Cheap Car Rental in Myrtle Beach

Car Rental in Myrtle Beach: Feel the Luxury

There’s no doubt that the reputation of Myrtle Beach precedes it, so you’ll have high expectations for the locale if you’re planning your next holiday in this charming district, which straddles the central section of the Grand Strand on South Carolina’s Atlantic coast. A hub of teeming activity, this gorgeous beach lures tons of tourists every year with its sparkling waters, beachfront boardwalk, larger-than-life attractions and energetic lifestyle. There’s also a fantastic range of entertainment options and events, making the town an ideal holiday destination for families, newlyweds and groups alike.

Kicking Back in Myrtle Beach

The long stretch of compact brown sand on Myrtle Beach means there’s plenty of space to spread your beach towel and catch some rays while the children frolic in the rippling waves. But, if you fancy something more rousing, there are plenty of watersports to be had, featuring jet-skiing and deep-sea fishing, among others. On land, the city’s golf courses offer an intriguing way to spend one’s time, while the Family Kingdom Amusement Park, which lays a few minutes’ drive away from the beach, is a must-visit if you’re travelling with children. The Caroline Opry and the Alabama Theatre, on the other hand, make for an altogether more cultural way of spending one’s evenings, though you may of course choose instead to indulge in a spot of shopping on the boardwalk, or treat yourself to a delectable dinner on Restaurant Row.

Unlike many other towns, the attractions on Myrtle Beach are spread out haphazardly over the town area; public transportation is limited to bus or taxi, neither of which offer the flexibility and comfort of a rented automobile.

When to Book your Rental Car

If you’re shopping around for rental car bargains, consider visiting during low season (November – February). During this time, most restaurants will be closed, and the weather will be too cold for the beach, but there will still be plenty of indoor activities to keep you entertained. Being in possession of a personal automobile also means that you may choose to venture further afield and explore the neighboring areas. Avid shoppers in particular will love the Barefoot Landing complex located in North Myrtle Beach, which houses a vast collection of hip shops and restaurants. To the south lies the Myrtle Beach State Park, so why not take advantage of a not-uncommon sunny winter’s day and head out for a day of camping, fishing and hiking? If making the most of the beach is a must for you, though, you’ll find that June to August is probably the best time to visit; temperatures are high, all the attractions are open and the festival season is in full swing. Spring (March – May) is also a favorite contender, though the beach does tend to get a little crowded, so make sure to make your rental car booking well in advance if you’re planning to visit during this time. You’ll also find some good bargains in autumn. Temperatures tend to dip a little at this time of year but, on the plus side, you will be able to enjoy the beach without having to share the space with many others.

Renting your Automobile

Booking an automobile in Myrtle Beach is a piece of cake. Several rental car companies have stalls at the airport, including Enterprise, Dollar, Alamo and Budget. Sometimes, better deals can be found online, so it’s wise to have a look as soon as you know your vacation dates. You might also look into booking your car rental from a different location, for the chance to save a few dollars, though the convenience of having an airport drop-off is undeniable. Average per-day prices hover around the $30 mark for a compact car carrying two adults and their luggage. The list below shows a few examples of what you can expect to find while shopping around:

• Kia Rio (economy class) - $31 per day
• Nissan Note (compact class) - $34 per day
• Toyota Corolla (intermediate class) - $35 per day
• Volkswagen Jetta (standard class) - $36 per day
• Ford Fusion (fullsize class) - $38 per day

Driving in Myrtle Beach

With most Myrtle Beach holidaymakers opting to rent a car, chances are you won’t be the only driver unfamiliar with the town’s roads. Add to that the sporadic summer traffic jam and 6-7 pm rush-hour, and you may end up wasting much of your precious holiday time sitting behind the wheel. Here’s how to make the most out of your rental car in Myrtle Beach:

1. Kings Highway is the locale’s major motorway and tends to get congested at times. Beat the traffic by simply going either one block north or south of this road.
2. Myrtle Beach streets are numbered and laid out on a grid, so keeping an eye on the road number will help you find your way.
3. If you’re trying to access the city’s key areas, opt for the Robert Grissom Parkway (known as “The Bob”) or the Mr. Joe White Avenue (aka “The Joe”) for an easy way to avoid traffic.