The best part about exploring Garden City Beach, Myrtle Beach, and Murrells Inlet while staying at HomeBliss Sand & Sea is that every direction feels like a completely different vacation. Some mornings, I start with coffee on the balcony and think, “Yep, I could just sit here all day.” And sometimes I do. But other days, I head out, because within ten minutes, there’s a whole world of fun waiting, from quiet beach strolls to lively boardwalk nights and everything in between.
Garden City Pier
If you wander into Garden City Beach, the Pier is where you’ll end up. It’s impossible not to. You hear the music before you see it, the smell of fries drifting from the snack shop, and kids racing toward the arcade with that “I’ve got quarters” energy. I’ve spent whole evenings there without planning to, just watching the sunset with a cone in hand and letting the salty breeze tangle my hair.
Murrell's Inlet
Head toward Murrells Inlet, and suddenly it’s all about food and water views. The MarshWalk is lined with restaurants serving shrimp so fresh you’ll swear it was swimming that morning. Live music spills out from every deck, and the sunsets… let’s just say you’ll take more photos than you know what to do with. I’ve lost track of how many “quick dinners” have turned into all-night laughing sessions there.
Myrtle Beach
Craving a little more action? Myrtle Beach is just up the road. The boardwalk has everything!! Arcades, taffy shops, shopping, ice cream shoppe, boutiques, women’s accessories, men’s accessories, and the SkyWheel that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the ocean. Even if heights make you a little queasy, it’s worth it. (Trust me, I’m speaking from experience, my knees were jelly, but the view? Unreal.)
But what about down time? Isn't that what vacation is all about?
You know, those days when I want something quieter, I head to Huntington Beach State Park for a slow walk or to spot egrets in the marsh. Or I’ll wander Brookgreen Gardens pretending I’m suddenly very into sculpture, when really, I just like the flowers and shaded paths.
My mom made us do what?
And of course, I can’t talk about this area without mentioning the time my mom decided my Aunt and I were brave enough to try parasailing. I can still remember us being strapped in, the boat picking up speed, and suddenly…we were soaring above the Atlantic. The view of Garden City Beach from up there? Breathtaking. The laughter? Nonstop. We may have looked calm from the beach, but up in the air, we were giddy kids trying not to scream from pure joy.
Who's into water rides?
If you’ve got kids, or you’re a grown-up who refuses to grow …Wild Water & Wheels is dangerously close. You’ll tell yourself you’re just going for the kids, but trust me, you’ll end up on the big slides. I still remember the first time I went down one of their steep speed slides… I thought, this doesn’t look so bad. Then halfway down, I realized I was basically free-falling into a pool at rocket speed, clutching my swimsuit straps for dear life. I hit the water laughing so hard I almost forgot to breathe, and then, of course, went right back up to do it again.
The Grand Strand
That’s the beauty of this stretch of the Grand Strand, whether you’re chasing thrills, food, nature, or just a good sunset, it’s all right here. And if you really want to blend in like a local, rent a golf cart for your stay. Everybody does it, and it’s hands-down the most fun (and easiest) way to zip around this laid-back beach community. Cruise to dinner, head to the pier, or just explore the neighborhood at a slower pace with the salty breeze in your hair.
No matter what you get into, you come home to your balcony, the waves rolling in, and the kind of tired that only comes from a really good day.
📍 Book your stay at www.homeblisssandandsea.com because some adventures you just have to live for yourself.
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Your host, Samantha
Owner: HomeBliss Sand & Sea