Myrtle Beach, SC – 2020 (Beach, COVID, Buffets and CRABS)
Myrtle Beach State Park was our first stop of 2020. Just before Memorial Day we loaded up the car with the tent and all our gear and set off to the east. After several hours we found the traffic and made our way into the park. After checking in and setting up came in site 41 we headed off to the beach.
The great thing about this park is the beach is only a 4-5 minute walk from your camp so even the youngest kids can handle the walk. The beach is clean and we often saw the Horry County Police patrolling the sands. One thing to note here is they don’t allow tents or canopies on the beaches (umbrellas only).
While the kiddos were playing in the sand I decided to look for dinner options to subside my seafood craving. After looking through several options I reserved a table at the Sea Captain’s House requesting to be close to the water. After getting the kids away from the water we took the short drive through Myrtle Beach to the restaurant. We parked and checked in and were told we would be called shortly (limited dining mandates). After a short wait we were sat on the enclosed patio area of the restaurant but not by the water.
Fortunately we had a good view of the sunset across the ocean because we were there quite a while waiting on service as the server seemed to be lost but at least we had our complementary hush puppies and honey butter…..YUM!!!!! J definitely filled up on these!
Overall the experience wasn’t bad but the service could have been much better. I would recommend the food and the atmosphere and would give them another shot on a future trip.
One of the great things about the state park here is that the fishing pier has been repaired from previous hurricane damage. This pier has plenty of seating over the length and is free to walk (fee to fish). It is very likely you will see sharks swimming under, and around, the pier but shark fishing is prohibited in Horry County.
After a few days in camp we collectively decided to find a seafood buffet before heading home. The biggest challenge here was the restrictions from the virus but fortunately for us South Carolina had started allowing more freedom for businesses to survive. We called a few places and settled on Crabby Mike’s just to the South of the campground in Surfside Beach. When we walked in we were advised of the rules and taken to a table. Plates were brought to the table by a server and the buffet lines were one way requiring plastic gloves to use the serving utensils. The buffet includes every type of seafood imaginable in various forms INCLUDING crab legs!!!! After dinner you can treat yourself to your fill of pies, cakes, cobblers, puddings and ice cream! The ambiance of the restaurant is great and you can even get a quick history lesson on the restaurant (complete with pictures) in the hallway to the restrooms. Overall K, J and I all highly recommend this restaurant. We’ve been two out of three trips to this area in 2020! Give it a try and let us know what you think.
Finally, as with any beach trip, you won’t make it home in peace unless your kids get a hermit crab.
It seems like every store you pass has hermit crabs and they’re all FREE! Oh but wait……the catch! Most are free with a cage purchase which can run your price WAY up once they sell you all the extras you MUST have for your crab. My advice on the matter is to do a bit of quick research. Once you check a bit you learn that the best option is to get out cheap! Buy the smallest cage because if you want them to live at home you’re going to need glass anyway to control temperature and humidity. Grab a couple larger shells and run for the hills! Most pet stores sell sand and supplies for the crab habitat much cheaper. Also don’t get suckered into the food. Crabs aren’t picky and love to eat new things. If you eat it they probably can too. Ours love Cheerios and broccoli. They don’t need a lot of sweet type foods but you don’t have to spend extra for a “special food.” My final note on the crabs is this……prepare to have them for a while. If you care for them properly they will live long. Please be prepared to do this if you let the littles acquire the new pet!
My overall review of this trip is mixed. (Note: We visited 3 times in 2020) I would highly recommend the state park but I would not recommend venturing into the main parts of Myrtle Beach anymore. Safety has become a key concern in the city and it has unfortunately been called “Murder Beach” by many. During our first visit we saw bullet holes in the glass of businesses and heavy police activity. I was happy with the visibility of the Myrtle Beach Police but they have been unable to contain the growing crime rate. Unfortunately one of their officers was even killed in the line of duty during the late Summer. Our hearts go out to the family and friends. Hopefully things can change in time but for the foreseeable future I would recommend against a visit anywhere outside the park.