When we plan a family getaway, we’re always looking for a place that feels like home, but with just the right amount of vacation magic. On our recent trip to Surfside Beach, South Carolina, we found that sweet spot at Turtles Up, a spacious 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom beach house that checked all the boxes for relaxation, comfort, and fun.

The House: Room to Relax & Reconnect

Walking into Turtles Up, we were instantly struck by how much space there was. With five bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms, everyone had their own little corner to recharge. No waiting in line for showers, no bumping elbows—just plenty of room to spread out. We loved the full kitchen with coffee from Sheepdog Java.

Turtles Up has three balconies, each offering a different view and vibe. Whether sipping coffee in the morning, enjoying a quiet evening breeze, or sneaking away for a little “me” time, the balconies quickly became some of our favorite spots. I personally loved sitting on the balcony journaling and reading my book club selection.

And then there was the private in-ground pool, which was a total game-changer. The kids loved splashing around while Jason and I could lounge poolside, and it was the perfect way to wind down after a day at the beach. Speaking of the beach, it was just a short walk away, so we had the best of both worlds, saltwater and sand or private poolside lounging, depending on our mood.

Turtles Up makes beach and pool days completely effortless by supplying all the gear you could possibly need—no need to pack anything from home. Just outside by the pool, there’s a convenient closet stocked with everything for fun in the sun, so you can simply grab and go. The outdoor space itself is a retreat, featuring a picnic table perfect for poolside dining, cozy Adirondack chairs set under a fan for comfort, mood lighting that makes evenings feel magical, and even an outdoor television so you don’t have to miss the game while you’re enjoying the fresh air.

Be sure to visit my Highlight Reel on Instagram, and catch my reel on Turtles Up!

Getting Around: The LSV

Another highlight of our stay was renting a 6-seater Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) from RDR4Carts with the Journee Rentals app. The LSV, a sleek model from Star Electric Vehicles, made getting around Surfside Beach a breeze. It was perfect for quick trips to grab food, explore local shops, or cruise to the beach without having to worry about parking, or lugging all of our beach gear. Plus, the kids loved riding in it which added a fun twist to our daily adventures.

Dining Out: Hard Rock Café, Crabby George’s and Bojangles

No beach trip is complete without some good eats, and Myrtle Beach delivered.

Dinner at Hard Rock Café Myrtle Beach was a total hit. Jason went all in with the Tampa Burger, while I treated myself to the Cowboy Ribeye—so flavorful and perfectly cooked. The kids were happy campers with their cheese pizzas, Nick pairing his with fries and Emilia opting for fresh red grapes. We kicked things off by splitting a plate of buffalo wings (my personal favorite), sipped on a signature Hurricane cocktail and an ice-cold draft beer, and finished with the ultimate sweet treat: a fudge brownie sundae that disappeared in no time. Beyond the food, we loved walking around and soaking in the incredible rock ’n roll memorabilia, from Jimi Hendrix to Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Macklemore, Miley Cyrus, and Trent Reznor. Between the fun atmosphere, the flavorful dishes, and the unbeatable vibe, it was a night to remember. Check out more from that night here.

We also ventured to Crabby George’s Seafood Buffet, where we happily loaded our plates with seafood favorites. It was one of those meals where everyone found something they loved—whether it was endless crab legs, buttery garlic shrimp, or all the classic sides that made it impossible to stop at just one plate. I especially loved trying my very first South Carolina crab, Jason couldn’t get enough of the shrimp, and while Emilia and Nick played it safe with their go-to pizza and fries, they surprised us by trying—and loving—the hush puppies. To top it all off, the kids were thrilled with the self-serve ice cream machine, making dessert just as exciting as dinner. Crabby George’s truly had something for everyone and made for a fun, family-friendly night out. Check out a peek at our experience here.

No trip to the South is complete without trying some local fast favorites, so we made sure to stop at Bojangles for the very first time. Famous for their fried chicken and biscuits, it did not disappoint. The kids devoured the seasoned fries, Jason went straight for the chicken sandwich, and I couldn’t resist the macaroni and cheese and sweet tea. It was quick, flavorful, and definitely one of those “when in the Carolinas” experiences we were glad to check off our list.

Family Adventures: Huntington Beach & Ripley’s Aquarium

Beyond the house and the food, we made time for family adventures that made this trip extra special.

At Huntington Beach State Park, we got to slow down and soak in the natural beauty of South Carolina. We started with a visit to Atalaya Castle, then let the kids run off some energy at the playground before treating ourselves to ice cream at Snowbill’s. Along the way, we spotted alligators basking in the sun, colorful birds, and even made a stop at the wildlife center, where we watched a turtle chomp on a worm and learned about the different bird species that call the park home. Between the trails, the wildlife, and plenty of snacks to keep little hands busy, it was the perfect way to balance out the busier parts of Myrtle Beach with a slower, quieter, and more nature-filled day.

We also spent time at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, which was an absolute hit with the kids. Emilia was over the moon seeing a real-life axolotl—her absolute favorite—while Nick couldn’t get enough of the bearded dragon and the massive hammerhead and sawtooth sharks. Jason kept pointing out all the vibrant, colorful fish, while the kids bounced between the interactive exhibits and touch tanks, loving the chance to get hands-on with marine life. They could have spent hours in the goldfish realm, and honestly, I don’t think any of us wanted to leave. Watching their curiosity light up was one of those core memory moments that makes family travel so worth it. It was truly the perfect blend of fun and learning for the whole family. Check out a peek at our visit here. Be sure to also check out their Instagram.

Why Surfside Beach is Perfect for Families (and Everyone Else)

Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a couple’s escape, or looking for a place to reconnect with friends, Surfside Beach has something for everyone. Turtles Up gave us the comfort and convenience we needed, while local dining and attractions gave us plenty to explore.

This trip gave us the perfect balance of rest, adventure, and togetherness; the very thing we were hoping for. If you’re searching for a destination that blends relaxation with fun, Surfside Beach delivers every time, and Turtles Up is the home base that makes it all unforgettable. We can’t wait to return!

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