Hilton Head, Charleston, or Myrtle Beach?

#1
KnoxRealtorVOL

KnoxRealtorVOL

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#1
The wife and I, and our one year old son, are wanting to do a fall vacation. We’ve pretty much narrowed it down to the 3 places in the title, but we’ve never been to either one. Can anyone give insight into which is the best?

We want somewhere cool where there are things a baby can do, like places we can stroll him around, aquariums and zoo’s, but also a chill place that’s not too hectic.

Honestly we’re looking for something Gatlinburg’ish, but not G-Burg because we’ve been there 1,000 times.

Can anyone weigh in? Or have any other recommendations?
 
#5
#5
knox-townVOL said:
Can you elaborate? What did you like about Hilton Head?
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There are still things to do, but its much more "chill" and slightly higher class than MB. MB is actually kinda crazy, because there are nightclubs, bars, the boardwalk, "the strip", where people cruise every night, and hundreds of hotels. But it is very busy and the crime rate has skyrocketed recently. Thats why I say if little man could enjoy all the the attractions I might lean MB, but I think HH offers the best balance currently.

I have never stayed in Charleston so I can't speak on that.
 
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#6
#6
knox-townVOL said:
The wife and I, and our one year old son, are wanting to do a fall vacation. We’ve pretty much narrowed it down to the 3 places in the title, but we’ve never been to either one. Can anyone give insight into which is the best?

We want somewhere cool where there are things a baby can do, like places we can stroll him around, aquariums and zoo’s, but also a chill place that’s not too hectic.

Honestly we’re looking for something Gatlinburg’ish, but not G-Burg because we’ve been there 1,000 times.

Can anyone weigh in? Or have any other recommendations?
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If you’re looking for Gatlinburgish then Myrtle Beach. Although, I do t know why anyone would want to subject themselves to that form of tourism. Charleston is one of the neatest cities on the east coast, but it is as far from Gatlinburg’ish as you’ll get. If you’re in to architecture and history, it’s the place. However, if you are wanting the beach, the Charleston beach areas are typically very expensive.

I go to HHI usually twice a year. Fall is a good time, but it is different and most Myrtle Beach type people don’t enjoy it. The island has several different areas and each One can be a different experience. A lot of newbies find it hard to navigate because, unlike MB, they have strict lighting and sign ordinances. No internally lit signage.
We tend to have a completely unique experience depending on where we stay. While it has miles of beach, I’ve gone and never set foot on the beach. My happy place, but I’d as soon have my toe nails ripped out than go to Gatlinburg:
 
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#10
#10
Myrtle wins by a mile. Much more kid friendly than the other two. 10X more "gatlinburgish". Charleston is a very grown up place. Leave him with granny and you and the wife go to Charleston in the fall when it's not so dang hot.
 
#11
#11
Myrtle Beach is Pigeon Forge at the beach... if you decide to go there, don't stay in Myrtle. Go north or south, Myrtle Beach has really gone downhill. I'd suggest Charleston - or more specifically - Isle of Palms. Easy drive over to Charleston but quiet.
 
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#12
#12
I have 4 kids with the oldest almost 12. As Dave and Roy stated above, the Isle of Palms or at least the Charleston area would be my choice. We go to the IOP almost every summer. I have been to MB and don’t think I will ever be back. That’s just me. I’ve never been to HH.

Charleston is just a nicer area. I know you are looking for things for a one year old, but it’s not like he can enjoy games or rides at that age. Charleston has carriage tours, battery park and pineapple park in the harbor, aquarium, market, and obviously the beach on the islands. We even went to the fire museum in North Charleston when it rained one year. There is even a little known fort, Fort Moultrie, on Sullivan’s Island. Sullivan’s Island also has a cool strip of restaurants that are good. There are also plantations to tour if you enjoy that history. There is enough to do, and the weather should be nice in October.
 
#13
#13
Historic Charleston isn’t a place I’d picture kids enjoying much although it’s a very nice couples destination. I think most folks like the beach with which they’re most familiar. You know a good condo or hotel you like, you know the places that serve the food you like, etc. Going to the beach is supposed to be relaxing and it’s hard to relax if you’re unsure of every decision. JMO and my favorite is Fernandina Beach / Amelia Island in FL
 
#14
#14
walkenvol said:
Historic Charleston isn’t a place I’d picture kids enjoying much although it’s a very nice couples destination. I think most folks like the beach with which they’re most familiar. You know a good condo or hotel you like, you know the places that serve the food you like, etc. Going to the beach is supposed to be relaxing and it’s hard to relax if you’re unsure of every decision. JMO and my favorite is Fernandina Beach / Amelia Island in FL
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Well keep in mind he’s 1, so it’s really more about us finding a place we can stroll him around and see cool things.
 
#15
#15
Have you considered the Florida panhandle? White, clean sand, calm water, . . . much more baby/little kid friendly. Destin, Navarre, 30A/ Rosemary/Seaside area.

We had a great trip to Isle of Palms when ours were little, but the beach isn't the same

Hilton Head is great for golf, dining, etc

Myrtle wouldn't even get consideration from me. Pigeon forge by the ocean.
 
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#16
#16
knox-townVOL said:
Well keep in mind he’s 1, so it’s really more about us finding a place we can stroll him around and see cool things.
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What do you consider "cool". If you are 25 that is likely different than 35.
You need a place where there are sidewalks. I don't recall if the sidewalks in the historic area of charleston are smooth or cobble stone. MB, depends on your maturity/age. HH should have trails for stroller. ------
 
#18
#18
If I'm 1 year old, I find the beach itself great. More so than strolling around. So I favor the beach at MB for just "quality". HH is not bad, but typically you don't stay directly on the beach and the surf is no good. A 1 year old wouldn't mind the surf. They can't experience that.
 
#21
#21
If you go to Myrtle stay towards the south end or north end. You could even do Calabash just over the line in NC or go south of myrtle to garden city.

I’ll add you could do a rental in one of the campground type places at Myrtle like ocean lakes, Lakewood, or pirate land. Rent a golf cart and have access to beach, pools, etc
 
#22
#22
kiddiedoc said:
Have you considered the Florida panhandle? White, clean sand, calm water, . . . much more baby/little kid friendly. Destin, Navarre, 30A/ Rosemary/Seaside area.

We had a great trip to Isle of Palms when ours were little, but the beach isn't the same

Hilton Head is great for golf, dining, etc

Myrtle wouldn't even get consideration from me. Pigeon forge by the ocean.
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Anywhere on the gulf side of Florida wins for me🤣
 
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