On South Carolina’s northeastern edge sits the small beach community that the locals refer to as Elliott Beach. Wedged between Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, this community sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. With beach front condos and more modest family homes a couple of blocks from the shore, this community offers a place for your family to call home for an extended weekend or a summer vacation. Up and down the coastline, there are dozens of communities, each with its own quirks. To find the one that best suits your family’s needs, check out this guide to the top 11 Elliott beach vacation rental locations in the area.
1. Elliott Beach
Escape the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach when you stay in Elliott Beach. Spend your days splashing around in the water, biking around the community, or shopping at some of the local stores. This community is just minutes from all the attractions in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, so just hop in your car and drive a short distance if you’re in the mood for some excitement.
2. Myrtle Beach
In this seaside town, your family can spend days on the beach and evenings at the local amusement park. Catch a live show or do some shopping at Broadway at the Beach, and then take the kids to Family Kingdom Amusement Park to enjoy its county fair feel and exciting rides. At Myrtle Waves, there are rides and wading pools that kids and adults can enjoy.
3. Arcadian Shores
A little north of Myrtle Beach is the coastal community of Arcadian Shores, the perfect location if you want to avoid all the crowds. Enjoy bike riding, fishing, or shopping for souvenirs in the downtown area. For a unique experience, take the family to the Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, which features the standard aquatic life you normally find at aquariums and some unique species.
4. Briarcliffe Acres
Enjoy your time in Briarcliffe Acres, a quiet area that’s ideal for reconnecting with your family. In this coastal community, you’ll find a variety of modest vacation rentals for families on a budget or who don’t want to be on the beach or in the center of it all. Test your family’s ability to solve a puzzle at Escapes, where visitors are locked in a room and must solve puzzles in order to escape.
5. Atlantic Beach
From Myrtle Beach, drive north up King’s Highway to the quiet area of Atlantic Beach, where you can escape the hordes of a tourist while still enjoying days swimming in the water, soaking up the sun on the beach, and renting bikes to ride around town. Enjoy a horseback ride on the beach, or rent jet skis for an afternoon and enjoy skimming along the top of the waves.
6. Tidewater Plantation
Enjoy an upscale vacation rental when you choose one of the condos, town homes, or single-family homes in the planned vacation community of Tidewater Plantation. Take a bike ride along the paved paths and visit the community pools, or challenge your sweetie to a game of tennis on one of the community’s tennis courts. Inside this planned community, there is a championship golf course where you can practice your swing.
7. North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach is a bustling beach community with something for everyone in your family to enjoy. From fishing to surfing, your family can stay active during your stay in the area. Take the kids out for an evening of fun at the O.D. Pavilion Amusement Park, or take your boys to the Alligator Adventure Park for live shows of these large reptiles. Adults can visit the Duplin Winery to learn more about making wine and to enjoy some samples.
8. Cherry Grove Beach
Just a couple miles from North Myrtle Beach is the laid back beach community of Cherry Grove Beach. Take the family down to the iconic Cherry Grove Beach Pier that extends into the ocean, and enjoy watching your kids learn how to fish. In the town center, stroll along the sidewalk, ducking in and out of stores and art galleries.
9. Surfside Beach
Nicknamed the “family beach,” Surfside Beach is the coastal community to select when you just want to enjoy the time your family. Pass the days biking, fishing, kayaking, shopping, and dining out. At the Wild Water & Wheels Center, you and the kids can split your day between racing each other on the go-karts and gasping in glee as you zoom down one of the waterslides.
10. Murrells Inlet
Murrells Inlet is the ultimate sleepy little beach town. You and your family can feel time slowing down as you play on the beach or take a horseback ride at sunset. Visit the nearby Huntington Beach State Park to walk through the sand dunes and check out the bird habitats.
11. Myrtle Beach State Park
Drive south along the Kings Highway until you reach the Myrtle Beach State Park and its surrounding community. Choose a vacation rental close to this protected area to enjoy days walking among the protected sand dunes and playing on the pristine beaches. While exploring, you’ll see marked areas where loggerhead turtles’ nests are under extra protection. Only a set number of people can be in the park at a time, so plan to arrive early.