The GGC Grand Strand Guide
Your girls’ guide to North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, and Conway—because the best beach trip has more than one personality.
Find your beach-town vibeThe honest answer
Stay near the beach, then build your weekend around the whole area. These four spots are close enough to mix, but different enough to keep the trip interesting.
01Best all-around home baseEasygoing beach days + polished nights
A little calmer, a little roomier, and still close to everything. North Myrtle Beach is the sweet spot for groups who want a real beach vacation without giving up restaurants, shopping, or a cute night out.
02Best for first-timersBig energy + iconic attractions
This is the lively center of the Grand Strand: ocean views, entertainment, shopping, and plenty of choices when nobody in the group can agree on dinner. Subtle? Not especially. Fun? Absolutely.
03Best for foodiesSeafood sunsets + Lowcountry soul
Come hungry. The MarshWalk layers fresh seafood, cocktails, live music, and marsh views into one very walkable evening. Pair it with gardens or the state park and it becomes a full, gorgeous day trip.
04Best hidden gemHistoric charm + a slower afternoon
When you need a break from beach traffic and souvenir towers, head inland. Conway brings moss-draped trees, independent shops, a scenic riverfront, and the kind of downtown where wandering is the actual plan.
Choose your own adventure
A long weekend, handled
Built for maximum memory-making and minimum committee meetings.
Check in near North Myrtle Beach, toast on the balcony, then ease into vacation mode with dinner at Barefoot Landing.
Claim a slow beach morning. After lunch, head south for the Boardwalk, a sunset SkyWheel ride, and a show or dinner.
Spend the afternoon at Brookgreen Gardens, then stay in Murrells Inlet for seafood, cocktails, and live music by the marsh.
Trade checkout traffic for coffee, boutiques, and a Riverwalk stroll. Then point the car home with one last cute purchase.
Know before you go
The Grand Strand is spread out. Rideshares work for dinner, but a car makes four-area exploring far easier.
North Myrtle Beach is the calmer all-rounder. Stay put, unpack once, and day-trip south.
Book popular dinners, shows, and special Brookgreen events early—especially in summer and around holidays.
Late spring and early fall often bring warm weather with a little more breathing room.
Pack less. Laugh more. Go.
Save the guide, send it to the girls, and let the “we really should” trip finally leave the group chat.