If you’re staying in Myrtle Beach and want a change of pace for the day, a day trip to North Myrtle Beach is an easy choice. It’s close enough to feel effortless, yet different enough to feel like you’ve gone somewhere new.
North Myrtle Beach is calmer, more spread out, and less crowded, making it a perfect day-trip destination if you want to slow things down without leaving the coast.
With Landmark Resort as your perfect home base, you can enjoy the energy of Myrtle Beach and still spend a full day exploring North Myrtle Beach before heading back in the evening. This is how to spend an ideal day in North Myrtle!
Getting There: An Easy Drive North from Myrtle Beach
One of the biggest advantages of a day trip to North Myrtle Beach is how close it is. From Landmark Resort, it’s just a short distance up the coast, usually about half an hour by car. That short drive makes it simple to spend anywhere from a few hours to a full day exploring.
Because the distance is so manageable, there’s no pressure to rush. You can leave after breakfast, explore at your own pace, and return without feeling like travel has taken over your vacation.
Morning: Start the Day on the Sand
The beach is where most visitors begin, and North Myrtle Beach offers a noticeably different experience from Myrtle Beach. The shoreline is a bit wider, the crowds are thinner, and the pace is slower. These pristine beaches are ideal for long walks, quiet mornings, and relaxed time by the water.
Many visitors enjoy starting with a stroll along the sand, beach combing for shells, or simply setting up a chair to enjoy the quiet coastal beauty. The natural beauty here feels less developed and more open, which is exactly what makes it appealing.
The quieter beaches make it easy to slow down and enjoy simple pleasures. Beach combing is popular here, especially near Cherry Grove, where shells and natural details are easier to spot. Walking along the shoreline or near the dunes gives you a better sense of the area’s natural wonders and coastal charm.
Explore North Myrtle Beach: Slower Pace, Local Feel
As you move away from the beach, the town itself reveals its small-town charm. The area is made up of several communities that feel more residential and local. You’ll notice a laid-back atmosphere and streets that invite you to explore without an agenda.
A short drive brings you to the charming town of Little River, a working waterfront where fishing boats line the docks and the Intracoastal meets the coast. It’s a great place to walk, watch boats come and go, and experience a side of the area that’s closely tied to fishing, boating, and local culture.
Afternoon: Water Activities, Shopping, and Exploring
The afternoon is where North Myrtle Beach really shines. Whether you want light adventure, shopping, or time to relax, there are plenty of ways to spend a few hours.
Lunch by the Water
By midday, head to the water for lunch. Fresh seafood is a highlight here, and dining tends to be relaxed rather than rushed. Crab Catcher’s on the Waterfront in Little River is a popular choice for a casual meal right on the water, where you can sit back and enjoy the view while taking a break from the sun.
Or, head to Boardwalk Billy’s, another waterfront favorite known for its casual atmosphere, live music, and classic coastal menu. With views of the water and boats passing by, it’s an easy place to linger a little longer and enjoy the laid-back side of the area.
These dining experiences feel unhurried, which fits perfectly with the overall rhythm of a North Myrtle Beach day trip.
Paddle Boarding and Kayaking the Inlet
For those who want to get on the water, paddleboarding and kayaking are great options. The inlet and nearby marsh areas offer calmer water than the open ocean, making them suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
It’s a peaceful way to explore the coast, spot wildlife, and enjoy the scenery from a different perspective. These activities add adventure without taking over your entire day.
Outfitters in North Myrtle Beach and Little River include:
- J&L Kayaks – Paddleboard and kayak rentals in Little River
- Great Escapes Kayak Expeditions – Guided kayak tours through marshes and inlet areas
- Shark Wake Park – Cable wakeboarding and family-friendly water fun for adventure seekers
Cast a Line on Cherry Grove Pier
If your ideal day out is not on the water but near it, this is a great alternative to kayaking and paddleboarding. Stretching 985 feet into the Atlantic, Cherry Grove Pier is one of the most iconic fishing spots along the Grand Strand — and a must-stop on any day trip to North Myrtle Beach.
You don’t need to be an expert angler to enjoy it. Rod rentals and bait are available on-site, making it easy for beginners or families to jump in without hauling their own gear. Depending on the season, you might catch flounder, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, or even king mackerel during peak runs.
Even if you’re not fishing, the pier is worth the walk.
Shopping and Local Finds
If you’d rather stay on land, North Myrtle Beach has plenty of shopping options that feel more relaxed than the busy shopping areas farther south. You’ll find beach boutiques like The Hot Honey Boutique and small local stores where browsing feels easy and unhurried.
This is a good way to explore the town while staying out of the sun for a bit.
Evening: Wind Down North Myrtle Beach Style
Evening here isn’t about rushing to the next attraction — it’s about lingering a little longer, soaking in the views, and letting the day unfold vacation style before heading back to Myrtle Beach.
Spend a Few Hours at Barefoot Landing
One of the most popular afternoon stops is Barefoot Landing. This waterfront entertainment complex is perfect for spending a few hours without needing a strict plan. You can shop, grab a drink, or watch boats move through the waterway.
Barefoot Landing combines shopping, dining, and fun attractions in one place, making it easy to fill the afternoon at your own pace before heading back to Myrtle Beach.
Explore Town
If you prefer staying on land, spend the afternoon exploring town centers and quieter streets. You’ll find charming streets, cozy cafes, and places where you can stroll, shop, and relax without crowds. This slower pace is a big part of what makes North Myrtle Beach feel like a hidden gem compared to Myrtle Beach.
Head Back with Time to Spare
As the afternoon winds down, the short drive back to Myrtle Beach makes it easy to return without stress. Some visitors like to catch a quiet moment near the beach before leaving, while others head back earlier to enjoy dinner closer to their hotel.
North Myrtle Beach vs. Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is known for entertainment, attractions, and nonstop activity. North Myrtle Beach offers a bit of contrast. It’s less crowded, more relaxed, and more focused on nature and the coast. That difference makes it a perfect destination for a day trip during your vacation.
You get the best of both worlds without choosing one over the other.
Why Landmark Resort Makes It Easy
When you’re planning a day trip to North Myrtle Beach, where you stay can make all the difference. Landmark Resort keeps things simple.
Located oceanfront in Myrtle Beach, Landmark gives you easy access to North Myrtle Beach attractions like Cherry Grove Pier and Barefoot Landing — while still putting you close to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, restaurants, and entertainment. It’s a convenient home base if you want flexibility without constantly packing up and relocating.
On-site amenities make downtime just as fun as your day trips: indoor and outdoor pools, a lazy river, hot tubs, a seasonal waterpark area, on-site dining, and direct beach access.
Book your stay today!