North Myrtle Beach isn't exactly a secret. If you've ever driven down Ocean Boulevard during the peak of July, you know the drill: neon lights, the smell of fried dough, and a literal wall of high-rise hotels. But Bluegreen Shore Crest Vacation Villas I & II sits in this weirdly perfect spot in the Cherry Grove area that feels a bit more "old school Carolina" than the frantic pace of the downtown boardwalk.
Honestly, people get confused by the Roman numerals. It's not a sequel. It’s basically two different experiences under one management umbrella. You have the oceanfront side—Shore Crest I—and then the marsh side, which is Shore Crest II. They’re separated by a street, but they share everything. Most travelers show up thinking they’re just getting a standard hotel room, but then they realize these are actual villas with kitchens and laundry. That changes the math of a vacation entirely.
What Actually Happens at Bluegreen Shore Crest Vacation Villas I & II
Most folks booking here are looking for that sweet spot between a luxury resort and a rental house. You get the amenities of a hotel—think pools, lazy rivers, and a front desk—but you aren't cramped into a 300-square-foot box with a mini-fridge that barely fits a gallon of milk.
The Shore Crest I building is the heavy hitter for views. You wake up, walk onto the balcony, and there’s the Atlantic. It's loud. The waves hit the shore with that rhythmic thumping that either helps you sleep or keeps you awake wondering if a storm is coming. Shore Crest II is across the street. While you lose the direct ocean view, you gain these incredible sunsets over the salt marsh. Plus, it’s usually a bit quieter. If you’re the type who hates hearing kids splash in the pool at 7:00 AM, the marsh side might actually be your "hidden gem" choice.
The Layout Situation
Let's talk about the actual rooms. These aren't just "units." They are multi-bedroom setups.
- One-bedroom villas: Perfect for a couple or a solo traveler who wants a real living room.
- Two-bedroom villas: The bread and butter of the resort.
Having a full kitchen is the real hero here. Myrtle Beach dining is great, but eating out three times a day for a week is a recipe for a $2,000 credit card bill and a very upset stomach. Being able to scramble some eggs or throw a frozen pizza in the oven at 10:00 PM is a game-changer. It makes the place feel like a second home, which is exactly what the Bluegreen brand tries to sell.
Why Location Is Everything in North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach is a different animal than the main Myrtle Beach strip. It’s calmer. It’s more family-oriented. Shore Crest sits right near the Barefoot Landing area.
If you haven't been to Barefoot Landing lately, it’s basically the cultural hub of this end of the beach. You’ve got the House of Blues, Alabama Theatre, and enough shops to kill an entire afternoon. It’s about a five-minute drive from the resort. This is why Bluegreen Shore Crest Vacation Villas I & II stays booked year-round. You’re close enough to the action to be bored, but far enough away that you don't have to deal with the late-night noise of the main drag.
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The Beach Access
You just walk out. In Shore Crest I, the sand is right there. In Shore Crest II, you cross the street. The beach at Cherry Grove is famous for its wide shoreline and the pier. It’s fantastic for shelling. If you go out at low tide, you can find some legit treasures. Just don't expect to find a megalodon tooth every day; it's mostly olives and whelks, but hey, it's free entertainment.
Amenities: The Good, The Bad, and The Lazy River
Everyone asks about the pools. Yes, there are indoor and outdoor pools. The lazy river at Shore Crest is a big draw. It’s not the massive waterpark style you’d find at a Disney resort, but for a mid-sized vacation club property, it’s solid.
The fitness center is... fine. It exists. If you’re a gym rat, you might find it a bit basic, but it’s got enough to keep the vacation calories at bay. The real "amenity" is the beach access and the proximity to golf. If you're a golfer, you're basically in Mecca. There are over 80 courses in the Grand Strand area. You could play a different 18 holes every day for two months and still not see them all.
Is the Timeshare Pitch a Thing?
Look, this is a Bluegreen property. It’s a vacation club. If you’re a guest who booked through a third-party site like Booking.com or Expedia, you might get asked to attend a "presentation."
You don't have to go.
They might offer you vouchers for dinner or tickets to a show. If you have two hours to kill and want $100 off your dinner, go for it. If not, a polite "no thank you" usually does the trick. Just be aware that this is part of the ecosystem of vacation villas.
Comparing Shore Crest to Nearby Alternatives
How does it stack up against the competition? If you look at places like the Wyndham Ocean Boulevard or the Marriott’s OceanWatch, the price point at Bluegreen Shore Crest Vacation Villas I & II is often a bit more approachable.
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Marriott is the high-end, luxury-vibe king. Wyndham is massive and sometimes feels a bit like a city. Bluegreen Shore Crest feels more intimate. It’s smaller. You start to recognize the staff by day three. For many families, that familiarity is worth more than a fancy lobby.
The Reality of Maintenance and Upkeep
Let's be real for a second. Coastal air is brutal on buildings. The salt eats everything. While Bluegreen does a decent job of keeping the Shore Crest villas updated, you might occasionally see a bit of "beach wear." Maybe a sliding door that sticks or a balcony railing that looks a bit weathered.
It’s the trade-off for being twenty feet from the ocean. The housekeeping staff is generally on point, but if you’re expecting a 5-star Ritz-Carlton experience, adjust your expectations. This is high-quality, comfortable family lodging. It’s clean, it’s functional, and it’s spacious.
Managing Your Stay
If you're planning a trip, here is some inside baseball:
- Request a high floor: The views are significantly better once you get above the 5th floor.
- Parking: It can get tight. There’s a parking deck, but during holiday weekends, it feels like a Tetris game.
- Grocery delivery: Use a service like Instacart or Shipt. Have your groceries arrive an hour after you check in. It saves you the nightmare of the North Myrtle Beach Walmart on a Saturday afternoon. Trust me on this one.
Misconceptions About the "Two" Resorts
People often think I and II are miles apart. They aren't. They are literally across the street from each other. If you stay in II, you have full access to the oceanfront deck and pool at I. It’s a thirty-second walk.
Another misconception? That you have to be a "member" to stay here. While it is a vacation club, they rent out units to the general public all the time. It’s a great way to "test drive" the property before ever considering a membership.
Why This Property Still Matters in 2026
With the rise of Airbnb, some thought traditional vacation clubs would die out. The opposite happened. People got tired of "cleaning fees" that cost more than the room and hosts who have weird rules about the thermostat. At Bluegreen Shore Crest Vacation Villas I & II, you get a professional staff, consistent cleaning standards, and the security of a major brand.
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It’s that middle ground. You get the kitchen of an Airbnb with the security of a hotel. That's a winning combo for families who don't want to roll the dice on a private rental.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
If you’re looking to book a stay at Shore Crest, don't just click the first price you see.
First, check the official Bluegreen Vacations website. Sometimes they have "last-minute" deals for non-members that beat the big travel engines. Second, look at the event calendar for Barefoot Landing. If there’s a major concert or festival, the traffic on that end of town will be heavy, so plan your arrival accordingly.
Third, if you’re traveling with kids, pack a few rolls of quarters. There’s an arcade nearby, but having your own "stash" makes you the hero of the hour. Lastly, download a tide chart app. The beach at Shore Crest changes dramatically between high and low tide; low tide is the best time for long walks or setting up a serious volleyball net.
When you arrive, take the time to walk over to the marsh side, even if you’re staying oceanfront. The wildlife there—herons, egrets, the occasional turtle—is a nice break from the crashing surf. It’s the quieter side of the Grand Strand that most tourists drive right past.
Next Steps for Your North Myrtle Beach Trip:
- Verify Your View: Call the front desk 48 hours before arrival to confirm if your villa is in Phase I (Oceanfront) or Phase II (Marsh side).
- Book Dining Early: If you're heading to Greg Norman’s Australian Grille or Flying Fish nearby, make reservations at least a week out during summer.
- Plan Your Grocery Run: Map out the Publix or Kroger on Highway 17; they are much easier to navigate than the closer tourist-trap convenience stores.