Summer's Calling: Your Myrtle Beach Vacation Beckons

Not too many places named after a shrub have reached the giddy heights of top summer destination, but Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has done just that. The abundant local Southern Wax Myrtle plant (Myrica cerifera for the horticulturalists in the crowd) is still a mainstay in the landscape, but nowadays Myrtle Beach is also home to many resorts and beachfront properties. Almost 15 million sun-seekers visit the inlets each year, so isn't it time you vacationed in Myrtle Beach? Whether you're looking for a family getaway or a romantic break in the sun, we've got flight, hotel, and vacation packages deals to get you there.

If you plan to travel to Myrtle Beach by plane, you'll be passing through the Myrtle Beach International Airport. Despite undergoing construction for a new terminal, this compact airport is an efficient and friendly gateway to the sandy paradise beyond. Southwest Airlines offers one-way flights to Myrtle Beach starting at $65.80 (a low by $56; expires May 25), or book yourself a trip with American Airlines whose roundtrip fares start at $157.60 (a low by $189; expires May 24). You can also check out our daily airfare deals for future sales that might include your preferred routes from popular air carriers like JetBlue, Delta, Continental, and more.

Once you've made it back onto terra firma, it's time to kick back and relax … but where along this beautiful coast should you unpack? Situated on South Boulevard, just 10 minutes from the airport, you'll find the Tropical Seas Hotel offering 2-night stays in an ocean-view double room (from $106, a low by $35; expires June 1). Leading directly onto the beach, this hotel has a jacuzzi, two oceanfront pools, and more.

For something more family-orientated, head to North Boulevard for a 2-night stay at the Ocean Creek Resort (from $118, a low by $23; expires May 24). This hotel features several pools (including an indoor whirlpool), a tennis center, an oceanfront playfront, a putting green, and video game room. The resort is also within easy access of Myrtle Beach's Ripley Aquarium, which boasts an indoor way to experience aquatic fun.

To inject a little luxury and romance into your vacation, we recommend a 2-night stay in an ocean-view room at the Caravelle Resort (from $230, a low by $98; expires May 21). You should unwind at the spa with a couples massage, then head down to the resort's Santa Maria restaurant to enjoy some of Myrtle Beach's superlative seafood. Complete your evening out with a nightcap at the chic Liquids Lounge bar, then sweep your partner off for a moonlit walk on the beach. (We'd advise that you resist the urge to serenade your loved one on the beach, however, as that would just be cheesy.)

Myrtle Beach has much to offer for the whole family, but if it's not in your travel sights at the moment you can check out our daily travel deals for other airfare sales, and 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.}

Front page photo credit: Zazzle
Photo credits: Destination 360, US News, and US News