A quintessential South Carolina vacation spot, Myrtle Beach has it all. With great year-round weather, stunning beaches, family activities and ample nightlife, there’s no reason not to have a memorable time.
The days in Myrtle Beach are full of action, beginning with the sunrise over uninhibited coastal views. As the rest of the town wakes up, choose between a bevvy of local attractions in a place that always has a festival atmosphere.
Besides all these fun things to do in Myrtle Beach, there are also many ways to experience some peace thanks to local state parks, lengthy coastlines and beautiful gardens.
12. Family Kingdom Amusement Park
© dreamstimeSteps from the Atlantic Ocean on the Myrtle Beach seashore, Family Kingdom Amusement Park provides thrill-seeking experiences and a carnival atmosphere. Choose between individual ride tickets, or an all-day experience for the chance to ride on hair-raising rollercoasters, or enjoy the old classics such as bumper cars.
The Family Kingdom Amusement Park also has an expansive arcade for the chance to test your skills against friends and family. Celebrate your victory by jumping in the go-karts, or experiencing the Sling Shot, which comes with a 110ft free fall.
For the kids, there’s a kiddie train, carousel and Ferris wheel to ride. While right across from the park is Splashes Water Park for some refreshing and thrilling rides.
11. Market Common
© dreamstimeWith a mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, Market Common is a splendid rainy day option. The area is a hub of shopping, with many local boutiques and national brands making an appearance. While you can browse the stores around Myrtle Beach, the Market Common is the place to go for proper retail therapy.
Beyond shopping, you’ll have plenty of dining choices along with some fun local activities. Take a break from browsing the racks and enjoy some bowling, catch a movie or visit EdVenture, an interactive museum great for kids.
The Market Common is also where you’ll find the Seacoast Artists Gallery and live plays at Stage Left Theatre Company.
10. Mt. Atlanticus Miniature Golf
flickr/jshyunMyrtle Beach has a smattering of fun miniature golf courses to embark on. But if you only have the time for one, then make it Mt Atlanticus Miniature Golf. This fun mini-golf course is built on a real mountain, with each hole bringing you close and closer to the summit.
There are two 18-hole courses to choose from, both offering an exciting selection of obstacles, from caves to tumbling waterfalls. From the 75ft peak at the top of the mountain, you’ll enjoy wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean.
But don’t let that distract you. There is an extra 19th hole for visitors to enjoy. A lifetime of free games is the prize for those that score a hole-in-one.
9. Huntington Beach State Park
© dreamstimeWith a selection of beach fun, history and recreational activities to choose from, Huntington Beach State Park is a great alternative to the other main beaches in town.
The state park has a fascinating historical layer thanks to the Atalaya Castle. Once home to Archer and Anna Huntington, a scholar and an artist, the Moorish building offers a glimpse into their interesting lives during the mid-1900s.
Along the beachfront you’ll find a jetty for some lovely coastal views or for a spot of fishing. There are several hiking and biking trails to venture down. Those that meander through the salt marsh will find some exquisite bird watching. Just watch out for the alligators!
8. Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade
© dreamstimeSpanning 1.2 miles and home to some of the top attractions in in Myrtle Beach, the Boardwalk and Promenade is a great place to begin your adventures. Running along the beach splitting the white sand and the promenade, enjoy amazing ocean views and easy access to local parks, arcades, dining and nightlife.
Split into three major sections, the Boardwalk first cuts through manicured landscaping and parks great for hanging out. It then meanders through the heart of downtown, before reaching South Promenade. At the end of the boardwalk, find a welcoming seaside park home to a weekly fireworks show.
The Boardwalk and Promenade also hosts a variety of events, including the Sun Fun Festivals and the Boardwalk Fright Nights during Halloween.
7. Brookgreen Gardens
© dreamstimeAway from the typical Myrtle Beach action, explore the ornate Brookgreen Gardens. The expansive property was once a natural gallery for artwork and has since been transformed into an enchanting botanical garden along with a historical and wildlife preserve. By simply walking along the paths that snake through the beautiful landscape, you can enjoy the stunning scenery and have a welcome break from the downtown crowds.
One of the best activities in the park involves joining a pontoon boat tour that will guide you alongside the historic rice fields within the gardens’ Oaks Plantation. On another tour, see the living quarters of the Alston Family, the rice mill and an old Civil War fort.
6. Myrtle Beach SkyWheel
© dreamstimeA memorable way to capture amazing views of Myrtle Beach and its surrounds is to jump on the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, the sixth biggest in the United States. Within your six-person gondola, you will rise almost 200ft above North Ocean Boulevard towards the heavens for majestic panoramas.
If we haven’t sold you yet, then wait until you hear about the SkyWheel’s VIP Experience. Featuring a glass floor, a longer ride and comfy leather seats, enjoy even better views within the lap of luxury. Not to mention the free souvenirs to help commemorate the journey.
At night, over 1000 LED lights illuminate the wheel, making it a striking sight from anywhere along the beach.
5. Hollywood Wax Museum
© dreamstimeA staple of any tourist town, Myrtle Beach has its own wax museum. Easily spotted along Highway 17, the Hollywood Wax Museum swings into view with the sight of King Kong hanging off the side of the Empire State building. With plenty to keep your interest and the camera rolling, the museum is home to a wide range of notable celebrities and characters.
The Hollywood Wax Museum is broken up into different sections, with one of the most popular halls dedicated to horror film villains. Be prepared for a spooky experience. Afterwards, there’s every chance you’ll be able to take a selfie with your favorite Hollywood or music star with such luminaries as Dwayne Johnson and Taylor Swift on display.
4. Myrtle Beach State Park
© dreamstimeSouth from the popular sands of Myrtle Beach is a remote maritime forest where you can camp under the stars, soothed by the sounds of crashing waves. Myrtle Beach State Park is the perfect antidote to the organized chaos of downtown, with a quieter beach, an abundance of exciting nature trails and on-site equestrian facilities.
For the anglers among us, the park has a lengthy pier that runs out into the Atlantic offering a magnificent spot to cast the reel. Families and couples will love the spacious picnic areas with tables in addition to the campgrounds with space for tents and RVs.
To learn more about the natural habitat in this part of South Carolina, the nature center offers naturalist talks on resident turtles and shorebirds that call that park home.
3. Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
© dreamstimeThere is not one but seven Ripley’s Believe it Or Not! establishments in Myrtle Beach. One of the most popular is Ripley’s Aquarium. Found on Broadway at the Beach, the aquarium is a top attraction for families thanks to the enormous tunnel that runs through the Dangerous Reef exhibit.
As you meander your way through the reef, protected by the clear-glass tunnel, you can spot turtles, massive sharks and rays. For those inspired by such epic sights, you can take the next step and dive alongside the intimidating sharks.
For an educational experience, head to the Discovery Center for nature talks and animal shows. Also around the aquarium are geography-based displays featuring aquatic habitats from the Pacific and the Amazon River.
2. Broadway at the Beach
© dreamstimeAn outdoor shopping and food complex, Broadway at the Beach is a great alternative to sun baking or swimming in the ocean. Great for couples, groups of friends and families, visitors will find a wide array of attractions to suit. In the heart of the city, you can jump between a hundred shops with dozens of dining options all surrounding the beautiful Lake Broadway.
During the day, you can choose between playing mini-golf, exploring the water park and even flying up in the sky on a helicopter tour. But the fun doesn’t end after the sun goes down.
A vibrant nightlife takes over the mantle with nightclubs, live music and theater. Every Tuesday and Friday, the night reaches its zenith with a spectacular fireworks display.
1. Myrtle Beach
© dreamstimeYou could argue all these things to do on this list wouldn’t exist without Myrtle Beach’s stunning 60 miles of white-sand waterfront. Myrtle Beach is the place to go to relax and bask in the South Carolinian sun. Bring along your best beach gear and watch the vast Atlantic Ocean touchdown on the coast.
The beach is also the perfect place to take part in a variety of water sports, from surfing and parasailing to fishing and kayaking. With lifeguards on watch, it’s a family-friendly beach with plenty of room to swim and build sandcastles along the shore. Myrtle Beach is also home to the famed boardwalk and just steps from food and beachfront bars for when you’re feeling peckish.
Map of Things to Do in Myrtle Beach, SC
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