Myrtle Beach
By now, just about everyone is ready to get out of the winter rut. The weather is warming up and it’s about time we started working on those beach bodies. If you’re like me, the problem isn’t just figuring out how to start getting more active again, but how to stay interested in being active throughout the warmer seasons.
Have fun while staying active! South Carolina offers some really cool experiences that you may have missed in the past, but this year, you don’t have to worry about missing out. Whether you’re looking for intense exercise or just some light morning or evening activity to get you started, hopefully you’ll find what you’re looking for!
There’s something for everyone!
For the light activity seekers…
PC: myrtlebeachstatepark.net
1. Sculptured Oak Trail & Yaupon Trail
I lumped these two together because they are both located in Myrtle Beach State Park. Sculptured Oak Trail is .5 miles long, and Yaupon Trail is .4 miles. However, if you want to make your walk a little longer, you can do both! There is a parking area that you can walk across to get to each trail from the other. Both lead to the beach, so you can relax with a beautiful view after your walk (or run)! **Admission to Myrtle Beach State Park is $5 for adults, $3 for kids ages 6-15, free for kids under 5.**
For the family…
2. McLean Park
Dogs need exercise, too! Besides, let’s face it…when your dog knows you’re going for a run without them, it’s the ultimate betrayal. McLean Park is kid AND dog friendly, offering 2 playgrounds and a .5 mile paved walking path with a fitness trail and tennis courts so you can still get a workout in! It’s fun for the whole family! You can even make a day out of it and bring a picnic and sit in the gazebo.
For those who want a variety…
3. Hunting Island State Park
Hunting Island State Park is home to 10 different trails! Odds are, even if you’ve been there before, you haven’t hiked/biked all of them. Ranging from .2 miles to 2.3 miles, you can get as much out of it as you want to! The trails are closed during the winter months, but once they are open, you can enjoy the forests and marshes that coastal South Carolina has to offer. You can also visit the lighthouse, marsh, or docks to get a fantastic sunset view. **Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for kids 6-15, and free for kids under 5. Lighthouse admission is $2 per person.**
For the water enthusiasts…
PC: TripAdvisor LLC
4. Kayak, Paddleboard, and Crabbing Rentals
When you’re near the salt marsh creeks in Pawley’s Island or Litchfield Beach, how are you not tempted to go kayaking?! Kayaking has to be one of my favorite spring/summer pastimes… and Pawley’s Kayaks offers a one stop shop for your water sport materials. They have rentals available for crabbing, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, and paddleboarding…even cornhole to complete your day on the beach! Check out their website for more info on the prices and rental packages. http://www.pawleyskayaks.com/
For the bikers…
PC: www.traillink.com
5. Bike the Neck
The Waccamaw Neck Bikeway spans 12 (paved) miles total and runs parallel to US 17, starting at Murrell’s Inlet and ending in Pawley’s Island. The ride takes you through a slew of pines, oaks, and wetlands. Looking for a shorter ride? There is a spot around the 3 mile mark where you can loop around and complete a 6 mile total ride around the western border of the park.
For the long distance runners…
Course Map from: bridgerun.com
6. Cooper River Bridge Race
The Cooper River Bridge Race is an annual 10k that is open to anyone! Whether you want to run, jog, walk, or if you’re in a wheelchair, they have opportunities for you to participate. This year’s
race is held on April 7th of 2018, starts at 8 a.m. and spans from Mt. Pleasant to downtown Charleston. To participate costs as low as $35 is you get the tickets early, but can go as high as $55 when the date gets closer, so it’s definitely better to get the tickets sooner rather than later. You can still register today by clicking the link!
http://bridgerun.com/bridgerun-comregister/
For those looking for a cause to make your workout worth it…
7. Run for the Children 5k
Run for the Children is held in Murrell’s Inlet on April 14th, 2018 and starts at 8:30 a.m. at the Garden City Chapel. It is open to all age groups and abilities, hosting 10 different age groups from under 10 years old to 80 years and older! If you’re the type of person who needs a reason to work out, this is the work out you’re looking for. The Run for the Children 5k benefits the Children’s Home Ministry and the funds raised contribute to hosting children’s homes at the GCC retreat and treating the children to local activities. Registration is anywhere from $20-$30 depending on when you decide to sign up. Register today by clicking the link! https://localraces.com/events/murrells-inlet-sc/run-for-the-children-5k
Finally, For those looking to de-stress and strengthen…
8. Folly Beach Yoga
Are you the type of person who likes (or needs) to strengthen and relax at the same time? If you love the beach, you’ll love beach yoga. Folly Beach Island Yoga offers classes, group,and private yoga sessions all in the refreshing company of the morning sun and the soothing waves. Passes are $12 for an hour long session. Some friendly suggestions..be sure to remember sunscreen and LOTS of water. It gets pretty hot out there! If you are a yoga enthusiast and haven’t tried beach yoga, I would highly recommend it. Get passes and check out their available schedules here: http://follybeachislandyoga.com/class-schedule/follly-beach-yoga-class-weekends-things-to-do/beach-yoga