Myrtle Beach

The anticipation of splashing in the Ocean began to build as soon as we spotted the first palm tree. Everyone knew that palm trees meant we were getting closer. Up until that point there were still mountainous hills and pine trees but once Caedmon spotted his very first palm tree and the conversation transformed to when they would see the Ocean and what it would be like.

Sharks who swam right up to the coast to gobble up their toes. Jelly fish everywhere. Seashells as large as their heads. Their imaginations ran wild as the miles stretched on. 

We saw our first palm tree about 2 hours away from Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach signs pointed our way every 10-15 miles to make sure we hadn't tarried off of the path. Without warning big, bright billboards for PIRATES started showing up. Now the Ocean became the backdrop for pirate stories and illustrations. Everything had an eye patch and all sentences started with "ARGH."

 Myrtle Beach did not disappoint. We had to travel on a budget as I have said numerous times. This trip was especially tight but being only 3 hours away I wanted my kids to have this experience. We gased up in Rock Hill, South Carolina and tackled the 3 hour drive. 

Here are four great activities to do in Myrtle Beach that were completely free. 

1) The Ocean

I could go on and on about the ocean. The sand was pure white. IT was so white my daughter asked me if there was something wrong with it because she had never seen such bright sand. There are seashells EVERYWHERE. Not tiny sea shells either but seas shells the size of our hands. We were there about 1pm on a Monday and the beach was not crowded at all. The ocean alone was well worth the 3 hour drive.

Logistically we did end up paying for parking. We downloaded the app Go! Park. We only stayed Oceanside for about two hours and our total cost was $4.The weather was too hot and the sun burned too brightly for us to stay much longer without melting our pale northern skin. My husband sweat buckets and was the only one to burn at all.

2) Broadway at the Beach

When I was planning our trip every single list I looked at said to go to Broadway at the Beach. They claimed this was a must see from free lists to paid. Of course we had to check it out and we had a blast! We didn't spend a dime but we played in the splash park, took numerous pictures around the area with cut outs, enjoyed some amazingly chill air conditioning, splashed in fountains, and saw tons of fun oddities. 

We are planning a spring break trip to Myrtle Beach at some point and this is one stop the kids have said over and over again they want to visit but they want to save and be able to do all of the amazing activities like Ripley's Aquarium or the dozen or so rides scattered about the area. I fully agree with their assessment. We had a ton of fun without spending any money but I think with a couple hundred dollars this location would be even greater everything is together, parking is free, and you can see a ton, have great food, and buy some awesome souvenirs. 

3) Warbird Park

 My youngest son (9) loves all things cars and planes. He absolutely adored this place. He asked me to take at least 3 pictures with every plane and sculpture. The memorial was incredibly well done. Myrtle Beach has found a great way to memorialize their soldiers. 

The park location is easy to get to. Not only did we get to enjoy the large planes but they have crisp walking paths through a wooded areas. There are benches where we could relax and watch planes come and go at the airport. I think another great highlight was seeing the helicopter tour bird landing and taking off over and over again. My son could have stayed there for HOURS even in the heat. 

4) Savannah's Playground

Savannah's Playground was a ton of fun. This was a unique play area designed to be inclusive for all children of every ability. My kids favorite was the zipline. They raced back and forth a dozen times. I wish it had not been quite as hot or they had a splash pad to cool off at because I would have loved to stay there and play for a lot longer than we did. 

The location of the playground is beautiful but a little difficult to get to. The play area expands along the side of the river to 3 or 4 different structures. My one piece of advice is follow your GPS exactly. There is a point where you have to turn and go behind a building. When you make the turn it feels like you are about to park in someone's driveway but the playground is right there. We plan to make Savannah's playground part of our next Myrtle Beach trip!

We were only in Myrtle Beach for one day. My only regret is that we were not able to stay longer. Despite being on a tight budget we truly enjoyed the experience. I do think when we go back with a bit bigger of a budget we will make even more memories but this mini-side trip wet our appetites to experience more of Myrtle Beach.

Gratitude Practice

1) I am grateful for Myrtle Beach.

2) I am grateful for my budget.

3) I am grateful for free events.

4) I am grateful for watching my kids have wonder.

5) I am grateful for grateful kids.

6) I am grateful for a patient husband.

7) I am grateful for cool breezes.

8) I am grateful for the smell of the ocean.

9) I am grateful for all of those who work in tourism.

10) I am grateful for parking apps.

Things I have Accomplished:

1) I have collected shells from the ocean twice.

2) I have enjoyed the fun and energy of Myrtle Beach and walked out without buying anything.

3) I have planned a trip to the ocean for less than $50.

Goal (Written as if it has already been achieved):

I have an awesome morning and evening schedule!

Have you been to Myrtle Beach? What were your favorite destinations?