Is Myrtle Beach Expensive? A Budget Breakdown for Travelers 

Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular beach destinations on the East Coast, known for its wide shoreline, family-friendly attractions, great restaurants, and plenty of ways to spend a weekend by the water.

But when planning a trip here, many travelers find themselves wondering the same thing, is Myrtle Beach expensive? The truth is, costs can vary depending on when you visit, where you stay, and how you choose to spend your time. 

Here’s what we’ll cover:

1. Breaking Down the Cost of a Myrtle Beach Trip
2. When to Visit Myrtle Beach for the Best Deals
3. Myrtle Beach Accommodations from Budget to Luxury
4. Myrtle Beach Restaurants for Every Budget
5. Things to Do in Myrtle Beach on a Budget
6. Myrtle Beach Travel Costs and Transportation
7. Tips to Save Money Without Sacrificing the Experience
8. FAQs
9. So, Is Myrtle Beach Expensive? 

Read on for a full breakdown of Myrtle Beach vacation costs, along with tips for enjoying a more upscale, luxury experience without overspending.

Breaking Down the Cost of a Myrtle Beach Trip

The question “Is Myrtle Beach expensive?” really depends on the type of trip you’re planning.

Compared to many other beach destinations, costs tend to be more flexible, giving travelers more control over their spending.

What you spend in Myrtle Beach really depends on how you build your trip, from your hotel to your meals to the experiences you want to fit in.

Accommodations often have the biggest impact on overall cost, with prices shifting based on the season and where you stay. With everything from budget-friendly hotels to higher-end resorts, Myrtle Beach makes it easy to plan a trip that fits your budget.

When to Visit Myrtle Beach for the Best Deals

High Season vs. Off-Season Pricing

If you’re wondering, is Myrtle Beach expensive, the time of year you visit is one of the biggest factors. Prices vary, with the busiest travel months bringing higher rates and the off-season offering better deals.

High season in Myrtle Beach typically falls during the summer months, when warm weather, school vacations, and major events drive demand. This is when hotel rates and travel costs tend to be at their highest, especially for oceanfront and resort-style accommodations.

During the off-season, usually late fall through winter, prices drop noticeably. Fewer crowds and lower demand often mean better hotel deals and more flexibility when booking. While some attractions may operate on reduced schedules, many travelers find the quieter pace and lower overall cost worth the trade-off.

For many travelers, figuring out the best time to visit Myrtle Beach comes down to finding the right balance between cost, weather, and crowd levels.

Why Shoulder Season Offers the Best Value

Spring and fall shoulder seasons are often the best time to visit for lower prices and pleasant weather. During these months, costs are typically lower than in the heart of summer.

Visiting at this time of year means more availability, shorter lines, and better hotel rates, while still having access to most attractions, restaurants, and activities.

It’s a great option for travelers who want fewer crowds and better prices without missing out on the experience.

Booking Tips to Save on Your Stay

If you’re hoping to visit Myrtle Beach in the summer, booking your stay early can really make a difference. 

Prices tend to go up fast once peak season gets closer, so reserving ahead of time is usually the best way to lock in a better deal.

If you’re traveling during the off-season, it’s worth watching for seasonal specials and hotel promotions, since discounts are much more common when crowds are smaller.

Overall, a little flexibility with your travel dates and some advance planning can go a long way in helping you enjoy Myrtle Beach for less, no matter when you visit.

Myrtle Beach Accommodations from Budget to Luxury

Lodging Options for Every Budget

Where you stay is one of the biggest factors in the overall cost of a Myrtle Beach vacation.

Myrtle Beach offers a wide range of accommodations, so it’s easy to find something that fits both your travel style and your budget.

Travelers looking to keep costs lower will find plenty of affordable Myrtle Beach hotels close to top attractions, especially during the off-season when rates drop.

At the same time, Myrtle Beach has no shortage of upscale resorts and oceanfront hotels for travelers who want extra space, better amenities, and water views.

With options at many different price points, Myrtle Beach works well for everything from a simple beach trip to a more resort-style stay, without feeling out of reach.

A High-Value Resort Option in Myrtle Beach

For travelers looking at luxury hotels in Myrtle Beach, Marina Inn at Grande Dunes offers a high-end stay at a reasonable price point.

The suites are one of the biggest highlights, especially if you’re staying for a few days or traveling with others. Instead of squeezing into a typical hotel room, you have real space to spread out. 

Free on-site parking is another bonus, and it’s a nice way to avoid extra daily fees that can add up quickly.

The resort also offers several on-site dining options, including WaterScapes Restaurant.  Making it easy to enjoy a meal without needing to drive anywhere or plan around busy restaurant schedules.

Many of the resort’s amenities are included in the nightly rate, too, which helps keep extra vacation costs down. Guests have access to indoor and outdoor pools, private beach access, and shuttle service without paying additional fees.

Marina Inn at Grande Dunes is a high-value option for travelers who want more space and resort amenities without overspending. Its location on the Intracoastal Waterway also feels a bit removed from the busiest areas, while still keeping you close to the beach and top attractions.

Myrtle Beach Restaurants for Every Budget

What Average Meal Costs Look Like in Myrtle Beach

Dining in Myrtle Beach is usually pretty easy to plan for, since there are so many places to eat. Some days you might just want something quick and casual, and other nights it’s nice to sit down somewhere with a view and make dinner part of the experience.

Breakfast and lunch tend to stay fairly affordable, especially at local cafes and laid-back spots near the beach. Dinner can vary a bit more, but many travelers find that mixing a few simple meals with one or two nicer nights out works well.

Waterfront restaurants and fine dining are typically where prices start to climb, especially during the summer months. 

Even then, Myrtle Beach food costs are often still lower than what you might find in other popular beach destinations. Which makes it easier to enjoy a splurge meal without feeling like you’ve blown the budget.

From Seafood Shacks to Steakhouse Dinners

Seafood is a big part of the local dining scene in Myrtle Beach, and it’s easy to enjoy it without turning meals into a major expense. 

Mrs. Fish Seafood Grill is a great option for an affordable seafood lunch, with favorites like fresh shrimp and crab cakes on the menu.

River City Cafe is a longtime favorite for dinner, with multiple locations around town. It’s known for burgers, sandwiches, and a laid-back menu that works well for families, large groups, or a simple meal after a day at the beach.

And if you do want to plan a special dinner out, Myrtle Beach also has several upscale restaurants and steakhouses that feel like a true treat.

For travelers asking, is Myrtle Beach expensive, these are usually the kinds of meals that raise the overall cost, but they’re often more of a trip highlight than an everyday stop.

Dining Near Marina Inn at Grande Dunes

Staying at Marina Inn at Grande Dunes also means you’re close to several well-loved restaurants in Myrtle Beach, which makes meals easy to work into your trip. 

One of the most convenient options is WaterScapes, located right at the hotel. It’s an easy choice for everything from a relaxed breakfast to dinner after a full day out.

And if you’re in the mood for a classic steakhouse night, Ruth’s Chris Steak House is just a few minutes away, making it simple to plan a nicer evening without going across town.

Things to Do in Myrtle Beach on a Budget

Free and Low-Cost Attractions Worth Your Time

One of the great parts of visiting Myrtle Beach is that many of the top activities don’t cost anything at all.

The beach is one of the best free attractions in Myrtle Beach, and it’s easy to see why. You can spend time by the water, take long walks along the shoreline, catch sunrise views, and enjoy full beach days without paying anything at all.

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is another great option for a low-cost outing. You can take a stroll, enjoy the ocean views, and stop for an ice cream or snack if you feel like it. You’ll also pass attractions like the SkyWheel, which makes it a fun area to explore even if you’re just walking around.

If you’re a nature lover looking for cheap things to do in Myrtle Beach, Brookgreen Gardens is a great place to spend a few hours. It offers a mix of gardens, sculptures, and walking paths for a relatively low admission cost, making it a great value for travelers who enjoy nature and art.

Attractions Worth Paying For

Some Myrtle Beach attractions do come with a price tag, but many feel worthwhile when planned thoughtfully.

Golf is one of Myrtle Beach’s biggest attractions, with some of the best courses in the country. With dozens of options across a wide range of price points, it’s easy to find a course that fits your budget. 

The Marina Inn at Grande Dunes also offers easy access to the award-winning Grande Dunes Resort Golf Club, an 18-hole course set along the Intracoastal Waterway with high-bluff views and a well-known links-style layout.

Water parks in Myrtle Beach are popular during warmer months and can be a fun option for families, especially if you plan to spend several hours there. Myrtle Waves Water Park is a good example of an activity that can fill an afternoon and feel worth the cost.

Live entertainment is another popular option in Myrtle Beach. Shows and performances can be a memorable part of a trip, and Broadway at the Beach is one of the most popular spots to find them. 

Choosing just one or two experiences can help keep costs in check while still adding something special to your stay.

Marina Inn as a Convenient Home Base

In addition to choosing the right activities, where you stay can also make a difference in how much you spend. 

Staying at Marina Inn at Grande Dunes makes getting around Myrtle Beach a lot easier, which can help keep extra costs down.

Being close to many of the area’s main attractions means you’re not spending as much time driving back and forth or using extra gas just to get everywhere.

It also makes the trip feel more manageable. You can head out for a few hours, come back to the resort to recharge, and then go back out for dinner or an evening activity without trying to fit everything into one long day. 

Myrtle Beach Travel Costs and Transportation

Driving vs. Flying Into Myrtle Beach

If you’re asking, is Myrtle Beach expensive, transportation is one of the first expenses to think about. But the good news is that there are options depending on where you’re traveling from.

For many visitors, driving is often the more budget-friendly choice. Myrtle Beach is an easy road trip from much of the Southeast, and having your own car also makes it easier to get around once you arrive, especially if you want to explore different parts of the area.

Flying can be a convenient option for travelers coming from farther away, but airfare prices tend to change throughout the year. Summer and holiday weekends are usually the most expensive, while flights during the spring and fall are often more affordable. 

If you’re trying to keep your Myrtle Beach travel budget in check, looking at flight prices early can make a noticeable difference.

Getting Around Once You Arrive

Once you’re in Myrtle Beach, having a car can be helpful, but it isn’t always necessary. Some visitors prefer driving themselves, while others rely on ride-share services.

If you do plan to rent a car, costs can add up quickly during the busy season, especially once you factor in parking. Fees at certain hotels or popular attractions can be easy to overlook and may add more to your total than expected.

One amazing thing about staying at Marina Inn at Grande Dunes is that parking is free, so you don’t have to worry about extra daily fees adding up.

Marina Inn’s Beach Shuttle Service

Another nice perk at Marina Inn is the shuttle service, which makes getting to the beach much easier. 

The resort provides transportation to its private beach area and golf courses just a few minutes away. Which means you can spend the day by the ocean or golfing without worrying about driving or parking.

Since the shuttle runs throughout the day, it’s simple to come and go when you want, whether you’re heading out in the morning or stopping back at the resort later on. 

Tips to Save Money Without Sacrificing the Experience

Look for Packages and Seasonal Promotions

One of the best Myrtle Beach travel tips is to keep an eye out for seasonal deals. Many resorts and hotels offer discounted rates in the spring and fall, or include extras like dining credits or added nights. 

Booking early or staying flexible with your dates can make a big difference without changing the overall feel of your trip.

Choose a Resort with Amenities Included

Resorts that include amenities in the nightly rate can help avoid extra expenses throughout the week.

Staying somewhere that includes things like pools, shared spaces, fitness centers, or shuttle services in the nightly rate helps you avoid extra costs, especially on a longer trip.

Marina Inn at Grande Dunes is a good example, with features such as indoor and outdoor pools, free parking, and shuttle access included, so you’re not constantly paying for small add-ons.

Take Advantage of In-Suite Kitchens and Kitchenettes

One of the best ways to save money on meals during a trip is by having access to a kitchen or kitchenette. That way, you can prepare a few simple meals in the comfort of your suite and still go out for others.

At Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, many suites include kitchens or kitchenettes, which makes it especially easy to mix a few meals in with nights out at restaurants. 

Even doing this once a day can help keep food spending low while still leaving room for special meals during your stay.

FAQs

So, Is Myrtle Beach Expensive? 

So, is Myrtle Beach expensive? The answer really depends on how you plan your trip. Myrtle Beach can be an affordable vacation, a luxury escape, or something comfortably in between.

For those looking to enjoy a more luxurious stay without overspending, Marina Inn at Grande Dunes stands out as a smart option. Between the extra space, included amenities, on-site restaurants, and its location along the Intracoastal Waterway, Marina Inn makes it easy to enjoy a more upscale stay without overspending.

If you’re planning a trip and wondering whether Myrtle Beach is affordable for you, Marina Inn’s seasonal offers and promotions are worth exploring. 

With the right timing, it’s easy to enjoy a Myrtle Beach vacation that fits your budget And you can check availability and book your stay here.