Stay in the Carolinas: Deals on Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Hotels

A trip to the Carolinas can be characterized by a diverse array of attractions: nutmeg-colored sand on the Carolina coast; sleepy colonial fishing towns; storied architecture; and quirky museums. North and South Carolina both possess distinct draws despite being neighboring states, giving modern day explorers the opportunity to traipse through varying landscapes and immerse themselves in multiple iterations of Southern culture just across state bounds. We've compiled some deals from both locales so you can enjoy the best of the Carolinas.

Depending on where you plan to head first, airfare to bigger cities such as Raleigh, Charlotte, and Charleston can often be cheaper than more tourist-driven locations like Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head, so check which stop is best for your budget before you begin. Once you arrive, road trip it around and see some sights with a Thrifty car rental (from $26.99 per day via coupon code "4C21M"; expires September 30). While the deal requires a 5-day minimum booking, it's the best daily rate this agency has offered to date.

If laying out on the sand with a good read remains top priority, head to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina's coastal town of choice. Temperatures continue to be in the 70s and 80s until November, and the 2-year-old boardwalk is flanked by plenty of lodging accommodations to choose from. VisitMyrtleBeach is offering nightly rates for as little as $35 at select resorts like Hotel Blue and Captain's Quarters Resort (a low by $9; expires October 22). At Hotel Blue, stays include a free daily game of bowling and access to deals at local restaurants and attractions.

Looking for a home away from home? The Aqua Beach Inn allows guests to stay in a 2-queen studio, 1-king studio, or executive 2-queen studio, equipped with a full kitchen and views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean (from $47 per night, a low by $22; expires September 18). This high-rise inn is located directly across the 14th Avenue Pier, and it's just a stroll away from the water. Similarly, the Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort provides beachfront access for just $49 a night, but with the additional perk of free meals for kids 10 and under (a low by $10; expires September 19).

Five miles south of Myrtle Beach, the Surfside Beach Resort offers nightly stays for two adults and two children bundled with in-room Wifi and 10% off comfort food at the River City Café for just $85 a night (a low by $16; expires September 16). The hotel is located along South Carolina's "Grand Strand" and close to multiple golf courses.

But Myrtle Beach has more to offer than just fun in the sun. Barefoot Landing, a boardwalk cluster that plays host to various shops, is also the site of the Tigers Preservation Station, a free exhibit where you can get close to rare and endangered tigers. Gamers can also rejoice; the Fun Plaza arcade has 25 skeeball lanes, new and old arcade favorites, and baseball bat-and-pitch games, to boot. And for foodies, seafood abounds at hotspots such as the Pier House Restaurant and Aspen Grille.

Are you a golf enthusiast? Hilton Head is home to more than 20 championship golf courses, making it perfect for even a last minute tee time, but the island also has plenty of outdoor activities for the rest of the family. To make the most of your stay here book a 4-night stay for two at the ResortQuest by Windham Bluff Villas 1768 Condo (from $485 via coupon code "4FOR3", a low by $111; expires September 14). Or, shop the additional villa properties in the area that are eligible for a fourth night free via coupon code "4FOR3".

Once you've seen all that South Carolina has to offer, head north for a tar heel twist. North Carolina's outer banks are a sight to see; not only are the quiet rural fishing islands serene, but they're also the spot where English colonist John White landed back in 1587, and where others are said to have mysteriously disappeared. Stay at the newly built Breakwater Inn on Hatteras Island, which is offering nightly stays for two for just $47 (a low by $47; expires September 20). The hotel faces the Pamlico Sound, the largest lagoon along the East Coast, and offers plenty of seafood dishes at the onsite restaurant: sea scallops and blue crab ravioli, anyone? For a walk through the town's spooky history, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum features numerous shipwrecks along the outer banks.

These travel deals are plenty reason to visit the Carolina coast and Outer Banks. But if you've got different ideas for a vacation, be sure to check out our daily travel deals for other airfare, hotel, and vacation packages.

^{At the time of publication, these travel deals offered the lowest prices we could find. Deals may include blackout dates, additional taxes, and fees. Some of our prices may be based on mandatory double occupancy.}

Photo credits top to bottom: Bartoliniville,
North Carolina Miscellany, IgoUgo, and Golf Guide USA