2253
- Visit Website
Where to Stay – Marina Inn at Grande Dunes
You may already know that choosing the right hotel is what makes or breaks a weekend. However, your Myrtle Beach weekend getaway becomes convenient, affordable, and unforgettable with Marina Inn.
Here’s why it’s one of the best hotels in Myrtle Beach for couples, families, and solo travelers:
- Private beach access where you’ll never have to fight for towel space or deal with crowds
- Luxury suites with spacious layouts, deep tubs, large balconies, and plush robes
- Golf course views where you can wake up to greens and water (not parking lots)
- Spa & packages like couples’ massages, custom experiences, and special offers
- Prime location because it is peaceful, yet minutes from Broadway, the boardwalk, and live theatre
So, are you looking for a romantic getaway in Myrtle Beach SC? Marina Inn will meet your expectations and it will most likely exceed them – every time!
Book Now or talk to your hosts in Myrtle Beach to plan the perfect getaway.
FAQs
I. What month is the cheapest to go to Myrtle Beach?
Late fall and early winter – think November through February – offer the best off-season rates and quieter beaches.
II. What is the best month to go to Myrtle Beach?
July might be the best time because it brings a ton of festivals. Plus, you get the ideal beach weather and long summer nights. It’s memorable and fun, especially for couples and families.
III. What’s the nicest part of Myrtle Beach?
The Grande Dunes area is particularly famous for its luxury, seclusion, and proximity to both nature and nightlife.
IV. What is the number one attraction at Myrtle Beach?
While Broadway at the Beach often ranks high, most visitors would argue that the beach itself is the star, especially when you have private access like at the Marina Inn.
Conclusion
Your Myrtle Beach weekend getaway doesn’t have to be long to be lasting. In just a few days, you can unwind in a way that will feel like you were away for a whole week – or even longer! Between the sunrises over the ocean and sunsets on the marina, spa treatments and seafood feasts, you can rest assured that you’ll be taking memories and experiences worth sharing with everyone.
And when you stay at Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, you’ll be stepping into a version of Myrtle Beach perfect for rest and romance.
- Address: 8121 Amalfi Place, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
- Phone: (866) 437-4113
- Reserve Your Stay – and let your weekend begin
