Resort at a Glance: Palms Resort

Guests almost never have to leave the water at Palms Resort. Myrtle Beach itself, and the ocean waves beyond are right in front of the hotel. On the property itself, visitors can swim in an oceanfront outdoor pool or an indoor pool, or sit and float in a jetted tub. Children can join in on the fun, too—there’s an entire indoor kiddie pool just for them.

• Admire the waves 24/7: All rooms include ocean views from private balconies.
• Whip up a snack in your room’s kitchen.
• Decor varies from room to room, but you can expect colorful mixed-and-matched patterns on your bedding, draperies, and upholstery to create a cheerful vibe.
• Get a bird’s-eye view from the Myrtle Beach Skywheel, which spins a mile away from the resort.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Sandy Beaches, Golf Courses, and Classic Amusement-Park Rides

Myrtle Beach is the crown jewel of South Carolina’s Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of white-sand beaches along the Atlantic seaboard that draws surfers, fishers, and kayakers. The city was named one of the best vacation spots in the United States for a family by USA Today, in part because of its wooden boardwalk, which stretches for more than a mile. Hop into the SkyWheel Ferris wheel’s gondolas, surrounded by more than a million LED lights, for a panoramic view of the city below.

Less than 20 miles south of Myrtle Beach, the tiny fishing village of Murrells Inlet provides a tranquil contrast to the boardwalk’s hustle and bustle. At Brookgreen Gardens, more than 2,000 sculptures stand amid sprawling floral gardens and massive, moss-covered oak trees that have been around for centuries. Murrells Inlet is also home to the Tom Fazio–designed TPC Myrtle Beach golf course, 1 of nearly 100 courses in the area that helped Myrtle Beach earn its title as the seaside golf capital of the world.