The sun was setting over the palm trees as a two-story-tall artificial waterfall splashed nearby. An African grey parrot — one of several rescue birds housed at Aloha Minigolf — squawked as I paused to line up my shot. I’d challenged my dad to one of the outdoor mini golf courses at Aloha, the perfect ending to a day of touring Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, though he did beat me by a few strokes.
With over 30 courses, Myrtle Beach has claimed the title of Mini Golf Capital of the World. From where we were staying at the Kingston Resorts — an accommodation consortium that includes hotels like the Hilton and Embassy Suites, as well as condos, villas, and vacation rentals — the complimentary resort shuttle took eager mini golfers to both Aloha and Rainbow Falls Golf, as well as between resort amenities and various attractions within two miles, including the Tanger Outlets. It was the perfect touch, letting the resort handle transportation while we focused on having fun.
What it’s like to stay at the Embassy Suites at Kingston Resorts
Photo: Abigail Singrey
As soon as I checked into my suite at the Embassy Suites at Kingston Resorts, I stepped onto the balcony, where three sparkling outdoor pools stretched below me, and the ocean shimmered just beyond. From the 19th floor, I also had a perfect view of the iconic Apache Pier.
The Embassy Suites has 255 two-room suites, starting at $290 a night, each with separate living and sleeping quarters and an ocean view. My living room felt spacious, complete with a kitchenette that had a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. In the bedroom, I found a safe for valuables and more than enough space for my oversized luggage — helpful since I’ve yet to master the art of packing light.
The next morning began with a hearty breakfast at the Coastal Bar and Grill, with fresh fruit, yogurt, and a muffin for me, while my dad savored French toast, bacon, and eggs. Energized, we headed to our reserved poolside cabana. Spacious enough for eight adults, it had shaded couches under the awning, two loungers facing the resort’s largest pool, and all the comforts of a private retreat. Shortly after we arrived, a staff member stopped by with savory snacks, followed later by a fruit basket. With a TV, safe, and a refrigerator stocked with bottled water, the cabana made the perfect home base for a leisurely morning at the pool.
Photo: Abigail Singrey
Embassy Suites has three distinct pools for every kind of swimmer: a spacious zero-entry pool with a gentle slope that’s accessible for all ages, a slide pool with two towering water slides, and a kid-friendly splash zone with smaller slides, playful water features, and a giant dunk bucket.
After a morning at the pool, an afternoon at the spa felt like the perfect reset, so I hopped on the resort shuttle to Spa 33, tucked beside the fitness center and pickleball courts. After slipping into a plush robe and slides, I peeked into the steam room before settling instead into the relaxation lounge, where herbal teas, cold water, and healthy snacks awaited. I sank into a soft chair, listening to the fountain’s gentle splash against blue-and-gray tile, and let the calm settle in before my treatment. I chose the signature massage, though the spa offers everything from facials and body scrubs to waxing and nail services, with prices ranging from $20 to $375. The atmosphere is serene and soothing, made even better by the warm, professional staff.
Back at the Embassy Suites, we capped the evening with the complimentary late-afternoon reception at Coastal Bar and Grill, complete with light bites and two free drinks per guest.
Dining at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort at Kingston Resorts
Photo: Abigail Singrey
There’s nothing quite like oceanfront dining, and the Whet Whistle at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort delivers exactly that. Just a short shuttle ride or a five-minute stroll down the boardwalk from our hotel, this beachfront spot is one-of-a-kind. Built directly on the sand without the usual buffer of dunes, it was grandfathered in under old construction rules. As the staff pointed out, if a hurricane ever took it down, today’s regulations wouldn’t allow it to be rebuilt the same way. A Lime in the Coconut signature cocktail paired nicely with a plate of nachos to share.
For dinner, Black Drum offers Carolina-inspired bites and 40 local brews. I recommend the Carolina pulled pork or the Southern fried oysters. At the Hilton, Cafe Amalfi anchors the dinner options. My dad chose the filet mignon, which came with whipped potatoes and grilled asparagus, while I enjoyed the decadent flavors of the scallop risotto, topped with pancetta jam.
Things to do in Myrtle Beach, from sea spray to souvenirs
Photo: Abigail Singrey
A trip to the ocean feels incomplete for me until I glimpse dolphins, my favorite animal due to their lively curiosity and intelligence. To facilitate that, we booked an off-site dolphin cruise. One 30-minute ride later, and we were clambering aboard the Sea Screamer, a boat that would carry us through the Intracoastal Waterway to the ocean.
We’d only been in the ocean for a few minutes before we had our first dolphin sighting. Soon, the captain had us in the middle of a large pod, where I lost track of all the dolphins but estimated it was at least 40. After about 20 minutes of circling the area, making sure all sides of the boat had a great view, the captain asked, “Probably a stupid question, but has everyone seen the dolphins?” We all laughed and affirmed, so he headed towards a nearby shrimp boat that had been dragging its nets for about five hours.
Though dolphins often cluster around to hunt the sea life that’s stirred up, this particular boat had only one dolphin following it. Luckily, we’d seen plenty earlier. As we headed back into shore, the Sea Screamer paused at the entrance to the Intracoastal Waterway to take in another pod of dolphins skimming the surface of the waves.
While in Myrtle Beach, a trip to the boardwalk to pick up some souvenirs is a must. We enjoyed walking from shop to shop, pausing to get a smoothie at Mad Myrtle’s Ice Creamery and buy seashells and take in the dolphin-themed fountain at the historic three-level Gay Dolphin Gift Cove.
Getting to Kingston Resorts
Kingston Resorts is about a half-hour taxi ride from Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR). The resort also has ample parking for a fee.
