Taste the South: Best Places for Shrimp & Grits in North Myrtle Beach

They say shrimp & grits is the South’s breakfast of champions—and here in North Myrtle Beach, it’s more like a weekend hero. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves, then sinking your fork into creamy, stone-ground grits tangled with buttery shrimp, smoky sausage, and a drizzle of savory gravy. If that doesn’t make you slap a sunhat on and hit the sand, nothing will.

This isn’t just breakfast. It’s a celebration of coastal bounty—a foodie journey that brings the comfort of home and the thrill of vacation onto one plate. From waterfront bistros to casual hangouts, North Myrtle Beach chefs are crafting shrimp & grits that deserve their own hometown parade.

🍽️ Buoys on the Boulevard – Southern Shrimp & Grits Showstopper

Step into Buoys on the Boulevard and you’ll find their signature Southern Shrimp & Grits, a dish applauded as “by far the best shrimp and grits in North Myrtle Beach” on their website. Large Gulf shrimp sautéed with andouille sausage, bacon, onions, and colorful bell peppers nestle into slow-cooked, stone-ground yellow cheese grits. The flavors balance spice, sweetness, and richness—comfort food elevated to coastal flair. Casual enough for a quick bite, elevated enough to linger over with a cocktail.

🥘 Boardwalk Billy’s – Shrimp & Grit Cake Delight

Over at Boardwalk Billy’s, patrons on Facebook hail their shrimp & grit cake as a must-try. This waterfront gem serves the dish in a cake form—crispy on the outside, creamy and savory within. Topped with shrimp, smoked sausage, roasted corn, and finished with cream sauce, it combines texture, flavor, and a generous portion that pairs perfectly with their live-music vibe. It’s got a rhythm all its own: fun, satisfying, unmistakably Southern.

🔍 Yelp Favorites – Tidewater Grill & others

Local reviewers on Yelp highlight spots like Tidewater Grill, Cape Fear Seafood Company, and Flying Fish Public Market & Grill as top contenders for shrimp & grits in North Myrtle Beach. Tidewater Grill impresses with waterfront views and hearty chalkboard specials, while Cape Fear brings a no-fuss seafood-forward approach in a lively, casual dining setting. Flying Fish mixes fresh catch and quirky prep in a market-meets-restaurant vibe—each with its own take on the classic dish.

🌿 Hook & Barrel – Smoked Shrimp & Grits (Nearby Myrtle Beach)

Just a short drive south, Hook & Barrel earns praise from Visit Myrtle Beach for their smoked shrimp & grits: shrimp bathed in smoked tomato broth with tri-colored peppers atop cheese grits. Though technically housed in Myrtle Beach, Hook & Barrel’s commitment to sustainability and local produce makes it a smart option for those craving regional flavor and eco-conscious dining.

🍜 Sea Captain’s House – Coastal Comfort Beyond the Beach

Another nearby legend, Sea Captain’s House, is celebrated for its creamy shrimp in a delicate sauce served over a cheese-grits cake. Set in a historic beach house overlooking the ocean, this spot delivers tradition with elegance—a dish best enjoyed with a view and a slow afternoon pace.

🌟 Why Shrimp & Grits Rocks North Myrtle Beach

Shrimp & grits is more than a menu item—it’s a culinary emblem. It brings together land and sea: savory cheese blend meets plump shrimp, smoky sausage or bacon, and zesty aromatics. Across North Myrtle Beach, chefs are putting fresh, local twists on the classic recipe—whether served in a cake, smothered in cream sauce, or smoked to perfection.

Families and foodies alike—whether staying oceanfront or renting a beachfront cottage—are finding these dishes hit both comfort and curiosity sweet spots. Paired with a mimosa or sweet tea at breakfast, or a craft cocktail at lunch, shrimp & grits becomes a day-making moment.

🍤 Your Shrimp & Grits Roadmap

• Buoys on the Boulevard: bold, vibrant Southern Plate.
• Boardwalk Billy’s: crispy cake meets saucy shrimp.
• Tidewater Grill/Cape Fear/Flying Fish: Yelp-endorsed classics.
• Hook & Barrel: smoked broth, sustainable ingredients.
• Sea Captain’s House: historic backdrop, creamy comfort.
• Each stop is a chapter in your culinary story—taste them all, or pick the one that calls your name.

🍂 A Coastal Culinary Goodbye

Shrimp & grits in North Myrtle Beach isn’t just a meal—it’s a gateway to Southern hospitality, coastal flavor, and local pride. Whether it’s a lazy beachfront breakfast, sunset dinner, or a cheeky lunch between waves, this dish delivers joy in spoonfuls.

Ready to taste the South with your toes in the sand? Book your stay with Thomas Beach Vacations and turn shrimp & grits dreams into reality. Choose from over 400 oceanfront homes and condos, enjoy concierge-picked dining and kitchen-ready options, and let us guide you to these local favorites. Call 866‑249‑2100 or visit NorthMyrtleBeachVacations.com—your next delicious getaway is just a click away.

Best Beach Activities for Kids in North Myrtle Beach: Sandcastles, Shell Hunts & Dolphin Cruises

They say childhood was made to be spent with sand in your shoes and salt in your hair—so why not make North Myrtle Beach the backdrop for your kiddo’s biggest summer memories? When the sun tickles the horizon and the surf hums its gentle lullaby, there’s no better place to let children roam wild, build castles that defy gravity, and learn the ocean’s secrets beneath a Carolina sky.

From playful splash parks to dolphin-sighting cruises, North Myrtle Beach rolls out an irresistible menu of experiences designed for tiny hands and big imaginations. Let us guide you to the best beachside adventures that will have your family laughing, exploring, and coming back year after year.

🏖️ Sandcastle Contests & Freeplay on Cherry Grove Beach

Cherry Grove Beach in North Myrtle Beach is a haven for young castle architects. With its wide, gently sloping shoreline and fine, pale sand, it’s prime territory for building dreams in granules. Keep an eye on the Thomas Beach Vacations concierge calendar—each summer they share local kids’ sandcastle contests hosted by community groups or beach shops nearby. Even without an official contest, families gather at sunrise or mid-morning to craft moats and towers, and parents can easily rent beach gear like umbrellas and chairs from North Strand Beach Service to make the day stretch longer and comfier.

Every shovel turned is a lesson in patience, and every toppled turret becomes a memory wrapped in salty laughter. Pack snacks, stay hydrated, and let little ones shovel till their hearts’ content.

🐚 Shell Hunting & Nature Walks at Low Tide

Low tide brings a treasure trove of seashells dancing in the receding waves. Early risers are rewarded with coquinas, olive shells, and sand dollars strewn like pearls across the shoreline. Southern Living’s guide to shelling spots praises Myrtle Beach State Park—but North Myrtle’s shores, especially near Cherry Grove Pier, are just as generous if you time it right.

Teach kids the etiquette of shell collecting (live creatures stay put!), and turn it into a scavenger hunt: find a perfectly spiraled conch, a jingle shell that jingles, or a sand dollar as flat as a pancake and twice as exciting. Bring a small bucket and let them trade ocean wonders for ice cream cone rewards later.

🌊 Splash Parks & Obstacle Courses at Shark Wake Park

When the pelicans soar overhead and the sun climbs high, the cables at North Myrtle Beach’s Shark Wake Park aren’t just for wakeboarding—they’re launching pads for joy. According to ExploreNorthMyrtleBeach.com, families flock here for petite wakeboarders, floating obstacle courses, and mini-golf, all in one waterpark playground.

Toddlers wobble through foam trails while older kids challenge each other to climb, slide, and dunk. Lifeguards patrol the scene, kayaks dot the perimeter, and parents can stake out a shady picnic spot with ocean views. Hit that mid-afternoon peak and watch energy levels regenerate in splashes and shrieks.

🐬 Dolphin & Eco Cruises Along the Coast

The simplest way to enchant kids? Let them meet wild dolphins in their natural playground. North Myrtle Beach’s waterways are patrolled by Sea Screamer and Sea Thunder Dolphin Cruises, narrated tours that guide families into dolphin pods and share facts about local wildlife.

Tours last between 90 minutes and two hours. Sea Screamer departs from Mineola Avenue; Sea Thunder sets sail from Little River Neck Road—both in the heart of North Myrtle. A two-hour Southern Shores Catamaran Dolphin Cruise also launches ICW adventures with shelling visits to uninhabited islands. Bow-watchers often spot dolphins surfacing, seabirds soaring, and maybe even a shy seal. These tours are paced to entertain without exhausting—fun, educational, and perfect for families.

🧒 Mini Golf & Family Entertainment Nearby

While Barefoot Landing delivers great shopping and dining, families looking for mini golf adventures will find some stellar options just down the road:

• Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf at 1705 Hwy 17 S offers two immersive 18-hole courses with a mining expedition theme, complete with a “mining train” ride through caverns and waterfalls—kids love the interactive family experience.

• Mutiny Bay Miniature Golf, nestled near Barefoot Landing on US‑17, delivers swashbuckling fun with erupting volcanoes, animatronic pirates, and shipwreck obstacles—perfect for budding buccaneers.

• Hawaiian Rumble Golf & Batting Cages, also on Hwy 17 S, combines tropical-themed mini golf with go-karts and batting cages for an all-in-one thrill spot.

Kids can perfect their putting under palm trees, pet friendly birds at Alligator Adventure next door, and rewind with candy or beach toys from local shops. This is playground therapy for parents, too—easy walking paths, shaded benches, and waterside restaurants where everyone can celebrate a hole-in-one (or at least a well-aimed miss).

🌄 Family Farewell: Oceanfront Picnics at Sunset

Wrap up the day with something simple and spectacular: an oceanfront picnic enjoyed in the hour when the tide retreats, and the sun turns molten gold. Local markets like Boulineau’s Food Plus—or even the Thomas Beach Vacations kitchen—stock everything you need: cold fried chicken, macaroni salad, watermelon slices, and cold iced tea in mason jars.

Let the kids chase water’s edge, twilight glow on their shoulders, while your toes tap the wet sand. It’s the classic finale that never gets old—a children’s chorus of waves, seagulls, and sand-running feet.

Indulging your kids in beach activities in North Myrtle Beach is more than vacation—it’s crafting a summer story they’ll recount years from now. Sandcastles spark imagination, shell hunts foster curiosity, splash parks ignite laughter, dolphin cruises awe and educate, and evening picnics soothe the soul. It’s grand strand magic that blends wonder with warmth.

Make this your family’s best beach vacation yet—book your stay with Thomas Beach Vacations. With over 400 oceanfront homes and condos, beach chairs and umbrellas included, and concierge-recommended adventures just for kids, we’re here to make every moment count. Call 866‑249‑2100 or visit NorthMyrtleBeachVacations.com—your summer story is waiting to be written.

Riverfront Revelry: Conway Riverfest – Your Coastal Vacation’s Best Kept Secret

Riverfront Revelry: A Story of Southern Summer Magic 🌞

Imagine stepping off the sandy shoreline of North Myrtle Beach and stepping into a different kind of coastal celebration—one warmed by small‑town charm and riverside soul. Just a short 20‑minute drive inland lies Conway, SC, a picturesque town that comes alive every June for Conway Riverfest. Since 1980, this family‑friendly festival has been a cherished tradition—mixing paddle races, artisan treasures, live bands, and fireworks under Southern skies.

Paddle, Parade & Play

Your day starts bright: choose your vessel—kayak, canoe, or paddle board—and join the Paddle Battle River Races at 10 AM, or cheer as thrill-seekers navigate the ripples on the Waccamaw River. Soon after, the atmosphere bursts with color and community spirit as a golf‑cart parade winds charmingly along riverfront streets.

Kids light up at the enchanted Kid Zone—complete with bounce castles, splash play, and sunny laughter—set up from 11 AM to 8 PM. Nearby, cornhole competitors showcase their skills, while the Business Expo and Artisan Market bustle with local flavor—hand‑crafted art, Southern treats, and unique finds perfect for summer souvenirs.

Tunes & Tastes

Local music fills the air all day, but the excitement really crescendos as rock legends take the stage. Starting at 5 PM, Matt Parker & The Deacons strike the chords; then comes The Spooklights, blending Ozark stomp‑grass with a futuristic twist. That night, the iconic ’80s rockers Night Ranger deliver a powerhouse set—think “Sister Christian,” “Rock in America,” and stadium‑style energy, all live outdoor.

When your taste buds scream for more, a tempting row of food trucks awaits—BBQ, chili dogs, cold treats, and a beer garden (CASH ONLY, wrist‑band required) are available until the fireworks begin.

Fireworks Finale

As twilight sets on the Waccamaw River, the sky becomes a canvas for a grand Fireworks Extravaganza at 9:30 PM, painting the water with bursts of color in perfect patriotic celebration.

Why Thomas Beach Vacations Guests Fall in Love

After a day full of pedal‑powered races, music, and sparklers in the sky, there’s nothing better than retreating to your serene beach haven. At Thomas Beach Vacations, we offer beautifully appointed condos with oceanfront views, private balconies, and steps away from the warm Atlantic surf. It’s the cozy, luxurious contrast your lively Riverfest day deserves.

Ready for Riverfest?

Make Thomas Beach Vacations your launchpad for the ultimate summer memory. Here’s how to reserve:

📞 Call us: (843) 555‑1234
📧 Email: info@thomasbeachvacations.com 
🌐 Book online: www.thomasbeachvacations.com

Pack your shades, your sense of community adventure, and your appetite for sun, fun, and fireworks. When you stay with us, Conway Riverfest isn’t just a day-trip—it’s part of your unforgettable beach vacation experience.

Let the rhythm of the river captivate you—and let Thomas Beach Vacations bring the coast right to your comfort zone. See you at Riverfest!

4th of July Events in North Myrtle Beach: Fireworks, Parades, Music & Family Fun on the Coast

They say freedom isn’t free—but here in North Myrtle Beach, it just might cost you a sandy flip-flop and a sunburn. Picture this: flag-waving families lining the shore, patriotic tunes drifting on a sweet salt breeze, and fireworks blooming overhead like giant roses of light. Come July 4th, this coastal canvas turns into a seaside symphony of Americana.

Independence Day week here is less of a holiday and more of a heartfelt love letter to summer. Whether you’re chasing sky-high firecracker shows, joining marches that salute service, tapping your toes to live music, or racing in stars-and-stripes sneakers, North Myrtle Beach stages a celebration that would make Samuel Clemens grin and Papa Hemingway toast with a rum cocktail.

🎤 Patriotic Prelude: All-City Choir Cantata, June 28–29

Before bunkers of barbecue and bursts of fireworks, the city sets a reverent tone. On June 28 and 29 at 3:30 PM, the North Myrtle Beach All‑City Choir Cantata, “In God We Still Trust,” fills the sanctuary at Living Water Baptist Church in Longs. This free but ticketed event brings voices together in stirring homage to country and faith. Arrive early—tickets are first‑come, first‑served.

🏁 July 4 Parade & Flyover: Windy Hill to Cherry Grove

Morning on the 4th kicks off with community charm. Windy Hill’s golf cart parade rolls at 10 AM down Seaview Street, bedecked in red, white, and blue. Then at 1 PM, pause midday for the awe-inspiring Salute from the Shore—F‑16s from Shaw Air Force Base, flanked by vintage Warbirds, thunder down the coastline over Cherry Grove. Bring flags and chills—not just for the heat but for pride.

🎆 Cherry Grove Pier Fireworks: Boom Over the Brine

As dusk falls, all paths lead to the Cherry Grove Pier, staging a free fireworks extravaganza from 9:30 to 10 PM on July 4. Be warned: the 3500 block of Ocean Boulevard and adjacent beach areas close around 7 PM. Security, tide charts, and reverse traffic flow (starting at 10 PM) are public‑safety essentials—plan ahead.

🎡 Seaside Evening: Barefoot Landing and Beyond

If you aim to chase the night after fireworks, Barefoot Landing lights the sky at 10 PM over the Intracoastal Waterway. The venue itself peppers the evening with live music, festive décor, and family-friendly dining. Or hop aboard the Barefoot Queen Riverboat July 4th Fireworks Cruise—departing 8–10 PM, offering dinner, drinks, and the pyrotechnics in panoramic style (roughly $64.99++).

🎶 Freedom Festivities: Live Music + Beach Bash

Music notes dance through Independence week. Crooked Hammock’s Freedom Fest (July 3) merges live bands, lawn games, kid’s crafts, and specialty hot dogs—complete with a midday eating contest. On July 4 itself, park stages—especially near the Cherry Grove zone—host patriotic tunes following the parade.

🏃 Red, White & Blue 5K & Community Spirit

Stride into July with the annual Red, White & Blue 5K at Barefoot Landing. Dress in your most patriotic gear, jog alongside fellow revelers, and maybe snag a prize. There’s even a kids’ dash to keep the spirit—and sugar levels—high. This isn’t just a run—it’s a stampede of jubilation that kicks off Independence Day week.

🌅 Beachside Barbecue & Sunset Salute

Between ceremonies and concerts, find time to relax on the sand. Families stock up on grilling essentials from Boulineau’s Food Plus in Cherry Grove, then fire up the gas grill at their beachfront rental. As the sun dips, your homemade feast pairs perfectly with the approaching roar of fireworks.

🛏️ Conclusion: Book the Best 4th Yet

Independence Day in North Myrtle Beach is a grand tapestry—woven with patriotic hymns, dazzling fireworks, vintage aircraft, lively music, family races, and smoky beachside barbecues. It’s a celebration designed for every soul who finds joy in freedom, community, and coastal charm.

📞 Make it Happen with Thomas Beach Vacations

This July, skip the crowded cities and bring your patriotism to the seaside. Thomas Beach Vacations offers ideal rentals moments from the parade routes, pier fireworks, and riverboat cruises. Our team handles the details—so you just bring your family spirit and flip‑flops.

Call 866‑249‑2100 or visit NorthMyrtleBeachVacations.com now to lock in your Independence Day getaway.

Sparklers & Sandcastles: A Family Guide to Safe Fireworks at the Beach

They rolled into North Myrtle Beach with coolers in the trunk and stars in their eyes. It was the Johnsons this time—Todd, Maria, and their two boys, wild as summer crickets—ready for some good ol’ Independence Day magic. The air buzzed with grill smoke, salt breeze, and the quiet promise of fireworks that light the sky and memories that light the heart.

But as Mama always said, “Fireworks ain’t just pretty lights, honey. They’re beautiful and dangerous, just like a Carolina summer romance.”

The Beach Blanket Game Plan

If you’re celebrating the 4th of July at the beach, it all starts with a little planning. That means knowing the rules. In many areas, including Horry County, fireworks are not allowed on the beach. Local shows take care of the sparkle, and truth be told, they’re often better than what you’d try in the backyard with a Bic lighter and crossed fingers.

So check with your rental host or local ordinances before you even think of lighting up a Roman candle on the sand. If it’s a no-go, don’t sweat it. The beach hosts professional fireworks displays you can enjoy without singeing your eyebrows or paying a fine.

If Fireworks Are Allowed Nearby…

Say you’re staying somewhere private or you’re in one of those magical spots where fireworks are allowed. Well, sugar, here’s how to do it right—especially with kids in tow.

1. Designate a Firework-Free Zone
Just like Grandma’s kitchen during pie-baking time, there are places kids don’t belong. Set up a blanket or chairs at a safe distance, and make it clear that only adults go near the sparkly stuff.

2. Gear Up Like a Pro
Keep a bucket of water or a cooler filled with water nearby, just in case. That’s not just for show. Fireworks can have a mind of their own—and it ain’t always polite.

3. Light One at a Time
No need to rush. Independence Day isn’t going anywhere. Light a single firework at a time, back up fast, and keep the kids well behind the line.

4. Eye and Ear Protection
Protect those baby blues and tender ears. Even sparklers burn at 2,000°F, and booms can rattle more than just nerves.

5. Teach Kids About the Magic and the Meaning
Let them know the 4th is about more than just pops and bangs. It’s about freedom, family, and the kind of joy you feel with bare feet in the sand and stars overhead.

Fireworks Alternatives for the Littles

Sometimes the safest spark is no spark at all—especially for the under-five crowd. Here’s what the Johnsons did:

• Glow sticks and LED light wands turned their kids into tiny light shows.
• Beach-safe lanterns (battery-operated) turned their little blanket camp into a lighthouse of laughter.
• And when the real fireworks started over the pier? Todd held his youngest on his shoulders while Maria whispered the names of each color in his ear.

The Sweet Ending

That night, as the last firework bloomed like a magnolia in the sky, the Johnsons sat wrapped in towels and togetherness. No burns. No tantrums. Just gratitude. And that, y’all, is what makes it all worth it.

Book Your Own Star-Spangled Escape

Ready to make your own memories under the Carolina stars? Whether you’re here for fireworks, sandy toes, or stories that stick with your kids forever, Thomas Beach Vacations has the perfect place for your family.

Call us at (866) 249-2100 or visit northmyrtlebeachvacations.com to find your beach home this summer.

Pack the sunscreen, bring the stories, and we’ll bring the view.

The Grandparents’ Guide to Beach Bliss: Building Memories One Sandcastle at a Time

She taught him to build castles, not just with sand—but with stories, and patience, and sun-kissed afternoons.

It was mid-June, and the Suggs family had descended on North Myrtle Beach like a joyful breeze through Spanish moss. Margaret Suggs, seventy-two and a retired schoolteacher, had her folding chair staked in the sand by 8:00 a.m. sharp. Beside her, six-year-old Jonah was already knee-deep in a moat, cheeks flushed with purpose. For them, this wasn’t just vacation. It was tradition.

Every summer, Margaret and her husband Hank packed up their trusty sedan, loaded it with boogie boards, board games, and homemade oatmeal cookies, and met their children and grandchildren at the coast. It wasn’t about the luxury. It was about the rhythm—morning sunrises, salty breezes, and passing on the joy of the beach.

Vacationing with grandkids is a special kind of magic, equal parts storytelling and sunscreen. But it does take some planning. Margaret, having learned through trial and sandy error, had a few golden rules:

First: Pack with intention. Not just extra towels and aloe, but patience and humor. There will be spilled juice boxes and forgotten goggles. Let it go. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s presence.

Second: Bring the old stories. Kids crave connection more than Wi-Fi. At night, under porch lights and the hum of cicadas, Margaret told tales of her first beach trip in 1958, when swimsuits had skirts and ice cream came in paper cups. Jonah listened wide-eyed, as if she were handing him a map to a secret treasure.

Third: Create rituals. Mornings were for seashell hunting. Afternoons meant one-on-one walks where each child got their turn to be heard. Evenings ended with a scoop of peach ice cream and toes in the tide.

These small rituals, seemingly ordinary, laid the foundation for something enduring: a sense of belonging, of being loved, of knowing that no matter where life blows them, the ocean—and Grandma’s laugh—would always be waiting.

So whether you’re a spry grandpa with a frisbee or a sweet Nana with a sunhat the size of a beach umbrella, know this: you’re not just keeping an eye on the kids. You’re anchoring them.

Book your next family stay with Thomas Beach Vacations.

We’ve got beachfront homes perfect for generations to gather. Comfortable, convenient, and full of the kind of quiet joy only a beach can provide. Let us help you make the memories—they’ll last far longer than footprints in the sand.

Chaos, Cheerios & the Coast: A Real Guide to Family Beach Vacations

They rolled into the driveway like a modern-day wagon train, minivan groaning under the weight of pool noodles, sunscreen, and juice boxes. It was the Miller family—John, Sarah, and their three children under the age of ten—and it was two days before their big summer escape to North Myrtle Beach. The air already smelled of salt and second chances.

You’d think a beach trip would be easy: throw some towels in a bag and hit the road. But anyone who’s ever traveled with kids knows better. This ain’t just a vacation—it’s a logistical ballet with a side of chaos.

John, the dad, stood in the garage staring at a pile of sand toys like a man sizing up an opponent. “Do we need all of ’em?” he muttered. Sarah didn’t answer. She was elbow-deep in a Ziploc bag of kids’ medications, travel-size shampoos, and enough Band-Aids to patch up a small militia. Preparation, she believed, was the true art of parenting.

The kids, of course, were no help. Lily, the five-year-old, packed her bag with nothing but swimsuits and glitter. Jack, age seven, insisted on bringing his entire dinosaur collection. The baby, well, he just threw Cheerios into every open bag like he was blessing the journey.

Preparation begins at home, long before toes hit the sand. First off, pack smart. That means layering clothes, using clear packing cubes, and never—never—forgetting the sunscreen. You’ll want the good stuff, the kind you slather on once and it holds through two popsicles and a dunk in the waves.

Secondly, make peace with the mess. Sand will follow you like a jealous ex. It’ll be in the minivan, the sheets, the peanut butter sandwiches. Embrace it. Bring an old sheet to lay on the sand and a small broom for post-beach cleanups. Keep baby powder in the bag—it takes sand off skin like magic. Sarah learned that one from her mama, who learned it from hers.

Snacks, too, are sacred. This ain’t the time to be healthy. Bring the fruit pouches, goldfish crackers, and juice boxes. Hungry kids are feral kids, and you don’t want a meltdown during the golden hour.

Plan activities, but hold them loosely. North Myrtle Beach has more than enough to entertain—mini golf, alligator parks, ice cream parlors with more toppings than a Baptist potluck—but the best moments come unplanned. Like when Jack found a sand dollar and declared himself “rich forever.”

Evenings are for slowing down. After showers and dinner, the family would gather on the balcony, wrapped in beach towels, watching the sky turn the color of peach cobbler. Sarah would sip her sweet tea and whisper, “This is it. This is the good stuff.”

A beach vacation with kids isn’t a break—not exactly. It’s a different kind of work. But it’s the work of building memories, of shaping childhoods, of showing them that life’s best moments are a little messy, a little loud, and a lot beautiful.

So if your soul is aching for the ocean and your kids are bouncing off the walls like frogs on a hot skillet, it might be time.

Book your family’s escape with Thomas Beach Vacations

They’ll help you find the perfect home-away-from-home in North Myrtle Beach, with room to stretch, space to play, and sunsets you’ll carry in your heart long after the sand is gone. Let us take care of the rest—you just bring the laughter.

Stars, Stripes & Sea Breezes: A 4th of July to Remember in North Myrtle Beach

They say freedom rings, but in North Myrtle Beach, it also sizzles on the grill, booms over the ocean, and rides in on a salty breeze.

Every year, as July 4th rolls in hotter than a firecracker in a cast-iron skillet, folks flock to this sun-soaked stretch of Carolina coast to trade traffic lights for tiki torches and salute the stars and stripes with sand between their toes. It’s not just a holiday here—it’s a full-blown, flip-flop-wearing, sparkler-waving seaside spectacle. From fireworks that rattle your ribs to barbecue smoke curling above beach chairs, North Myrtle Beach puts on a patriotic show that would make Betsy Ross weep with joy.

🎆 Fireworks Over the Atlantic: Cherry Grove Pier

As twilight descends on July 4th, locals and visitors alike gather near the iconic Cherry Grove Pier. At 9:30 PM, the sky erupts in a dazzling display of fireworks, their reflections dancing on the ocean waves. This free event is a staple of North Myrtle Beach’s Independence Day festivities, drawing crowds who come early to stake out the perfect spot on the sand.

🚢 A Nautical Celebration: Barefoot Queen Riverboat Cruise

For those seeking a unique vantage point, the Barefoot Queen Riverboat offers a special 4th of July Fireworks Cruise. Departing at 8:00 PM, this two-hour journey along the Intracoastal Waterway provides guests with an unobstructed view of the fireworks, accompanied by live entertainment and refreshments.

🎶 Music and Merriment: Live Performances

The celebration doesn’t stop at fireworks. Throughout North Myrtle Beach, various venues host live music events to keep the patriotic spirit alive. From tribute bands at local bars to family-friendly concerts at public parks, there’s a tune for every ear.

🏃‍♂️ Red, White & Blue 5K: A Patriotic Run

For the active and adventurous, the annual Red, White & Blue 5K offers a chance to start the day with a burst of energy. Participants don their most patriotic attire and race through scenic routes, celebrating freedom with every stride.

🍔 Classic Cookouts: Beachside Barbecues

No 4th of July is complete without a hearty meal. Many families take advantage of the area’s beach homes and vacation rentals to host their own cookouts, grilling up burgers and hot dogs with the ocean as their backdrop. Local markets like Boulineau’s Food Plus provide all the essentials for a festive feast.

🎇 Fireworks at Barefoot Landing

Another highlight of the evening is the fireworks display at Barefoot Landing. Starting at 10:00 PM, this show lights up the sky over the Intracoastal Waterway, offering a picturesque end to the day’s celebrations. Visitors often arrive early to enjoy shopping, dining, and live entertainment throughout the complex.

Independence Day in North Myrtle Beach is more than just a holiday; it’s an experience that blends the joy of freedom with the serenity of the sea. Whether you’re watching fireworks burst over the Atlantic, dancing to live music, or enjoying a beachside barbecue, the memories made here are bound to last a lifetime.

Ready to make your 4th of July unforgettable? Book your beach vacation with Thomas Beach Vacations. With a variety of accommodations to suit every family’s needs, we’re here to help you celebrate in style. Contact us at 866-249-2100 or visit NorthMyrtleBeachVacations.com to start planning your Independence Day getaway.