Many people who visit the north end of the Grand Strand may never venture south, and indeed unless you are staying for more than a few days, there's seldom enough time to see what the south end "Lowcountry" is like. But if you miss it, you are really missing an important part of our beautiful area.
Directly south of the old Airforce Base begins a part of the strand that is unspoiled in many areas, much more residential, and even the roadside scenery of Highway 17 becomes more lush and beautiful as you travel further.
The first thing we would mention is the Myrtle Beach State Park. A beautiful, uncrowded beach made for campers, wildlife lovers, and family sea-shell excursions is what you'll find just a couple of miles out. Pet friendly,
HORSE friendly, and a haven for bikes (the kind with pedals!), our State Park is worth visiting. See what an unspoiled tropical woodland is like. Picnic in a shelter or on the beach, and just get away from the hustle and bustle of tourism for a day.
Photo by Patrice Stewart-Decatur Daily
Surfside Beach comes along around 4 miles or so past the park. Many people who have tried their vacations in Surfside never go back to Myrtle Beach. Home to Legends at the Beach, where talented impersonators give their best performances as such stars as Dolly Parton, Neil Diamond, Cher, Elvis, and many others, this show is a favorite for many of our visitors. Restaurants abound in the South Myrtle Beach area, too, and you'll find the VERY BEST seafood in the area just a few more miles south. Don't miss some of the best fishing around at the Surfside Pier, and enjoy lower prices in both real estate and vacation rentals in the Surfside area. If you like a bargain vacation, this may be the place for you!
Garden City Beach and its next door neighbor, Murrells Inlet come along a few more miles south. Garden City has some of the nicest beach homes and channel homes to be found. And the seafood that awaits you in this community is beyond description. First up is the luxurious Gulfstream Cafe, with views of the inlet that are positively breathtaking, and fine dining at its best. You may have to have a drink and wait on the ample deck space for your turn in the dining area, but the scenery is such that it is better to give you time to enjoy it! Bring your camera and prepare for a treat when you come through Garden City Beach.
Just past Garden City the oceanfront road merges into Murrells Inlet, one of the original historic fishing communities and home of the best seafood known to man. Restaurant after restaurant declares itself the best, and the funny thing is - THEY ALL ARE! From buffets like Nance's Creekfront to more fine dining with Wahoo's and Divine's Seafood, they are all equally as delicious, and yet different. If you are a seafood lover, you can enjoy a new experience every night for weeks before you run out of seafood restaurants.
Those who are looking to buy real estate in Myrtle Beach, but want a more secluded home, boating and access to calm waters will love the Murrells Inlet area. Many of the homes are older, but boast elevators, private pools, and beautiful dockside piers for boating, kayaks, jetskis, and more of a lake atmosphere. You'll find a few condo complexes, but Murrells Inlet is mostly for those seeking seclusion and waterfront luxury.
Pawley's Island and Litchfield Beach form the southern-most tip of the Grand Strand.
Home to some of the most exclusive golf courses and private beach mansions, Pawleys is the place for the home-hunter with a bigger budget. Litchfield Beach is one of the priciest communities in the entire Myrtle Beach area, but you may share the beach with a few movie stars and celebrities. Some areas are VERY exclusive and hidden from the roadside almost entirely.
One of the most beautiful golf course communities is Willbrook Plantation. A huge sprawling cluster of different neighborhoods, Willbrook is on the inland side of the highway and varies from homes in the low hundreds to mansions in the millions. There's even a small condominium community called Mingo at Willbrook Plantation that has its own shopping area and wraps around a lake, with boardwalks and ramps that make a perfect retirement haven. You can find more information about Litchfield and Pawleys Island Real Estate on our partner site, www.MyrtleBeachCondos.net.
So take a ride on the South Side the next time you have a few minutes. You might find your dream vacation home away from the crowds in a more unspoiled part of South Carolina's favorite beaches.
