Off Season Travel
With a tourist destination as popular as Myrtle Beach, traveling off-season is a great way to save a ton of money. Renting a condo near the beach during the off-season can save you 50% or more on lodging alone.
When is off-season? Well, the answer depends on who you ask, but prices usually go down after the first week of September. The weather is still great, and summer activities are still in full swing for locals. Another benefit of traveling off-season is that you won’t have to deal with so many tourists!
Lodging
Renting a condo can be less expensive than a hotel all around, especially if you’re traveling with a family. Dining out for each meal adds up quickly! Stop at a grocery store or local farmer’s market and stock up on food for the week, for at least two meals a day. Breakfast is usually cheapest, so if you want to go out to eat, do breakfast, lunch, or even brunch. Dinner can easily cost $10+ more per person. Check Yelp for the best deals, and for menus and pricing.
Free Things to do in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach has many free things to do, but most people choose to hang out at the beach, on the boardwalk, or go fishing. If you are staying for more than a few days, you might want a couple of other things to add to your itinerary!
Myrtle Beach Art Museum has eleven galleries, and always has free admission. The museum does have limited hours (10AM til 4PM most days), so be sure to check the website before planning your visit.
Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens is technically in Little River, but it’s less than 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach and if you’re exploring the coastline you’ll probably make it up towards Little River anyway. Vereen is a pet-friendly historical garden, perfect for learning a bit, bird watching, and taking photographs. You’ll find yourself very relaxed here.
Horry County Museum and the South Carolina Hall of Fame offer free admission, and the Hopsewee Plantation offers guided tours for about $10 each, keeping it affordable for everyone.
Beaches, Parks, and Festivals… Oh My!
Check out this Free Stuff in Myrtle Beach Calendar for 2017 to plan some free fun for your trip. Whether you attend the Regional Robotics Competition in May or enjoy a movie during the free summer concert series, Myrtle Beach has tons of free things to do to keep the entire family happy. There are several festivals year-round, especially during the summer, that aren’t largely advertised but are worth visiting!
“Where the fun, the view, and the music is always free!” … Marsh Walk is one of those places you can get up close and personal with nature. You will really enjoy this saltwater marsh, beautiful birds, and scenery.
Barefoot Landing is full of boutiques, restaurants and cafes, and year-round entertainment.
Myrtle Beach State Park has a $5 admission fee, but is perfect for shelling. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Broadway at the Beach is a favorite for locals and tourists alike! Enjoy this 350-acre outdoor entertainment complex, surrounding a man-made lake. Experience popular attractions like the Backstage Mirror Maze, Dragon’s Lair Fantasy Golf, Hollywood Wax Museum, Myrtle Beach Pelicans, and more. Some attractions cost more than others, but saving money elsewhere means you can spend money on fun stuff like Broadway at the Beach!
May through December, Broadway at the Beach also has a free fireworks show.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Myrtle Beach? Let me know in the comments!
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