North Myrtle Beach isn't just one big long strip of sand. If you’ve spent any time driving down Ocean Boulevard, you know the vibe shifts fast once you cross into the Cherry Grove area. It gets quieter. A bit more "old school South Carolina." Right in the middle of that transition sits Tilghman Beach & Golf Resort.
Most people see the Mediterranean-style architecture and the massive footprint and assume it’s just another high-rise condo. But it’s kinda more than that. Honestly, it’s one of the few places in the Grand Strand where you don't feel like you’re being squeezed into a sardine can. You get the space. You get the views. And most importantly, you get a location that isn't swamped by the madness of the downtown Myrtle Beach boardwalk.
The Reality of Staying at Tilghman Beach & Golf Resort
Let's be real for a second. When you book a "resort" in Myrtle Beach, you’re usually bracing yourself for a tiny hotel room with a microwave. That's not what happens here. The units at Tilghman Beach & Golf Resort are actually full-sized luxury condominiums. We’re talking two and three-bedroom setups. You’ve got full kitchens with granite countertops and proper living rooms where you can actually stretch out without hitting your shin on the coffee table.
It’s the layout that wins people over. Unlike the narrow "shotgun" style suites you find closer to the SkyWheel, these units feel like actual homes. You have a washer and dryer in the room. This sounds like a boring detail until you’re three days into a beach trip with two kids and a pile of damp, salty towels. Then, it's a godsend.
The balconies are another thing. They aren't those tiny little slivers of concrete where you can barely fit a chair. Most of them wrap around or offer enough square footage to actually eat breakfast outside while watching the sun hit the Atlantic. Because the building is situated just across the street from the ocean, you get these sweeping, unobstructed views of the coastline without the "oceanfront" price tag that usually comes with being three feet closer to the water.
The Cherry Grove Factor
Location is everything. If you stay at Tilghman Beach & Golf Resort, you’re technically in the Tilghman Beach section, but you’re a stone's throw from Cherry Grove.
Why does that matter?
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Because Cherry Grove has a soul. You have the Cherry Grove Pier, which has been a staple since the 1950s. You have the salt marshes. If you’ve never taken a kayak out into the marshes at sunset, you’re basically missing the best part of North Myrtle Beach. It’s quiet. You see herons. You might see a sea turtle. It’s the total opposite of the neon lights and loud music further south.
Then there’s the golf. The "Golf" part of the resort name isn’t just marketing fluff. You are surrounded by some of the most famous tracks in the country. The Surf Golf and Beach Club is right there. Tidewater is just up the road. If you’re a golfer, this is basically the 50-yard line of the Grand Strand. You can roll out of bed, grab a coffee at the on-site cafe, and be on a championship tee box in less than ten minutes.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Amenities
People look at the pool deck and think, "Okay, cool, a pool."
But the setup here is actually pretty smart. They have the standard outdoor pool and a lazy river, which is basically a requirement for any North Myrtle Beach resort. But they also have a massive indoor pool area. This is huge because, let’s be honest, it rains in South Carolina. A lot. Sometimes for three days straight in July. If you’re stuck in a standard hotel when a thunderstorm rolls through, you’re staring at the walls. At Tilghman, the indoor pool and hot tubs keep the kids from losing their minds.
There's also an on-site fitness center that actually has equipment you can use. No, it’s not a Gold’s Gym, but it beats the broken treadmill and single set of 5-pound dumbbells you find at most vacation rentals.
Dining and Local Eats
You shouldn't spend your whole vacation eating at the resort, even though the poolside grill is decent for a quick burger. You’re in a prime spot for some legendary local food.
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- Boulineau’s: It’s technically an IGAs grocery store, but it’s an institution. You go there for the fried chicken and the fact that they sell everything from fishing bait to high-end surf gear.
- Duffy’s Seafood Shack: It’s close, it’s loud, and the food is exactly what you want after a day in the sun.
- Snooky’s on the Water: If you want something a bit more "adult" with a view of the Intracoastal Waterway, this is the spot. Their raw bar is legit.
The Golf Scene is Why People Come Back
North Myrtle Beach is often called the "Golf Capital of the World," and while that sounds like a cheesy tagline from a tourism brochure, the density of courses around Tilghman Beach & Golf Resort backs it up.
If you’re planning a trip, you need to look at the "Big Three" nearby. You have the Caton-designed courses at Ocean Ridge, the Tidewater Golf Club (often called the Pebble Beach of the East), and Glen Dornoch. These aren't your local muni courses. They are challenging, scenic, and usually in impeccable shape.
The resort specializes in golf packages. Instead of trying to book tee times yourself and getting stuck with a 1:00 PM slot in 95-degree heat, the staff there usually has the "ins" to get you better times and bundled rates. It’s the nuance of knowing which course just aerated their greens and which one is playing fast that makes a difference.
A Note on the "Across the Street" Reality
Let’s talk about the one thing that trips people up: the resort is not on the sand. It’s across the street.
For some, that’s a dealbreaker. But here’s the perspective from someone who’s stayed all over the Strand: being one row back often means you aren't dealing with the constant wind spray and salt grime that cakes onto oceanfront windows.
At Tilghman Beach & Golf Resort, there is a dedicated beach access path. You walk out the door, cross the street, and you’re on the sand in about 90 seconds. It’s probably shorter than the walk from the elevator to the ocean at some of the massive oceanfront mega-hotels. Plus, the elevation of the building means you still get the "ocean view" without the "oceanfront" premium.
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Managing Your Expectations
Look, no place is perfect. Tilghman is a high-traffic resort during the summer. If you go in the middle of July, the elevators are going to be busy. The pool deck is going to have a lot of kids. That’s just the nature of North Myrtle Beach in peak season.
However, if you head there in the "shoulder season"—think late September or October—the place transforms. The water is still warm enough to swim, the golf courses are at their peak, and the rates drop significantly. It’s the best-kept secret in the Carolinas.
The staff at Tilghman generally gets high marks for being "local." Unlike the corporate-run chains where the front desk person might have moved there three weeks ago, many of the people working here have been in North Myrtle Beach for years. They know where the best hushpuppies are. They know which beach access has the best shells. Ask them questions.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're actually planning to stay at Tilghman Beach & Golf Resort, don't just wing it. A little strategy goes a long way in North Myrtle Beach.
- Request a high floor: The higher you go, the better the view of the coastline. The North-facing rooms often have a great view of the Cherry Grove marshlands as well.
- Book golf through the resort: Even if you aren't doing a "package," check with their golf director. They often have access to "member-only" style rates at nearby courses like The Surf Club.
- Skip the weekend check-in if possible: Saturday is the busiest day of the week for North Myrtle Beach. If you can start your stay on a Friday or Sunday, you'll avoid the massive lines at the front desk and the gridlock on Highway 17.
- Bring your own beach gear: While there are rentals nearby, having your own chairs and a beach cart makes that "across the street" walk effortless.
- Explore the marsh: Rent a paddleboard from a local outfitter like J & L Kayaks. They can meet you near the Cherry Grove park, which is just a few minutes from the resort.
The beauty of this specific area is that it provides a middle ground. You aren't in the middle of nowhere, but you aren't in the middle of the chaos either. Tilghman Beach & Golf Resort serves as a solid home base for anyone who wants a "real" apartment feel while they explore the best of what North Myrtle Beach has to offer. Whether you’re there to chase a little white ball around a fairway or just to let the kids burn off energy in the lazy river, it’s a spot that consistently delivers what it promises. No gimmicks, just a lot of space and a great view of the Atlantic.