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The Same

Just like the Grand Strand, both the DINKs and the Family share a few favorite activities when they head to the North Myrtle Beach/North Strand area. The North Strand offers its own take on Myrtle Beach classics, shopping, entertainment, and unforgettable coastal scenery.

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North Myrtle Beach, SC

A lively area offering shopping, dining, and nightlife, plus easy access to both Cherry Grove and the central Grand Strand. The Family has visited here while staying at the Grand Strand but the Dinks spent more time renting an Airbnb for two months during COVID.

• Tanger Outlets – Popular shopping destination featuring designer brands at discounted outlet prices.
• Live Entertainment & Nightlife – From high-energy concerts at the House of Blues to variety shows at the Alabama Theatre and beach music along Main Street, North Myrtle Beach offers vibrant nightlife and performances for every taste.

The Beach

A day at the beach in North Myrtle Beach is all about wide stretches of soft sand, gentle Atlantic waves, and a laid-back atmosphere that feels worlds away from the busier Grand Strand.

Families spread out with plenty of room for games and sandcastles, while couples stroll the shoreline or relax under an umbrella. Public access points and convenient parking make it easy to find your perfect spot, and the calm surf is ideal for swimming, boogie boarding, or simply wading in to cool off.

Whether you’re catching a sunrise with coffee in hand or staying late for a glowing sunset, North Myrtle Beach delivers that classic Carolina coastal vibe without the crowds.

WHERE to eat in North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach serves up a lively mix of dining and nightlife, perfect for every craving and mood. From fresh-off-the-boat seafood and classic Carolina barbecue to beach bars with live music and craft cocktails, you’ll find plenty of spots to eat, sip, and stay late. Whether you’re after a family-friendly dinner or a night out with ocean views, North Myrtle’s bars and restaurants deliver a true taste of the coast.

• Hoskins Restaurant (North Myrtle Beach) – A beloved landmark since 1948, serving classic Southern comfort food and fresh local seafood in a friendly, diner-style setting.
• Platt’s Seafood (North Myrtle Beach) – Longstanding seafood market offering fresh, locally caught seafood and prepared favorites, perfect for grabbing shrimp, fish, or crab to cook at home.
• Hamburger Joe’s (North Myrtle Beach) – Casual, no-frills spot famous for juicy burgers, fresh-cut fries, and ice-cold cheap beer that keeps locals and visitors coming back.
• Local on the Water ( (North Myrtle Beach) )– Relaxed spot in North Myrtle Beach known for creative cocktails and fresh coastal dishes.
• Crab Catchers on the Waterfront (Little River) – Classic Calabash-style seafood and sunset views over the Little River.

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The DINKs

Living in Surfside Beach gives us easy access to every corner of the coast, and we often find ourselves drawn to the calmer, more local feel of the North Strand.

North Myrtle Beach

We also rented an Airbnb in North Myrtle Beach for two months during COVID prior to our move to South Carolina. It’s the kind of place where you can hop between waterfront bars, catch a show, or tee off on a signature golf course without the big-city bustle.

Barefoot Landing (North Myrtle)

Nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway in North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing is a sprawling shopping, dining, and entertainment complex. With its scenic boardwalks, unique boutiques, and waterfront views, it’s a must-visit destination for both families and couples looking to enjoy the best of the North Strand.

• House of Blues – Live music venue featuring national acts, Southern-inspired cuisine, and a lively atmosphere.
• Blueberry’s Grill & Cafe – Casual eatery known for hearty breakfasts, fresh pastries, and classic Southern comfort food.
• Alligator Adventure – Exotic animal park and wildlife encounters, perfect for family fun.
• Oleander Gift Shop – Charming boutique offering unique souvenirs and local crafts.
• Waterside Boardwalk – Scenic pathway with restaurants, shops, and stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Golf Courses in North Myrtle Beach

The North Strand is home to some of the region’s most scenic and challenging golf courses, offering everything from rolling fairways and marshland views to signature holes designed by world-renowned architects.

My husband typically plays courses in the budget to medium range, occasionally venturing to high-end layouts, so there are definitely some top-tier courses in the area he hasn’t yet experienced. Whether you’re seeking a laid-back round or a more demanding test of skill, the North Strand has a course to suit every golfer.

• Tiger’s Eye – Sunset Beach, NC – Designed by Tim Cate (High) An upscale, daily-fee course carved from a virgin pine forest, distinguished by dramatic elevation changes and natural waste areas, offering a challenging and scenic golfing experience.
• Panther’s Run – Sunset Beach, NC – Designed by Tim Cate (Medium) A course that runs through a nature preserve, offering a diverse layout with signature Cate-designed holes and premium putting surfaces, ensuring an enjoyable round for golfers of all skill levels.
• Carolina Shores Golf & Country Club – Carolina Shores, NC – Designed by Tom Jackson (Medium) A traditional layout featuring tree-lined fairways and strategically placed water hazards, offering a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels.
• Colonial Charters Golf Club – Longs, SC – Designed by Rick Robbins (Budget) A friendly course with rolling terrain and picturesque water features, providing an enjoyable round for golfers seeking a relaxed atmosphere.
• Lion’s Paw Golf Links – Ocean Isle Beach, NC – Designed by Willard Byrd and Tim Cate (Medium) Offers a layout with a strong collection of par 3s and challenging par 5s, set amidst scenic wetlands and mature trees, providing a memorable golfing experience.
• Beachwood Golf Club – North Myrtle Beach, SC – Designed by Gene Hamm (Budget)A classic Lowcountry design with forgiving fairways and picturesque marsh views, providing a relaxed and enjoyable experience for golfers seeking a budget-friendly option.
• Eagle Nest Golf Club – Little River, SC – Designed by Gene Hamm (Budget) Features a relaxed, walkable layout with friendly locals and charming coastal scenery, offering a fun and affordable golfing experience.
• Crown Park Golf Club – Longs, SC – Designed by Robbie Byers (Budget) A small but enjoyable course offering a fun round for beginners and casual golfers, set amidst a peaceful and natural landscape.
• Waterway Hills Golf Club – North Myrtle Beach, SC – Designed by Robert Weed (Medium) Offers Intracoastal Waterway views with a mix of challenging holes and open, playable fairways, providing a scenic and enjoyable golfing experience.

Cherry Grove, SC

Quiet, family-friendly beaches with wide sandy shores, gentle waves, and easy access to nearby resorts and Barefoot Landing.

• Cherry Grove Pier – Fish, sightsee, or watch a spectacular sunrise from this iconic pier.
• Heritage Shores Nature Preserve – Walk scenic boardwalk trails through peaceful salt marshes rich with wildlife.
• Beachcombing & Shelling – Enjoy wide, uncrowded beaches perfect for collecting shells and relaxing by the Atlantic.

Calabash, NC

Just over the border in NC, famous for “Calabash-style” seafood and a laid-back, small-town waterfront atmosphere.

• Sunset River Marketplace – Browse regional art, pottery, and handmade crafts in this spacious gallery.
• Fishing Charters & Boat Tours – Head out on the Calabash River or the Atlantic for a day of angling or dolphin watching.

Waterfront dining

Calabash, North Carolina, is famous for its “Calabash-style” seafood and charming waterfront restaurants. Overlooking the quiet Calabash River, these spots serve ultra-fresh catches straight from local boats, often with stunning sunset views. Whether you’re craving a casual dockside meal or a more upscale seafood feast, waterfront dining in Calabash pairs Lowcountry flavors with unbeatable coastal scenery.

• Waterfront Seafood Shack (Calabash, NC) – Casual spot known for ultra-fresh, dock-to-table seafood where you can watch the fishing boats unload the day’s catch before enjoying a laid-back waterfront meal. At the time of writing this blog, they are BYOB on alcohol so if you want a drink you have to bring it.
• The Oyster Rock Waterfront Seafood (Calabash, NC) – Relaxed restaurant featuring fresh local oysters, creative seafood dishes, and sweeping views of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Little River, SC

A charming town at the northern tip of the Grand Strand, known for its historic waterfront, shrimping fleet, and quaint seafood restaurants.

• Waterfront Seafood Dining – Feast on fresh local shrimp and fish at classic dockside restaurants.
• Annual Blue Crab Festival – Celebrate the town’s seafood heritage each May with music, crafts, and plenty of crab.

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