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Sharing Everything North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach vs. Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is a year-round destination that’s familiar to many, but what you may not know is that North Myrtle Beach (NMB) is an entirely different destination of its own, separate from its neighboring namesake.
Although these two East Coast cities are only a mere 20-minute drive from one another, the ambiance of the two is completely different. Both sit beachfront on the Atlantic Ocean, and both are great vacation destinations, but they shouldn’t be lumped together as many tourists unfamiliar with the area tend to do.
Before you book your vacation rental or condo for the week, let’s dive into the main differences between these two beach towns so you can ensure you’re picking the perfect spot for your next getaway.
Without further ado, let’s see which is right for your visit.
Breaking Down North Myrtle Beach vs Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach are two of the notable towns that make up the “Grand Strand” — a more than 60-mile stretch of inspiring oceanfront from Little River to Georgetown, South Carolina. Along with the two Myrtles, this area also includes Atlantic Beach, Garden City Beach, and Surfside Beach.
Other than a mere ten miles, what sets these locations apart, and how can we be so sure that North Myrtle Beach is the ideal choice for your next getaway?
The Myrtle Beach area is home to a host of attractions, eateries, shops, and events, but North Myrtle Beach has all of this and more. World-famous golf courses and just the right combination of traditional charm and contemporary class are our claim to fame. Did we mention the spectacular landscapes that are sure to be the picture-perfect backdrop to the vacation of your dreams?
While the city of Myrtle Beach might have more happening on paper, with the famous Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Pier, North Myrtle Beach offers a calmer, more family-friendly vacation yet still with all of the amenities and entertainment you’re searching for in your vacation spot.
Comparing Top Rated Things To Do In Both Areas
Both cities offer beaches, water parks, water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding, mini golf, a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options but the atmosphere you’ll get at one from the other greatly varies.
Popular North Myrtle Beach Attractions
Entertainment options in North Myrtle Beach lean more toward the unique appeal of laid-back but sophisticated Carolina nature and culture. Situated on the Intracoastal Waterway, Barefoot Landing plays host to many of the area’s top attractions, providing just enough separation from the sand to keep the serenity of the beach intact while still offering a host of choices for memorable family fun.
Barefoot Landing is the home of many famous attractions and restaurants, such as Lulu’s, Alligator Adventure, and even the House Of Blues is located right beside Barefoot. Don’t miss Windy Hill Beach while you’re in the area — it sits just in front of Barefoot Landing.
If you enjoy a spot of fishing while on vacation, head to Cherry Grove Pier to get your catch of the day. Or, enjoy easy beach access and relax beachside where the ocean and marsh meet in Cherry Grove.
On the south end of North Myrtle Beach (not to be confused with South Myrtle Beach), you can find the most thrilling shows at Pirates Voyage or the Alabama Theatre. While the north end of Myrtle Beach gets little recognition, this beachfront oasis sure makes a splash on its visitors. Crescent Beach in the center of town is also a great beach right off S Ocean Boulevard.
Popular Myrtle Beach Attractions
On the flipside, the most popular venues in Myrtle Beach are largely centered around the beach Boardwalk and Broadway at the Beach as well as the attached mini amusement park complexes with live music blaring(making for a louder, more intrusive beach environment).
For a taste of nature, head to Myrtle Beach State Park on S Kings Hwy, where you can enjoy the fishing pier, long walks on the soft sand, and relax in the shade of the tall oak trees on the beachfront green.
Myrtle Beach certainly doesn’t lack nightlife, from Broadway, to the inlet in Murrells Inlet, or even Ocean Blvd to see Ripleys Believe It Or Not or the Skywheel. However, North Myrtle Beach contains similar places, but they are in much closer proximity to one another than in Myrtle Beach.
Great Dining in North Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach has a long list of world-renowned restaurants serving up a variety of cuisines, but if you want to savor the genuine taste of a home-cooked southern meal, there’s nothing like the culinary flavors of North Myrtle Beach and the offerings of “Restaurant Row.”
For the discernible foodie in all of us, commercialized menus just don’t satisfy! From “Restaurant Row” to all of the dining options in Barefoot, you will not go without your favorite meal, and if you get a craving for a diner-style feast, the family-owned Hoskins Restaurant on Main Street is unforgettable.
Don’t let our lack of high-rises fool you! North Myrtle Beach boasts enviable clear skylines with an obvious lack of obstruction that tends to come with modern development, but that doesn’t mean we’re outdated!
North Myrtle Beach resorts offer state-of-the-art amenities within walking distance, upscale décor, and expansive layouts. Myrtle Beach’s city vibe is fine for some folks, but we prefer to progress with a little preservation.
Why You Should Pick The Best Beach: North Myrtle Beach
The key to a great beach vacation is finding the perfect beach. No squabbling there! You can’t go wrong with any Grand Strand locale in terms of beach appeal.
So, why do we claim favor to North Myrtle Beach?
While you won’t notice a significant difference in the fine powder sands or the deep blue waters of these neighboring Atlantic Coast towns, what you will discover is a difference in attitude.
The aggravation of squeezing your way to stake a claim on a cramped spot on Myrtle Beach transitions to a calmer, more open territory to spread out and truly unwind in North Myrtle Beach!
The whole family will appreciate the freedom of having more room to roam, and you’ll appreciate the serenity of it all without the worry of crowds and chaos. Changes in latitudes… as a wise man once said! This is beach vacationing as it was meant to be.
Ten-mile separation in geography can be a world apart in reality. The beach simply doesn’t lend itself to hustle and bustle.
If the purpose of your getaway is to get away, nothing suits you better than North Myrtle Beach. Book your stay with us directly at one of our vacation homes or condos to save heaps on your next beach trip. Choose from oceanfront resort-style living, accommodation with golf course views, or anything else that your heart desires!