Huntington Beach State Park 16 miles south of Myrtle Beach has been called the best state park beach on the East Coast — 3 miles of uncrowded Atlantic beach with excellent birdwatching in the adjacent Atalaya Castle estate, a National Historic Landmark built by the sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington. The park's freshwater lagoon supports alligators, osprey, and 300 species of birds. Hotels in the Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island area near Huntington Beach State Park offer a quieter alternative to the busy Myrtle Beach resort strip.
Our Picks — Myrtle Beach
Grande Dunes (marina area)
An upscale marina-side retreat that feels more like a Mediterranean-inspired resort than a typical beach hotel, with a serene setting away from the Boardwalk crowds. It stands out for its spa-and-wellness focus, extensive on-site activities, and a private beach area for easy Grand Strand downtime.
Downtown / Myrtle Beach Boardwalk area (oceanfront)
A modern, oceanfront all-suites hotel that’s especially popular with travelers who want fresh design, strong value, and walkability to central Myrtle Beach sights. Many rooms emphasize sweeping Atlantic views, and the resort-style pool scene makes it easy to spend full days on property.
Downtown / Myrtle Beach Boardwalk area (oceanfront)
A polished, condo-style oceanfront stay ideal for travelers who want more space and in-room kitchens while keeping the beach right outside the door. The atmosphere is calmer than some mega-resorts, but you still get the pool-and-sun-deck energy people come to Myrtle Beach for.
Downtown / Myrtle Beach Boardwalk area (north end, oceanfront)
A sleek, high-rise oceanfront property known for roomy suites that suit families and longer stays without giving up resort perks. With both indoor and outdoor pools plus on-site bars, it’s a strong pick for shoulder-season trips when weather can be unpredictable.
Grande Dunes (north Myrtle Beach area, oceanfront)
A top-tier villa resort for travelers who want the reliability of Marriott service paired with condo-style space and beachfront access. It’s especially appealing for groups and extended stays thanks to the multiple-pool setup, on-site dining, and the quieter, upscale Grande Dunes setting.
The Market Common / Myrtle Beach State Park area (oceanfront)
An oceanfront extended-stay favorite with suite layouts and kitchenettes that make longer beach trips simpler and more affordable. Its south-end location near Market Common is a plus for travelers who want dining and shopping options that feel less touristy than the central strip.
Looking for more options? See all Myrtle Beach hotels