5 Ways to Level Up Your Myrtle Beach Vacation

Cradled in the heart of South Carolina's Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of powdery-sand beaches, Myrtle Beach is a dynamic destination that sets the standard for high-energy, family-friendly entertainment as well as classic beach-town relaxation. Affordable and geographically accessible, this sunny retreat has long been a favorite of vacationers of all kinds—including, it may surprise you to know, those of us looking for refined fun that transcends the usual boardwalk bustle.

So if you appreciate luxe experiences like suites with beachfront balconies and upscale dining—and who doesn't, really?—Myrtle Beach's unexpected level of sophistication may be just what you've been looking for. Elevate your stay with these five simple tips.

Wake up to the sounds of the shore when you book with Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark, where private oceanfront terraces are the rule. Flop into a king bed and soak in the jetted tub in a two-bedroom suite or the four-bedroom penthouse, both ideal for an extended family getaway. Then pool-hop across the resort's 15 water features before heading to the year-round waterpark's lazy river or the coinless arcade.

Or, steps from the boardwalk, there's the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Myrtle Beach Oceanfront, which offers multi-room villas with patios overlooking the deep blue. Post up in a cabana and enjoy the oceanfront pool while the kids play on the Splash Pad.

Finally, if seclusion is what you’re after, Island Vista—an all-suite sanctuary with a spectacular Atlantic Ocean background—fits the bill. Its stylish, just-like-home suites come with upscale-resort perks like housekeeping and on-site dining.

Myrtle Beach institution Johnny D's Waffles and Benedicts elevates the diner experience with chef-driven creativity and quality ingredients. Acclaimed chef and owner of The Tasting Room Jamie Daskalis carries on the legacy of her father—the eponymous Johnny D—with her thoughtfully curated breakfast-all-day menu. Savor inventive waffles like the award-winning cream-cheese-icing-topped red velvet cake-batter waffle, a choice treat for young palates and bon vivants alike. Just south of Myrtle Beach, amid the dunes and historic houses of Pawleys Island, request a table on Chive Blossom Restaurant & Bar's dreamy patio. Sit under the live-oak tree canopy and indulge in the eatery's seafood (fresh or fried), as well as globally influenced Lowcountry dishes like okra pancakes with tomato shrimp stew.

For first-class sea views, charter a dolphin sail with Express Watersports. Or try cruising around Murrells Inlet, known as the Seafood Capital of South Carolina, on a 38-foot catamaran aptly named Adventure—stopping periodically for beachcombing, paddle boarding, and simply floating. (Keep your eyes peeled for sea creatures!) And if ultra-stylish evening boating is more your style, head out on the short-and-sweet sunset cruise, where for 1.5 hours, you can toast from the unlimited open bar, snack on fruit and cheese, and sample the sea air.

Treat the whole family to the best of dining, shopping, and entertainment at Barefoot Landing, a district comprising three "villages"—Lowcountry, Harborwalk, and Dockside—that surround a 27-acre lake on the Intracoastal Waterway. More than 20 restaurants, a multitude of local and national retail shops, and year-round events ensure endless amusements for all: Kids can swing, climb, and play arcade games at LuLu's Beach Arcade and Ropes Course while the adults sample wines made from South Carolina's own Duplin Winery. Later, the whole gang can reconvene at the friendly Crooked Hammock Brewery for brewpub classics and yard games. And don't miss the epic live music at House of Blues, or the equally epic Alligator Adventure—one of the world's most extensive reptile facilities.

Explore Brookgreen Gardens' 9,000-plus acres of impeccable landscape just 16 miles south of Myrtle Beach. Established in 1931, this National Historic Landmark boasts impressive credentials: it's one of a select few U.S. institutions with both American Alliance of Museums and Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation. Wander through lush themed gardens and marvel at the nation's premier collection of American figurative sculptures. Then, at the on-site Lowcountry Zoo, say hello to native species like playful river otters, endangered red wolves, and countless birds and butterflies.

Discover your Myrtle Beach itinerary at visitmyrtlebeach.com.