Best Shopping in Myrtle Beach

Located on Highway 501 about five miles from the beach, this Tanger Outlet has been recently renovated to make room for even more shops and stores. As one of two Tanger Outlets in the Myrtle Beach area, this one is farther inland and often less crowded. Like its sister stores on the North Strand, this one also offers a great variety of outlet clothing and shoe stores, including Brooks Brothers, OshKosh B'Gosh, J Crew, Ralph Lauren Polo, Nine West, Guess, Nike and Timberland. Home accessories and housewares are available, too, and a new and improved layout makes for easier access.

This Tanger Outlet Mall, at the northern end of Myrtle Beach, offers shoppers a plethora of upscale outlet stores, including BCBG Maxazria, Polo Ralph Lauren and Ann Taylor. There are more casual options as well, such as Gap, Old Navy, Reebok and Easy Spirit. It's a documented fact that intense shopping makes you hungry, and there's plenty of good food to choose from here in a vast food court, such as Ben and Jerry's and Five Guys., as well as an abundance of other shopping, dining and entertainment alternatives in the immediate area.

Before you hit the beach for some fun in the sun, check out Rom Jon's Surf Shop for all your beachwear needs. This East Coast chain is known in the surf community for its quality water-sports equipment, but it's also a trendy name in apparel, accessories, swimwear and more. Men, women and children can find everything from beach towels, sunscreen and beach toys at Ron Jon's, while expert and novice surfers can pick up a new board or some wax. Ron Jon's also caters to skateboarders, aka suburban surfers, and even wannabes can look the part by picking up a T-shirt or souvenir. Ron Jon's carries all the major national brands of surf gear.

For a shopping trip on the cheap, check out this open-air market featuring more than 400 vendor spaces featuring all kinds of wares. Bargain-shopper can find great deals, whether you're looking for antique tables or computer desks, china or cheap plates, toasters or golf balls. The family owned business was started in 1975 and is now the largest covered flea market on the Grand Strand. One of the least busy times to shop are Sunday mornings, when the crowds are light and Hudson's also hosts non-denominational church services for both kids and adults. You'll also run into some colorful characters among the regular vendors.

Formerly known as Colonial Mall, Myrtle Beach Mall recently received a new name and a major makeover. Located between Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, this enclosed mall is anchored by standards JCPenney and Belk, as well as popular specialty shops like Books-a-Million, Aeropostale, and Pacific Sunwear. But the mall's biggest draw is Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, the only South Carolina location of the popular fishing, hunting, hiking and camping superstore. Bored husbands and kids alike can keep busy playing in Bass Pro Shops, which features a stocked fishing pond and putting greens that let customers try before they buy.

Enjoy the slow pace of life in nearby Pawleys Island and a casual shopping adventure. The original Pawleys Island Hammock Shop drew such a steady stream of tourists that several additional shops and restaurants sprung up in its shadow. Most of the hammocks sold in America are built and sold in this sleepy little town. Many are still hand-woven and the highest quality you can find. Today, you'll find not only hammocks, but a nice array of other goods, from candles and children's clothing to Christmas decorations and jewelry. Take a hammock home with you to remember the relaxation of your vacation.

This palatial, fashionable mall is anchored by several top national and regional chains, such as Belk, Sears, Dillard's, Bed Bath & Beyond and Dick's Sporting Goods. All the familiar favorites are here, like Bath & Body Works, Charlotte Russe, Earthbound Trading Company, Express, Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, Aeropostale, Gymboree, Jos. A. Bank, PacSun and Victoria's Secret. Drop the kids off at the 14-screen cinema for some peace and quiet while you shop, or let them burn off some steam at the indoor climbing wall and bungy-jump trampoline. Coastal Grand also offers one of the widest selections of restaurants in the food court on the Strand.

This multi-purpose complex offers excellent entertainment, dining and attractions, but shopping is the main event. With more than 100 specialty shops in one scenic location, guests can stroll along the boardwalk over Barefoot Lake for hours without seeing them all. Located on the Intracoastal Waterway in North Myrtle Beach, visitors can take in the scenery while shopping along the waterfront, as well as take a break from shopping for lunch and dinner at one of more than a dozen restaurants. Keep the kids occupied with a trip to the nearby Alligator Adventure or with a ride down the Waterway aboard the Barefoot Princess.

Live entertainment venues, nightclubs, dining, specialty shops and more all situated around a 23-acre freshwater lake. Shops include specialty apparel boutiques for women, men and kids, art galleries, jewelry and accessory stores, and souvenir and gift shops. Dining and nightlife options include everything from seafood to pizza and rock 'n roll to classical, with a number of national chains represented. The Pavilion Nostalgia Park is a mini-memorial to the old downtown theme park and features some of the very same rides. Buy the kids a fistful of tickets and let them have some fun while you shop in a stress-free environment.

This new multi-purpose complex features great dining and entertainment options, but shopping is the top draw. With more than 50 shops on one city block, window shoppers can stroll through this urban-style district and check out such exclusive stores as Anthropologie, Fossil, Ivy & Leo, Orvis and many more. Located on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, this development also includes city-style townhouses located over the storefronts and wide, bricked sidewalks for a unique shopping experience. Market Common also hosts various festivities in the adjoining parks. Many of Market Common's outlets cannot be found anywhere else on the Grand Strand.