There are different types of vacations, and I have fully leaned into all of them.
Sometimes I take trips for myself. The kind where I get to spend time with my girlfriends and reconnect with who I am outside of being a wife and a mom. Other times, it is a trip with my husband where we are intentional about slowing down and prioritizing our relationship.
And then there are family vacations.
Not the kind where everything is centered around the kids while the parents just make it through the day, but the kind where everyone is genuinely having a good time. The kids are happy, the adults are relaxed, and no one feels like they are sacrificing their experience for someone else.
Myrtle Beach is that kind of trip.
When I was younger, my family would drive down from Virginia and stop at South of the Border along the way. I still remember the shows, the buffets, the ocean, and the feeling of being completely in the moment. I had not been back since childhood, but I always knew I would return one day with my own kids. This was the year we finally did it.
Over four days, we experienced the resort, the restaurants, and the activities that made this trip feel like more than just a getaway. It felt like something we will continue to come back to.
Where We Stayed: Kingston Resorts in North Myrtle Beach –
( Save 10% Off Your Visit to Kingston Resorts Using Promo Code: K11 )
9800 Queensway Blvd, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 29572
Finding the right place to stay sets the tone for the entire trip, and Kingston Resorts immediately stood out.
This is not just a hotel. It is a full resort community that includes the Embassy Suites, the Hilton, private residences, and multiple shared amenities, all within a gated beachfront property. The space felt private without feeling isolated, and the beach access made a noticeable difference. It never felt overcrowded, which is something that matters when you are traveling with family.
We stayed at the Embassy Suites, and the layout alone made it worth it. The room includes a separate bedroom with a door, along with a full living and dining area that has a sofa bed. That setup gave the kids their own space while still allowing us to have privacy, which made a huge difference at the end of each day.
What stood out most was how much was included without feeling like an extra charge at every step. Each morning started with a full hot breakfast, not a light continental setup, but an actual buffet that made it easy to start the day without leaving the property. In the evenings, the complimentary reception included drinks and snacks, which added a relaxed, almost all-inclusive feel that you do not usually expect from a domestic resort.
The property itself offered more than enough to fill an entire day without leaving. Between the heated pools, water slides, splash pad, fitness center, and Spa 33, there was always something to do. Even during cooler weather, the indoor and heated options kept everything accessible.
One thing to note is that Kingston Resorts is located in North Myrtle Beach, which is quieter and more residential than the main strip. It does require a short drive, but the trade-off is a more relaxed and spacious environment, which felt worth it.
It’s also Hilton Properties so your rewards point work here and covers you for the Free Wi-Fi too. You can stay at the Hilton or Embassy Suites (Closer to the water slides) by clicking here and saving yourself 10% in the process.
Night One: The Hangout
1181 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Our first night set the tone for the entire trip.
We went to The Hangout, and while I expected a typical family-friendly restaurant, what we walked into felt more like a full experience. The food is straightforward and approachable, but that is not the reason you go.
From the moment we sat down, the energy in the space stood out. There were foam parties happening outside, music playing, and staff interacting with guests in a way that felt fun instead of forced. Throughout the night, different moments pulled the entire room into the experience, from dancing to group activities and on the table tops too…. it had both kids and adults fully engaged.
It was chaotic in the best way. The kind of place where you stop checking your phone and just enjoy what is happening around you.I have never been to a place like this and cannot wait to return. Did I mention they have a foam party just out front every hour!
By the time we left, it was clear this was not just another restaurant. It was one of the most memorable family dining experiences we have had.
Day Two: Resort Time, The Beach, and Ripley’s
The second day started slowly, which ended up being exactly what we needed.
After breakfast at the resort, we spent the morning moving between the pool and the beach. Even in early spring, the heated pool and splash areas kept the kids entertained, while the quieter beachfront created a calm start to the day.
As the weather shifted, we moved indoors to the fitness center pool, which allowed us to keep the momentum of the day without interruption. That flexibility made a big difference.
For dinner, we stayed on the property and ate at The Brew. It ended up being one of those places you return to without overthinking it. The food was consistently good, and being able to walk back to the room afterward made the evening feel easy.
That night, we headed to the main strip for Ripley’s Aquarium (1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577), and it completely exceeded expectations. Walking through the tunnel with sharks moving overhead felt immersive in a way that made you stop and take it in. The penguin exhibit allowed for close interaction, which stood out even more for the kids.
We followed that with the mirror maze and illusion experience nearby, which added a lighter, more playful end to the night before grabbing ice cream and heading back.
Day Three: A Full Day and the Highlight of the Trip
Our final full day started back at the resort, where we realized there were still amenities we had not used. We spent the morning riding bikes around the property and taking advantage of the slower pace before heading out again.
Later in the day, we visited Dino Land Café (1012 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577), which added a fun and slightly unexpected experience. The moving dinosaurs, themed environment, and over-the-top presentation created something that felt entertaining for both kids and adults.
That evening led into what ended up being the highlight of the entire trip.
Pirates Voyage (8907 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572) is not just a show. It is a full production built around an indoor water stage where performers dive, fight, and move through a high-energy storyline. From the moment it started, it held everyone’s attention.
What stood out most was my daughter’s reaction. She was completely still, completely focused, and fully engaged from beginning to end. It is rare to see that level of attention, and it said everything about the experience.
The included dinner added to the evening, making it feel complete rather than rushed.
Final Thoughts: Why Myrtle Beach Works
In just a few days, it became clear that Myrtle Beach offers more than enough to fill a full week, and likely more than one trip. There is a balance here that is not always easy to find. Activities for kids, experiences for adults, and spaces that allow everyone to enjoy themselves without compromise.
What stood out just as much was the overall feeling of comfort. As a Black family, feeling welcomed and at ease in every space we entered mattered, and that was consistent throughout the trip.
Myrtle Beach delivers a type of family vacation that is accessible, enjoyable, and repeatable. It does not require international travel to get a full resort-style experience, and it allows families to create moments that feel memorable without overcomplicating the trip.
We went expecting a good time. We left already planning the next visit.
Quick Myrtle Beach Family Trip Recap
Where we stayed: Embassy Suites at Kingston Resorts, North Myrtle Beach Trip length: Sunday–Wednesday (3 nights, 4 days) Best restaurant: The Hangout (don’t skip it) Best activity: Pirates Voyage (non-negotiable) Best attraction: Ripley’s Aquarium Best resort perk: Free evening reception with 2 drinks daily Good to know: North Myrtle Beach is quieter — you’ll need a car to get to the main strip (~20 min drive)
Have you taken your family to Myrtle Beach? And follow me at @itssummerssomewhere for more family travel content, things to do in the Maryland/DC area, and honest reviews from a real family of four.
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