Axel's take on South Myrtle Beach: #3 of 7 in Myrtle Beach, 5.6/10
Choose the south end for uncomplicated beach days, not downtown walkability. Solid hotels, reasonable value and useful airport access secure third place, but scattered nearby options limit walking holidays.
South Ocean Boulevard is straightforward beach-holiday territory, with oceanfront accommodation, mini-golf and casual eating places. Family Kingdom anchors its northern end, while the airport is conveniently nearby. LGBTQ travelers also have a specific reason to consider the south end: Pulse Ultra Club is on South Kings Highway.
Do not confuse staying beside the beach with staying beside the Boardwalk. Along the southern avenues, downtown outings require a longer walk or a ride, and useful businesses become more scattered. Recent visitors staying around 17th Avenue South recommended a car, particularly outside summer. Skip it if you want a self-contained walking holiday.
- Best for: travelers on a budget, LGBTQ+ travelers
- Skip it if: You want the Boardwalk outside; You want varied evenings entirely on foot
- Getting around: Route 15S serves the south-end corridor; beach walks are straightforward, but broader sightseeing needs transport; from MYR, a taxi is simpler than a downtown bus connection.
- After dark: Evening activity is scattered rather than continuous; visitors report especially quiet surroundings and seasonal closures outside summer.
- Rates: Typical Axel rate $123 a night · usually 17% under the public rate
Where to stay in Myrtle Beach: every neighborhood ranked
The best hotels in South Myrtle Beach, ranked by Axel's take
Each hotel scored for what it is by Axel's own review; the rate is one stay Axel priced this week, beside the public rate for the same dates.
- Holiday Inn Club Vacations Myrtle Beach Oceanfront by IHG 8.8/10, upscale beachfront timeshare resort with apartment-style villas. A strong family beach pick, with spacious villas and timeshare strings attached. $204 a night with Axel; no public rate was seen for these dates. Sign up free to book this rate
- Holiday Inn Club Vacations South Beach Resort by IHG 8.6/10, mid-range, family-focused timeshare resort with apartment-style villas. A strong family pick for spacious villas and pools, not beachfront rooms. $132 a night with Axel; no public rate was seen for these dates. Sign up free to book this rate
- Coral Beach Resort and Suites 8.2/10, lively 3-star beachfront family resort. A strong family pick for beachfront fun, less convincing for quiet or polished rooms. $104 a night with Axel; no public rate was seen for these dates. Sign up free to book this rate
- Paradise Resort 8.0/10, 3-star oceanfront condo resort geared to families. A good family beach base, but room condition and housekeeping can disappoint. $102 a night with Axel; no public rate was seen for these dates. Sign up free to book this rate
- Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort 7.9/10, casual 3-star beachfront resort built for families. A good family beach base, with more water fun than polish. $111 a night with Axel; no public rate was seen for these dates. Sign up free to book this rate
- Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort 7.4/10, casual 3-star beachfront timeshare resort with hotel rooms and villas. Beachfront convenience and family pools outweigh uneven rooms, but this isn't a polished resort. $116 a night with Axel against $191 a night on Expedia for the same dates and party: $75 a night less (39%). Sign up free to book this rate
- Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark 7.4/10, large, older 3-star oceanfront family resort with a waterpark. Come for the waterpark and beach, not polished rooms.
- Compass Cove Resort 7.2/10, large, family-focused 3-star beachfront condo resort. Beach access and plentiful pools appeal, but room quality remains uneven.
- Palette Resort Myrtle Beach by OYO 5.5/10, budget oceanfront hotel with kitchenettes, not a full-service resort. Beach access is the draw, but unfinished renovations and unreliable basics undermine the stay.