
Jesse Broadt: Contributor
One of the best things about vacationing in Myrtle Beach is the broad range of day trips and tours there are from which to choose when you’re in the mood for something different. Whether you want to relax at a spa, take a kayaking excursion or experience a ghostly tour at sundown, you are sure to find what you are looking for on the Grand Strand. When you have had your fill of sun and seafood, try one of the following day trips and tours:
If you are even the least bit romantic and enjoy spine tingling fun, consider learning about the Grand Strand’s history from a ghost. On such tours, you may see ghostly faces peering in the windows or dark shadows passing through the fireplace. Phantoms and specters may appear almost anywhere during such a tour, but most are guaranteed to take you by surprise.
Ghosts may put in appearances on surveillance cameras and you may even notice them moving ashtrays and wine glasses around on your table. There are several tours of this kind from which to choose, some of which include dinner and drinks and children’s games and activities. Regardless of which one you attend, however, you are not likely to forget your experience.
You might think a beach vacation is not complete without indulging in a massage, manicure and pedicure, or herbal body wrap. Fortunately, there are many holistic establishments on the Grand Strand where such services are offered.
Some spas offer tailor-made packages featuring the exact services in which you are interested. Many businesses of this kind also take walk-ins, and therefore you can take an outing of this kind on a rainy day without having to worry about making an appointment in advance. Certain spas in the area also offer full mud baths, acupuncture, hot rock treatments, and organic facials.
Most spas also sell their products on site. Some vacationers find that spa baskets make great gifts for friends and family back home. Ultimately, if you want to relax and unwind in a luxurious setting, a spa day trip is ideal.
Myrtle Beach may be known for its great shows, lively beaches and an interesting boardwalk, but if you are a nature lover and want some quiet time on the water, a sunset or sunrise kayak tour is a magnificent choice.
There are several tours of this kind from which to choose, some of which feature wildlife, fish and birds, and others that are focused on landscapes and scenery. Such tours are led by local guides who take you and your party through calm waters, typically those at the northern or southern edges of the Grand Strand. Equipment is usually included for most excursions of this type, and tours of different lengths are available.
Another calm way to see the sights from the water is a stand up paddleboard excursion. This activity has become increasingly popular in beach areas, and the Grand Strand is no exception. Both kinds of tours are appropriate for most age groups. This is an especially good option if you are looking for a day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the area’s major tourist attractions.
If your children are getting restless and you want to be sure to wear them out by nightfall, a zipline adventure is a foolproof choice. Most Grand Strand zipline tours include sailing over the tops of trees and navigating a well-planned adventure course. You and your family will also enjoy observing local wildlife from a bird’s eye view.
Interesting and exciting for the entire family, most excursions of this type last approximately three hours. Appropriate for adults and children over 10, such tours are a solid daytrip choice for any adventurous soul.
If you would like to see an aerial view of the Grand Strand but don’t have the energy for a zip line adventure, you may wish to schedule a helicopter ride over the coast. An outing of this type provides a way to see the beach with which few venues can compete, and is definitely worth considering.
If you are looking for a day trip outside the Myrtle Beach area, you can’t miss with a journey to Charleston. Located approximately 2 ½ hours from the Grand Strand, with plenty of interesting sites along the way, this bustling city is one of the nation’s finest historical areas.
Charleston offers a vast array of things to see and do, such as shopping, dining, taking a horse and buggy tour, visiting historical landmarks and enjoying unique photo opportunities.
Historical landmarks in the city include Morris Island Lighthouse, Fort Moultrie, the Hunley Submarine, Fort Sumter, the City Market, and The Powder Magazine.
Charleston also boasts many options in the arts and entertainment arena, including art galleries, theaters and festivals. When visiting Charleston, be sure to bring your appetite, as the city is home to a wide variety of award-winning restaurants offering a broad selection of cuisine.
If you are looking for a food related day trip, Calabash is the quintessential choice. Although many restaurants on the Grand Strand have the word Calabash in their name, this unique way of preparing seafood originated in the North Carolina town after which it was named. Just over the South Carolina border, Calabash is a foodie hotspot, and an absolute must-visit if you are a seafood lover.
The self-appointed seafood capital of the world, Calabash is home to this original way of preparing seafood: it is dunked in a seasoned, milky batter and flash fried to sumptuous perfection. A mere half an hour drive from Myrtle Beach, Calabash is worth visiting even just for one mouthwatering meal.
Myrtle Beach Segway tours are a fun and interesting way to spend a morning or afternoon. On an excursion of this kind you can experience the excitement of “gliding” along special paths at impressive locations such as the North Myrtle Beach Sports Park or the Huntington Beach State Park. If you enjoy adventure and want an outing that is both educational and exhilarating, a Segway tour may be the exact day trip for which you are looking.
Although Myrtle Beach may not seem like an area where wildlife can be easily viewed, Safari tours are regularly available on the Grand Strand. These tours are interactive, hands-on wildlife experiences and are an optimal choice if you have children or if you are simply a nature lover. The animals you will have the opportunity to view on such a tour include tigers, pelicans, monkeys, alligators, and 100s of bird species.
The opportunity to enjoy Vegas style gambling in South Carolina is available at the northern end of the Grand Strand in Little River. After reaching international waters, which takes approximately one hour, you can try your luck at a variety of games and view the beautiful Myrtle Beach skyline from the Ocean. Interestingly, if you make your winnings far enough away from shore, you aren’t required to pay taxes.
These five hour cruises set sail from Mineola Avenue on a daily basis and make their way through the scenic Little River Inlet to the lovely Atlantic Ocean. While onboard, you can enjoy free drinks, indulge in a buffet and of course, play all your favorite games including the following:
In addition to many outstanding Las Vegas-style gaming options, live entertainment is provided on all cruises. If you are looking for something different to do while visiting the Grand Strand, relax and try your luck on an exhilarating casino boat excursion.
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