Beachfront vs. Non-Beachfront: Which Myrtle Beach Vacation Rental is Better?

Key Takeaway: The best Myrtle Beach vacation rental isn't always beachfront. If ocean views are your top priority, stay on the beach. But if you value more space, a wide array of resort amenities, lots of family activities, and better overall value, a Myrtle Beach family resort just minutes from the beach may be the better choice.

The Outdoor Pool at Grand Palms Resort

"The best Myrtle Beach vacation rental isn't always the one closest to the beach. It's the one that matches how you actually like to vacation."

Choosing between a beachfront property and a resort just off the beach is one of the biggest decisions when planning a Myrtle Beach vacation.

As someone who has helped families plan their Myrtle Beach vacations over the years, I've found that most start with one assumption: "Beachfront is always better."

Sometimes that's true.

But many times, after guests arrive, they tell us they wouldn't change a thing about staying at Grand Palms Resort.

The truth is that the best Myrtle Beach vacation rental isn't always the one closest to the beach. It's the one that matches how you actually like to vacation.

When Beachfront is the Right Choice

I'll be the first to admit it. The Atlantic Ocean is Myrtle Beach's biggest attraction.

If your dream vacation is waking up every morning to the sound of the waves, sipping coffee on an oceanfront balcony, and seeing the beach every time you look outside, then I honestly recommend booking a beachfront property.

For couples, honeymooners, or travelers who plan to spend nearly every waking hour on the beach, an oceanfront rental is worth every penny.

If that's what will make your vacation unforgettable, then beachfront is absolutely the right choice.

Why Many Families Prefer a Resort Instead

Here's something many first-time visitors don't realize.

Most beachfront accommodations in Myrtle Beach are hotels or smaller condos where space comes at a premium.

Many families end up spending their vacation in one, two, or more cramped rooms.

Sometimes, even though a hotel may be beach front, there may be a long walk to actually get to the beach. Our complimentary shuttles deliver you right to the sand at Surfside Pier.

Grand Palms Resort's 2-Bedroom & 2-Bath Loft - Looking down into the Living Room & Dining Area from the Loft

At Grand Palms Resort, we offer something very different.

Our luxurious condos include:

• Spacious accommodations, many exceeding 1,400 square feet

• One-, two-, and three-bedroom condominiums

• Two- and three-bedroom lofts with soaring 18-foot vaulted ceilings

• Full kitchens

• Washers and dryers in every condo

• Comfortable sleeping arrangements for groups of up to 12 guests

• Separate living and dining areas that actually feel like home.

When you're traveling with groups, children, grandparents, or multiple families, having room to spread out often becomes more valuable than being directly across the street from the beach.

Myrtle Beach is one of the top beaches in the US and you can count on the beach being very busy, especially during the summer. When you stay at Grand Palms Resort, you have easy beach access with our complimentary beach shuttles. And once you're done at the beach, you can escape the noise and the crowds to the tranquil oasis that is Grand Palms Resort. For even more relaxation, don't forget a massage from one our our expert therapists at our Mother Earth Day Spa.

A Guest Story That Says It All

One family that comes to mind was grandparents vacationing with their young grandchildren.

When they first arrived, the children were disappointed that they weren't staying directly on the beach.

The grandparents assumed they'd be riding the beach shuttle every day.

Instead, something unexpected happened.

The kids discovered the lazy river.

Then the splash pad.

Then the pools.

Then the daily activities.

Every day there seemed to be something new to do.

By the end of the first day of their vacation, the children didn't want to leave the Resort to go to the beach. They were having the vacation they always wanted at the Resort. No beach required.

The Splash Pad at Grand Palms Resort

I've seen versions of this story play out again and again over the years.

Sometimes the vacation isn't made by being closest to the beach. It's made by giving families awesome amenities, fun activities, and memorable experiences that last a lifetime.

The Resort Experience Many Travelers Don't Expect

One of the biggest misconceptions about staying off the beach is that you're giving something up.

In reality, many guests discover they're actually gaining so much more.

Grand Palms Resort offers amenities that encourage families to spend quality time together without ever feeling confined to a hotel room.

Guests enjoy:

• Outdoor Pool

• Heated Indoor Pool

• 300-foot Lazy River

• Splash Pad with Water Toys

• Zero-Entry Kiddie Pool

• Multiple Hot Tubs

• Fully equipped Fitness Center

• Mother Earth Day Spa

• Seasonal Family Activities and Entertainment

• Arcade

• Poolside Grill

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

• Gas and Charcoal Grilling areas

• 40-foot Outdoor Playground

Throughout the year, our activities team also hosts family-friendly events including pool parties, crafts, games, character visits, fitness activities, and seasonal celebrations that give guests of all ages something new to enjoy almost every day.

One of Grand Palms Resort's Complimentary Beach Shuttles

Easy Beach Access Without the Hassle

One question we hear all the time is: "But you're not on the beach?"

That's probably the question we hear most often. And it's a fair one.

What surprises many guests is how easy getting to the beach actually is.

Instead of loading the car, paying for parking, getting wet sand throughout the vehicle, and driving back and forth, our complimentary beach shuttles take guests to beautiful Surfside Beach Pier in just minutes.

Our guests love that they can:

• Skip paying for beach parking

• Avoid wet, sandy vehicles

• Leave driving to someone else - no worrying about directions

• Spend more time enjoying the beach

• Return to a quiet, spacious resort after a day in the sun

It's one of those conveniences people don't fully appreciate until they've experienced it.

The Indoor Pool at Grand Palms Resort Heated Year Round

Which Myrtle Beach Vacation Rental is Right for You?

After years of helping families choose accommodations, here's the advice I give.

Choose a beachfront rental if:

• Ocean views are your highest priority.

• You want immediate beach access at all times.

• You'll spend nearly every day on the sand.

• You're comfortable trading space for location.

Choose a resort like Grand Palms Resort if:

• You want spacious accommodations.

• You enjoy resort amenities beyond the beach.

• You appreciate having a full kitchen and washer and dryer.

• You're traveling with larger groups, children, or grandparents.

• You want activities that keep everyone entertained.

• You'd rather relax than worry about beach parking and traffic via our shuttles.

• You want the flexibility of enjoying the best of both the Resort and the beach.

My Recommendation

If your vacation is all about waking up to the ocean every morning, book beachfront.

But if you're looking for an exceptional Myrtle Beach vacation rental that combines spacious luxury condos, resort-style amenities, family activities, and easy beach access, you'll have a better overall vacation experience at Grand Palms Resort.

You'll enjoy beautifully appointed accommodations, full kitchens, washers and dryers, comfortable living space for the entire family, a wide variety of pools and water features, a relaxing day spa, organized activities for all ages, and complimentary beach shuttles that will have your toes in the sand within minutes.

For many, this is a better vacation than simply staying on the beach.

Making Memories at Grand Palms Resort's Lazy River

Plan Your Stay at Grand Palms Resort

Whether you're searching for a Myrtle Beach vacation rental, Myrtle Beach condo rental, Surfside Beach vacation rental, or a Myrtle Beach resort with a lazy river, Grand Palms Resort offers the comforts, space, amenities, and convenience to make your next vacation unforgettable.

Visit Grand Palms Resort to explore our spacious condo rentals, resort amenities, Mother Earth Day Spa, family fun activities, and complimentary beach shuttle, and start planning your next Myrtle Beach getaway. Click here to make a reservation or call 888-913-4477.

Dave Nelson

Dave Nelson has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including vacation rentals, long-term rentals, and vacation ownership. He is passionate about crafting unforgettable vacation experiences for guests. Outside of work, Dave enjoys being the number one fan at his children's sports games and performances, or experimenting with the newest BBQ grilling techniques that the South is famous for.