Ocean Lakes Myrtle Beach Travel Guide
Introduction
Ocean Lakes Myrtle Beach is a popular tourist destination located in South Carolina. It is known for its beautiful beaches, outdoor adventures, and vibrant nightlife. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip and explore the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, and much more.
Top Attractions
Beaches
One of the top attractions in Ocean Lakes Myrtle Beach is its beautiful beaches. The 10-mile stretch of white sand beaches offers visitors the perfect place to relax, sunbathe, and swim. Some of the most popular beaches in Ocean Lakes Myrtle Beach include Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, and Myrtle Beach State Park.
Family-Friendly Activities
Ocean Lakes Myrtle Beach is a great destination for families. There are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy, such as the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, the Ripley’s Aquarium, and the Hollywood Wax Museum. You can also visit the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, where you can enjoy carnival rides, games, and street performers.
Historical Landmarks
If you’re interested in history, Ocean Lakes Myrtle Beach has plenty of historical landmarks to explore. One of the most popular landmarks is the Atalaya Castle, a National Historic Landmark that was built in the 1930s. You can also visit the Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum and Education Center, which tells the story of the African American community in the area.
Hidden Gems
Local Markets
One of the hidden gems in Ocean Lakes Myrtle Beach is its local markets. The Myrtle Beach Farmers Market is a great place to find fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. You can also visit the Grand Strand Farmers Market, which has a wide selection of local foods and handmade items.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for a unique experience, Ocean Lakes Myrtle Beach has plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to offer. You can take a surf lesson with a local instructor, go on a guided kayak tour of the Waccamaw River, or explore the area on a guided bike tour.
Wellness Retreats
Ocean Lakes Myrtle Beach is a great destination for wellness retreats. You can take a yoga class on the beach, go on a nature walk, or enjoy a spa day at one of the many wellness centers in the area.
Food Scene
Ocean Lakes Myrtle Beach has a vibrant food scene that offers visitors a wide range of options. Some of the most popular restaurants in the area include Sea Captain’s House, Hook & Barrel, and Mr. Fish Seafood. You can also find plenty of local seafood shacks and food trucks that offer fresh, delicious seafood at affordable prices.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Ocean Lakes Myrtle Beach can be an expensive destination, but there are plenty of ways to save money. One of the best ways to save money is to book your trip during the off-season, which is from November to March. You can also save money by booking a vacation rental instead of a hotel, cooking your own meals, and taking advantage of free activities such as hiking and beachcombing.
Outdoor Adventures
Ocean Lakes Myrtle Beach is a great destination for outdoor adventures. You can go hiking in the nearby state parks, go fishing in the Waccamaw River, or go on a guided eco-tour of the area’s wetlands. You can also enjoy water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing.
Natural Wonders
Ocean Lakes Myrtle Beach is home to a number of natural wonders, including the Waccamaw River and the Myrtle Beach State Park. The Waccamaw River is a beautiful, slow-moving river that is perfect for kayaking and fishing. The Myrtle Beach State Park is a great place to explore the beach and the nearby salt marsh.
Vibrant Nightlife
Ocean Lakes Myrtle Beach has a vibrant nightlife scene that offers visitors plenty of options. You can enjoy live music at one of the many bars and clubs in the area, or take a sunset cruise along the coast. Some of the most popular nightlife spots in the area include The Bowery, The Barrel, and The Boathouse.
Cultural Immersion
Ocean Lakes Myrtle Beach is a great destination for cultural immersion. You can learn about the local Gullah culture at the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, or explore the art and music scene at the Myrtle Beach Art Museum. You can also take a walking tour of the historic district to learn about the area’s rich history.
Architectural Marvels
Ocean Lakes Myrtle Beach has some beautiful architectural marvels to explore. One of the most popular is the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, a 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel that offers breathtaking views of the coast. You can also visit the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, which features a mix of modern and classic architecture.
Historical Sites
Ocean Lakes Myrtle Beach is home to a number of historical sites that are worth exploring. You can visit the Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum and Education Center to learn about the African American community in the area, or explore the ruins of the All Saints Church, which was destroyed by a hurricane in 1893.
Biking Routes
Ocean Lakes Myrtle Beach has plenty of great biking routes to explore. You can take a leisurely ride along the beach or explore the nearby state parks on a mountain bike. Some of the most popular biking routes in the area include the Waccamaw Neck Bikeway and the Myrtle Beach Grand Strand.
Conclusion
Ocean Lakes Myrtle Beach is a great destination for anyone looking for a fun and exciting vacation. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, or simply relaxing on the beach, Ocean Lakes Myrtle Beach has something for everyone. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your trip and explore all that this beautiful destination has to offer.
