In these challenging times, we could all use a relaxing vacation with our loved ones (not to mention a break from the all-too-often humdrum, stuck-at-home monotony). But of course, we all want to travel safely — and social-distancing measures can present new challenges that we’ve never had to deal with on vacation before.
But fortunately for those craving a beach getaway, the Myrtle Beach area is easy to reach by car, and the area’s long list of diverse attractions gives visitors plenty of ways to safely enjoy time with family. Consider these fun things to do on the Grand Strand while safely keeping your distance from other vacationers:
Hit the beach: The Grand Strand offers more than 60 miles of beautiful, white-sand beaches with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean — including plenty of secluded sections of coastline. These more remote and less-crowded beaches are not only the perfect place to take in some undisturbed maritime scenes and calming ocean soundscapes, but they’re also ideal spots to safely enjoy the outdoors and connect with family members in relative solitude.
Get out in a kayak: The Grand Strand is well-known for its wealth of water features — ranging from the deep and vast Atlantic Ocean waters to the East Coast-spanning Intracoastal Waterway to the area’s plentiful rivers, lakes and marshes. And especially for those looking to track down some peace and quiet while taking in the region’s many water-fueled attractions, kayaking is a great way to get out on the peaceful waters, soak in nature’s symphony — and maybe most importantly, drift away from the crowds. It’s also a wonderful way to get in some paddle-powered exercise while enjoying the scenery via personal watercraft.
Take a calming Conway stroll: Found about 16 miles inland from the Myrtle Beach oceanfront and Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort, the historic and charming river town of Conway is a great day-trip destination when visiting Myrtle Beach. It’s also extremely walkable, as most of its scenic downtown attractions are situated just blocks apart from one another, making it easy to walk between them once you park your car. Downtown Conway’s top areas for a scenic stroll — where you can also easily steer clear of the crowds — include the Conway Riverwalk, which follows the banks of the Waccamaw River and passes alongside rustic wooden buildings, marinas, bridges and a playground along the way; as well as a collection of charming downtown shops and restaurants.
Escape to Vereen Memorial Gardens: Located in Little River about 40 minutes north of Compass Cove, Vereen Memorial Gardens offers up 155-plus acres of forest and marshland for visitors to explore — with parts of the typically quiet and sparsely crowded property bordering the Intracoastal Waterway. Your crew can enjoy the outdoors (and escape the crowds) on approximately 3 miles of boardwalks and nature trails that meander through the park’s botanical gardens and wildlife habitat. For more information, visit the Horry County parks website.
Visit Brookgreen Gardens: Located in Murrells Inlet about 15 miles south of Compass Cove, primarily outdoor attraction Brookgreen Gardens treats visitors to a 9,100-acre sculpture garden and wildlife preserve, all beautiful and worthy of exploration. The property’s lush, expansive and distinctly themed botanical gardens and its other on-site attractions showcase 2,000-plus artworks by more than 400 artists, making Brookgreen Gardens home to the nation’s most comprehensive collection of American figurative sculpture. Other outdoor attractions on the property include a butterfly garden, nature trails, historic rice plantations and the Lowcountry Zoo.
Ready to start planning your next fun-filled — and socially distanced — family getaway to the Grand Strand? Visit the Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort website today to book a relaxing and rejuvenating seaside vacation in Myrtle Beach! With our comfortable oceanfront accommodations and wide range of fun and family-friendly amenities, we’ve got everything you’ll need to enjoy a fun (and safe) Grand Strand vacation. Book your oceanfront getaway today — and get ready to make some long-lasting memories with your family on the South Carolina coast!
