Planning a myrtle beach vacation 5 year old
Myrtle Beach is a town in South Carolina that’s home to 2 million people and offers a wide range of activities. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, and it’s also home to the first public golf course in the U.S. designed by Donald Ross. The city has long been popular with tourists from all over America, but it’s also the location of many businesses that cater to families traveling with children.
Myrtle Beach is also known for its natural beauty. It’s surrounded by water with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other side. It has three famous beaches: The Grand Strand, North Myrtle Beach, and South Myrtle Beach.
The best way to enjoy Myrtle Beach is to stay in a rental property. There are thousands of vacation rentals available, and you can find the perfect place for you and your family.
The best part about renting an apartment or house is that you don’t have to worry about packing up your stuff, driving all the way back home, or dealing with long lines at the airport. You can just relax and enjoy your vacation!
Another great benefit of renting a home is that it’s easy to find out exactly what it will cost before you book it online. Once you know how much money you have left over after paying for your rental, you can plan out exactly how much fun everyone will have this summer!
Tips to plan a myrtle beach vacation
1. Choose your Myrtle Beach resort
You will want to choose a Myrtle Beach resort that meets all needs that your family could have while on vacation. Important questions to consider include:
Where should I vacation in Myrtle Beach? The north, central, and south sections of Myrtle Beach all offer different atmospheres and proximity to different area attractions.
If you need help deciding which section is right for you, check out our guide to north, south, and central Myrtle Beach.
What size unit are you looking for? Accommodation styles and sizes range from small efficiencies to spacious multiple bedroom condos. Other options include whether you want a full kitchen, private bedrooms, or an ocean view.
The following room types are some of our favorite options:
- One Bedroom Units
- Two Bedroom Units
- Three Bedroom Units
- Four Bedroom Units
What is your budget? Many things can affect the rate of rooms; the time of year you want to visit, the size of the unit, and whether the room is oceanfront are just a few variables to consider.
If you are on a budget, consider staying in a smaller unit. Or consider coming before or after the prime vacation season. The weather will still be ideal for beach-goers during this time of year.
Let us help you decide which time of the year is best for you to visit: The Best Time to Go to Myrtle Beach
Are amenities important? Different hotels and resorts offer different amenities—some are great for families while others are more suited for couples or adults.
Here are our favorite Myrtle Beach resorts based on vacation:
- Myrtle Beach Resorts for Toddlers
- Myrtle Beach Resorts for Teens
- Myrtle Beach Resorts for Families
- Myrtle Beach Resorts for Couples
- Myrtle Beach Resorts for a Girls’ Trip
Check out our amenities comparison guide and room type comparison guide to narrow down your choices.
2. Pick your travel dates
If your dates are flexible, start off by searching various dates and checking out the latest Myrtle Beach Resorts deals. If you aren’t flexible, that’s ok too! Just search the dates you want to stay and you will get the best rate. Be sure to book as far ahead of time as you can, because rooms in Myrtle Beach fill up fast, especially during the summer and near holidays. Plus, booking early can also help save you money!
The weather is another factor to consider when picking your travel dates. Like we said previously, summer isn’t the only time of the year where you can enjoy beach weather in Myrtle Beach. Spring and fall offer plenty of beach days, too. There are also plenty of options for snowbirds in Myrtle Beach, thanks to great low rates on winter rentals.
3. Plan activities and things to do
Once you have your accommodations selected, then you can start planning the details. Do you want to spend most of your time on the beach? Do you want to visit a lot of attractions or see a lot of shows? Check out our Myrtle Beach Area Guide to narrow down what attractions and shows your family wants to visit.
Sometimes you can even add tickets to these during the checkout process when you book your room. Also, check out our Myrtle Beach discounts page to see where Vacation Myrtle Beach Resorts guests can get exclusive deals and discounts!
4. Start saving
Make an effort to put some money away between when you book and when you depart. Though budgets are great, things may come up. You don’t want to miss out on special souvenirs, an extra meal or two at one of Myrtle Beach’s many fabulous restaurants, or that one attraction that the kids just can’t resist. Be sure to have a realistic budget in mind and a little cushion as well.
5. Kick back and relax
Now that you have your trip planned – you can relax! Start counting down the days and let yourself get excited about your upcoming trip. It will truly be a vacation to remember, whether it is your first time in Myrtle Beach or your 30th time!
Myrtle beach vacation with 5 year old
1. Breakers Resort
One of the top resorts in Myrtle Beach for families is the Breakers Resort with its three different buildings that offer various types of rooms.
While “The Hotel” offers oceanfront options, ranging from single rooms to three-room suites for families, the “Boutique North Tower” has two-room and three-room suites on grounds that come with a large children’s pool as well as a whirlpool.
The last option is the “Paradise Tower” with its condos — ranging from one-bedroom to three — that come with a full kitchen, private balconies, laundry units and jacuzzis.
While the main hotel has a bunch of indoor and outdoor pools and whirlpools, it is the pirate-themed water park that is located at the Paradise Tower that really keeps the kids excited throughout the trip.
There is a long lazy river as well as an activity center for children for times out of the water.
Finally, you will never be short on dining options with the myriad restaurants and cafes that are on site.
2. South Bay Inn & Suites
If you are looking at oceanfront hotels along the Grand Strand, the South Bay Inn & Suites is a fantastic option for families that are traveling together.
Conveniently located a short walk away from bars, restaurants, shops and attractions like the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel and Second Avenue Pier, it is also very close to downtown Myrtle Beach, making trips to other areas pretty easy.
There are also plenty of entertainment options if you don’t wish to step out of the property.
In terms of room choices, families can opt for the larger rooms that accommodate more than 5 people.
There are also connecting rooms available, along with amenities like free breakfast and Wi-Fi, kitchenettes with refrigerators and more.
There is an indoor as well as an outdoor water park with all the different swimming pools and water slides that your kids may need to have a fun vacation.
3. Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark
There are many Myrtle Beach resorts for kids but there are only a few of them that are designed to give your tots and tykes as fun a time as the Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark offers.
The Crown Reef resort includes an enormous water park that comes with a bunch of different water features like an 8-foot tall, 20-foot long slide for the young ones in your party, as well as a 278-foot long two-person tube water slide and a 302-foot long single-person water slide for the older kids and adults.
There is also a lazy river, a number of pools and kid’s activities that will keep the entire family entertained.
In terms of room choices, you have the freedom to choose between the standard rooms or larger condos that come with fully-equipped kitchens for the times when you are tired of eating out on vacation.
The rooms are also equipped with flat-screen TVs, gaming consoles and balconies.
4. Captain’s Quarters Resort
One of my favorite places to stay in Myrtle Beach for families, especially when affordability is a major factor, is Captain’s Quarters, a beachfront resort that has a bunch of different activities to keep kids and parents both entertained.
There is a wide range of accommodation options offered, ranging from studios to two-bedroom suites that are ideal for families.
All of these have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, a microwave and coffee maker, in addition to free Wi-Fi, which is essential when you are looking for fun hotels.
While the property is located in close proximity to many Myrtle Beach attractions, the indoor and outdoor pools, gaming arcade and the massive bowling alley may tempt your kids into staying in.
For the parents, there are a number of dining options onsite — five to be exact — as well as a bar for that nightcap after a fun day.
5. Dunes Village Resort
Another terrific option for families traveling with kids of all ages is the Dunes Village Resort with its massive indoor water park that has water slides, special pools for kids, a lazy river to lounge about on, hot tubs as well as a large pool that can be used for activities like water volleyball.
If you’d rather spend time at the beach, it is just a hop and a skip away from the property.
In terms of living options, the property has close to 500 rooms on site.
Out of these, you can either opt for studios or larger condos — like the four-bedroom one — when you are traveling with larger groups or with the extended family.
While the accommodation options do come with kitchen amenities, you can also visit one of the on-site restaurants and cafes to grab a bite.
6. The Caravelle Resort
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There is no dearth of kid-friendly hotels in Myrtle Beach, but The Caravelle Resort with its kids’ club can really change the game and ruin many other properties for you.
With a wide range of activities like scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, the kids will be kept engaged while you kick back and enjoy your vacation as well.
There is a pool — aptly named the Wild Water Pool — that has a bunch of fixtures like bucket dumps and fountains for some fun in the sun.
The resort consists of many different kinds of condos, ranging from studios to three-bedroom suites, depending on what your requirement is.
There are dining options onsite, as well as bars for the adults to enjoy.
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7. Caribbean Resort & Villas
One of the more iconic properties in the area with decades of experience in hosting families, any list of Myrtle Beach oceanfront family resorts cannot be complete without a mention of the Caribbean Resort & Villas.
The property consists of the Dominican Tower, the Cayman Condo Tower and the Chelsea House.
While the first of these is the original structure with two-room suites, the Cayman Condo Tower is relatively newer and has two, three and four-bedroom units for families to spread out.
Finally, the Chelsea House also has two and three-bedroom condos.
You can request complimentary cribs or a playpen as well for your toddlers.
The property has indoor and outdoor pools, a lazy river, tons of water slides as well as the Pirate’s Plunge, one of the resort’s most famous attractions for kids and adults alike.
While there are a number of local hotspots within walking distance from the property, you may just want to stay in or bask in some sun at the beach on site.
If you’re wondering where to stay with kids in Myrtle Beach, Chelsea House is a great choice in my opinion.
8. Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort
The Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC is an enormous property with 530 condos, some of which have up to three rooms in them.
Set across a large stretch of the beach, the property has over 20 swimming pools, including kiddie pools and lazy rivers, as well as water slides.
If you are looking for some time out of the water, you can look up the game room or visit Compass Cove’s Kid’s Club for a range of activities.
You can stay in one of the three main areas of the resort — Pinnacle Tower, Mariner Tower and the Schooner Building — all of which have microwaves, internet, balconies and more such amenities.
Finally, the wide range of dining options will keep the entire family satiated at all times.
9. Coral Beach Resort and Suites Myrtle Beach
Situated right on the beach so that you can see the waves breaking each day, the Coral Beach Resort and Suites offers standard rooms as well as larger condos for families traveling together for a fun-filled beach vacation.
While the smaller rooms have all the basics like a microwave, TV, internet and more, the larger options come with a full kitchen that makes life so much easier, especially with kids.
There are ten different child-friendly swimming pool areas on the property, including a water park, but that isn’t all that the hotel has to offer.
The children can enjoy the activity center or take part in the nightly magic shows, karaoke and other fun activities offered on site.
There are also a bunch of restaurants and bars on the property.
10. Landmark Resort
In addition to the plush rooms featuring full-size beds as well as sofa beds for kids, the Landmark Resort puts comfort first each time.
However, the young ones may be more interested in spending their time in the numerous indoor and outdoor pools that the property has to offer.
There is also a water park on the property, which has a bunch of water features like bucket dumps, rain trees, slides and wading pools.
If you consider the fact that all kid-friendly snacks are served poolside as well, there is a high chance that you may not be seeing much of the kids once they get comfortable.
The golf enthusiasts can enjoy the putt-putt course, while the children who enjoy gaming can make the most of the arcade.
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Related: Fun Things to Do in Myrtle Beach with Kids
11. The Long Bay Resort
The Long Bay Resort in Myrtle Beach doesn’t just limit itself to the Silly Submarine water park when it comes to entertainment options but also offers ping pong tables, shuffleboard, enormous chess boards and more for the children.
During the summers, the property arranges a bunch of activities for kids of all ages so that they can stay busy, while the parents can choose to truly laze around in the 250-foot lazy river.
There are conventional rooms with queen size beds but if you are traveling with the entire family, you may want to opt for the suites and apartments that can sleep up to eight people at one time.
Accommodations for families also come with kitchenettes and balconies.
There are multiple onsite dining options available.
12. Sand Dunes Resort & Spa
Another spectacular property for families traveling together is the Sand Dunes Resort & Spa.
Depending on the size of the family, you can choose from among the standard rooms, suites or villas.
Keep in mind that all of these will not come with kitchenettes, but many have these or full-sized kitchens for the times that you want to save some money on eating out.
You may also choose one of the connecting rooms and make the most of the cribs offered by the property.
The Sand Dunes Resort & Spa has a great water park onsite to keep the kids engaged, in addition to an arcade — referred to as the Family FunZone — and a bunch of dining options and bars for you to unwind after a long day of having fun with the kids.