Find your beach. Sure, that’s Corona’s slogan, but in this case, it means “find your beach,” really. There’s hundreds, maybe even thousands of beaches in the United States alone. Some are big and famous, while some are small and worn down, regardless, there’s a beach for everybody.

On the Southeast coast, there are quite a few spots where the tides from the Atlantic Ocean meet the sand. Headlined by the infamous South Beach in Miami, it’s important to know that there’s other beaches, with the same body of water, in different states and cities, that provide the same R&R and getaway experience. For some reason, it seems like we forget that.

Off the southern coast of South Carolina lies the beautiful Myrtle Beach. Although the path to Myrtle Beach may not be the most aesthetically pleasing as you drive through the middle of nowhere in South Carolina, passing plenty of flat land, abandoned houses, beat up barns and storefronts, once you arrive to the beach, the skies seem to open, palm trees become endless and salt water looms in the air.

The biggest benefit of going to Myrtle, which is, in my opinion, a B-grade beach, versus a South Beach, Hilton Head or Charleston, is the affordability. Ideally, we all want to party, live and vacation at South Beach, but due to what we will call, “financial responsibility,” Miami isn’t the most feasible spot. In comparison, Myrtle, may not be the party/nightlife-centric beach, but it’s a great place for a family vacation, a getaway with your significant other, or even an escape with friends away from the hustle of your day-to-day and meet new people.

Myrtle Beach has great oceanfront resort properties to rent (via AirBNB) and hotels with great views of the Atlantic ranging between $70 - $150 per night (depending on the season you visit). These aren’t rinky-dink spots either. We’re talking full kitchens, balconies, full bathrooms, swimming pools and elevators that have you feeling lavish during your stay.

*View of Myrtle Beach from AirBNB balcony*

Besides enjoying a nice place to reside, there’s a plethora of things to do at Myrtle. The number one thing to experience, of course, is the beach itself. I imagine the beach has different times of the year when it’s more packed than others, but if you’re looking to relax, I recommend going during the slow time of year, right before summer hits. I took my visit in early May, right before it starts to get busy. Obviously, if you’re looking for the party, anytime from Memorial Day until the end of the summer, the beach is the place to be. Myrtle Beach also has their infamous Boardwalk where you can indulge in beach food, such as burgers, fries and dogs, shop at hundreds of beach stores - literally hundreds. I’ve never seen so many of the same businesses in one place. And also enjoy the beach rides like “The Slingshot” and the Ferris Wheel.

For the nightlife lovers, “Celebrity Circle” is the place to go. With a wide variety of bars and clubs inside of a large plaza, this is where you play at night. Just like the beach itself, if you go during a slow time of year, you’re going to get a stranger, more delicate crowd than if you come anytime over the summer. Myrtle is very high on family vacations and tourists, if you want to experience the more edgy, fun crowd, visit “Celebrity Circle.”

Finally, the number one “thing to do” in Myrtle Beach is miniature golf (so I was told). With over 10 putt-putt courses located just minutes from the beach itself, 4 of which are ranked in USA Today’s “Top 10 Courses,” Myrtle has more than enough spots to get a round or two in for competitive measure. At Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf, a round of golf after 6pm costs $11, while before 6pm it’s only $10. In the event the first round you partake in doesn’t go your way, you can always line up for a second round for just $6. On top of friendly competition on the beach, it’s also an affordable way to enjoy quality fun.

Myrtle Beach may not be the mecca of all beaches this country has to offer, but it surely gets the job done in all areas. There’s enough to do to have genuine, unadulterated fun. There’s also the escape within that allows you to enjoy maximum R&R without the busyness of a major beach. For those looking to enjoy a peaceful getaway that allows you to let loose from the norm, Myrtle Beach and the Atlantic Ocean await.

- Aric