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Episode 4: Myrtle Beach, SC: A Flexible Family Beach Trip — Travel in 3-2-1
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Travel carries both anticipation and uncertainty, especially for families raising children with ADHD, autism, or anxiety. The hope for rest and connection often sits alongside quiet questions about how each moment will unfold.
In this episode featuring Myrtle Beach, we explore a family-friendly destination that offers both excitement and calm for children with ADHD, autism, and anxiety. From open shorelines to peaceful spots like Huntington Beach State Park and Brookgreen Gardens, plus inclusive play at Savannah’s Playground, this episode highlights how thoughtful planning and support can make travel more manageable, meaningful, and full of connection.
Topics Covered:
- 00:00:00 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety
- 00:01:56 – Episode focus: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- 00:02:25 – Finding calm beyond busy attractions
- 00:04:28 – Place #1: Huntington Beach State Park
- 00:05:25 – Nature, wildlife, and Atalaya Castle
- 00:06:49 – Place #2: Brookgreen Gardens
- 00:08:40 – Place #3: Savannah’s Playground
- 00:09:58 – Food options #1: River City Cafe
- 00:10:49 – Food options #2: Crooked Hammock Brewery
- 00:12:05 – Tip: Champion Autism Network
- 00:13:04 – Travel that fits your family
About Your Host:
Dr. Josette Bianchi is a board-certified pediatrician, mom of three, and a travel lover who believes families should feel confident exploring the world together. Through Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety, she shares practical tips, real-life experiences, and encouragement for families raising children with big feelings, sensory needs, or behavioral differences.
Combining her medical background with her perspective as a parent, Dr. Bianchi helps families plan flexible, sensory-friendly trips. Each episode offers simple ideas, honest stories, and helpful tools to make travel more manageable and more meaningful for neurodiverse families.
Connect with Dr. Jo:
- Email: familytravelsupport@gmail.com; josettemarie@gmail.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/familytravelthatsupports/
Resources:
Recommended
Transcript
Introduction to Family Travel Podcast
00:00:00
Speaker
If you've ever wondered whether a beach trip can actually work out with kids who may get overwhelmed easily, this one might surprise you. Let's head to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina together to find out how this family-friendly beach destination can be tailored to suit all families.
00:00:16
Speaker
Welcome to Family Travel that supports ADHD, autism, and anxiety, podcast for families who love to travel and have children with big feelings and challenging moments.
00:00:27
Speaker
I'm Joseph Bianchi, a mom to three children, board-certified pediatrician, and a travel
3-2-1 Travel Plan for Neurodiverse Families
00:00:32
Speaker
lover. If you're raising children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or other behavioral differences, and the idea of travel feels both exciting and overwhelming, this podcast is for you.
00:00:43
Speaker
Each week, using an easy-to-follow, 3-2-1 plan, 3 places, 2 food options, and 1 great tip for families, we'll talk about real-life experiences of traveling with kids who don't fit the typical mold.
00:00:56
Speaker
Most episodes will follow this format, but we'll also sprinkle in some listener stories, deeper dives into specific challenges, and interviews. From meltdowns at airport security to the beauty of a breakthrough moment in the middle of a museum, we're covering it all.
00:01:09
Speaker
Chaos, joy, and the learning that comes with it.
Tips for Sensory-Friendly Travel
00:01:12
Speaker
Disclaimer, this podcast is for general information, educational purposes only, and is not to be considered medical advice for any patient.
00:01:21
Speaker
In this podcast, we will discuss tips and tools for planning sensory-friendly and flexible trips, how to manage behavioral challenges on the go, choosing destinations that support neurodiverse families, and stories from other parents who've been there too.
00:01:35
Speaker
This podcast isn't about perfection. It's about adapting, adjusting, and finding what works for your family. Because travel can be meaningful, empowering, and even fun when we stop comparing and start connecting.
Adapting Travel Plans for Meaningful Experiences
00:01:47
Speaker
Whether you're planning your first road trip or you're already seasoned family travelers, family travel that supports ADHD, autism, and anxiety is here to help you feel seen, supported, and maybe even inspired to book that next adventure.
00:02:01
Speaker
Because around here, we truly believe in wandering without limits. So grab your crew, your luggage, and your love of adventure, and let's hit the road together.
Exploring Myrtle Beach: A Family-Friendly Destination
00:02:11
Speaker
Hey, welcome to the show.
00:02:13
Speaker
Today we're heading to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, one of the most well-known family beach destinations on the East Coast. I thought this would be a great episode to do this time of year because people are still planning some of their summer trips, maybe be even people are thinking ahead toward fall break trips, and Myrtle Beach makes a great choice for either. Myrtle Beach sits along a stretch of coastline known as the Grand Strand, which includes about 60 miles of beaches along the Atlantic Ocean.
00:02:36
Speaker
When people think of Myrtle Beach, they often think about busy boardwalk, big attractions, there's actually another side of this destination that many families love. Quieter parks, nature spaces, and slower paced activities.
00:02:50
Speaker
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has recently emerged as a leading beach destination for families with children on the autism spectrum. The city participates in the CanCard program through the Champion Autism Network, and we'll cover this a little bit more later in the episode.
00:03:04
Speaker
But in general, it's just a great destination for all families with all kinds of behavioral differences. And it's really something that you can tweak and accommodate to any family need.
00:03:15
Speaker
For families traveling with kids who have ADHD, autism, anxiety, or any other behavioral differences, having that balance between stimulation and calm spaces can make a huge difference.
00:03:26
Speaker
Myrtle Beach perfectly captures this balance.
Starting the Day at Myrtle Beach
00:03:29
Speaker
And before we jump into our three places today on the show, I always think the best way to start a Myrtle Beach day is simply by stepping onto the beach itself. You hear the waves rolling in, feel the warm sand under your feet, and there's this big open space where kids can run, dig, collect shells, or just move freely.
00:03:47
Speaker
Beach time can be very therapeutic for everyone. When you take it slow, plan ahead, and bring lots of water and snacks. Swimming is also huge for children with neurodiversity, particularly those for ADHD.
00:04:00
Speaker
One great thing about Myrtle Beach is that most hotels, resorts, and house rentals have pools here, unlike some other beach destinations on the East Coast. So that makes it a great place to have a balance between pool time, swimming time, and being at the beach.
00:04:15
Speaker
For the three places to visit today, I didn't focus on the typical locales you may see when you first Google Myrtle Beach and Kids or family-friendly Myrtle Beach. Places like Broadway on the Beach, Barefoot Landing, water parks, mini golf, those are all great places and can work great for many families.
00:04:34
Speaker
But I try to be mindful about selecting places that can encourage some calm, give kids room to spread out, and explore more freely. Okay, so let's get started with our three places to
Exploring Huntington Beach State Park
00:04:44
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visit.
00:04:44
Speaker
Our first place we're going to visit in Myrtle Beach is Huntington Beach State Park. This is located 16148 Ocean Highway in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. So a little bit outside of Myrtle Beach proper, you will need a car to get here.
00:04:59
Speaker
It's a large coastal park with beaches, trails, marsh areas, and wildlife. It is also one of the best bird watching spots on the East Coast and it's common to see alligators in the freshwater lagoons here.
00:05:11
Speaker
So maybe not everyone in your group is a big bird watcher. We're definitely not. But we love the alligators and the freshwater lagoons. As long as you can keep everyone safe and everyone's able to sort of listen in your group and stay back because you really need to stay away from the lagoons when you're observing the the alligators here.
00:05:30
Speaker
There's so much to see and do. You could really spend multiple days at Huntington Beach State Park. There are even campsites to stay over if that's what you'd like to do. I highly suggest scoping out the website before coming to visit.
00:05:42
Speaker
Our favorites are checking out the alligators, the nature center that's located in the park, and the Atalia Castle. The Atalia Castle was the winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington. It was built in and it and features a large open courtyard separated by rooms inspired by Spanish and Morish architecture.
00:06:01
Speaker
There is a separate admission fee, but it's inexpensive. I think it's $2 a person, and it's a lot of fun. It's a great area to explore, especially if you have kids like mine that like a little bit of mystery.
00:06:13
Speaker
It's great opportunity to see a castle here in the United States that is inexpensive, often doesn't have large crowds like some of the castles in Europe, and that they can just kind of run around and be free.
00:06:26
Speaker
The outdoor spaces like this can be especially helpful for kids with neurodiversity who may need time to move, reset, and regulate after busier attractions that are more stimulating in Myrtle Beach.
00:06:37
Speaker
So I highly suggest checking out Huntington Beach State Park. They also have a local ice cream shop there as well if you'd like to grab something sweet on your way out. And they have a beautiful beach in general if you'd like to make it a beach day as well and bring your beach gear.
00:06:53
Speaker
So highly recommend Huntington Beach State Park. Hits a lot of great high points that kids love. Ice cream, animals, castles, the beach.
00:07:03
Speaker
You really can't beat it.
Educational Visit to Brookgreen Gardens
00:07:05
Speaker
Okay, next on our list of places to check out in the Myrtle Beach area, number two is Brookgreen Gardens. Brookgreen Gardens is located at 1931 Brookgreen Drive, also in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
00:07:19
Speaker
It's located just minutes from Huntington Beach State Park, but I don't recommend doing both in one day. you're feeling highly ambitious, you can have at it, but I would try and do one one day and then maybe another one in a couple days because they both have a lot to offer and can keep kids busy pretty much for the whole day, particularly the state park.
00:07:41
Speaker
Brookgreen Gardens is a large sculpture and botanical garden. Children three and under are free here. They also offer some summer camps and a spring break camp if you're local to the area or you're traveling in Myrtle Beach for an extended period of time and looking for that type of experience for your child for a day or two.
00:07:59
Speaker
What I really like about this garden is that it features wide path, shaded areas, particularly in the hot summer, sculptures, flowers, and the Low Country Zoo, which focuses on animals that are native to the region. I think between the state park with the castle,
00:08:15
Speaker
and the Low Country Zoo here at the Brookgreen Gardens. You could also make this a little bit of an educational experience for your kids if you'd like to do that. You can kind of scale up the educational piece between the nature center at the state park and the zoo here and the castle at the state park, really as much as you want to. Just want to keep it fun. You're on summer vacation. You could totally do that. But if you want to add a little bit of an educational piece, or maybe your family is a homeschooling family, this might be something to think about as well.
00:08:44
Speaker
I highly recommend Brookgreen Gardens again for all they have to offer for kids in terms of exploring nice shaded areas, nature, and if your kids love animals, it's great for that as well.
Inclusive Fun at Savannah's Playground
00:08:56
Speaker
Okay, now for our third stop in Myrtle Beach, we're going to check out Savannah's Playground, located at 3600 Emmons Avenue in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This is an inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities. It's named after Savannah Thompson, a Myrtle Beach resident with Williams syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.
00:09:15
Speaker
It was closed in fall 2025 for renovations and recently reopened. It features adaptive swings, sensory play equipment, accessible pathways, and large play structures.
00:09:27
Speaker
I think it's great to check it out. They have lots of shaded areas, water stations, restrooms, and the best part about it is that it's free. It's always great to include something on the show that's free or affordable.
00:09:41
Speaker
And I think even though it's free, you will not be disappointed. You will think it is awesome for everyone in your group. Okay, so just to review, our three places that we checked out in Myrtle Beach area were Huntington Beach State Park,
00:09:55
Speaker
Gorking Gardens, and Savannah's Playground. Now for two places to eat in
Dining at River City Cafe
00:10:01
Speaker
Myrtle Beach. Always a challenge here at the show to narrow it down, especially in a place like Myrtle Beach where there's lots of different options.
00:10:08
Speaker
But I tried to narrow it down to two that I think will work well for most families that listen to the show. The first option is the River City Cafe. This is a casual local restaurant that's known for burgers, a fun beach atmosphere. They also have chicken and veggie burgers if you have someone in your group who doesn't like meat. But really, they focus on burgers, and they have all different types.
00:10:31
Speaker
There's locations all throughout Myrtle Beach, so you should be able to find one that's convenient to wherever you're staying or wherever you're traveling that day. It's easy. It's fun. It's affordable. easy.
00:10:42
Speaker
One thing to note is that it can be crowded during peak dinner hours. So I suggest either going early or during lunch, especially if noise or wait times are an issue for your group. And another important thing to note is that peanuts are served openly here at River City Cafe.
00:10:59
Speaker
And peanut shells are commonly on the floor. So this is not a good option for anyone with peanut allergies in your group. Okay, next is the Crooked Hammock Brewery.
Family Fun at Crooked Hammock Brewery
00:11:10
Speaker
This is located at 4924 Highway 17 South in North Myrtle Beach. This is a family-friendly restaurant that has a large outdoor area and yard games, which is primarily why I picked it.
00:11:23
Speaker
It can be great for kids who need room to move while they're waiting to eat and have difficulty sitting still for a long time while waiting to be seated for dinner. So I really like to spin this restaurant as kind of a two-fold activity.
00:11:38
Speaker
hey, we're going to go play at this park for a little bit, do some yard games together as a group, then we're going to sit down to eat. So it's not like you're focused on the waiting or that it's just a distraction from waiting.
00:11:50
Speaker
It's really like we're going to go play at this park and play some yard games with the family or with our friends, and then we'll eat afterwards. So I think if you have a night that you're eating at peak dinner hours, while the waits here can be long because it's a great place to check out, it might work out for your family, sort of ironically, because it's a long wait. But because they have the outdoor area and the yard games, it sort of works out.
00:12:16
Speaker
So two places to eat in Myrtle Beach are the River City Cafe and the Crooked Hammock Brewery. Okay, one great
Champion Autism Network's Efforts
00:12:23
Speaker
tip. We always like to include one great tip on the show. And this week, our one great tip is the Champion Autism Network, also known as the CAN Network.
00:12:32
Speaker
This began in the Myrtle Beach area and works with local businesses, hotels, and attractions become more autism-aware and supportive of families who may have someone in their group with autism or neurodiversity.
00:12:44
Speaker
Many participating businesses display the CAN logo, indicating staff training and understanding of sensory needs. The organization also coordinates autism-friendly travel events in weeks as well.
00:12:56
Speaker
So check out local businesses, restaurants, and organizations in the area for the CAN logo. And that may help you sort of streamline your search for what might work out for your group if someone in your group does have autism.
Encouragement for Unique Family Travel
00:13:10
Speaker
Okay, so thanks for joining us this week to check out the Myrtle Beach area. Again, a great place for maybe a summer destination for your family or a fall break trip.
00:13:21
Speaker
Travel doesn't have to look like anyone else's version to be meaningful. Meet your family where they are and keep wandering without limits. You got this. If this episode resonated with you, please follow or subscribe to the show and share it with another parent who might benefit.
00:13:35
Speaker
Until next time, thanks for tuning in.