November 18, 2019 | 4 Minutes

Beyond the Beach

Beat the Crowds in Myrtle Beach

While the crowds and heat swell during the summer months, spring at Myrtle Beach blooms with the promise of balmy weather and less foot traffic. This time of the year comes at an excellent value, with seven nights starting at just 1,550 Club Points in March and 2,675 in April through mid-May.

Marriott’s OceanWatch at Grande Dunes® offers a picturesque backdrop for a spring getaway with a choice of Seaside Villas located right on the beach, and Woodsy Villas nestled among the sand dunes and beautiful live oak trees. Well-appointed 2-bedroom 2-bath villas come with a full kitchen, and washer and dryer. The resort is located in the heart of Myrtle Beach’s Grand Stand and features beachfront access, several pools (including a heated indoor pool), fitness center, outdoor fire pit, and complimentary parking.

Golf

The resort is located near more than 120 golf courses, each offering a unique experience. Grande Dunes Resort Club, an 18-hole course known for its links-style design, elegantly rests on a high bluff overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Other popular favorites include the Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, built on the site of a former working rice plantation, and Tidewater Golf Club, which seamlessly integrates the course into its natural surroundings. For family fun, consider a game of miniature golf at Hawaiian Rumble, a relaxing 18-hole putt-putt course.

Sip + Shop

Wander Broadway at the Beach, where entertainment meets the charm of a seaside town. You can take a swing at Topgolf, zip-line across the lake, or enjoy an evening out on The Avenue. For premier shopping and waterfront dining, head to Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach.

Spring weather also presents the ideal opportunity to tour a winery without the heat. La Belle Amie, an operating vineyard in North Myrtle Beach, features wine tastings, festivals and gift shop takeaways. Or, sit and sip at the Duplin Winery, known for its muscadine wine.

Wander the Boardwalk

Stretching 1.2 miles along the ocean, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade showcases larger-than-life entertainment and dining. Take a spin on the iconic SkyWheel for panoramic views of the Grand Strand and the beach, or venture into one of the celebrated shopping centers like The Gay Dolphin Gift Cove or I Love Sugar. Hungry? Take a food tour to try Myrtle Beach’s best cuisine.

Revel in Nature

South Carolina blooms in the spring, giving new life to Brookgreen Gardens, a sculpture garden and wildlife preserve. Framed by stunning live oak trees and vibrant florals, the gardens contain the most comprehensive collection of American figurative sculpture in the country. Over 2,000 works are displayed in both indoor and outdoor settings, complemented by the botanical gardens and Lowcountry Zoo.

To observe more animals in their natural habitats, head to Alligator Adventure, nestled beside Barefoot Landing. The 15-acre park, known for its rare collection of reptiles and birds, features live shows as well as a natural lake where hundreds of gators sunbathe on the shores.

Catch a Show

There’s more to Myrtle Beach than nature and the sandy shore. Over-the-top performing arts paint the town in color and sound. The Carolina Opry was the first theater in the area, and now showcases an award-winning variety show featuring two hours of music, comedy and dance. Magic shows, hypnosis shows, and even Elvis tributes are available to keep you entertained during your visit to Myrtle Beach.

Reserve Your Stay

  • Use Club Points to make a reservation in a 2-bedroom villa at Marriott’s OceanWatch at Grande Dunes by contacting Member Services.