As the second fastest-growing metropolitan area in the country, Myrtle Beach is one of South Carolina’s major centers of tourism. Thanks in part to the city's warm subtropical climate and extensive beaches, Myrtle Beach is constantly ranked as one of the top ten small cities in the United States. Located south of the North Carolina border, Myrtle Beach acts as the center of the Grand Strand - a large and continuous 60-mile stretch of beach in northeast South Carolina. Myrtle Beach is also known for its beautiful wax myrtle bushes that bloom all over town. There is plenty to see and do and with plenty of housing and easy access to numerous hospitals, Myrtle Beach should be at the top of your list for travel nursing locations.
Don’t Miss These Myrtle Beach Food Experiences
There are so many different places to enjoy a wonderful meal along the beautiful coast of Myrtle Beach. Many of the restaurants specialize in delicious family recipes, providing great atmosphere, and world famous southern hospitality.
If you are searching for a nice southern breakfast, Myrtle Beach has got you covered. There is no shortage of great breakfast spots where original recipes, which includes local produce from South Carolina farmers, reign supreme. Eggs Up Grill (opens in new tab)offers many options and locals always recommend the four egg Texas omelet and the famous loaded home fry bowls. In the mood for waffles? Then head over to Johnny D’s Waffles and Bakery (opens in new tab). With everything from Belgium waffles (locals recommend the pecan waffles) to the infamous chicken and waffles plate, Johnny D’s will make you want to come back for more.
Mammy’s Kitchen (opens in new tab)has been a staple in Myrtle Beach since 1953 and has been awarded the best breakfast place in Myrtle Beach too many times to count. Mammy’s Kitchen menu offers a full breakfast buffet that includes homemade grits and biscuits to the fruit platter created from local farmers. Now if pancakes are your favorite, the Olympic Flame Pancake House (opens in new tab)is the place to go. Olympic Flame Pancake House has been creating delectable pancakes, French toast and omelets since 1975. Craving for some southern comfort food? Then stop by Croissants Bistro and Bakery (opens in new tab). From homemade soups and sandwiches to homemade crepes and muffins, Croissants Bistro and Bakery will not disappoint. Not only is the food and atmosphere terrific at Croissants Bistro and Bakery, but it is also home of the 2018 South Carolina Chef Ambassador and 2011 South Carolina Restaurateur of the year, Heidi Vukov.
There are an endless amount of restaurants for lunch and dinner in the Grand Strand. Just south of Myrtle Beach is Murrells Inlet Marshwalk (opens in new tab), the seafood capital of South Carolina. The Marshwalk is a half mile wooden boardwalk along a beautiful natural saltwater estuary located in the heart of the historic fishing village of Murrells Inlet. The restaurants range in prices and offer something for everyone. For something on the cheaper end of the price spectrum, visit Creek Ratz (opens in new tab), Dead Dog Saloon (opens in new tab), and Drunken Jacks (opens in new tab). With an open air atmosphere, these three restaurants provide wonderful service and live music in the summer. For a more elegant dining experience, check out Wicked Tuna (opens in new tab)and Claw House (opens in new tab). No matter where you go you will not be disappointed.
If you are looking for something more downtown, then head toward RipTydz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar (opens in new tab). They have a little something for everyone. Sit back and enjoy fresh seafood, prime steaks, and local favorites while enjoying a spectacular view from their rooftop view. RipTydz Oceanfront Grill & Rooftop Bar is located on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and is walking distance to many attractions such as the MyrtleBeach Skywheel. While they are known for their seafood, they also offer a wide array of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. After you eat, be sure to head either to the rooftop bar or down by the beach for a friendly game of cornhole.
For a little more relaxed, casual dining, enjoy Sea Captain’s House (opens in new tab). In operation for over 50 years, Sea Captain’s House is one of the oldest restaurants in Myrtle Beach and is renowned for using local ingredients, such as shrimp, crawfish and crabs in their dishes. If seafood is not really your thing, then check out Thoroughbreds Chophouse & Seafood Grille (opens in new tab). Thoroughbreds opened their doors almost 30 years ago with the promise to offer only the finest quality cuisine and unparalleled service to their guests. Everything from their peach pork chops to the mouthwatering Thoroughbreds prime rib (12 oz. & 16 oz) will delight your taste buds. This prestigious chop house has everything for everyone.
If you want a tropical escape experience then try Landshark Bar and Grill (opens in new tab), and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville (opens in new tab). Both restaurants give an island style atmosphere and offer everything from the Caribbean chicken salad at Landshark Bar and Grill, to the famous Cheeseburger in Paradise burger at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. Both establishments are family friendly, and deliver on their promises to provide everyone with a great time.
Must See Attractions in Myrtle Beach
Shopping Destinations
One of the largest indoor malls in South Carolina, Coastal Grand Mall, offers visitors over 170 stores to choose from, a food court, and a 14-screen movie theater. If you prefer outlet shopping, then check out one of the two Tanger Outlets in the city limits. Myrtle Beach has several other shopping indoor and outdoor complexes. The largest, Broadway at the Beach, is located downtown and is home to over 20 restaurants and 100+ specialty shops. With over 14 million visitors every year, Broadway at the Beach is a must see attraction. If you want to go shopping and avoid the tourist crowds, then check out the city’s newest complex - Market Commons. The former site of the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, this upscale retail and apartment district offers more local shops, restaurants, and more public park spaces.
Myrtle Beach SkyWheel
As the sixth tallest Ferris wheel in the United States, the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel (opens in new tab)offers visitors breathtaking views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. With climate controlled enclosed gondolas, you can enjoy the 187-feet tall Myrtle Beach SkyWheel in total comfort. Modeled after the Niagara Falls SkyWheel and the Seattle Great Wheel, this ferris wheel has forever changed the skyline of Myrtle Beach.
Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
If you are looking for a great place to spend a few hours on your day off, there is no better place to go than Ripley’s Aquarium (opens in new tab). The latest addition to the complex is a 5,500 square foot expansion that includes an Ocean Wonders gallery with eight new tanks. These tanks house new species of fish from all over the world. There is also an outstanding penguin habitat with 50 feet long floor to ceiling glass viewing and a 360 degree tunnel for guests to crawl or waddle through for the ultimate view. For a little extra money, you can experience an excursion like diving with the sharks, swim with the stingrays, or take a glass bottom boat adventure.
Pirates Voyage
If you want to experience a dinner and show experience like a true tourist, then check out Pirates Voyage (opens in new tab). You will join Blackbeard and his mates in battle on a full-size pirate ship in an indoor lagoon. You will see mermaids, tropical birds, and much more while enjoying a fabulous four-course feast
Golfing/Putt Putt
Myrtle Beach is known for its golf, whether it is on one of the 90 golf courses or 50 mini golf courses. If you want to practice your swing, then check out Topgolf (opens in new tab). It is a state of the art facility with something for all skills levels and have a great time with music with an upscale food and bar. Looking for something more relaxing? Head over to Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Golf. This tiki themed mini golf course has two 18-hole courses and is known among the locals as the best mini golf course in the entire city.
Sports Leagues in Myrtle Beach
Grab a beer and a hotdog at the TicketReturn.com field, the home of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (opens in new tab), a Class A – Advanced Minor League Baseball team that is affiliated with the Chicago Cubs. There is a pre-game autograph session and the kids can run the bases after the game. Of course you do not want to miss Slider the Home Run Dog, he is the Pelican’s yellow lab team mascot.
If you are a runner, then be sure to check out the Bi-Lo Myrtle Beach Marathon (opens in new tab). Held every February, the city's Dasani Half Marathon and Bi-Lo Marathon draws thousands of people to the city. With a start time before dawn, runners are able to watch the beautiful sunrise as they run alongside the beach. Be careful though, as one of America's best winter marathons, it is normal for it to be quite cold when the race starts.
Myrtle Beach hosts a number of high school and collegiate tournaments. Beach Ball Classic is held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center each year, high school basketball teams from all over, to compete in the BBC tournament. Coastal Carolina University hosts the Myrtle Beach Invitational which is a Division 1 basketball tournament at the HTC Center on campus.
Go Outdoors in Myrtle Beach Attractions
The Hammock Shops (opens in new tab)is located south of Myrtle Beach in the historical Pawleys Island. Spend the day learning about the history of their hammocks and watch them being made at the hammock weavers pavilion. Also, enjoy browsing the other shops that have everything from handcrafted collectibles, jewelry, coastal inspired treasures, wine, candy, gifts, etc. and don’t forget the delicious restaurants that make up this beautiful little piece of heaven.
Myrtle Beach is home to two different water parks: Myrtle Waves (opens in new tab)and Wild, Water, and Wheels (opens in new tab). They offer an alternative way to cool down on hot summer days. Wild, Water, and Wheels includes water slides, carts, and much more. Myrtle Waves has over 30 water slides and attractions such as Friday Family Fun Night. When you're done with the water parks and you want a thrill, you can head over to Broadway Grand Prix (opens in new tab)featuring seven go kart tracks, a rock wall, two 18 hole mini golf courses, and a Grand Prix arcade.
If you like adventure, check out the Radical Ropes Adventure Park, Soar + Explore (opens in new tab), or Myrtle Beach Zipline Adventures (opens in new tab). You can experience an adrenaline-pumping advantage high in the air when you conquer a rope course and/or zipline
If you are looking for something a little more relaxing, then check out Glass Bottom Kayak Tours (opens in new tab). The tours take place in the quiet salt marsh of North Myrtle Beach. The staff is wonderful and they offer a few different tours from Salt Marsh, sea turtle nesting, sunset, or private island kayak and shelling tour. They provide everything you need and it is an experience to remember
Do not forget the two state parks, Myrtle Beach State Park (opens in new tab)and Huntington State Park (opens in new tab), where there is more than just a day at the beach. In Huntington, you can hike, bird watch, fish, and learn more about the historical Atalaya Castle. Across the street from Huntington State Park is the beautiful Brookgreen Garden, a sculpture garden and wildlife preserves. The thousands of acres at Brookgreen Gardens (opens in new tab)is home to an abundance of native plants and animals from the Lowcountry as well as rice plantations dating back to the 1800’s. Stroll through the gardens enjoying the habitat and american sculptures that are throughout the gardens and the lowcountry zoo. Everyday, Brookgreens offers tours, programs, and exhibits for all ages.
Myrtle Beach and the surrounding communities are best known for the sixty-mile stretch of sandy beaches that defines the local landscape. North Myrtle Beach (opens in new tab), was voted the number three best beach destination in the United States from TripAdvisor.com. You can also enjoy Surfside Beach (opens in new tab)(the family beach), Garden City Beach (opens in new tab), and don’t forget Pawleys Island (opens in new tab)at the end of the Grand Strand, which is “America’s oldest seaside community”.
Nightlife in Myrtle Beach
Many of the restaurants and clubs along the Grand Strand provide live entertainment throughout the week. Broadway at the Beach has one whole area designated just for night clubs, including Carolina Comedy Club (opens in new tab), Crocodile Rocks (opens in new tab), Hard Rock Café (opens in new tab)- to name a few. Carolina Comedy Club has become one of the premier comedy clubs with big names such as Chelsea Lately, Pauly Shore, Gallagher, and many more. Crocodile Rocks is the only dueling piano bar on the Grand Strand.
Myrtle Beach has a few, but not a lot of options when it comes to gay bars and clubs. With weekly drag shows and game nights, Pulse Ultra Club and St. George’s are the local favorites. Both attract a mixed crowd and hosts a series of events like drag shows, go-go dancers, and karaoke.
The House of Blues (opens in new tab)in North Myrtle Beach, located at Barefoot Landing, offers rock and blues music with a side of southern dishes. If you need a place to chill out The Deck at the House of Blues is the best place to listen to great music, grab a drink, and a bite to eat. They are pet friendly so you can bring your fur baby with you!
Hospitals in Myrtle Beach
In the Myrtle beach area, there is an abundance of hospitals and medical clinics. Three of the best known hospitals in the area are Grand Strand Medical Center (also known as Grand Strand Regional Medical Center), Conway Medical Center, McLeod Health-Carolina Forest, and Tideland Health.
Grand Strand Medical Center
Grand Strand Medical Center (opens in new tab)is a Level I Adult Trauma Center and a Level II Pediatric trauma center. Grand Strand Medical Center is also a Comprehensive Stroke Center, advanced wound care center, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, and neuro and spine care center. The mission of Grand Strand Medical Center is commitment to care and improvement of human life, along with high quality, cost effective healthcare in the communities they serve. Grand Strand Medical Center has several locations that include South Strand Medical Center, North Strand Medical Center, Healthfinders, Carolina Forest Imaging Center, and Breast Health Center.
Conway Medical Center
Conway Medical Center (CMC) (opens in new tab)is located in Conway, South Carolina, just outside of Myrtle Beach. CMC is a Level III Trauma Center and offers cancer care, cardiac care, ear-nose & throat care, emergency services, orthopedic care, birthing center, wound care, and many more. CMC has several different locations (other than the main hospital) that include primary care centers along with pediatric centers, and neurology centers. One of the newest CMC locations is the CMC Health Plaza South located in Myrtle Beach. This facility offers state of the art health care services for primary care and pediatric care.
McLeod Health-Carolina Forest
In 2016, McLeod Health (opens in new tab)reached out to the Grand Strand area and opened the Carolina Forest facility because of the expanding healthcare needs of the area. The Mcleod Health Carolina Forest facility is a 43-acre campus that offers many services that include outpatient services, cardiac care, vascular care, general surgery, neurology and emergency care.
Tideland Health
Tideland Health (opens in new tab)is the region’s largest healthcare provider and has multiple hospitals and over 60 outpatient centers. Tideland Hospitals (Waccamaw community, Georgetown Memorial) are located just south of the Myrtle Beach area. Tideland offers everything from cancer care, heart & vascular care, to rehabilitation and maternity care. Tideland Healthpoint Center for Health & Fitness is one of the only medical fitness centers that offers everything from personal training to aquatics. Tidelands Health facilities are located through the “Grand Strand” area to improve the healthcare needs of the community.
Housing for Travel Nurses in Myrtle Beach
Whether you are in the market for a single room with shared common spaces or you are looking for a full house or apartment to yourself, you will be able to find the right space to fit your needs and your budget. Here is a quick look at some available properties from Furnished Finder (opens in new tab)/ Travel Nurse Housing (opens in new tab):
Property Near the Hospitals
Looking for a property that is within walking distance of all the restaurants and shopping activities that Myrtle Beach has to offer? This two-bedroom property is fully furnished and includes a long list of amenities. A five-minute drive to the beautiful beaches, and a short five-minute drive to downtown Myrtle Beach, and to Market Common. This unit has a view of the pool and is only four miles away from Grand Strand Hospital (opens in new tab). The home allows in plenty of natural light and includes high speed internet, washer and dryer and a private entrance. Perhaps best of all, not only is it very close to Grand Strand Hospital (opens in new tab), it is also close to Conway Medical Center, Tideland Health facilities (opens in new tab), and McLeod Health facilities (opens in new tab).
Beach Living
If you want to save as much money as possible during your time as a travel nurse, there are economical housing choices in Myrtle Beach that still offer a long list of amenities and close proximity to work. This rental is just one example of a more affordable option. It includes two bedrooms, one bathroom and generous living space. This property is a five-minute walk to the beach, a grocery store, gym, coffee shop and restaurants. While you won’t be within walking distance of hospitals, you will be just a short drive away from Grand Strand Hospital (opens in new tab), Conway Medical Center (opens in new tab), Tideland Health facilities (opens in new tab), and. It is the perfect option for anyone looking for a quiet place to relax after a long day at work while remaining close to the beach and all it has to offer.
Cute Guest Cottage
This cottage is one bedroom, one bathroom, fully furnished cottage, high speed internet, private patio, and it allows pets. Within walking distance to restaurants, bars, a bowling center, and a movie theater, this cottage has everything you need. While you won’t be within walking distance of hospitals, you will be just a short drive away from Grand Strand Hospital (opens in new tab), Conway Medical Center (opens in new tab), Tideland Health facilities (opens in new tab), and McLeod Health facilities (opens in new tab)
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