With its stunning coastal setting, wide range of resorts and hotels, and ample meeting space, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, ticks all the boxes for successful events. Here, attendees not only might enjoy team-building activities on dozens of championship golf courses, but also unwind at award-winning restaurants and network in a vibrant atmosphere full of entertainment venues and outdoor adventures.
The city is situated along a 60-mile stretch of coastline called the Grand Strand, which is made up of 14 coastal communities that also include North Myrtle Beach, Little River, and Murrell’s Inlet, among others. Myrtle Beach International Airport is less than 3 miles from downtown, making it a snap for attendees to get straight to the action. And with temperate weather year-round, the city might offer meeting and event planners significant savings on transportation costs with its walkability.
“Myrtle Beach stands out for its unique combination of laid-back coastal charm and nostalgic, family-friendly atmosphere,” says Jessica Cutler, owner of Envents, a destination-management and event-planning company based in the city. Cutler notes Myrtle Beach, unlike many bustling Southern cities, offers a smaller, more intimate environment where events feel warm and personal. “Attendees frequently share how much they love the relaxed and welcoming environment,” she adds. “It strikes a beautiful balance between productivity and pleasure—not just for the attendees but for their families as well.” Although it is typically known as a vacationing hotbed, the city also has crafted a winning recipe for attracting, contracting, and delivering all kinds of corporate and nonprofit meetings and events with panache and professionalism.
Bob Harris, executive vice president of group sales at the Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, echoes this sentiment, noting the city and surrounding region certainly have no shortage of sleek, modern venues. “Our clients tell us their attendees love our relaxed atmosphere, mild year-round climate, and variety of entertainment options,” he says. “Our destination offers a state-of-the-art convention center, as well as many affordable and accessible meeting and conference hotels throughout the region.” The convention and visitors bureau also might furnish marketing grants and other support services to meeting and event planners bringing their groups to the area.
Myrtle Beach’s largest and most well-equipped facility for meetings and events is the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Its expansive campus offers 250,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including a 100,800-square-foot exhibition hall, 16,800-square-foot ballroom, and 17 meeting rooms. Situated within downtown, the convention center is walkable to many hotels and resorts, as well as to casual and fine-dining restaurants.
Smaller meetings and events will find plenty of other affordable venues to meet most budgets. Carolina Private Events boasts 14,000 square feet of event space broken into the Garden Room, Wooden Room, and The Carolina Lounge and Bar, all within a historic building. The Asher Theatre Conference and Event Center features a stage that can be booked for keynotes, while its meeting rooms are available for breakouts and board meetings. The Conference Center at Barefoot Resort in nearby North Myrtle Beach provides multiple options, including a ballroom, breakout rooms, and lakeside verandas.
The charming Barefoot Queen riverboat stands out against a host of private yacht charters, and its operator, The Barefoot Queen Riverboat Cruises, can host as many as 107 passengers on board for a dinner or meeting cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway. The 70-foot Barefoot Queen features two air-conditioned interior decks, as well as three outdoor decks.
Beds, Baths & Beyond
Lodging is plentiful in Myrtle Beach. Legacy brands—including Marriott, Hilton, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Hyatt—have hotels where planners can use loyalty accounts for additional perks. And while the most well-known luxury brands are not available in the city quite yet, many Myrtle Beach properties rival upscale names, ensuring you and your attendees will not suffer in service, comfort, or amenities.
Marina Inn at Grande Dunes shines with AAA Four-Diamond status, earned through exceptional guest service and fine accommodations. Set along the Intracoastal Waterway, the inn has 15,000 square feet of flexible event space—including its ballroom with breathtaking views—that brings plenty of moxie to meetings. Add the resort’s private beach, exclusive in-room spa services, fitness center, tennis courts, and par-72 golf course, and it’s a planner’s dream come true. “Our meeting space is away from public areas, giving groups seclusion from other hotel traffic,” says Pamela Shelley, director of sales and marketing at the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes. “A group of 150 to 200 attendees will occupy the entire space for a feeling of complete privacy. Our event spaces offer natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows, providing scenic views overlooking The Grande Lawn [event area], as well as the golf course.”
Sheraton Myrtle Beach is connected to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center via hallway, making it an ideal headquarters hotel. It has 100,000 square feet of exhibit, ballroom, and function space, plus ample lobby space. A true oceanfront resort, the Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes boasts 35,650 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including three ballroom options. Full-service catering, four restaurants, a fitness center, and the full-service Hibiscus Spa amplify its suitability for large, upscale gatherings.
A few miles north are Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort and Embassy Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort. Situated on the northern end of the city, these properties are just a few blocks apart but are operated jointly by Myrtle Beach-based Kingston Resorts. Combined, the Hilton and Embassy Suites offer 60,000 square feet of event space, including five ballrooms and dozens of various-size breakout rooms, lounges, and dining spaces. Planners working with Kingston Resorts might appreciate the opportunity to upgrade accommodations to private condos and villas for executives or high achievers.
IHG Hotels & Resorts, which has quite a few of its Holiday Inn-branded properties scattered throughout the Grand Strand, launched one of its chic concept hotels this year: Voco The Shelby–Myrtle Beach. Opened in early June, the hotel has 242 guest rooms and suites, many with ocean views. The fresh property offers one indoor event space for up to 225, along with its 3,035-square-foot outdoor courtyard. Two restaurants and walkability to area attractions might make Voco The Shelby extra desirable for planners seeking a hip vibe.
“Myrtle Beach was strategically chosen for its warm climate, stunning beaches, and fast-growing market,” says the hotel’s General Manager Tom Cooke. “Voco The Shelby–Myrtle Beach blends the charm of an independent hotel with the reliability of a trusted global brand with IHG, offering a thoughtful and welcoming atmosphere. It features unique and character-filled spaces with a casual, yet upscale approach.”
Sip & Savor
South Carolina is renowned for its Lowcountry-style cooking, which includes plenty of pork and seafood, and Myrtle Beach has a few standouts. Big Mike’s Soul Food cooks up Lowcountry classics and barbecue favorites (yes, including pigs’ feet), along with soulful sides. The Gracious Pig Smokehouse stands out for its cherrywood-smoked meats and creative takes on familiar dishes served in a casual, oceanfront setting. Restaurant True BBQ focuses on slow-smoked meats and house-made sauces. For an authentic, South Carolina-style experience, bring your group to Swig & Swine, where they might enjoy samples from its whole-hog barbecue—a Lowcountry specialty—catered or in-house.
A longtime favorite among locals that serves classic seafood dishes, Sea Captain’s House Restaurant faces the beach with outdoor dining and indoor options with water views. If sustainable fishing practices are important to you or your clients, head to eatery Hook & Barrel for environmentally conscious, Southern-inspired cuisine. Flying Fish Public Market & Grill up in North Myrtle Beach overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway and features fresh seafood, Lowcountry favorites, and a raw bar with shellfish and sushi. Each of these popular restaurants has private event space for planners to take advantage of.
Myrtle Beach’s many laid-back gastropubs and breweries make great after-event hangouts. JEM Social is a popular spot for meeting planners and groups seeking upscale pub fare—featuring small plates and craft cocktails—while 44 & King elevates Southern barbecue with many flavorful dishes like smoked pork belly and brisket tacos. Grand Strand Brewing Co. and New South Brewing cater to beer lovers, offering crafted brews along with casual, pub-style food.
Grand Strand Adventures
Long renowned for its mini-golf options, Myrtle Beach has elevated its status as a golf destination and is now a major PGA tournament location. It features many premier golf courses, including Grande Dunes Resort Club and the legendary Dunes Golf and Beach Club. In North Myrtle Beach, attendees might play a round on any of the four championship courses at Barefoot Resort & Golf. For a high-energy alternative, Topgolf Myrtle Beach provides a golf simulator experience for networking and team building, complete with food and drinks.
Venues for after-hours entertainment abound, and many can be bought out or provide reserved seating for groups. House of Blues Myrtle Beach hosts national touring acts and area bands and provides 59,000 square feet of event space, while Hard Rock Cafe Myrtle Beach serves food and drinks with occasional live performances. Home to country music singer Calvin Gilmore’s renowned live variety show “The Carolina Opry,” The Carolina Opry Theater offers memorable nights out for groups and also serves as an event venue with seating for up to 2,000. Similarly, Alabama Theatre in North Myrtle Beach hosts comedy shows, musical acts, and more, accommodating up to 1,993.
Off the beaten track but worth noting is La Belle Amie Vineyard, located several miles inland of North Myrtle Beach in Little River. Available for private events, La Belle Amie Vineyard accommodates group wine tastings, team building, and live music events in a picturesque setting. Another memorable option is Brookgreen Gardens, a sculpture garden and nature preserve in Murrell’s Inlet, to the south along the Grand Strand. The National Historic Landmark offers private tours, boat rides through its creeks, and group lunches.
