For most families, a full-service resort in Myrtle Beach is the better choice for a short, hands-off trip, while a VRBO rental wins out for longer stays or bigger groups who want their own kitchen and space. It comes down to how much you want handled for you and how much room you need. Below is how each option fits your trip length, group size and budget.
| Accommodation Type | Best For | Pros | Cons | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Service Family Resorts | Zero-effort trips | Pools, kids’ clubs, dining all on-site | Less space, higher nightly cost | Compare Rates → |
| Private VRBO Rentals | Larger families, longer stays | More space, full kitchen, often more affordable per person | You handle meals and cleaning | Compare Rates → |
Option A: Full-Service Family Resorts
Coral Beach Resort & Suites is an oceanfront resort with plenty to keep kids busy, including its own water park area, and restaurants on site for the parents.
- What you get: A bowling alley, an arcade, a fitness center and oceanfront dining.
- The Pool: The resort features an expansive water park with multiple slides, a lazy river, and a dedicated kiddie splash pad.
- Tip: Ask about a mini-fridge or kitchenette at check-in so you can skip a few restaurant trips.
- Good to know: Weekday visits are noticeably quieter than weekends if your dates are flexible.
Dunes Village Resort is known for its big indoor water park, so a rainy day does not end the swimming. The suites give families room to spread out.
- What you get: An indoor water park, mini golf, tennis courts and an on-site restaurant.
- The Pool: The resort has over 30,000 square feet of indoor water park space including slides and a lazy river.
- Tip: Book your room early and request a poolside or courtyard view so the kids can dash straight out the door.
- Good to know: Book ahead during peak season. Rooms with the best pool views go first.
Option B: Private VRBO Vacation Rentals
A private home gives you a real kitchen, a washer and dryer, and separate rooms for nap times and early bedtimes, all things a hotel room can’t easily offer. For longer stays or bigger families, it often works out more affordable per person too.
The Verdict: Which Should You Book?
If you want zero cooking and zero cleaning, book a resort. If you’re traveling with a bigger group, staying longer, or want the flexibility of your own kitchen and laundry, a VRBO rental is usually the better lazy-travel choice.
FAQs About Staying in Myrtle Beach
Is a resort or VRBO more affordable for families?
It depends on group size and length of stay. VRBO rentals often work out more affordable per person for larger families staying several nights.
Do VRBO rentals in Myrtle Beach have pools?
Many do, though pool access varies by property, so check individual listings for pool details.
How far in advance should we book?
Book 2-3 months ahead for peak season to get the best selection of resorts and rentals.
Helpful Local Resources
Before you go, these official Myrtle Beach, SC sites are worth a bookmark. They have current hours, beach conditions, and event calendars straight from the people who know the area best.
- Visit Myrtle Beach for official visitor information, events, and trip planning help
- Myrtle Beach State Park
- Brookgreen Gardens
- Myrtle Beach things to do the official activities hub
- Grand Strand beaches & communities pick the right stretch for your family
- Myrtle Beach events calendar for festivals during your stay
More Family Travel Guides for Myrtle Beach: