“You belong at the beach”: Myrtle Beach’s big bienvenue to Canadians

STORY BY KATHY BUCKWORTH

“You Belong At The Beach”

The tagline for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is perfect…in more ways than one. It’s inclusive and it’s personal. Everyone is welcome to this beach city, and the city is making sure that everyone knows it. And with 100 kilometres of beaches on offer, Canadians have long flocked to Myrtle Beach.

This is clearly evidenced by Myrtle Beach looking forward to  celebrating their 64th year of CAN-AM Days (March 8-16, 2025) when Canadians are welcomed with Canadian flags waving, given special discounts, and meant to feel like they belong.

But that’s not the only time Canadians are made to feel welcome, and this “drive destination” attracts many Canadians, mostly from Ontario and Quebec. (Myrtle Beach is aware that most Quebecers speak French, and they make efforts to ensure they have a feeling of Bienvenue). 

Many Canadian “Snowbirds” are choosing Myrtle Beach over Florida due to the more moderate weather, and the shorter drive time.

"International Capital of Golf"

Myrtle Beach is made up of 14 different communities, with 425 hotels and other lodgings available, plus the unique opportunity to camp on the beach. Guests of hotels not situated on the beach have easy public access points every two to three kilometres.

This “International Capital of Golf” boasts 90 golf courses and welcomes golfers from all over the world. Golf not your game? Set your drive to the nearest shopping location; with over 300 boutiques and large outlet malls, you’re sure to find something above par.

While the bright lights and the excitement of Myrtle Beach is a big reason families flock to it, those very aspects of it can be troubling to those families traveling with a family member is who is on the autism spectrum.

But from the minute they arrive at the Myrtle Beach International airport, an organization called Champion Autism Network (CAN) is at hand to help. 

Autism-friendly travel

Founder of CAN and The Autism Travel Club, Becky Large is effusive and enthusiastic about how they’ve been able to help families since 2013, when they first launched “autism friendly” movies. 

CAN has grown immensely since then, and now includes an easy to navigate website and app (AutismTravel.Club). “We curate settings where people with autism are more comfortable.” says Large.  

Back to the airport: There is a lounge dedicated to CAN families, which provides a quiet and calm space while luggage is being collected, and transportation arrangements are being made.

Likely that transportation will take these families to an accommodation, restaurant or activity that is also a part of the program, which is easily found using their app. 

“Partners in the program have to offer a special service or a discount for autism families," clarified Large. A service for a restaurant might include a private dining room, or quiet space.

Employees of participating businesses are also given online training by CAN so that they are ready to welcome these special guests.

Interestingly, Large noted that the discount portion is not only having an economic impact on the businesses that are partners in the program, but it is also encouraging some families to identify themselves as an autism family, something they might have been reluctant to do in the past.

The Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce are themselves “autism ready” to help visitors have the best experience while visiting.

Even on the beach, lifeguards are trained to assist families with an autism member, and for those with mobility challenges, there are special “beach wheelchairs” available.

Eat, stay, play 

Families will have no trouble finding things to do in Myrtle Beach. Start the day off by taking a Sunrise Flight on the Skywheel. Soaring 200 feet in the air, a 30-minute sunrise flight will delight everyone. And members of the Autism Travel Network can get to the front of the line, plus a 10 per cent discount.

Stay closer to the ground with Walk the Boardwalk. This accessible 1.2-mile oceanfront walk offers a wide selection of shops and restaurants. Likewise Barefoot Landing  which also houses the House of Blues. If you’re lucky enough to be there on a Sunday you can enjoy the Gospel Brunch at House of Blues  Soulful food with gospel music; a perfect combination.

Myrtle Beach offers up a wide assortment of establishments to sample delicious local fare, and most restaurants offer a full children’s menu. Starting with breakfast, you might want something light and caffeinated to get you going. 

Stop into the Milk and Honey Coffee Café for signature coffees and pastries. If you’re looking for something a little more hearty, Johnny D’s Waffles serves up not just waffles but a wide array of “Benedicts," available all day. Also, members of the Autism Travel Club can get to the front of the line if there is a wait, plus a 10% discount at Johnny D’s.

Make your way to Brookgreen Gardens, stopping to take in the botanic gardens, the sculpture garden, the zoo and to learn some of the lengthy history of the area. Nestled within the gardens, you can find Austin’s Harvest Restaurant , which is only open for lunch and features a menu based on the garden’s seasonal offerings.

Myrtle Beach is of course known for its terrific seafood, and Hook & Barrel is famous for its renowned Chef Heidi Vukov, as she serves up sustainable seafood and unique Southern cuisine. Sea Captains House Home is known for its cottagey feel and home cooked meals served three times daily. If you and the kids are looking for more casual seafood fare, Drunken Jack’s Restaurant and Lounge fits the bill, offering a Pirate’s menu for the kids.

You can also find terrific barbecue in Myrtle Beach. The Swig & Swine  is known for their  low and slow smoked BBQ meals, accompanied by a wide selection of local ales. Black Drum Brewing  has 40 different beers on tap, as well as tasty menu offerings.

Budget wise, for families wishing to prepare their own meals, the south part of Myrtle Beach, known as Surfside, offers many rental houses with full kitchens.

Myrtle Beach prides itself on being a destination for all budgets, all families and interests.  With over 60 years of welcoming Canadians, planning a trip here is easier than a day at the beach.

For more information on events and attractions, visit Welcome to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina | Visit Myrtle Beach, itself a member of the Autism Travel Network.

Guests of this press trip stayed at the Embassy Suites in Kingston Plantation This beachside resort is conveniently located close to most attractions, and offers a water park and entertainment pool for the kids, plus a spa and fitness centre for the adults.

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