With the spring weather in full bloom in the Myrtle Beach area, the best places to visit are the ones without walls and a roof. The great outdoors are even greater this time of year on the Grand Strand, and there are plenty of options for getting outside and having an adventure. Whether seeking a couples, family or group outing, you’ll find the ideal venue on our list of seven great places to enjoy the great outdoors:
- Biking/Hiking: Whether you want to see the local scenery on two wheels or two feet, the Strand has you covered. The East Coast Greenway and Perron Trail provide paved pathways for cycling and jogging, while The Hulk (Horry County Bike/Hike Park) offers dirt trails through wooded areas. Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park offer hiking and biking trails through beautiful coastal scenery. Those looking to take in the scenery on two wheels can rent traditional and electric bikes at various outfitters around town.
- Canoeing/Kayaking: Guided tours or equipment rental for solo trips are available at various outfitters on the Strand, and Cherry Grove Inlet to the north and Murrells Inlet to the south provide perfect places for paddling in calm coastal waters. A new tour company, Glass Bottom Kayak Tours, offers a unique way to see the underwater world beneath your boat. The see-through hulls allow patrons to explore the ocean floor without getting wet.
- Fishing: There's nothing like spending a sunny day on the water trying to catch a big one, and the Strand has lots of venue choices. Deep-sea fishing and offshore angling are offered through various outfitters (Captain Dick's and Little River Fishing Fleet, for example), and a series of piers makes it easy to enjoy saltwater fishing without heading out to sea. The Intracoastal Waterway, the Waccamaw River and other inland streams provide freshwater angling opportunities.
- Golf: The most popular way to enjoy the outdoors in the Myrtle Beach area is on one of the 80-plus golf courses located within a 60-mile radius of the Strand. The spring golf season is the most popular for a reason — the mild weather and blooming landscape create a nice environment for chasing that little white ball. Let Long Bay's friendly staff set you up with tee times and accommodations at a discounted package rate.
- Horseback Riding: Saddle up and go for a horseback ride through the lovely coastal terrain of the Strand. Inlet Point Stables in Little River provides rides down the beach and across Dunn Sound to Waites Island, as well as on trails that run along the Intracoastal Waterway. Experienced guides and well-mannered horses are used to ensure a safe and fun trip.
- Jet Skis/Boats: Jet skis are like motorcycles on the water, and lots of visitors decide to take a ride on the wet and wild side by renting them by the hour from numerous outfitters on the coast. Express, Ocean Watersports and Island Adventures are among the many rental outlets for rides in the ocean or on the Intracoastal Waterway. Banana boat rides and personal watercraft rentals are also available by the hour, half day or full day.
- Parasailing: Fly like a seagull high over the ocean by signing up for a parasailing ride. Numerous outfitters, such as Atlantic Watersports, Downwind Sail and Ocean Watersports, are solid bets for parasailing trips that take you high in the sky over the water with a special parachute keeping you suspended in the air. Enjoy the view of the water and land from 60 feet high.
After spending a great day in the great outdoors, come back to Long Bay Resort and relax in one of our indoor or outdoor pools, the lazy river and hot tubs, or in your clean and comfortable room with a private balcony overlooking the ocean. It’s the perfect way to close your day of outdoor adventure on the Grand Strand.
