Tourism News
Why You Should Visit Myrtle Beach From NYC
Flights from New York to Myrtle Beach make getaways from the bustling city a breeze so you can be on the beach, out of the smog, and in ‘relax’ mode fast. Though New York City is one of the greatest cities in the world (some would argue THE greatest), trading in the blaring horns, crowds, and hot dog carts for peaceful beaches, delectable Carolina seafood, and less expensive everything, is well worth any drive time or plane fare.
If you’re on the fence about leaving New York and heading to Myrtle Beach, don’t be. From the sunshine to the affordability and laid-back atmosphere, Myrtle Beach has the Big Apple beat, a million times to one. Take a look at all these reasons to get away to the Grand Strand and then browse the Myrtle Beach hotels and resorts to book your stay today.
The Unbeatable Grand Strand Beaches
While visitors in Myrtle Beach during prime tanning season might think the shoreline is crowded, this is nothing compared to New York beaches. The Grand Strand offers 60 miles of sand to NYC Parks’ measly 14 miles, which is scarcely enough room for fun in the sun. Visitors in Myrtle Beach enjoy easy—as in, free and walkable—access to the shore courtesy of the oceanfront resorts, but in NYC, the most popular beaches require a paid pass and many hotels must shuttle guests to the shore.
Myrtle Beach Is Actually Relaxing
Arriving in Manhattan by car or plane is full of chaos and stress, two things you won’t feel during the brief five-minute drive to an oceanfront hotel in Myrtle Beach near the MYR airport. While some people might be at home walking shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers while sirens blare in the background, most do not. If you prefer a relaxed pace and personal space, you’ll love how walkable you find Myrtle Beach. The pedestrian-only Boardwalk makes getting from one attraction to the next safe and easy, and you won’t need to worry about a throng of people trampling over you when you stop to snap a picture at one of the many photo hotpots in Myrtle Beach.
Hotel Rates in Myrtle Beach
Hotel rooms in Myrtle Beach are about half the price of accommodations in Manhattan. The selection of properties along the oceanfront and downtown gives visitors many options in any price range, including five-star hotels. Plus, frequent hotel deals make it easy to score an awesome discount. Your accommodations in midtown NYC won’t offer an ocean view or include a lazy river, and you can bet you won’t be within walking distance of a beach.
Myrtle Beach Broadway vs. NYC Broadway
It’s no secret that New York City’s Broadway theatre district is the main draw for many visitors every year. But the hefty ticket fees for your family of four might mean you can’t afford to do much else on your vacation. To put these pricey tickets of $100 or so apiece into perspective, a family of four spending the day at Broadway at the Beach can play a round of putt-putt, enjoy amusement rides, eat at any of the top restaurants at Broadway, grab dessert at the complex, and end the night watching a fireworks show for the same price as attending a two-hour musical in Manhattan. And if you do want to see a live performance while you’re in Myrtle Beach, the award-winning theater shows here won’t break the bank.
Wild Animal Encounters
Unlike what you’ll perhaps find in New York City, the places you’ll see wild animals in Myrtle Beach are where you’d most expect them to be, like zoos and controlled habitats. Seeing exotic snakes or crocodiles at Alligator Adventure or visiting the sharks at Ripley’s Aquarium is actually fun in the Grand Strand. In NYC, these wild encounters can be measurably less desirable—like when a nasty, wet rodent crosses your path as you walk through Lower Manhattan, putting you on edge for the balance of your 10-block journey.
Myrtle Beach Shopping vs. 5th Avenue
New York City’s Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue might be shopping meccas of the East Coast, or even the entire country. But like everything else in that overpopulated city, you’re going to pay full price and then some. That’s why shopping in Myrtle Beach is a joy, especially when you consider all the bargains you can find at Tanger Outlets. These outlets (there’s one on 501 and one on Hwy. 17) are home to plenty of big-name fashion retailers such as Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Ralph Lauren, Coach, White House Black Market, North Face, Banana Republic, J. Crew, and many more, each of them offering their wares at a fraction of what you’d pay up north.
Grand Strand Golf
Comparing golfing in Myrtle Beach to what NYC has to offer doesn’t seem fair, but it is worth mentioning. Even though Long Island has some of the nation’s best tracks, unless you’re friends with very influential people, you don’t stand much chance of getting a tee time. And, taking your Titleist out to Central Park to hit some balls will probably land you in loads of trouble. Not only does South Carolina offer multitudes of courses to choose from, but most of the Myrtle Beach hotels for golfers will hook you up with tee times and discounts.
Traffic in NYC
New York consistently clocks in as one of the most congested, high-traffic cities in America. And while getting around Myrtle Beach might be a little trying at times, a bad day on the streets here pales in comparison to the neverending jams around the five boroughs. The best part is that you won’t need to rely on cabs to get everywhere in Myrtle Beach because the shopping centers, stores, and beach accesses include parking lots, and using them won’t empty your wallet for an hour-long stop.
Family-Friendly Vacation Destinations
Visiting Myrtle Beach from NYC is a great idea for families, as the Grand Strand offers hotels that include indoor water parks and pet-friendly hotels, if your kids have four feet. It’s also the perfect place for a couples getaway for parents taking a well-deserved break where relaxation is a top priority. Myrtle Beach arcades, amusement parks, and beaches have your entertainment covered, and since most things to do in Myrtle Beach are only a short drive or even a walk away, you won’t need to entrust a cabbie with transporting your kids to every attraction.
