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- Around two hours' drive from Charleston, SC, Myrtle Beach is a lively, family-focused resort town with popular beaches, nightlife, and amusement parks.
- Booking a private residence via Airbnb may feel like a safer option over hotels right now for travelers who want to control their own levels of hygiene and social distancing.
- While Myrtle Beach can be expensive during the peak summer season, we rounded up vacation rentals that offer strong value, great amenities, and oceanfront access in some cases.
- Read more: Are Airbnbs safe? We spoke to experts, a company representative, and an Airbnb host to share everything you should know before booking someone's home.
As states reopen and travel gradually recovers from the impact of COVID-19, many Americans are seeking summer getaways within driving distance.
For many on the East Coast, that focus points them to Myrtle Beach, a popular summertime destination just north of Charleston, South Carolina. Myrtle Beach is a favorite for its lovely stretch of coastline known as the Grand Strand, with a busy downtown but less crowded spots towards its northern and southern edges.
Of course, even with cautious optimism, travel still involves an element of risk. The situation is constantly evolving and South Carolina is currently experiencing a spike in COVID-19 cases, so you may want to pause that trip for next weekend and instead plan ahead for the future when it becomes safer. Without a vaccine, there's no guarantee of safety and it's important to monitor guidelines from individual states and cities when planning any travel and observe personal safety and hygiene protocols issued by the CDC and WHO. This includes wearing masks in public, washing hands, and social distancing. Vacation destinations are potential infection hotspots, and for phased reopenings to continue, travelers must behave with consideration and diligence wherever they go.
Yet private home rentals like Airbnb are still bookable in Myrtle Beach, and travel experts consider these private accommodations to be a safer option than hotels because they allow guests to exert greater levels of control over their hygiene and distancing, reducing infection vectors for everyone.
Airbnb is also promoting rigorous new procedures for hosts and guests, which includes guidelines on personal protective equipment for hosts or cleaners, and mandates the use of agency-approved disinfectants and waiting periods between guests and cleanings. It's important to remember that opting into these policies is not compulsory for hosts, so potential renters should ask about individual property's policies before signing any rental agreements.
Looking for more Airbnb beach homes?
If you are planning a visit to Myrtle Beach, we gathered the following list of Myrtle Beach Airbnbs that enjoy high ratings, great interior design, and comfort and were selected based on the following criteria:
- Airbnb listings are for the entire home/apartment.
- The home is priced under $200 per night (outside of peak seasons), and is highly-rated, with a review score of 4.6 or higher, or excellent written reviews.
- Every listing has air conditioning, and most have direct access to a beach or a pool, often with extra amenities like beach chairs or grills.
- Properties are well-appointed, stand out either for design or location (or both), and are close to area attractions.
While we made an effort to list places with prices under $200 per night, it's important to note that these prices reflect starting points and rates can surge in high summer season and additional costs vary based on the host (e.g. cleaning, facility, or resort fees). Also, be aware of cancellation policies and read the fine print, as some homes have strict policies. You may also want to check other home rental sites before you book to make sure you're getting the best deal. Finally, as the global pandemic continues, be aware that shared amenities such as pools or gyms may be closed. Be sure to check with the host before booking if accessing such facilities is important to your stay.
These are some of the best Airbnb homes in Myrtle Beach, sorted by price from low to high.
A condo with golf course views, $48
Airbnb
Book this condo with golf course views starting at $48 per nightMyrtle Beach isn't just about the beaches and bars; lots of people travel here for the excellent golfing. This three-bedroom condo is great for a group of golfers ready to hit the links at the neighboring, very scenic Arrowhead's Cypress golf course on the Intracoastal Waterway.
It's even possible to eye up the lie of the land before teeing off from the comfort of the condo's deck. Staying here also comes with access to a community pool for cooling off after a round, and a cute bar in the kitchen to sit with a beer and analyze those putts that could have been.
Fancy an evening cook-out? There's a grill for barbecuing while you talk up your short game.
The property is busy over the summer but opens up in September/October.
Rating: 4.95
COVID policies: Use of bleach and Lysol to sanitize the property including high-touch surfaces.
Beachfront studio, $79
Airbnb
Book this beachfront studio starting at $79 per nightA hotel suite in Myrtle Beach will easily cost much more than this bijoux, super-stylish studio that's a steal for couples looking for a chic base.
Just south of the main downtown drag, and located towards the airport, the snappy interior design is a real stand out, with clean neutral tones, lots of natural daylight, and sleek furniture. If you have kids, the low-slung leather sofa opens up as a multi-purpose futon.
Dark, hardwood floors frame coveted ocean views, which are best enjoyed from the private balcony. There's a kitchenette for dining in, but the property isn't more than a few minutes by car to the dining options of downtown Myrtle Beach. Fast Wi-Fi and cable TV offer indoor entertainment options if the weather doesn't cooperate.
The property is busy throughout the summer but opens up from mid-September.
Rating: 4.71
COVID policies: Hosts use antibacterials and disinfect all high-touch surfaces metal, and bleach all laundry.
Resort condo, $83
Airbnb
Book this resort condo starting at $83 per nightIt doesn't get too much more relaxing than lazily swinging in your own hammock on a generous patio while being graced by sea breezes. That's one of the main draws for this gorgeous one-bedroom condo with designer-inspired interiors. Though, the wooden floors, a King-sized bed, and tasteful fittings stand out, too.
The unit is located inside the Caravelle Resort and guests can enjoy the on-site facilities that include indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, a kids' lazy river, a poolside bar, and a game room. There's also a restaurant and sun deck, although it's such a well-placed spot that it's easy to walk to most of downtown's main attractions, including the beach, of course.
There's also fast Wi-Fi, cable TV, and a kitchenette.
The property has good availability through August and September.
Rating: 4.75
COVID policies: Hosts use a professional cleaning service between guests.
Chic beachfront condo, $98
Airbnb
Book this chic beachfront condo starting at $98 per nightWith enviable decor and a plum spot right on the Grand Strand, this very chic one-bedroom condo is also deceptive because it can actually sleep up to eight guests comfortably. The main bedroom has two queen beds and there are two convertible sofa/futons for two people each in the living spaces.
Interiors were freshly refurbished in 2019 and a private balcony makes a great perch when not taking advantage of access to shared heated pools, hot tubs, the kids' lazy river, and the on-site gym. The beach, boardwalk, and Family Kingdom Amusement Park are all just a few minutes' walk away.
The property has good availability through August and September and into the fall.
Rating: 4.74
COVID policies: Hosts follow the enhanced Airbnb cleaning guidelines, including bleaching, sanitization of high-touch surfaces, disinfecting mattresses, etc.
Beach cottage, $106
Airbnb
Book this entire cottage starting at $106 per nightIf you're bringing the family, this is an ideal pick. For larger broods who might want to spend a few days exploring the Family Kingdom Amusement Park, it's hard to imagine a more convenient location than this four-bedroom, picture-perfect, beachside cottage.
Both the amusement park and the beach are within easy walking distance, and the house itself is built for family living with multiple bedrooms and colorful, modern furniture. One of the best features is the spacious front lawn and the commodious backyard deck with its own grill.
There's fast Wi-Fi for everyone's devices and a small workspace if you need to attend to non-vacation matters. Downtown Myrtle Beach is just a short drive away and you're able to retreat to relative tranquility after a long day.
August is fairly busy for this property but dates open up into September and October.
Rating: 4.77
COVID policies: The house is disinfected with bleach and Lysol after each stay, and there's between eight and 24 hours between guests.
Modern townhouse, $112
Airbnb
Book this townhouse starting at $112 per nightLarger groups or families will appreciate the space of this two-story townhouse, which is quite a rarity in Myrtle Beach. The house has two bedrooms but there are sleeping options for up to eight, and it comes replete with hardwood floors and attractive, contemporary furniture in greens and blues. There are 50" HDTVs, cable, fast Wi-Fi, and a kitchen that is fully equipped for home cooking. If you've been fishing, the charcoal grill will come in handy.
The house is just a couple of minutes' drive from the airport, and the quiet, residential neighborhood will suit guests who don't want to stay in the thick of downtown. Taking a day out at the beach, golf course, or amusement park is easy enough, and this home is just a couple of minutes' walk from public access to the beach as well.
The property is booked through the end of August but opens up for September and October.
Rating: 4.96
COVID policies: Owners have subscribed to Airbnb's enhanced cleaning protocols, with particular sanitizing of high-touch areas and use of UV sanitizing light.
Surfside cottage, $113
Airbnb
Book this cottage starting at $113 per nightNot too many properties come with their own transportation options beyond bicycles, but this three-bedroom cottage includes the use of a golf cart for your convenience. It's a perfect way to explore the beachfront, and cruise up to the center of downtown, about 10 minutes away.
The cottage itself ticks all the boxes with plenty of space, wooden floors, and fittings, giving the place a beachside cabin feel. The cottage can sleep up to eight people, and kids will love the indoor and outdoor pools and splash pad. If you're feeling energetic, the property also comes with access to tennis, bocce and basketball courts, as well as an exercise room.
The cottage has great availability through September and October.
Rating: 5.0
COVID policies: Adherence to all local and state mandates regarding sanitization and hygiene.
Lush townhome, $117
Airbnb
Book this townhouse starting at $117 per nightIf your group is here for a fishing weekend and would enjoy cooking up the catch of the day on a shady patio, consider this townhouse. The leafy backyard couldn't be more accommodating with its terracotta tiles, comfy furniture, and chimenea fireplace.
The house can sleep four people comfortably, and gives off a playful seaside vibe, with a color palette of bright greens and blues, bamboo furniture and striking, nautical-themed decorations. The quieter, more refined environs of the North Myrtle Beach are just a couple of blocks away and the house comes with all the supplies you could need, including a surfboard. For indoor entertainment, there's Wi-Fi, cable TV, a Roku, and a selection of board games.
The house has great availability throughout August, September and October.
Rating: 4.86
COVID policies: Compliance to CDC and WHO protocols for cleaning, with strict disinfecting policies.
Hip designer condo, $126
Airbnb
Book this oceanfront condo starting at $126 per nightSome of the Myrtle Beach condo stock can look a little tired and out of date, but that can't be said of this newly refurbished, three-bedroom unit that can welcome up to eight people.
It's been redesigned with an eye for aesthetics, with exposed wood panel walls, granite surfaces, and hip curated decor.
The amenities are up to date as well, with a Keurig coffee maker and smart TVs ready to play all the popular streaming services. There's a deck for relaxing but it's just a couple of blocks to the beach, and this home comes kitted out with outdoor gear such as bikes and boogie boards, as well as beach chairs and a cooler.
The condo is booked through the end of August but starts to open up in September and October.
Rating: 5.0
COVID policies: Cleaned and sanitized to local and statewide recommendations, including high-touch surfaces.