Myrtle Beach is a coastal paradise along the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a must-visit for many travelers. What makes it special? It has endless activities, attractions, and experiences.
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From 60 miles of sandy beaches to entertainment complexes, Myrtle Beach has something for everyone. Are you ready to explore the best of this coastal oasis?
Key Takeaways
- Myrtle Beach boasts 60 miles of wide, soft, sandy beaches for visitors to enjoy.
- The area offers a variety of free amenities and attractions, including the 1.2-mile Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and the South Carolina Hall of Fame.
- Visitors can explore local breweries, wineries, and cultural institutions like the Horry County Museum and LW Paul Living History Museum.
- Myrtle Beach is known as the “Mini Golf Capital of the World,” with over 35 themed miniature golf courses.
- The destination features a mix of outdoor adventures, family-friendly attractions, and a vibrant dining and nightlife scene.
Overview of Myrtle Beach’s Coastal Paradise
Myrtle Beach is a coastal paradise along South Carolina’s stunning coastline. It boasts 60 miles of pristine sandy beaches, known as the “Grand Strand.” This vibrant spot offers many activities and attractions for all ages.
The Grand Strand’s 60-Mile Shoreline
The Grand Strand stretches for 60 miles, giving beachgoers plenty of space. It ranges from lively downtown to serene North Myrtle Beach. This stretch caters to different tastes, offering a variety of experiences.
Best Time to Visit
Myrtle Beach welcomes visitors all year, but summer is the busiest time. It’s warm and full of events and festivals. Spring and fall are better for fewer crowds and milder weather, perfect for exploring.
Getting Around the Area
Getting around Myrtle Beach is easy with many transport options. You can rent cars, use ride-sharing, or take the local bus. This makes it simple to see the area’s highlights, from downtown to coastal communities.
Myrtle Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and family fun. It’s a gem that promises a memorable vacation. With its wide range of activities and easy access, it’s a top spot for South Carolina travel.
Spectacular Beach Activities and Oceanfront Adventures
Myrtle Beach is a top spot for beach vacations and family fun. It’s filled with Myrtle Beach attractions for endless outdoor fun and lasting memories.
Begin your day with a walk on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade. This 1.2-mile boardwalk is right by the Atlantic Ocean. In summer, it’s alive with music, street performers, and fun for families.
Looking for beach adventures? Myrtle Beach has lots of exciting water sports. Try parasailing, jet skiing, or deep-sea fishing. Or just relax with sunbathing, swimming, and beach games.
There’s more to do beyond the beach. Myrtle Beach State Park offers hiking, birdwatching, and calm views. Don’t miss Alligator Adventure, a huge reptile park, for a close-up with alligators.
Myrtle Beach has adventures and calm spots for everyone. Enjoy the beach charm and make memories in this lively, scenic place.
Broadway at the Beach: Entertainment Hub
Broadway at the Beach is in the heart of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It’s a 350-acre outdoor complex with lots of Myrtle Beach attractions, family fun, and live entertainment. It’s a top spot for a fun and memorable Myrtle Beach vacation.
Shopping and Dining Options
Broadway at the Beach has many restaurants, bars, and shops. You can try Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen for a family meal or Senor Frog’s for Mexican food. Landry’s Seafood is great for seafood lovers, and Extreme Pizza has something for everyone.
The shopping here is exciting too. You’ll find trendy stores like Ron Jon Surf Shop and Earthbound Trading Company. There are also unique jewelry stores like A Silver Shack and Bijuju. Specialty stores like the Beef Jerky Store and Pepper Palace offer something different.
Live Entertainment and Shows
Broadway at the Beach is known for its live entertainment. The Summer Nights Entertainment Series has free events like stilt walkers and live music. There are also fireworks over the lake on some nights, adding to the fun.
Family-Friendly Attractions
For families, Broadway at the Beach is a dream come true. Attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium, WonderWorks, and the Hollywood Wax Museum offer fun and learning. Myrtle Waves Water Park has over 20 water slides and more, perfect for a fun day.
Broadway at the Beach is a top spot for Myrtle Beach attractions, family fun, and live entertainment. Whether you want to eat, shop, or have fun with your family, this place has it all.
Historic Landmarks and Cultural Attractions
Myrtle Beach in South Carolina is more than just beaches and amusement parks. It has a rich history and culture. Visitors can dive into the local heritage and see what makes Myrtle Beach special for South Carolina travel.
The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simon B. Chapin Art Museum is a highlight. It’s in a restored 1920s beach cottage. Here, local and regional artists’ work is showcased, celebrating the community’s creativity.
The Horry County Museum in Conway is great for history buffs. It explores the area’s past, from natural history to people’s experiences. You’ll find interactive exhibits and displays that bring history to life.
At the L.W. Paul Living History Farm, you can see what life was like on a historic Horry County farm. It’s a hands-on experience. You’ll learn about the agricultural practices and traditions that shaped the area.
Best of all, many of these Myrtle Beach attractions are free or low-cost. They’re open to everyone, no matter your budget. Whether you love history, art, or just want to learn about the area, these spots offer a unique and enriching experience during your South Carolina travel trip.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Best Things to Do – Top Picks
Myrtle Beach is a gem in South Carolina’s Grand Strand. It has many top activities, hidden spots, and affordable fun for all. You can find everything from exciting rides to peaceful nature walks here.
Top-Rated Activities
Experience the thrill of the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, a 200-foot Ferris wheel with stunning ocean views. Don’t miss Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odd-itorium for its weird and wonderful exhibits. Families will love Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, with its amazing sea life.
Hidden Gems
Explore the local beer scene on the Myrtle Beach Beer Trail. Visit places like New South Brewing Company and Crooked Hammock Brewery. For a calm outing, try Myrtle Beach State Park or Huntington Beach State Park for hiking and biking.
Budget-Friendly Options
- Enjoy free summer concerts at various venues throughout Myrtle Beach.
- Explore the charming Conway Riverwalk, a scenic riverside path perfect for a leisurely stroll.
- Take advantage of discounts at family-friendly attractions like Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Pirates Voyage.
Myrtle Beach has it all: exciting adventures, peaceful nature, and affordable fun. It’s a great place to find top activities and hidden treasures during your visit.
Outdoor Recreation and Nature Experiences
Myrtle Beach is the top spot for South Carolina travel. It’s full of outdoor fun and nature adventures for family fun and beach vacations. You can find everything from peaceful state parks to exciting wildlife refuges here.
Explore Myrtle Beach and Huntington Beach State Parks for hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. The Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge is great for kayaking and seeing many bird species.
Brookgreen Gardens is a special place with art, plants, and animals. It’s a huge 9,000-acre area with beautiful sculptures, gardens, and a small zoo. It’s a treat for your senses.
Take a horseback ride at Inlet Point Plantation for a unique view of Myrtle Beach. You’ll see amazing views of the coastline and Intracoastal Waterway.
Myrtle Beach has lots of family fun and South Carolina travel activities. Its outdoor and nature spots will make a big impression on everyone who visits.
Dining and Nightlife Scene
Myrtle Beach has a wide variety of places to eat. You can find fresh seafood, upscale meals, casual spots, and family-friendly restaurants. Try Sea Captain’s House for Southern and seafood dishes, or Aspen Grille for a fancy meal. For Italian food, Ciao Italian Restaurant has handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas.
At night, Myrtle Beach lights up with fun. Check out local breweries like New South Brewing and Tidal Creek Brewhouse for tours and craft beers. For live music, visit The Bowery or RipTydz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar. They offer great entertainment and views.
Seafood Restaurants
- Marina Inn at Grande Dunes: Upscale coastal cuisine using local ingredients at WaterScapes Restaurant and Reflections Kitchen & Bar.
- Sea Captain’s House: A local favorite serving Southern and seafood dishes, open from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM daily.
- Hook & Barrel: A sustainable-seafood restaurant in Myrtle Beach emphasizing local produce.
- The Parson’s Table: Serving farm-to-table cuisine, including unique dishes like pecan-encrusted flounder, in a converted 1885 church in Little River.
Local Breweries and Bars
- New South Brewing: A popular craft brewery offering tours and tastings.
- Tidal Creek Brewhouse: A local brewery with a focus on craft beer.
- Strong Waters Craft Cocktails & Kitchen: Features a seasonal menu of local-leaning microbrews.
- Grand Strand Brewing Company: A craft beer destination that opened in 2021.
- Crooked Hammock Brewery: A family-friendly hangout with craft beers, an outdoor beer garden, and activities like hammocks and bocce ball.
Entertainment Venues
| Venue | Highlights |
|---|---|
| The Bowery | An iconic Myrtle Beach venue offering great live music since 1944. |
| RipTydz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar | A 17,000-square-foot space with over 500 seats and stunning ocean views. |
| Twelve 33 Distillery | Offers tours, tastings, and handcrafted spirits sourced locally. |
| Duplin Winery | Provides wine tastings and live music in North Myrtle Beach. |
Family-Friendly Attractions and Theme Parks
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a top spot for families looking for fun. It has water parks, museums, and more for all ages. You’ll find adventure, learning, and entertainment for everyone.
The Ripley’s Aquarium lets you touch stingrays and penguins. Alligator Adventure is great for seeing reptiles up close. Don’t miss the Alabama Theatre and Pirates Voyage dinner show for a unique experience.
Brookgreen Gardens is perfect for outdoor fun. It has a zoo, discovery room, and trails. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is great for walks or bike rides.
Theme parks and water parks offer lots of excitement. Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Myrtle Waves Water Park are top choices. They’re perfect for cooling off and having fun.
WonderWorks Myrtle Beach has over 100 hands-on exhibits. Fossils Forever Shark Tooth Hunting Adventures let you find fossils along the coast.
Myrtle Beach has rides, educational spots, and family fun. It’s a great place for making memories. With so much to do, it’s perfect for families.
| Attraction | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach | 121 reviews | Offers interactive experiences with stingrays and penguins |
| Alligator Adventure | 60 reviews | Provides up-close encounters with a variety of reptile species |
| Alabama Theatre | 28 reviews | Showcases live entertainment and Broadway-style productions |
| Dockside Village at Barefoot Landing | 121 reviews | Features shopping, dining, and entertainment options |
| Break Out Escape Games in North Myrtle Beach | 1 review | Offers immersive escape room experiences |
| Broadway at the Beach | 181 reviews | Voted the best attraction in Myrtle Beach, featuring entertainment, shopping, and dining |
Myrtle Beach also has family-friendly resorts, water parks, mini-golf, and museums. It’s ideal for a memorable family vacation. Whether you want thrills, learning, or just fun, Myrtle Beach has it all.
Shopping Destinations and Local Markets
Myrtle Beach, a lively coastal city in South Carolina, has a wide range of shopping spots. You can find everything from big malls to cozy local markets. It’s a great place for shopping and finding unique souvenirs.
The Coastal Grand Mall and Tanger Outlets are top spots for shopping. Coastal Grand Mall has over 170 stores, like Belk and H&M. Tanger Outlets Myrtle Beach has over 100 stores with designer brands and deals.
The Market Common offers a special shopping experience. It’s an outdoor village with upscale shops and dining. You can find brands like Anthropologie and Pottery Barn here.
The Gay Dolphin Gift Cove is perfect for unique souvenirs. This iconic shop has beachwear, trinkets, and gifts that show off Myrtle Beach’s charm.
Myrtle Beach also has a lively local market scene. The Hudson’s Surfside Flea Market has over 400 vendors. The Grand Strand Vendor Mall covers 80,000 square feet with unique finds and local crafts.
Myrtle Beach is great for finding designer brands, local products, or just enjoying the hunt. Its shopping spots and markets offer a memorable experience. You’ll leave with souvenirs and memories to treasure.
Water Parks and Aquatic Adventures
Myrtle Beach is famous for its amazing water parks and fun in the water. It’s perfect for families, with everything from exciting slides to calm ocean views. This place is a paradise for visitors of all ages.
Start your adventure at Myrtle Waves Water Park, just 7 miles from the Marina Inn. It has thrilling rides like the FlowRider surf simulator. For a calm moment, enjoy the ocean views at Splashes Oceanfront Water Park, close to the Marina Inn.
Try something different at Shark Wake Park 843. You can ride a cable wakeboard or tackle the water obstacle course. Or, take a dolphin-watching cruise or rent a jet ski to see the Myrtle Beach coast.
| Attraction | Address | Distance from Marina Inn |
|---|---|---|
| Myrtle Waves Water Park | 3000 Mr. Joe White Ave, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 | 7 miles, approximately 10-15 minute drive |
| Shark Wake Park 843 | 4904 US-17 BUS, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 | 12 miles, approximately 20 minute drive |
| Splashes Oceanfront Water Park | 1110 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 | 7 miles, approximately 14 minute drive |
Looking for fun water park rides, calm ocean adventures, or something unique? Myrtle Beach has lots of water parks and aquatic activities. It’s the perfect place for family fun.
Conclusion
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a coastal paradise full of exciting activities and attractions. It has a 60-mile shoreline and a lively entertainment hub called Broadway at the Beach. This place has something for everyone.
If you love golf, Myrtle Beach has over 100 courses for you. Nature lovers can explore Myrtle Beach State Park. Thrill-seekers will enjoy parasailing and water parks.
The city’s dining scene is diverse, with fresh seafood and local breweries. There are also family-friendly theme parks and attractions. Your vacation here will be both enriching and fun.
As you leave Myrtle Beach, we hope you’re inspired to come back. The city offers endless possibilities for unforgettable experiences. Get ready to make memories that will make you want to return.
The above is subject to change.
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