Most of us strive to savor the summer (even down to the very last second) before the kids head back to school — which holds especially true for the students among us who are actually doing the heading back. And of course, nothing says summertime quite like heading for the beach to feel the sand beneath your toes as you soak up some sun and listen to the calming sound of the crashing ocean waves.
For those of us in the Southeastern U.S., it’s hard to think of a better place to take in all of these signature summer things — plus a long list of other fun and family-friendly activities — than on the Grand Strand, where 60-plus miles of beautiful Carolina coastline are accompanied by a range of opportunities to make lasting memories with loved ones. Before your summer winds down, consider all of these summery things to do with your kids in the Myrtle Beach area — all of which can be done outdoors while maintaining proper social distancing — before they head back to the classroom:
Go banana boating — For the thrill of a truly wet and wild ride on the water, strap on a life jacket and hop on one of these jet ski- or powerboat-pulled floating vessels. Make sure you and your crew hang on tight, though, as these inflatable watercraft travel at high speeds and are known to bounce as they traverse the waves. For those brave enough to take the ride, it’s a splashing good time.
Visit these local vendors to book your trip:
– Downwind Sails Watersports, Myrtle Beach
– New Wave Watersports, North Myrtle Beach
– Express Watersports, Murrells Inlet
Hop on a jet ski — To chart your own course on the local waters — and to have a high-velocity blast while you’re at it — the jet ski is an old standby for aquatic adventure. Crank one up and let the Grand Strand breezes blow through your hair as you speedily navigate the area’s waters.
Among the area outfitters offering jet ski rentals:
– Myrtle Beach Watersports, Myrtle Beach
– Shawn’s Backwater Adventure, Myrtle Beach
– Action Water Sportz, North Myrtle Beach
See the sights by paddle power — Discover what the latest crazes in watersports are all about for yourself by hopping into a kayak or onto a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) to explore the local waters. Either vessel you choose offers a great way to see marine life up close, as when you explore lakes, rivers and even the ocean via paddle power, there’s no loud motor to scare away the water’s inhabitants.
Among the local vendors offering paddleboard rentals:
– Island Adventure Watersports, Myrtle Beach
– Black River Outdoors, Myrtle Beach
– J&L Kayaks, Little River
Reel in some fun (and maybe even dinner) on a local pier — While the area offers an abundance of deep-sea fishing opportunities, the easiest way to wet a line might be to head out on a local pier with your fishing gear.
A few of the most popular piers for fishing on the Grand Strand include:
– 2nd Avenue Pier, found less than 2 miles north of Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort in Myrtle Beach
– Myrtle Beach State Park Pier, Myrtle Beach
– Cherry Grove Pier, North Myrtle Beach
See the sunset over dinner at the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk — Located about 11 miles south of Compass Cove in the historic fishing village of Murrells Inlet, the MarshWalk features a collection of locally owned restaurants that serve up some of the area’s finest and freshest seafood. And to top things off, the surroundings — anchored by a half-mile wooden boardwalk along a natural saltwater estuary — lend themselves perfectly to outdoor dining. Bonus: Live music is a regular affair on many of the MarshWalk’s outdoor-dining decks.
Want to save some money while enjoying all of these awesome end-of-summer activities? Check out the awesome specials at Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort! — which is a great way to make summer’s grand finale even sweeter and save some cash for the school supplies your kids will need soon.
When you’re ready to cap off your summer with a fitting Myrtle Beach getaway, visit the Compass Cove website to book your stay. With our comfortable and luxurious accommodations, an ideal location right on the Myrtle Beach oceanfront, and a wide range of fun on-site amenities, we’ve got everything you’ll need to send your summer off in style.
