North Myrtle Beach locals who want to unwind and relax off the beach head to the gorgeous, centrally located McLean Park. Located in the heart of the city, just 2 blocks west of Ocean Boulevard between 1st and 3rd Avenues, this sprawling natural respite can cater to a wide range of outdoor interests. From active kids and adults to visitors who just want to enjoy a pretty view and a breath of fresh air, this park proves that North Myrtle Beaches' world of outdoor fun extends past the ocean facing beaches.

Picnic shelters at Mclean Park in Myrtle Beach, SC

The park is surrounded by a number of residential and vacation rental communities, and is located just 2-3 blocks away from the oceanfront hotels and resorts, making a trip to this destination, literally, a "walk in the park." There are also parking areas located near the park's main entrance, so patrons who are lugging along athletic gear or picnic baskets can enjoy an easier route.

Tennis courts at Mclean Park in Myrtle Beach, SC

The park encompasses 10 acres of undeveloped land in the heart of town, which includes a 2 acre lake, making it one of the most scenic spots in the area for seasoned residents and North Myrtle Beach newcomers alike. Within the park's borders, visitors will find restrooms, a paved half mile walking path with a fitness trail, and two playgrounds that cater to different age groups. A 2-5 year old playground is perfect for the park's youngest visitors, while a 5-12 year old playground promotes "exercise in disguise" with a variety of attractions and amenities designed to keep kids moving.

The pond at Mclean Park in Myrtle Beach, SC

Sports lovers will also find two hard surface tennis courts, and a youth baseball field with grassy infields and a 250' foot outfield for hard hits. These facilities are generally available on a first come, first serve basis, however local youth and sporting groups can also reserve the facilities for summer games, tournaments, and practice sessions.

A walking/jogging path surrounds Mclean Park in Myrtle Beach, SC

Visitors who would rather spread out a picnic lunch and enjoy a quieter scene can also reserve a spot at one of three park picnic shelters, which can accommodate approximately 30, 35, and 100 people, respectively. All picnic shelters are covered, contain ample tables for large parties, and also feature little "extras" such as charcoal grills, neighboring drinking fountains, and trash receptacles.The picnic shelters can be reserved in advance for special family celebrations, group picnics, or even informal wedding receptions, and can be secured by calling the City of North Myrtle Beaches' Parks and Rec department at (843) 280-5570.

A pretty fountain at Mclean Park in Myrtle Beach, SC

While all of these outdoor amenities are certainly a draw for frequent visitors, the park also has several unique features that help boost this park's reputation as one of the prettiest spots in North Myrtle Beach. A meditation garden is well-known as a perfect place to relax and enjoy the summertime blooms, while a waterfront gazebo, which overlooks the 2 acre lake, is a shaded retreat for park-goers who just want to exhale and enjoy the scenery.

Ducks and geese wonder Mclean Park in Myrtle Beach, SC

The park is so popular, in fact, that it is the venue of choice for a number of city-wide events, including holiday Trick-or-Treating or Easter Egg Hunts, and special summer concerts. In fact, the "Sounds of Summer" concerts at McLean Park are quickly becoming one of North Myrtle Beaches' favorite family outings, with monthly Friday evening live performances in the heart of the park, held from mid-May until the end of September. The music genres vary from blues to beach bands, and visitors are invited to bring their picnic baskets, blankets, and chairs, and enjoy an incredible show in an equally incredible location.

The walking path in Mclean Park in Myrtle Beach, SC

In addition, the McLean Park is also home to monthly summer flicks on Fridays, allowing patrons to enjoy a screening of a family-friendly classic in the great outdoors. Generally held from June until October, everyone is welcome to settle in under the stars and enjoy a big-screen show, free of charge. (Please note that no alcohol is allowed during these events.)

A baseball field at Mclean Park in Myrtle Beach, SC

Upcoming holiday and special events at McLean Park are listed online, and visitors can check the North Myrtle Beach Parks and Rec Department's event calendar to see what fun affairs are happening during their upcoming South Carolina vacation.

The path at Mclean Park in Myrtle Beach, SC

Visitors who love the great outdoors will find no shortage of fun at McLean Park. Geared towards all ages and interests, visitors can spend a day at play at the tennis courts, fitness trail or playgrounds, or just relax with a big picnic lunch and a pretty waterfront view. Surrounded by North Myrtle Beaches' busy oceanfront and oceanside communities, but a peaceful oasis in the heart of the action, visitors are sure to fall in love with this naturally fun little parcel of Grand Strand paradise.

A playground at Mclean Park in Myrtle Beach, SC

Restrooms at Mclean Park in Myrtle Beach, SC

Welcome and rules signage at Mclean Park in Myrtle Beach, SC

A playground at Mclean Park in Myrtle Beach, SC

A gazebo over the pond at Mclean Park in Myrtle Beach, SC

Flowers along the walking path at Mclean Park in Myrtle Beach, SC

 

North Myrtle Beach
Victory Beach Vacations

Visitors who are on the hunt for the postcard-perfect vacation rental in the heart of the Carolina Beach or Kure Beach area will find an enticing selection and plenty of friendly customer service when they rent through Victory Beach Vacations. Based in Carolina Beach in the coastal Cape Fear region, Victory Beach Vacations has more than 100 vacation rentals in all shapes and sizes to ensure that every vacationing family can find their dream home away from home on the beach.   When you book your Cape Fear getaway with Victory Beach Vacations, the fun doesn’t end when you leave the beach, it continues with an array of privately-owned properties outfitted with all of the amenities needed for a fabulous beach vacation.   Jenna Lanier, General Manager, explains that her family first opened the rental and property management business in 2002. At the forefront of Victory Beach operations is Lanier’s mother, Caroline Meeks. Meeks is both the Broker in Charge and co-owner with husband, Buck Meeks, who manages the Field Services team with Lanier’s husband, Scott.   For nearly 20 years, the Victory Beach team has worked tirelessly to establish a network of top-of-the-line rental properties for Cape Fear visitors to enjoy. “As far as our properties go,” explains Lanier, “they are all updated, well-furnished and appointed. “We have always performed post-cleaning inspections and since the pandemic, have put freshly laundered duvets over all of the comforters between rentals.”   Lanier emphasizes how important the guests experience is “we strive to give our guests a relaxing, stress free, memorable vacation.” This emphasis on customer service has led to Victory Beach Vacations having a 4.8 Google rating with over 300 reviews by happy owners and guests.In addition to Victory Beach’s superior sanitation practices, the company offers properties for every type of visitor. Choose from luxury oceanfront houses and condos to more reasonbly priced 2nd row properties with oceanviews. Many properties include pools and hot tubs as well, perfect for outdoor entertaining, and many are dog friendly.   Lanier also notes that all properties are within walking or driving distance to Pleasure Island’s main attractions – Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. The former, as described by Lanier, is the more commercialized of the two destinations and features a boardwalk, outdoor dining options and a plethora of weekly activities including fireworks, live music, amusement park pop-ups, and movies under the stars. Kure Beach offers a more residential feel with its fishing pier, intimate restaurants and family favorite, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.More water fun awaits, too. “There is a harbor and a canal that feed into the intercoastal. We have several properties on the harbor so guests can bring their boat, kayak, [or jet ski] and travel between islands,” says Lanier.   A stay with Victory Beach Vacations is an annual pilgrimage for most. “A large percentage of guests are previous guests. Some even reserve the same property for the next year as they’re checking out,” Lanier says. “It’s almost like it’s their personal vacation home.”   Even before guests arrive at their vacation destination, the Victory Beach Vacations’ website greets them with a live beach cam and exquisite aerial footage of both Carolina and Kure Beaches. See for yourself by scanning the QR code and call Victory Beach Vacations at 910.458.0868 to book your Cape Fear getaway. Start making your memories today! —Grace Silipigni