Myrtle Beach: A Fabulous Winter Destination for Frugal Families

Myrtle Beach in the wintertime is a terrific vacation destination for a budget-conscious family. If you are seeking a winter tan, head further south. If you enjoy ogling people at the beach, you will encounter more senior citizens in jogging suits than college seniors in bikinis. But, if you are looking for a suite with a fantastic view, kitchen facilities, a separate sleeping area for the kids (i.e., privacy for you and your partner), heated pools and spas and a short drive or a reasonable walk to a wide variety of entertainment options for under $100 per night, Myrtle Beach in the "off" season is the place for you!

Depending on your budget, winter accommodations can range from extremely inexpensive rooms with few amenities and no view for under $30 to luxury condos with full kitchens, multiple bedrooms and baths, and numerous luxury amenities for $200 or more per night. Regardless of the type of room you choose or the accommodations you desire, room rates are considerably lower in the off season than during peak months. For example, a one-bedroom oceanfront suite with a kitchenette can run as low as $60-$80 per night in the winter. The same room would cost over $200 per night in the summer.

All of the major travel websites can help you find accommodations in Myrtle Beach. You can use the "map" function to see if the hotel is actually on the beach. If you want an oceanfront room, the room descriptions will usually provide this information. "Oceanview" rooms often have a very good view of the ocean, if you don't mind another hotel partially blocking your view. If you want more information about a hotel, many have their own websites where you can view photos and floor plans. Many hotels do offer winter specials, so be sure to look out for these, especially if you are interested in an extended stay.

As for entertainment and recreation, there are a number of facilities that are open year-round that cater to a variety of interests, budgets and age levels. Just type "Myrtle Beach" and the type of entertainment or recreation you enjoy into a search engine (some examples: music, golf, fishing, shopping, dinner theater, activities for children, etc.) Hotel lobbies and visitor information centers are also great places to find out about local entertainment and recreation options. Often, you can find brochures with discount coupons. Be sure to check times and dates, however, as many businesses scale back their operations during the wintertime. Call or email the facility if you are unsure.

Need a new bathing suit? Want to pick up some cheap souvenirs? Again, Myrtle Beach is a frugal shopper's dream. In addition to the area outlet malls, the numerous beach and surf stores that line Kings Highway do a brisk business in the summertime, but are desperate for customers in the winter. I have bought t-shirts for $3, quality swimwear for $18 and sunglasses for 25¢!

Restaurants also do what they can to lure the sparse tourists. Again, be sure to check the brochure rack in the hotel lobby for restaurant coupons or ask hotel employees where they like to eat (remember, hotel employees are not highly paid, so if it's a place they can afford, you probably can, too). Many restaurants close for the season, so be sure to call before you visit. If you prefer to prepare your own meals, there are a number of supermarkets near the beach, many within walking distance of some hotels. Don't forget to go to the store's customer service counter and request a customer card so you can take advantage of in-store sales.

If you are driving, you will be glad to know that South Carolina gas prices are among the lowest in the nation. If you choose to fly, Myrtle Beach has a commercial airport that is serviced by several large carriers and connects to many large cities. Many travel search engines can provide information about travel deals to Myrtle Beach.