The Travel Files - 6 Reasons To Visit Myrtle Beach In The Off Season

Every year we visit Myrtle Beach several times with our family. It is always a good time and we can't ever get enough. Most people prefer going to the beach in the summer, but we feel differently. We go no matter the season or weather. One of our favorite times of year to travel to Myrtle Beach is in the winter. Yes, winter! I've come up with a short list of reasons why you should visit Myrtle Beach in the off-season.

We love an oceanfront view! 

• Great weather- The weather is often times still mild in the beginning of the winter season. Next week will be in the lower 70's and upper 60's. Not bad if you love to walk on the beach like we do! 
• Lower cost to stay oceanfront- If you love listening to the sounds of the ocean, you can stay in an oceanfront condo for less than you think. A condo offers all of the comforts of home including private bedrooms/baths, kitchen, washer/dryer, and dishwasher. Our favorites are Avista Resort and Prince Resort. There are many great amenities like indoor pool/hot tub, fitness center, on-site restaurant/bar to name a few. Check out the rates, you will be pleasantly surprised. Also, most locations don't require a minimum night's stay like they do in the summertime. Often times you can find a spacious 3-bedroom condo for as low as $100 per night! 
• Less crowds- If being in the midst of crowds is not your thing, the off season is the best time to visit. Sometimes you will feel like you have the whole beach to yourself. As long as you dress in layers, you will be good to go. 
• Outlet shopping- Right after Christmas, stores slash prices on merchandise to make room for spring items. This is the perfect time to rack up some good deals on clothing, home decor, toys, accessories, and more. You can even get some holiday gifts for the next year at deep discounts. 
• Lots of attractions- Myrtle Beach is full of fun attractions for the entire family. There are themed restaurants, putt-putt mini golf centers, museums, live shows, animal exhibits, holiday festivities, arcades and more. If you plan ahead, you can often times get specials that can save you a few bucks.
• Make everlasting memories- Being at the beach with your family is a great way to reconnect and have some fun. We make new memories every time we go and have even created new traditions along the way. 

This hot tub at the Avista Resort is where you'll find me

If you're curious about renting a condo, check out my reviews and tips from previous visits to Avista Resort and Prince Resort. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me.

Our mini-vacation to Grande Shores Ocean Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC

My family had the privilege to visit the Grande Shores Ocean Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC for a mini-vacation. I was able to get a special media rate for a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom oceanfront condo. Our first impression when we were driving up to the resort was, "Oh my gosh, we are staying that close to the actual ocean?!" We were all in awe of the sounds, smell and the sea breeze as we pulled up to the check-in parking area. We walked up to the front desk and were greeted by both clerks and was promptly asked if we needed help. The check-in process was fast and easy. The clerk was super friendly and professional. 

We found a good spot to park our car in the parking garage and headed up to our condo on the eleventh floor. It was very clean and nicely decorated. Here is a quick video of what our space looked like (excuse the shaking)

My husband and kids were instantly drawn to the balcony. Our view was incredible and we were lucky to have such a large outdoor space.

I could not get any of them to come inside for dinner! Speaking of dinner, I was thrilled to have a fully-equipped kitchen. If you have been a reader for a while, you would know how much time I spend in the kitchen!

We packed up our food and drinks so that we could fully enjoy our lovely condo and beach/pool time. It was a pleasure to wake up to the sounds of the waves crashing onto the shoreline as my bacon sizzled away. It was a big money and time saver to be able to eat in.

 It really felt like home away from home.

Another thing that I LOVED was the washer and dryer.  This was such a great convenience for me since I wash clothing daily at home anyway. After all, who wants to go home after a fun-filled trip with dirty clothes to wash? Unpacking was a breeze!

Of course, you can't take a trip to the beach without enjoying the actual beach! It was lovely! You had to option of renting umbrellas and chairs (we brought our own). It was very windy during our stay but it did not affect our fun. The kids thoroughly enjoyed playing in the sand and the water. It was hard to get my husband out of the water each time we went out to the beach. He was like a big kid! 

I think I enjoyed watching my family have the time of their lives. We loved getting into the hot tub and lazy river at night. It was so relaxing! 

We made some wonderful memories that we will treasure.

If you are looking for a nice place to stay in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, we highly recommend Grande Shores Ocean Resort. They offer good rates and many hotels and condos to choose from. Of course you can't beat stepping out of the building and right onto the beach! The location was perfect. We had close access to restaurants, shopping and many attractions that Myrtle Beach has to offer.

Stay updated on specials from Grande Shores on Facebook and Twitter. We are already looking at our calendar and planning a return visit!