Start 2025 off with a 5.25% (6.245% APR) interest rate A visit to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, isn’t just about the miles of white-sand beaches—Myrtle Beach offers endless entertainment options, including amusement parks, live music, and 86 professional golf courses (seriously!). With so many activities in Myrtle Beach, figuring out what to do on your trip can feel like a job.
To ensure your Myrtle Beach vacation feels like a vacation, we’re breaking down the area’s must-see attractions into four categories: things to do with kids and for couples, free things to do, and even hidden gems you shouldn’t overlook! Let’s get to it.
Things to do in Myrtle Beach with Kids
With attractions and activities for visitors of all ages, Myrtle Beach is a top family-friendly destination. Here are the best things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids and kids at heart!
1. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium
Meet sharks, rays, and colorful fish face to face as you walk through Ripley’s Aquarium’s underwater tunnel. Don’t miss the opportunity to get up close and personal with stingrays in the interactive tank!
2. Cool Off at Myrtle Waves Water Park
Myrtle Waves Water Park is a must-visit attraction for a day of thrilling fun under the sun. With over 20 water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, it’s the perfect spot to cool off on a hot summer day.
3. Have Fun at Family Kingdom Amusement Park
Enjoy timeless amusement at Family Kingdom Amusement Park. From the twists of the Swamp Fox wooden coaster to the classic Charm of the Ferris wheel, it’s an ideal place to have classic seaside fun at Myrtle Beach. Explore all of its family rides!
4. Play a Round of Miniature Golf
Myrtle Beach is the "Mini Golf Capital of the World," with over 30 imaginative courses. Courses like Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf and Mt. Atlanticus Miniature Golf offer unique challenges and fun for all ages.
5. Enjoy Dinner and a Show
Who doesn’t love live entertainment, acrobatics, and hearty meals all at once? You’ll enjoy exactly that at unique dinner shows like Pirates Voyage and Medieval Times that make for a fun and immersive evening for everyone.
6. Shop at Broadway at the Beach or Barefoot Landing
Shop ‘til you drop at Barefoot Landing or Broadway at the Beach. Barefoot Landing features charming boutique shops along a boardwalk overlooking a serene lake, while Broadway at the Beach boasts a lively atmosphere with specialty stores, restaurants, and attractions.
Things to Do in Myrtle Beach for Couples
If you thought Myrtle Beach wasn’t for lovebirds, you thought wrong! This list of romantic activities will convince anyone that Myrtle Beach is a couple’s paradise.
1. Stargaze at Huntington Beach State Park
Pack a blanket and head to this quiet park at night for prime stargazing. With less light pollution than Myrtle Beach proper, it’s the best place to spot your favorite constellations.
2. Explore Brookgreen Gardens by Candlelight
If visiting Myrtle Beach during the holiday season, the Nights of a Thousand Candles event transforms Brookgreen Gardens into a magical space with thousands of lights, candlelit pathways, and live music. Can Myrtle Beach get any more romantic?
3. Picnic at Myrtle Beach State Park
Have a picnic for two along The Grand Strand in Myrtle Beach State Park. In addition to the beach, the park offers miles of hiking trails and a fishing pier, making for an adventurous, yet intimate day.
4. Ride the SkyWheel Myrtle Beach
Snuggle up in a glass-enclosed gondola nearly 200 feet above the boardwalk, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline. A ride at night adds a special touch with the SkyWheel lit up against the dark sky.
5. Kiss On a Sunset Cruise
Book a private or group boat tour during sunset. Several cruises include music, champagne, and of course, stunning views that make for the perfect backdrop to a sunset kiss.
Free Things to Do in Myrtle Beach
Yes, Myrtle Beach offers free and affordable attractions and activities! Check out these popular options that both you and your budget will love.
1. Discover the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
Spot coastal fauna and flora from the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, a free, scenic boardwalk that winds along a stunning saltwater estuary. Lined with waterfront restaurants and live music venues, it’s an ideal spot for a stroll or a night of dancing.
2. Fish on 2nd Ave Fishing Pier
Although use of the pier isn’t free, it offers an inexpensive activity everyone in your group will love. Walk and sightsee on the pier for only $2, or for $9, you can fish as long as you like. Rods and bait are also available for rent!
3. Stroll on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade is a free attraction that offers a lively atmosphere with front-row ocean views. Stretching 1.2 miles along the beach, it’s great for a scenic stroll, people-watching, or enjoying the shops and arcades. Discover more things to do on the boardwalk!
4. Sunbathe on The Grand Strand
Spend a day sunbathing on The Grand Strand, the 60-mile stretch of coastline Myrtle Beach is located on. There are several free public beaches easily accessed by car or foot, depending on where you’re staying.
5. Beachcomb on Pawleys Island
Find the perfect, free “souvenir” on Pawleys Island, located just a short drive from Myrtle Beach. Its less crowded beaches are known for their stunning shells and peaceful atmosphere.
Unique Things to Do in Myrtle Beach
Get off the beaten path and explore Myrtle Beach’s hidden gems. From annual festivals to historical southern homes, there are countless ways to discover the unique side of this coastal destination.
1. Sample Local Cuisine at the World Famous Blue Crab Festival
Celebrate coastal culture and delicious seafood at The World Famous Blue Crab Festival, held annually near Myrtle Beach. The lively event features blue crab dishes, local vendors, and live entertainment along the Little River waterfront, making it a must-visit for foodies and festival lovers alike.
2. Paddle the Waccamaw River
Take a kayak or pontoon tour of this winding river surrounded by lush cypress trees, and learn about the region's unique ecology and wildlife. You might even spot a manatee or two!
3. Dance at Carolina Country Music Fest
The Carolina Country Music Fest transforms Myrtle Beach into a haven for country music fans. With an oceanfront backdrop, the festival features performances from top country artists, delicious food, and a vibrant atmosphere that’ll turn any first-time visitor into a lifelong fan of Myrtle Beach.
4. Explore the Atalaya Castle
Take a peaceful, self-guided tour of this Moorish-style mansion, once the winter home of philanthropists Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington. Exploring Atalaya Castle offers a glimpse into the history and charm of Myrtle Beach.
5. Tour Hopsewee Plantation
Learn even more about Myrtle Beach’s history with a visit to this preserved rice plantation, located just south of Myrtle Beach. It offers guided tours, highlighting Lowcountry culture and life in the 18th century.
South Carolina: More Than a Vacation Destination
It’s crystal clear why Myrtle Beach is considered the “Entertainment Capital of the East Coast.” It’s also apparent why South Carolina is one of the best places to call home. With a blend of world-class attractions and affordable homes, it offers residents not only a vibrant lifestyle but the chance to invest in a thriving real estate market. Discover what makes South Carolina more than a vacation destination today!
