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Now is the perfect time to start planning for next year’s spring break! The accommodations book quickly during that time of the year. As do tours, attractions, restaurants, and so much more. So, if you want to experience the best of what Myrtle Beach, or any other destination, has to offer your autistic family, now is the time to start planning. You can begin by thinking about what your autistic child needs for a bit of time away from home. Do they need specific types of attractions? How about particular rooms at hotels due to noise? Then start to think about the things your family will enjoy doing together. Once you have a few ideas, or even before you do that, you can contact me to start the vacation planning process. Until then, let’s get started on why Myrtle Beach, SC, is the perfect location for spring break!
Is Myrtle Beach, SC a Perfect Location for Spring Break??
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Myrtle Beach’s Parks and Recreation Department
You may not know, but Myrtle Beach’s Parks and Recreation Department is an Autism Certified Center. Many of the businesses in Myrtle Beach have worked hard to create an inclusive destination for autistic families like yours.
If you are interested in what Myrtle Beach is doing to be more autism-friendly, you can read about it here. In that blog post, I also discuss how Myrtle Beach partnered with the Champion Autism Network, or CAN. Your autistic family can receive discounts and other benefits at participating businesses via the Can Card.
Myrtle Beach Weather
Let’s begin with the weather in Myrtle Beach. The months of spring break, which are usually March and April, are perfect temperature-wise. It is warm, but not too hot. Most of the swimming pools are open, and the ocean is always open for swimming. Although, the ocean temperature may be colder than some people like.
The best part about this time of year is that the beaches are not as crowded as they are during the hotter summer months. So, think about it: no extreme temperatures, no humidity, and fewer people on the beach. Talk about a win!
Pet-Friendly Destination
Not everyone wants to take their pets with them when they travel. However, if your autistic child is attached to your pet, it may be an excellent idea. Thankfully, Myrtle Beach is a very pet-friendly destination.
Most accommodations allow dogs, and you will even see dogs outside many of the restaurants and shops in the area. Imagine walking your dog on the beach in the morning or letting them swim in the ocean with your autistic child. Trust me when I say this destination is what spring break dreams are made of!
Myrtle Beach Festivals
Hardly any festivals take place after the holidays in Myrtle Beach. But when spring break arrives, the festivals start up once again. A few of the festivals happening in Myrtle Beach during March and April include:
Can-Am Days Festival—This festival, which began in 1961, celebrates Canadians arriving in Myrtle Beach for spring break. It features live music, riverboat tours, celebratory-themed days, and food.
Run for the Sun Car Show—Classis cars from around the world arrive in Myrtle Beach every March for the Run for the Sun Car Show, the largest car show in the Southeast. During the festival, you will see thousands of cars and trucks from 1989 or earlier.
Art in the Park—The Art in the Park Festival is held on three different weekends each year. One of those weekends is in April, which coincides with spring break. Artists from all over the country display their works of art, which can be entered for judging or sold to attendees.
Singing in the Sun—This festival takes place over six days during April. It is filled with Gospel music and renowned speakers from around the world.
Things to Do in Myrtle Beach
There are so many things to do in Myrtle Beach. Not every activity or attraction will work for your autistic family, but most will. With a few modifications, you may even be able to manage a few non-autism-friendly activities. I can help you figure it out!
First, let's discuss some of the amazing things to do in Myrtle Beach. We can figure the rest out later, as I am planning your vacation there!
Visit the Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
One of the best ways to see marine life while on vacation in Myrtle Beach is by visiting Ripley’s Aquarium. More than 14,000 sea creatures live in this aquarium. During your visit, you can explore the Discovery Center, wander through the Amazon exhibit, and walk through a tunnel as sharks swim around you. You can watch daily shows to learn more about specific animals.
Experience Nature at Myrtle Beach State Park
Paths wind through the woods within Myrtle Beach State Park. Some of those paths are longer than others, so keep that in mind before heading out on one. If you love walking on the beach, but your autistic child doesn’t love walking on sand, this park offers a solution. There is a paved walkway along the ocean. The views are amazing, the ocean is right there, and it is easy for everyone to walk on.
Inside the Myrtle Beach State Park Nature Center, some displays share the area's natural history. During your visit, you may even see a few reptiles.
Check Out the Art at the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum
This oceanfront art museum contains eleven different galleries. The works of art within those galleries rotate, so there is always something new to see. This is a more miniature museum so you won’t spend hours there. The size is perfect for autistic children who love art but don’t enjoy visiting museums.
Check Out the Cars at the Wheels of Yesteryear
Car lovers will want to spend at least a little time at this car museum checking out the American muscle cars and trucks. Most of the vintage cars are from the '60s and '70s. All the cars are in excellent condition, and you can even check out memorabilia from that time.
Take a Scenic Kayak Ride
As long as your autistic child loves water, you should be able to head out on a scenic boat ride. These rides take place in waterways outside the city. The only sounds you will hear will be the sounds of nature. This is when you can all relax and check out marine life. I highly recommend taking a kayak ride at either sunrise or sunset because the views are spectacular. You always have the option to SUP too!
Have Fun at WonderWorks
WonderWorks is an entertainment center where kids and adults have fun. There are different areas to enjoy, so you don’t need to stay in sections your children don’t want to be in. Check out the hands-on science exhibits before heading to the ropes course, laser tag, or the WonderWall. The WonderWall is fantastic. You can make a 3-D impression of your entire body.
Over in the space area, you can maneuver a NASA spacecraft or fly a plane. Your autistic child might even be willing to try on a space suit.
Explore Broadway at the Beach
Broadway at the Beach is a massive entertainment complex right near the water. Here, you will find shops, restaurants, and the Ferris wheel. A ride on the Ferris wheel is a must if you want to see spectacular views of Myrtle Beach from a different vantage point. During the summer months, fireworks are set off in this area. But if you vacation in Myrtle Beach for spring break, you won’t need to worry about the noise from those.
At the Hollywood Wax Museum in Myrtle Beach, you can take a selfie with your favorite celebrity - living or dead. Learn fun celebrity facts while walking the red carpet with A-list stars. Near some of Myrtle Beach's best restaurants, bars, and attractions, this fun, family-friendly destination is at the heart of Broadway at the Beach.
Enjoy a Picnic Lunch at Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens is the most extensive sculpture garden in the country. It has sculptures, plants, a butterfly garden, nature trails, and an education center. The park is also home to Lowcountry Zoo, so you can visit a few animals if you have the time. This area is peaceful, so it is perfect when your autistic family needs a sensory break.
As you can see, Myrtle Beach is a perfect location for spring break! Between the weather, festivals, and things to do, your autistic family will have a fantastic time at this destination. Of course, Myrtle Beach being pet friendly is just icing on the cake when it comes to dream vacations for some families! I understand how planning a vacation for spring break can be intimidating or overwhelming when you have an autistic child. It is important to note that Myrtle Beach is an autism-friendly destination. Plus, as a travel advisor and mom of two autistic children, I can help you by planning a vacation that will meet your family's needs. Schedule a planning session with me today and see how you can travel the world with your autistic family and love every minute!
