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If you are planning a visit to the Myrtle Beach or North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, area, you are probably excited to go swimming in the ocean. You may want to relax on the beach, build a few sand castles, and soak up the sunshine. Even though you should certainly spend your fair share of time on the beach, there are lots of other fun things to do in Myrtle Beach as well.
This portion of the Atlantic Ocean is a family-friendly location with plenty of activities for people of all ages. Only a short drive from Charleston, you can explore the Intracoastal Waterway, listen to some live music, and take advantage of everything the Myrtle Beach area has to offer.
Take a look at some of the top activities in Myrtle Beach, and don’t forget to check out some beautiful beachfront vacation rentals that can act as your base of operations during your next beach vacation!
1. Visit the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade
When people think about the southern United States, they usually think about boardwalks and promenades. That is definitely the case with the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, which is one of the most popular attractions in the city.
It is approximately 1.2 miles long, and you can gaze out at the beautiful Atlantic Coast from the boardwalk itself.
There are three separate locations, and there are plenty of locations to visit. There is a weekly fireworks show that takes place, there are plenty of benches on which to relax, and there is also a lovely park situated on the coast where people can play. This is also a great location to listen to live music, and you may want to visit during Halloween to see something truly spooky.
2. Check Out Myrtle Beach State Park
If you are looking for something a bit quieter, you may want to check out Myrtle Beach State Park. You can find it on the coastline, gazing out at the waves, and it is near South Kings Highway.
The park has been open since 1935, and there is a lot to do. It is known for its sandy beaches, beautiful forests, and quiet atmosphere. This is a great opportunity to go fishing, study marine life, and hike on some of the nature trails. In addition to the hiking opportunities, there are lots of fun summer programs for kids. You may even want to go bird-watching or sunbathing while you are here!
3. Swing By Broadway at the Beach
Myrtle Beach is the central hub of the greater Grand Strand area. There are lots of golf courses, amusement parks, and boardwalks. One of the top attractions is the Boardwalk at the Beach.
You can find it located on Celebrity Circle, and it is more than 350 acres in size. It has been open for more than 25 years, and it is a hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
There are plenty of hotels, nightclubs, and numerous other attractions that ensure you never run out of things to do in this location. No matter who you are traveling with, it is definitely worth swinging by this attraction to see why so many people have fallen in love with the nightlife!
4. Visit Pavilion Park
As you are exploring Broadway at the Beach, don’t forget to check out Pavilion Park as well. This is an amusement park that has a lot of fun rides, delicious food, and amazing attractions.
There are multiple areas of the park, and each area is designed for people of different ages. There are some rides that are meant just for kids and other rides that are meant just for adults.
One of the most popular rides is the observation wheel. This is a great opportunity for you to get a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding area. This park is also home to the largest slide on the East Coast, so don’t forget to check out Pavilion Park during your visit!
5. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
If you are looking for an amazing attraction the entire family will enjoy, then you’ll want to visit Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach. It is one of the top tourist attractions in the city, and it is perfect for marine enthusiasts and kids who want to learn more about the local area.
This is a great opportunity for people to take a look at aquatic habitats from the inside out. There are lots of acrylic tunnels, you can learn about sharks and Stingrays, and you can check out some of the most dangerous animals in the ocean.
You may even want to sign up to swim and dive with sharks or check out the Dangerous Reef! This aquarium has animals from the Amazon, Pacific Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean.
6. Sign Up For Pirates Voyage
If you are in the mood for a delicious meal in a fantastic show, you may want to check out Pirates Voyage. This is the perfect definition of dinner and a show, and it was established by Dolly Parton. It is next to the Carolina Opry, and you can check out a water-themed show as you enjoy your dinner.
There are also lots of live animals involved, including sea lions and parrots. This is definitely a comedy act, and you can enjoy your four-course dinner as you watch battles, plays, and fantastic reenactments. It is popular, so make sure you book your seat ahead of time if you want to check it out.
7. Visit the Family Kingdom Amusement Park
Are you wondering what to do with kids in Myrtle Beach? If so, you will definitely want to check out the Family Kingdom Amusement Park. It is approximately 13 acres in size, and it has 37 separate rides. All of them are meant for kids of different ages, so you can go with the entire family.
The park has been open since the 1960s, and there is no charge to get in. Instead, you purchase individual tickets for different rides. You can find everything from bumper cars to arcade games and from dropped hours to water rides. There are lots of fun carnival games as well.
There are several free things to do in the park, so even if you don’t plan on writing any of the rides, you should still check it out.
8. Go For a Ride on the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel
If you are planning on visiting Myrtle Beach, you have probably heard about the famous Myrtle Beach SkyWheel. This is arguably the most recognizable feature of the skyline, and it has been open for approximately 10 years.
It is 187 ft tall, and you can find it on North Ocean Boulevard, situated right behind Landshark Bar and Grill. The entire ride lasts approximately 10 minutes, and if you are traveling with a large group, you may be able to qualify for a bigger discount. There is also a VIP flight available if you want leather seats and glass floors.
Consider going for a ride on this enormous wheel if you want to get one of the best views of the city.
9. Visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not
Did you grow up reading materials and watching shows from Ripley’s Believe It or Not? If so, why not swing by this attraction during your visit to Myrtle Beach? Technically a museum, it is filled with a wide variety of exciting and quirky exhibits.
There are plenty of one-of-a-kind items displayed throughout the museum as well. There are two separate floors for you to explore, and you can find everything from sculptures to animal skeletons and from human skulls to other eclectic items. That is why they call it the Odditorium!
Consider checking out everything this fun museum has to offer during your visit.
10. Swing By the Franklin G. Burroughs – Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum
If you are looking for a way to beat the heat, or escape a rainy day, you may want to get a bit of culture at the local Art Museum. This is a unique space that has lots of art exhibits, a library, and even a classroom where there are no lectures from time to time.
You can find it on South Ocean Boulevard, and it is arguably the centerpiece of the art scene in Myrtle Beach.
There are a lot of temporary exhibits that float through from time to time, with a lot of attractions focusing on ceramics, sculptures, and photography. There are also several permanent collections available to view during your visit, so swing by if you want to learn a bit more about art.
11. Gaze at Brookgreen Gardens
Are you looking for one of the most beautiful locations in the United States? If so, you may want to visit Brookgreen Gardens. It is over 9,000 acres in size, and it is the perfect place to do a bit of sightseeing.
There is a lot of art history in the park, you can gaze at beautifully manicured gardens, and you can see nature and all of its unbridled beauty. It was purchased by a wealthy family in 1929, but it was eventually opened up to the public.
It is also home to the biggest Sculpture Garden in the United States, with more than 550 on display. Swing by the Brookgreen Gardens during your visit to Myrtle Beach.
12. Swing By Barefoot Landing
Barefoot Landing is located in the northern area of Myrtle Beach, and there are a lot of shopping and dining opportunities. You may want to swing by some of the shops if you are looking for jewelry, gifts, or apparel. You can also find lots of delicious food, including barbecue, traditional beach fare, fresh seafood, and fresh ice cream.
This is also a great location from which you can watch fireworks go off during the summer! There are portions of this area that are a bit quieter, so don’t hesitate to sit back and relax if you are tired after a long day.
13. Visit Wonderworks
Wonderworks is truly a unique location in Myrtle Beach. It is similar to an indoor amusement park, but there are a lot of hands-on exhibits and educational attractions as well. Each portion of the building is a separate zone, with each zone having its own theme.
You may want to check out the section on space exploration, or you may want to visit the portion of the building dedicated to natural disasters. There is also a glow-in-the-dark ropes course, a place to play laser tag, and an intense motion theater.
This is also a great way to beat the heat if you are visiting Myrtle Beach during the middle of the summer.
14. Get a Beer at New South Brewing
There are breweries popping up all over the southeastern United States, and New South Brewing is no different. It opened its doors in 1998, and it produces thousands of barrels of fresh beer annually.
There is always something new being pumped out by this brewery, so if you are of age, you may want to swing by to try one. There are also tours of the grounds you can take as well. Don’t forget to visit the souvenir shop!
15. Race at the Broadway Grand Prix Family Race Park
If you want to get your adrenaline flowing, you may want to race against your family members and friends. It used to be called a NASCAR Speedpark, but it is still a great place to go if you want to race go-karts.
Go-kart racing and driving will be on full display, and there are a lot of different go-kart tracks available. Each track is recommended for people of different skill levels and ages, and there is even a track that is designated for young children!
You can also take advantage of local mini-golf courses, go rock climbing, or go for a ride on the sky coaster! It is easy to see why this is one of the most popular destinations in Myrtle Beach.
16. Check Out the Hollywood Wax Museum
The Hollywood Wax Museum is great if you are looking for some fantastic photo opportunities. As the name suggests, this is a location that seeks to pay homage to some of the greatest actors and actresses in the history of entertainment with some wax replicas. There are a lot of people who have been honored at this wax museum, including Taylor Swift, Audrey Hepburn, and Robert Downey Jr.
From the outside, you can spot a giant ape dangling from the side of a building, which will let you know that you are in the right place. Different sections of the museum are dedicated to different individuals, so don’t hesitate to swing by!
17. Enjoy the Carolina Opry
If you are looking for some live music or performances, you should check out the Carolina Opry. You can hear everything from Broadway Tunes to gospel music and everything from country music to rock and roll. There are lots of comedy performances and dance shows that take the stage at the Carolina Opry as well. From time to time, you may even see some magic on stage!
There are lots of shows that take place during the week, and each one lasts approximately two hours. There is always a special show that takes place during Christmas, so you may want to take a look at the calendar to see what is playing while you are in town!
18. Visit Myrtle Waves Water Park
Are you looking for the biggest water park in South Carolina? If so, you will definitely want to visit Myrtle Waves Water Park. It has a wide variety of rides for people of all ages. There are lots of slides, rafts, chutes, and even a giant wave pool with a lazy river. The park has been open since 1985, and it has become a staple of the area since that time.
There are a few specific rides you may want to check out, including the Racin River and the Snake Mountain King Cobra. While there are a lot of very intense rides in the water park, there are also areas of the park that are dedicated to young children.
Don’t hesitate to swing by if you are looking for a place to cool off this summer!
19. Visit the T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station
This is a giant Wildlife Preserve that is approximately 50 acres in size. While there are lots of large cats that are recovering at the center, there are plenty of other animals as well. Many of them are endangered species, so if you love animals and are looking for something fun to do, you will definitely want to swing by.
There are also guided tours that take place throughout the year, so you may want to take a look at the schedule to see if you can sign up for one. The tour lasts approximately three hours, and you can take a look at a lot of animals living outside of cages. You might even get to hold some baby animals if you are lucky.
20. Swing By the Market Common
This is a major Community Center in Myrtle Beach. It is approximately 114 acres in size, and there are lots of areas for dining, shopping, and entertainment. This is also a popular location for locals, so you can see what life is like for those who live in Myrtle Beach.
You may want to shoot some pool, you may want to do some biking, and you may want to check out the bowling alley. Some of the top brands are represented at the Market Common, so this could be a great place to pick up a souvenir as well. Or, if you forgot something you need for your vacation, you should be able to find it here.
21. Check Out the Mt. Atlanticus Mini-Golf Course
If you are looking for fun for the whole family, you may want to check out the Mt. Atlanticus Mini-Golf Course. This is one of the top miniature golf courses in the entire city, and you will be challenged by a wide variety of holes.
There are lots of creative obstacles, plenty of wacky holes to try, and lots of bright lights and noises. Regardless of whether it is light or dark outside, this is one of the top Myrtle Beach attractions.
Therefore, why not swing by and test your skills? Come and see why it is one of the top mini-golf courses in the SC area.
Enjoy Your Oceanfront Vacation To Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Ultimately, these are just a few of the many fun activities that Myrtle Beach has to offer. Regardless of whether you are looking for water sports, such as paddleboarding and kayaking, or looking to go for a ride on a giant Ferris wheel, there is something for everyone in Myrtle Beach.
The beauty is unparalleled, the food is delicious, and there is always something fun going on.
Of course, you need to find the right place to stay during your visit to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It is a popular location, so make sure you book your rental ahead of time! Then, start thinking about all the fun things that you and your family will do during your visit to this beautiful beachfront city.
