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18 Best Things to Do in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach saw over 20 million travelers in 2021. Why? This picturesque coastal city in Horry County, South Carolina, boasts high-end boutiques, world-class eateries, soft sandy beaches, and innumerable attractions.

Sitting in the heart of Grand Strand — a 60-mile arc of pristine beaches — Myrtle Beach is a hotspot for entertainment and relaxation. Besides basking in the sun by the beach, you have plenty of other ways to pass your time.

Play a round of golf in one of the city’s many mini golf courses. Or, shop endless brand names at the Barefoot Landing. And if you crave a little more adventure? Indulge in exhilarating water sports; the options are endless, from jet-skiing and paddleboarding to surfing.

Myrtle Beach is also home to the towering SkyWheel, Ripley’s Aquarium, Ripley’s Museum, and boisterous live performances. Yes, the kids can come, too.

But you know all this — that’s why you’ve already booked a Myrtle Beach rental. We’ve got you covered for your downtime, but your itinerary needs some TLC. Let’s fill it up with 18 incredible options for things to do in Myrtle Beach.

1. Stroll Along The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

Photo Credit: Simply Photos

  • Notable feature: Oceanfront boardwalk featuring iconic spots like The Gay Dolphin, Peaches Corner, and The Bowery; new additions include Starbucks and 8th Ave Tiki Bar & Grill.
  • Location: Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, Myrtle Beach

Meander down the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk in a shaded chapeau and comfortable loafers. This quintessential old-school promenade attracts tourists and locals alike for its peppered gift shops, arcades, restaurants, museums, and bars.

You’re on vacation, so take a day to wander without a destination — one will surely find you anyway.

Relish a meal at one of the fancy eateries, buy a souvenir for friends back home, or roam to your heart’s content while admiring Myrtle Beach’s cityscape; this activity is great for the whole family.

The 1.2-mile Myrtle Beach walkway begins from 2nd Avenue up until 14th Avenue. Looking for some buzzing action? Once you hit 10th Avenue, you’ll find the SkyWheel. Go big or go home as you watch the nighttime fireworks crackling and dancing in the sky.

Visitors can enjoy all this and more with the gorgeous backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.

2. Visit Broadway at the Beach

  • Notable feature: An entertainment hub featuring live shows and home to Hard Rock Cafe, Dave & Buster’s, and WonderWorks.
  • Location: 1325 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach

Ask Myrtle Beach locals where they spend their weekends, and their response will likely be “Broadway at the Beach.” This massive entertainment center is full of legendary eateries, stores, and attractions.

There’s something for everyone, regardless of age! You can purchase a fancy new outfit, get your face painted or go zip-lining, all in one place. When hunger strikes, pick from renowned American classics like Hard Rock Cafe, Senor Frogs, and Dave & Buster’s.

Broadway at the Beach hosts a plethora of talented artists, musicians, and magicians.

It’s jam-packed with exciting events and shows almost 365 days of the year. Legends in Concert, the popular celebrity tribute show, also takes place there.

But there’s something for everyone, no matter your age. Try on a stylish new outfit, or take the kids to see a magic show. And when hunger strikes? Indulge in renowned American classics like Hard Rock Cafe, Senor Frogs, and Dave & Buster’s.

3. Unwind at the Myrtle Beach State Park

Photo Credit: Chuck Lawhon

  • Notable feature: Pet-friendly state park featuring white sand, nature trails through maritime forests, fishing opportunities, and water sports.
  • Location: 4401 South Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach

The city’s name gives away its principal draw — idyllic velvety, and white sandy beaches. One of the most popular places to be one with nature, Myrtle Beach State Park is a perfect place to unwind on the beach. Spend a day taking in the ocean breeze while relaxing on the shore.

Myrtle Beach State Park is a perfect place for family-friendly fun in the sun. Build sand castles, go kayaking, or go on a short hike in the maritime forests.

On a romantic getaway? Swoon your sweetheart with a sunrise or sunset picnic by the beach. The beachfront vista with a view of the crimson sun is a spectacular moment. Solo visitors in a quest for inner reflection will find the tranquil moments on the shore worth treasuring.

Anglers will find it hard to leave the pier thriving with fish. Adventurous spirits will love scuba diving, jet-skiing, surfing, parasailing, and windsurfing in and around Myrtle Beach State Park.

4. Escape Into the Lush Brookgreen Gardens

Photo Credit: Craig Zerbe

  • Notable features: Botanical garden with sculptures, greenery, and wildlife.
  • Location: 1931 Brookgreen Garden Drive, Murrells Inlet

Leave behind Myrtle Beach’s hustle and bustle and make your way to Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet. It’s a fishing village less than 30 mins away by car.

Brookgreen Gardens provides 9100 acres of lush green escape. It’s a unique medley of art, design, nature, and wildlife preservation. Founded on a former rice plantation, the gardens now house unique exhibits, both natural and man-made.

The gardens are populated by plants, trees, animals, and thousands of amazing sculptures designed by Anna Hyatt Huntington. In spacious enclosures, you’ll even spot otters, bald eagles, foxes, owls, alligators, and butterflies.

Fair warning, visitors tend to lose their sense of time here. They end up wandering through this surreal garden for hours on end. Tickets to Brookgreen Gardens include admission to the Botanical Gardens, Lowcountry Zoo, History & Wildlife Preserve, and Sculpture Garden.

5. Make Aquatic Friends at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

Photo Credit: StacieStauffSmith Photos

  • Notable features: Aquarium with robust marine life; interactive exhibits, shows, and dive tours.
  • Location: 1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach

Get up close and personal with majestic marine beings at Ripley’s Aquarium. Housed in a prime site within Broadway at the Beach, Ripley’s Aquarium is a fantastic way to spend a sweltering afternoon or a rainy day.

See what life is like underwater by exploring acrylic tunnels showcasing many marine species. Queue the “Jaws” theme song… oh yes, you’ll feast your eyes on real live sharks and sea turtles — so cute.

Do you have a courageous youngster with you? Spare no expense and give them an immersive experience petting stingrays. And if you crave something fluffier, you could waddle over to Penguin Encounters to meet some cute penguins.

Kids will also love the mermaid shows, manta rays, and jellyfish feeding sessions. Try to visit with at least two hours to spare.

6. Stop by Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Photo Credit: StacieStauffSmith Photos

  • Notable features: Exhibits of authentic tsantsas or shrunken heads, the Fiji Mermaid, and a six-legged calf.
  • Location: 901 North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach

No beach vacation is complete without a stop at this marvel. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium will blow your mind and drop your jaw.

A franchise synonymous with bizarre eccentricities, the museum is chock full of strange relics. Highlights include shrunken human heads and the Fiji “mermaid,” amongst other unusual things. You’ll also find interactive exhibits, memorabilia from famous personalities, and awe-inspiring art pieces.

This small, three-story museum won’t take longer than an hour to explore.

7. Snap Pictures at the Hollywood Wax Museum

Photo Credit: Sharkshock

  • Notable features: Open 365 days a year, with hyper-realistic wax statues of A-listers, a zombie attraction, and a maze of mirrors.
  • Location: 1808 21st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach

There’s something so timeless about the Hollywood Wax Museum, especially in today’s Instagram day. Installed in the popular Broadway at the Beach complex, the celebrity sculptures amuse and inspire many who visit.

Before you even enter, ready your camera. Snap a quickie of the dangling King Kong from the shining Empire State Building atop the Hollywood Wax Museum. Inside, take a selfie with eerily authentic Brad Pitt, Clint Eastwood, or Beyonce. Of course, you can also pick from several other pop culture legends.

If you are traveling with a game-motivated party, check out Outbreak-Dread the Undead, where you can stop the zombies from taking over the world at Outbreak-Dread the Undead. Or, spend time in Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors and rescue a princess.

8. Family Kingdom Amusement Park & Splashes Water Park

Photo Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

  • Notable features: 38 thrilling rides in Family Kingdom Amusement Park and 18 attractions in Splashes Water Park, which offers families a fun day out.
  • Location:300 S Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach

If your idea of fun involves thrill, turns, twists, and oceanfront views, spend a day at Family Kingdom Amusement Park. Expect the ambiance of a classic carnival, complete with a Ferris wheel. Enjoy a variety of slides, arcade games, and of course, roller coasters.

For a heart-in-your-mouth kinda experience, ride up the Twist ‘n Shout. This recently added steel roller coaster offers a whole lot of head-spinning delight! Less scary rides include go-karts, mini trains, and bumper cars.

Visitors with less time can buy single-ride tokens for their favorite attractions. Families with at least a couple of hours to spare should opt for the “All Day Unlimited Ride Wristband.” It only costs about $32 and is valid for an entire day of classic amusement park merriment.

Chill out at the neighboring Splashes Water Park on a hot summer day. The waterpark is home to more than 15 fun activities like slides, lazy rivers, and water rides. Both these parks are on the scenic Ocean Boulevard.

9. Spend an Evening at Barefoot Landing

Photo Credit: Forsaken Fotos

  • Notable features: Outdoor entertainment center with restaurants, shops, and Monday night fireworks displays.
  • Location: 4898 Hwy 17 South, North Myrtle Beach

Barefoot Landing is located in the southern part of the North Myrtle Beach area. This waterfront retail and entertainment center is brimming with shopping venues, eateries, and attractions. Shop for clothes, accessories, healing crystals, and quirky Myrtle Beach souvenirs.

You can easily spend a whole evening strolling around here. Several restaurants serve delicious meals with the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway in the background. Visiting on a Monday night? Get to an open spot before 10 pm and watch as the sky fills up with a spectacular display of fireworks.

10. Sign up for a Dolphin Cruise

  • Notable features: Dolphin Sightings and a day on the water.
  • Location: Various locations depending on the cruise company.

Cruise on the expansive Atlantic ocean with a glass of wine in hand. Over there, look! A pair of dolphins peek out of the water with their adorable snouts.

Your guided tour will begin at Myrtle Beach Harbor. Then, you’ll cruise along the ocean on a quest to spot Dolphin pods. If luck isn’t on your side and no dolphin-hinting water ripples are to be seen, don’t fret! The company will grant you another ride free of charge for another day, giving you another shot at a dolphin sighting.

Ride a speedboat with Sea Thunder Dolphin Cruise or embark on a big boat with Dolphin Adventure Cruise. Bring sunscreen and a change of clothes cause you may get splashes of water on you during your Dolphin chase. Prices start at $25.

11. Rent a Pontoon Boat

Photo Credit: richard pross

  • Notable features: On-water outings on large Pontoon boats that can often accommodate up to 11 people.
  • Location: Enquire about locations.

Maybe you’re not all that impressed with dolphins. That’s OK — you can still enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the Atlantic waters with Pontoon Boat Rentals.

Rent a flat, open Pontoon Boat to escape the crowds and absorb the tranquility of the ocean waves. The Murrells Inlet is a popular sailing spot since the area is rich in wildlife and nature. Make a day out of it by packing meals and beverages on board.

12. Watch a Show at the Carolina Opry

Photo Credit: Judy Baxter

  • Notable features: Top-notch, extravagant performances of retro musical hits. Christmas special shows run from November to January.
  • Location: 8901 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach

The Carolina Opry theater hosts endless talent. Its magical combination of dance, humor, and music never fails to entertain audiences of hundreds a night.

The Carolina Opry Time Warp show brings you popular tunes from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, combined with high-tech visuals and special effects. Plus, the performers’ intricate outfits are worth coming to see alone!

If you’re planning a trip to Myrtle Beach between November – January, make sure you scoop up some tickets to The Carolina Opry Christmas Special. Critics have called it “The Christmas Show of the South!”. You can enquire here for current pricing.

13. Enjoy the Pirates Voyage Dinner Show & Performance

Photo Credit: Sharkshock

  • Notable features: Blackbeard-themed pirate show with a four-course dinner.
  • Location: 8907 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach

Bordering The Carolina Opry is Dolly Parton’s Pirate Voyage. Boasting a fabulous lineup of performances by acrobatic pirates, the Voyage promises and delivers a memorable evening. Enjoy swashbuckling excitement with the touch of Dolly Parton’s signature glitz and glam.

The Pirates Voyage Dinner Show crew includes people, sea lions, and parrots. The show is held in an indoor lagoon with two life-size pirate ships. Entertainers swing between land, air, and water. And if all that wasn’t enough? Pyrotechnics, fog machines, well-timed lighting, and other special effects make the performance a truly engaging experience.

Your ticket includes a four-course dinner. Expect a simple but flavorful meal with beverages like soda, tea, and water.

Pro Tip: Buy tickets in advance. And if you’re traveling with kids, come at least 30-40 mins prior, so the little ones can get their faces painted as mermaids or pirates for $24.99.

14. Ride up the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel

Photo Credit: StacieStauffSmith Photos

  • Notable features: 8-12 min ride inside climate-controlled gondolas with fantastic views. VIP options are available for luxury seekers.
  • Location: 1110 North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach

Who doesn’t like Ferris Wheels? The iconic Myrtle Beach SkyWheel was added in 2011 and quickly became a favorite. Polish off your funnel cake and ride in one of 42 air-conditioned glass gondolas on the 187-foot Skywheel. There will be no bumps or sudden breaks on your ride up in the air. Enjoy a bird’s eye glimpse of Myrtle Beach city and panoramic views of the coastline.

Opt for the VIP Experience to skip the long queues and ride inside glare-free gondolas with a glass floor and luxury Ferrari leather bucket seats. Additional perks include first-class personalized service, six revolutions (non-VIP guests get three), and SkyWheel merch.

We recommend going up the SkyWheel at least twice. Once for the breathtaking daytime vista and again at night. After sunset is the best time to view and photograph the gleaming Myrtle Beach cityscapes. This is also when the SkyWheel is lit up with bright LED lights during the nightly light show.

15. Broadway Grand Prix

Photo Credit: Altai

  • Notable features: Recreational center with seven go-kart tracks, miniature golf courses, and rock climbing facilities.
  • Location: 1820 21st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach

Press the accelerator and get ready to feel the wind in your hair at Broadway Grand Prix. Here, you’ll find seven tracks for go-karting where you can challenge fellow racers or beat your high score.

When you’ve had your fill of rush, there are also two 18-hole mini-golf courses where you can test your skills. For those who prefer a taste of nostalgia, try your gaming luck at the Grand Prix arcade.

16. Touch the Sky on a Helicopter Ride

Photo Credit: hippopx via Flickr CC2.0

  • Notable features: Aerial view of Myrtle Beach City & the undulating waves of the Atlantic Ocean
  • Location: On-site helicopter terminal, depending on the helicopter tour company.

Swap sights from the SkyWheel for an even higher view of Myrtle Beach by booking a helicopter ride. Prices for a 2-mile route start at $20 and go up to $179 for a Grand Tour. The usual path involves flying above the Grand Strand and the crystal-clear ocean water.

17. Satiate Your Hunger at World-Class Eateries

Photo Credit: Zivica Kerkez

Few things in life are finer than a delicious meal in an incredible waterfront setting. Myrtle Beach is well-versed with such restaurants — some with an intimate ambiance, others with spacious interiors and stunning decor.

With thousands of restaurants in Myrtle Beach, deciding where to stop and eat in between sightseeing can be hard. Here are our handpicked, exceptional selections of delectable restaurants that deserve your attention:

Wicked Tuna

  • Notable Menu Items: Sushi, Shrimp & Grits, Spicy Tuna, Crab Cakes
  • Location: 110 N Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach

Drift Eatery

  • Notable Menu Items: Pork Belly, Salmon, Chicken & Waffles
  • Location: 980 Cipriana Drive A-6, Myrtle Beach

Hook & Barrel

  • Notable Menu Items: Pimento Cheese, Braised Short Ribs, Croissants
  • Location: 8014 N Kings Highway B, Myrtle Beach

Sea Captain’s House

  • Notable Menu Items: She Crab Soup, Saffron Rice, Hummingbird Cake
  • Location: 3002 N Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach

18. Bar Hopping

Photo Credit: somchaij

Quench your thirst on a sizzling summer noon with a beer or a cocktail from one of these cocktail joints:

Tin Roof

  • Notable Features: Live Music, Cold Beers & Tex-Mex Snacks
  • Location: 1410 N Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach

Crocodile Rocks Dueling Piano Bar

  • Notable Features: Live Music, Sing-Alongs, Big Strong Drinks
  • Location: 1318 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach

The Landing at the Boathouse

  • Notable Features: Draft Beer, Fried Pickles, Live Concerts
  • Location: 201 Fantasy Harbour Boulevard, Myrtle Beach

Hard Rock Cafe

  • Notable Features: Rock and Roll atmosphere, Music Memorabilia, Live Music, Beers, Mai Tai
  • Location: Broadway at the Beach, 1318 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach

Beaches, Boardwalks, and Bars

As a laid-back city with postcard-perfect views and so many fun things to do, Myrtle Beach is an ideal choice for groups, couples, or solo travelers. The town exudes a vibrant, lively vibe while still being an epitome of tranquility.

Looking for a place to stay? You’ll find plenty of hotel options, but we think you crave something more sophisticated. We offer great accommodations with lavish amenities in Myrtle Beach City. Our comfortable apartment rentals are close to bustling areas and sandy beaches. So book your stay with us today and get ready for your coastal getaway.