You know that stretch of the Grand Strand where the high-rise shadows start to feel a little less crowded and the vibe shifts from "neon chaos" to "actual vacation"? That's where you find the Ocean Reef Resort North Ocean Boulevard Myrtle Beach SC. It sits up on the northern end of the city, specifically at 7100 North Ocean Blvd. It’s an interesting spot. Honestly, if you’ve stayed in Myrtle Beach as much as I have, you realize the "Golden Mile" adjacent area is a different beast compared to the boardwalk.
It’s quieter. Mostly.
👉 See also: Wenzhou-Kean University: What Most People Get Wrong About This US-China Campus
The Ocean Reef Resort isn't some brand-new, glass-and-steel monolith that feels like a cold hospital. It’s a classic. You’ve got those angled balconies—a staple of 80s and 90s coastal architecture—designed specifically so you aren't just staring at your neighbor's laundry while you try to drink your morning coffee. Some people call it dated; others call it home.
The Reality of Staying at Ocean Reef Resort North Ocean Boulevard Myrtle Beach SC
Let’s get into the weeds.
When you pull up to the Ocean Reef Resort North Ocean Boulevard Myrtle Beach SC, you’re looking at a property that has to work hard against the salt air. Maintenance is a constant battle for these oceanfront spots. You’ll find some wear and tear, sure. But the draw here has always been the footprint. They have a massive pool deck.
It's huge.
You’ve got the Shipwreck Water Park, which is basically a magnet for every kid within a three-block radius. It has this Tiki treehouse and a lagoon launcher slide. If you’re traveling without kids, this might sound like a nightmare, but the resort is spread out enough that you can usually find a corner to breathe. The lazy river is a lifesaver on those 95-degree July afternoons when the humidity feels like a wet wool blanket.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
Standard rooms. Efficiencies. Parlor suites.
They range from basic "I just need a bed" setups to four-bedroom condos. If you’re bringing the whole extended family—grandma, the cousins, that one uncle who sleeps on the couch—the multi-bedroom options are why this place stays booked.
The kitchens are functional. Don't expect a Michelin-star setup, but you get a fridge, a stove, and enough cabinets to hide your snacks from the kids. Most units have been updated with flatter screens and better bedding over the last few years, but the bones of the building remain traditional.
One thing people forget: the view. Because of the way the building is angled on North Ocean Boulevard, the "oceanfront" suites actually feel oceanfront. You aren't squinting past a parking garage to see a sliver of blue. You’re looking at the Atlantic.
The Location Gamble: Why North is Often Better
Myrtle Beach is split.
You have the South end, which is close to the airport and the Family Kingdom Amusement Park. It’s loud. It’s busy. Then you have the North end, where the Ocean Reef Resort North Ocean Boulevard Myrtle Beach SC sits.
Staying here means you’re closer to the upscale dining of "Restaurant Row." You’re a quick jump away from the Dunes Golf and Beach Club, which is legendary among people who actually know their way around a fairway. You’re also closer to Barefoot Landing.
If you want the boardwalk, you’ll have to drive about ten to fifteen minutes south. That’s the trade-off. You lose the immediate walkability to the SkyWheel, but you gain a beach that isn't packed shoulder-to-shoulder with people who forgot their sunscreen.
💡 You might also like: England in What Country? The Answer Is Kinda Complicated
Eating on Property vs. Venturing Out
The Cafe Du Port handles breakfast. It’s a buffet. It’s exactly what you expect from a resort breakfast—eggs, bacon, biscuits, and a lot of coffee. It gets the job done so you don't have to hunt for a pancake house at 8:00 AM.
The Banana Boat Lounge is the on-site bar. It’s casual.
But honestly? Use the kitchen.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when staying at the Ocean Reef Resort North Ocean Boulevard Myrtle Beach SC is eating every meal on the property. You’re in a prime spot. Go to Flamingo Grill just a few blocks away. It’s a local staple with a weirdly cool art deco vibe and some of the best seafood in the area. Or hit up Blueberry’s Grill for a breakfast that actually feels inspired.
Amenities You’ll Actually Use (and Some You Won't)
There’s a fitness center. It exists. It has a few treadmills and some weights. Most people walk the beach instead, which is arguably a better workout anyway.
The indoor pool is a huge factor if you’re visiting in the "shoulder season." Myrtle Beach in October or March can be hit or miss with the weather. Having that indoor pool and the hot tubs means your vacation isn't ruined if a cold front blows through.
- Giant Chess and Checkers: Kinda gimmicky, but kids love it.
- Volleyball Court: Usually active in the afternoons.
- The Arcade: Bring quarters. Or a card. It’s a classic beach resort arcade.
What Nobody Tells You About the Parking
Parking in Myrtle Beach is a perennial headache. At the Ocean Reef Resort North Ocean Boulevard Myrtle Beach SC, you have a parking garage across the street. It’s fine, but it’s a walk. If you’re unloading a week’s worth of groceries and luggage, use the loading zone in front of the lobby first. Don't try to be a hero and carry a cooler from the third floor of the garage across the street.
Is it Worth the Price?
Price is subjective.
During the peak of summer, rates everywhere in Myrtle Beach skyrocket. You’re paying for the location. You’re paying for the fact that you can walk from your room to the sand in three minutes.
If you compare the Ocean Reef to some of the ultra-luxury boutiques down in Charleston, it’s going to look "budget." But compared to the aging motels on the south end, it’s a significant step up. It occupies this middle ground. It’s a solid, reliable family resort.
It’s not trying to be a five-star Ritz-Carlton. It’s trying to be the place where you don't mind if the kids bring a little sand into the living room.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
If you’re planning to book a stay at the Ocean Reef Resort North Ocean Boulevard Myrtle Beach SC, keep these points in mind:
Book the Oceanfront, Not Ocean View. There is a difference. "Ocean view" usually means you’re looking sideways from a balcony. "Oceanfront" means you’re facing the water directly. Spend the extra twenty bucks. It changes the entire mood of the trip.
Check the Event Calendar. Myrtle Beach hosts huge events—Bike Week, Mustang Week, various cheerleading competitions. If you want peace and quiet, check the local chamber of commerce calendar before you book. You don't want to show up during a week when 5,000 teenagers are descending on the boulevard unless that’s your scene.
Bring Your Own Beach Gear. Rental chairs on the beach are expensive. The resort has pools, but if you want to sit on the sand, those blue umbrellas you see are run by the city lifeguards, not the hotel. They charge a premium. Buy a $20 chair at a local beach shop and leave it for the next guests if you don't want to haul it home.
Grocery Shop Early. There’s a Publix and a Food Lion nearby. Don’t go on Saturday afternoon right when everyone is checking into their condos. It’s a madhouse. Go Sunday morning or late Friday night.
Sign Up for the Rewards Program. The resort is part of the Brittain Resorts group. They have a "Rewards" program that usually gives you some free perks—unlimited DVD rentals (yes, people still do that) and occasionally tickets to local attractions like the Hollywood Wax Museum or Myrtle Waves Water Park. It’s free to join, so there’s no reason not to.
The Ocean Reef Resort North Ocean Boulevard Myrtle Beach SC remains a staple for a reason. It offers a predictable, comfortable, and amenity-heavy experience in a part of town that feels just a little bit more relaxed than the neon-soaked center of the city. As long as you go in knowing it’s a family-focused property with some history, you’re likely to have a great time.
Explore the north end. Walk the beach at sunrise. Eat too much seafood. That’s what a trip here is actually about.
Tips for Navigating North Ocean Boulevard
Traffic moves slower here than on the bypass. If you're heading to a dinner reservation at the south end, give yourself twenty minutes more than GPS says. The "cruising" culture is real, and the lights are long. Stick to the 17-Bypass for speed and use North Ocean Boulevard for the views.
Local Hidden Gems Near the Resort
- Cane Patch Driving Range: Right down the road if you need to hit some balls but don't want to commit to a full 18 holes.
- Pine Lakes Country Club: Known as "The Granddaddy," it's the first course ever built in Myrtle Beach and it's practically in your backyard.
- The Golden Mile: Take a walk south of the resort. This is where the residential mansions start. There are no high-rises for a long stretch, making it the most beautiful place for a morning run in the entire city.
When you stay at the Ocean Reef Resort North Ocean Boulevard Myrtle Beach SC, you’re positioned perfectly between the old-school charm of the residential areas and the high-energy attractions of the tourist hubs. It’s a balance that’s hard to find elsewhere on the Strand. Look for the mid-week deals in late August or early September for the best value-to-weather ratio.