A Myrtle Beach autism friendly vacation may seem like a lot of work, but it’s easier to achieve than you think.
Myrtle Beach autism friendly accommodations, restaurants, events, and attractions are among the best in the United States. Staff members across the city have been trained to appropriately care for those with autism. Together, they provide the best service for an unforgettable family vacation for individuals of all ages and abilities.
When you’re traveling with someone on the spectrum, it’s essential that they are treated with care and compassion. Not all travel destinations can provide the level of accommodations that Myrtle Beach can.
The ultimate guide below explores what makes Myrtle Beach stand out as an autism friendly family vacation.
What Makes Myrtle Beach Autism Friendly?
Myrtle Beach is a certified autism-friendly destination through the Champion Autism Network (CAN), and there are more than 150 businesses and counting that have signed The Beach is for everybody: Sensory-friendly Pledge, which helps promote autism awareness in Myrtle Beach.
Those who have signed the pledge have made accommodations to commit to a more autism friendly Myrtle Beach, including training their staff to better support those with autism. Additionally, through CAN, families join the Autism Travel Card program for a small fee. The program allows families to discreetly share with businesses in advance if they are traveling with individuals who have autism.
As a result of these partnerships, Myrtle Beach autism friendly programs and attractions are offered for families, inclusive of all ages and abilities. Top activities include:
- Sensory Rooms like the STAR Academy, which is a sensory playground and learning center for children of all ages.
- Sensory-friendly events. For example, Dave and Busters hold quarterly events where they turn down the music and leave the lights on to accommodate those with sensory sensitivities.
- Inclusive attractions, including Myrtle Waves Water Park, Brookgreen Gardens, and Blue Wave Adventures, provide a variety of autism-friendly opportunities for families to enjoy.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and many local parks are also becoming more sensory-sensitive to ensure everyone can enjoy the atmosphere. This includes lowering lights, reducing loud noises, creating inclusive playgrounds, and more to help Myrtle Beach autism visitors.
For those who need additional services during their trip, local organizations and special programs offer assistance to help families with autism feel supported. In addition to CAN, families can partner with SOS Autism Myrtle Beach, the Horry County Police Department, and the YMCA of Coastal Carolina to help them during their stay.
Myrtle Beach is one of the most autism-friendly travel destinations, and if you have questions or need recommendations, you can always ask your hotel for guidance. They may have pre-set vacation guides and recommendations ready for you.
Things to Do in Myrtle Beach for Families with Autism
Thankfully, there are plenty of autism-friendly Myrtle Beach activities and events for families of all ages and abilities. Below, we’ve put together a curated list to help you start planning.
Myrtle Beach SkyWheel
If you and your family don’t mind heights, then check out the Myrtle Beach Skywheel for an unforgettable view. You can see as far as the beach stretches, across the ocean, the cityscape below, and more.
Challenge your family to point out where you’re staying or some of the favorite things they’ve done so far. At 200 feet above the ground, you can really see it all at this Myrtle Beach autism friendly destination. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting the attraction in the early morning or late evening. The afternoon and sunset tend to be the most popular times to ride, regardless of the time of year.
Sensory-friendly Movie Night
The Grand 14 at the Market Common offers sensory-friendly movie nights once a month. These events allow families to bring their children with autism to enjoy some of their favorite movies in a safe and accepting environment.
Accommodations made include having the lights on and reducing the movie’s volume. Admission, food, and drink are offered at a reduced rate, and guests are welcome to be themselves during the show, even if that means they aren’t quiet during the show.
Ripley’s Aquarium
Ripley’s Aquarium offers visitors an indoor aquatic adventure. Check out schools of fish in the immersive aquarium or watch alligators above the sea. You can even come face-to-face with sloths, penguins, and more.
It’s one of the best Myrtle Beach autism friendly activities for families. Avoid the crowds by visiting during the morning or late afternoon during the week. They also offer regular special sensory events at a reduced rate for those with autism and their families.
Myrtle Beach State Park
Even though the Myrtle Beach State Park is along the Grand Strand coastline, don’t let that surprise you. It can be a beautiful, quiet oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Explore the nature trails, fish along the coast, or stop by one of the many educational centers. Myrtle Beach State Park is pet-friendly, so keep an eye on your family members who are sensitive to animals.
Peak hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day, especially on the weekends. For the best experience, plan your trip outside these times.
Autism-Friendly Hotels in Myrtle Beach
Where you stay is just as important as what you do when it comes to your vacation. Thankfully, there are many autism-friendly hotels in Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Beach sensory-friendly hotels cater to families with special needs, offering rooms with reduced sensory stimuli and special amenities like quiet zones, noise-cancelling headphones, and more. Additionally, many staff members have undergone special training to handle autism-related needs, allowing them to de-escalate situations when appropriate.
One great example of a Myrtle Beach sensory-friendly hotel is the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes. In addition to reduced lights and noises, they also offer:
- Fully accessible rooms
- Disability services
- Accommodations for guests of all needs
The large rooms, pool, and other on-site amenities are also attractive for Myrtle Beach autism friendly families. Marina Inn at Grande Dunes provides an oasis for all without setting foot off the hotel grounds.
As you look for autism-friendly hotels in Myrtle Beach, ensure they offer quiet rooms, low-light rooms, or special activities designed for children with autism. It will make your stay more enjoyable.
Sensory-Friendly Restaurants in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach offers sensory-friendly restaurants for visitors, creating an inclusive atmosphere for guests of all abilities. Be mindful of noise levels, harsh lighting, and crowds in potential restaurants. The general atmosphere can do a lot to set your family at ease and provide the best autism-friendly dining experience.
Below are some of the best sensory-friendly restaurants in Myrtle Beach.
- Nacho Hippo Cantina Maximo is a favorite for tourists and locals alike. With a robust Tex-Mex menu, events, live entertainment, and more, there is something for everyone at Nacho Hippo Cantina Maximo.
- Ultimate California Pizza has been consistently voted the best pizza in Myrtle Beach. They have more than 70 toppings to choose from and can meet any dietary restrictions.
- Croissants Bistro & Bakery offers a great selection of brunch and lunch meals, which is great for those who want a specific type of food. They have been in operation for more than 28 years and are committed to delivering a high-quality dining experience for their guests regardless of abilities.
- Angelo’s Steak and Pasta is a great dinner location, offering an all-you-can-eat Italian buffet that’s very popular in Myrtle Beach. They open daily at 3 p.m. and have been proudly serving the community for more than 44 years.
If you join the Autism Travel Club, their app also provides a detailed list of Myrtle Beach autism friendly restaurants.
Tips for Sensory-Friendly Dining
As you’re looking to prepare to dine out with your family, consider the practical tips in our autism-friendly vacation guide. It will help you navigate sensory-friendly dining at restaurants in Myrtle Beach.
- Be mindful of the time of day. Visiting restaurants during quieter times of day will help you avoid peak crowds, long wait times, and noisy atmospheres.
- Ask for seating away from high-traffic or noisy areas. These accommodations can make your family member with autism feel more comfortable if they are not directly in the center of the action.
- Consider the restaurant ambiance. Some restaurants may be crowded no matter the time of day, so be sure to review their website. Look for dining options that offer a more private, calm setting for lower-stimulus dining.
- Mention any special accommodations you need. You can call ahead to make accommodations for your party or participate in the Autism Travel Club to indicate you are traveling with someone with autism. Be sure to share any special accommodations or sensory kits as applicable.
Thankfully, Myrtle Beach offers many autism friendly dining options, so you won’t feel limited during your stay.
Practical Tips for an Autism-Friendly Vacation in Myrtle Beach
No matter where you are travelling, advanced planning is necessary to make your trip a success, no matter the time of year. The more you plan, the more stress-free your experience will be, especially if you’re traveling with children on the autism spectrum.
To help your trip to Myrtle Beach be as enjoyable as possible, below are some actionable tips to consider. Our autism-friendly vacation guide will help you plan.
- Pick a sensory-friendly hotel. Marina Inn at Grande Dunes is a fantastic option that provides low-sensory rooms that are accessible to people of all needs. The staff is trained to appropriately interact with guests with autism, and there are disability services on site if needed.
- Map out sensory-friendly spots. Consider what activities your family likes to do at home, and do your research to explore if the local services in Myrtle Beach are autism-friendly. Additionally, consider the local highlights to plan new adventures. Many attractions provide sensory-friendly days or hours to help individuals of all abilities enjoy their services.
- Pack accordingly. In addition to the necessities, be sure to pack comfort items for your family members with autism. Favorite stuffed animals, blankets, and other items can make them feel safe. Additionally, consider which electronics, toys, fidgets, and other items they rely on at home.
- Connect with local autism-related resources. Myrtle Beach autism friendly programs, like SOS Autism Myrtle Beach, are here to help. If you have any questions leading up to or during your stay, reach out to them. They help autism-friendly families traveling to Myrtle Beach navigate.
- Identify safe spaces and exit routes. Despite your best planning, overstimulation can still happen. As you visit places, be sure to take note of any quiet spaces available to help your child with autism decompress. Consider bringing noise-cancelling headphones if they are sensitive to sounds. This can help them calm down quicker, allowing you to resume your visit or return to your hotel if needed.
You may also consider visiting the Myrtle Beach Welcome Center for a wristband from Project Lifesaver. It discreetly includes a GPS tracker in case your family member with autism wanders off, allowing you to find them quickly. Hopefully, you won’t need to use this Myrtle Beach autism program, but it provides peace of mind knowing it is available.
While traveling with family members on the spectrum can be challenging, Myrtle Beach takes steps to make it as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
Wrapping Up – Your Myrtle Beach Autism Friendly Vacation
Known as a Myrtle Beach autism friendly travel destination for nearly a decade, the city offers many accommodations, attractions, and restaurants to help your entire party enjoy your trip. Myrtle Beach also provides autism support services if you need assistance during your trip.
Because of this, Myrtle Beach is a certified autism-friendly destination that should be at the top of your list for your next vacation. What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today and book your stay at Marina Inn at the Grande Dunes.
Whether you’re ready to visit or simply in the information-gathering stage, it’s never too early to get more details, explore Myrtle Beach’s autism friendly options, or connect with local resource groups.
There are no limitations to what you and your family can explore in Myrtle Beach, especially if you are looking for an autism-friendly vacation.
