49+ Things To Do in Myrtle Beach (It’s Not What You Are Thinking!) (2024)

When most people think of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, they think of sandy beaches, Broadway on the Beach, golf courses, and the vibrant boardwalk and promenade. While all of those things are amazing, there are so many other things to do in Myrtle Beach too!

Whether you’re looking for something fast-paced and action-packed, quiet and refreshing, somewhere in between, or a mix of the two, Myrtle Beach has it all. Myrtle Beach’s “other side” will add unique and memorable experiences to your South Carolina getaway.

Here are 49+ things to do in Myrtle Beach that you are going to LOVE…and they’re not what you’re expecting!

HIDDEN GEMS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

CRUISE THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

Enchanted Sailing Charters offers private and group sailing trips in the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you’re looking for a sunrise cruise, sunset cruise, or something during the day with the family,Enchanted Sailing has a trip for you.

Consider the Full Day Adventure Tour that features swimming around Bird Island, having lunch, and cruising along the coast. The Sunset Dinner Cruise for two is catered by Outback Steak House.

SAMPLE THE LOCAL WINE

South Carolina might not be your first destination when you think of wineries or vineyards, but there are several in the Myrtle Beach area that will satisfy any wine palette.

La Belle Amie Vineyard is open to the public two days a week and is family-friendly. La Belle offers wine tastings containing a sampling of six wines and a logo wine glass for keeps. They specialize in reds, whites, rose, dry and sweet wines. The vineyard hosts Wine Wednesdays on the Deck where there are samplings of wine, live music on the deck, and fun beverages, like wine slushies, as well as food options.

Duplin Winery is open Monday through Saturday. Offering a tasting of 10 pre-selected wines, an employee will walk you through each wine, as well as give you a history of it.

You can update to the deluxe wine tasting, which comes with a gourmet cheese dip, homemade crackers, as well a glass of wine after the tasting.

TAKE AN ECO KAYAKING TOUR

Kayaking is a wonderful way to explore the natural beauty of Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas. J an L Kayaks is the premiere kayaking tour company in Myrtle Beach and is one of the highest-rated tour operators.

J and L offer family-friendly tours that are interesting and educational. You can choose from seven tours:

• Marsh Tour – Enjoy calm waters, local birds and aquatic wildlife.

• Waites Island Tour – Go to a private island and search for shells.

• Backwater Twilight Tour – See Bioluminescence after the sun sets.

• Sunrise Tour – Paddle quietly as the sun comes up.

• Backwater Scenic Tour – Takes you deep into the creeks with a knowledgeable guide.

• Island Twilight Tour – Paddle during sunset to Waites Island.

• Crabbing Tour – Catch your own Blue Crabs, fun for kids.

• Marsh Sunset Tour – Perfect for sunset viewing.

HIKE THE BOARDWALK

For a quiet, serene walk on a boardwalk, you can visit Vereen Gardens, sometimes referred to as Vereen Botanical Gardens, which features hiking trails, several boardwalks, an observation deck, and a colonial route that was once part of the original King’s Highway.

This park is dog friendly, stroller, and wheelchair friendly.

Fishing is also allowed here, and there is a small playground perfect for younger kids, as well as a seashell wishing tree (fun for all ages)!

RIDE HORSES ALONG THE BEACH

Riding horses along a beach is always an enchanting experience, and at Inlet Point Plantation you don’t need any prior riding knowledge. Inlet Point Plantation offers horseback riding tours all year long and promotes several tours, both open to the public and private options.

Most rides are suitable for kids 7+. For kids under 7, there are pony rides, where the horse and child will be handled through the pecan groves.

SAMPLE THE SPIRITS

If you’re into spirits — the drink, not the ghostly kind — then you can’t miss Twelve 33 Distillery. Twelve 33 serves up South Carolina in a glass. All of their spirits are handcrafted from locally sourced ingredients, including all of the grains used. Everything is produced in small batches right on site.

You can stop by for a drink, go to a tasting, or take a fully guided tour of the facility.

AND/OR SAMPLE THE BREWS

Another great way to enjoy a taste of the south is to try one of the many breweries around town.

New South Brewing, Independent Republic Brewing Company, Crooked Hammock Brewery, and Tidal Creek Brewhouse are all highly talked about.

• New South Brewing offers a taproom and is known for its ales and lagers.

• The Independent Republic Brewing Company offers award-winning brews, a full kitchen menu, live music, Yappy Hour — a happy hour where you can bring your pup who can enjoy alcohol-free dog beer — trivia nights, as well as taco nights.

• Crooked Hammock Brewery has several locations, including in North Myrtle Beach. They offer year-round beers, as well as seasonal beers like Myrtle Peach, Brand New Day Pineapple Coconut.

• Tidal Creek Brewhouse offers patrons a family- and dog-friendly atmosphere featuring “small-batch, specialty craft beer, freshly brewed coffee, and Lowcountry food.” They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

SEE THE ANIMALS AT GOAT ISLAND

Goat Island can be found just behind Drunken Jack’s restaurant. The little island is a summer retreat for goats and peaco*cks. The animals are brought to the island during the spring, summer, and autumn months to help keep the vegetation from overgrowing. Grab a drink and watch the goats!

DINE AT A HAUNTED RESTAURANT

South Carolina is a hot spot for another type of “spirit.” If you like things a little bit spooky, you should make dinner reservations at The Brentwood, where you can dine with spirits from the past. This haunted restaurant is one of the most haunted restaurants in the U.S. and has been featured on several TV shows like My Ghost Story, A Haunting, and Freight Club.

The Dinner and Ghost Tour includes a 3-course meal for guests before they embark on a ghostly tour through the building.

EXPLORE THE WACCAMAW

The Waccamaw River offers endless water activities and a beautiful backdrop for others.

One way to enjoy views of the river is to walk along the Conway Riverwalk. This beautiful boardwalk hugs the banks of the Waccamaw River for 1.5 miles. There is also a pirate playground for little ones to explore. At the end of the boardwalk is a lovely arboretum with native plants and different blooms throughout the year.

Another way to explore the river is to take apontoon boat ride or rent kayaks from Waccamaw Outfitters. You can choose from guided or self-guided tours on top the black waters of the Waccamaw.

PADDLE THE BLACKWATER SWAMP

The Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge provides visitors with endless opportunities to reconnect with nature. You can paddle the blackwater swamp, hike or bike through the trails, and even go hunting and fishing.

The refuge is home to manatees, various fish species and bird species, turtles, snakes, butterflies, and more.

TAKE A CANE SUGAR FARM TOUR

The L.W. Paul Living History Museum is an all-day experience with many options for education and fun. Visitors can take a tour of the farm to see how the operations work.

You’ll also find a great museum on site. The museum features old tools and photographs, and miniatures of industries from the surrounding areas.

SAMPLE FROM THE LOCAL FARMS IN ONE LOCATION

Crooked Oak Tavern promises only hormone-free, organic, locally farmed meat, fish and produce. They serve lunch and dinner, featuring things like burgers, crab cakes, seared scallops, fried shrimp, and more.

MEET THE ANIMALS AT THOMPSON FARM

At Thompson Farm, you can meet over 40 animals that call the farm home, take river tours, and/or go camping.

There is a little petting zoo, and also a play area on-site with different interactive areas like giant jumps pads, a tire playground, a giant slide (that’s fun for adults too), and more.

You can find primitive campsites on Thompson Farm where you can pitch your tent and enjoy the quietness around you. It’s a great home base for kayaking adventures or fishing. In addition to camping, the farm also offers four river adventures.

CATCH A MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL GAME

Baseball is America’s favorite pastime and checking out a minor league game in Myrtle Beach is a must!

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans play a good game and it makes a great experience for the whole family. Grab some peanuts and popcorn and enjoy a day at the ballpark!

NOSH YOUR WAY THRU GEORGETOWN HARBORWALK

If you’re looking for a more relaxing way to explore the Myrtle Beach area, head over to the quaint little area of Georgetown. From outdoor adventures to southern shopping, Georgetown is a totally different vibe than mainstream Myrtle Beach. You can wander along the Harborwalk Boardwalk for tranquil views of the water, or spend the day at Huntington Beach State Park.

Georgetown is a very historical town and there are many plantations around where you can take tours and learn about Georgetown’s past. You can also find old cemeteries and ghost tours if you want to explore your dark side. If you want to learn even more about the history of Georgetown, there are museums and art galleries here too.

Georgetown also has great seafood restaurants with classic South Carolina dishes.

EXPLORE BROOKGREENGARDENS

Brookgreen Gardens is a super popular destination for families with kids. The gardens are made up of 9,127 acres and host plant collections, as well as seasonal blooms.

Brookgreen is home to the Lowcountry Zoo, which is home to alligators, bald eagles, grey foxes, hawks, owls, red foxes, river otters, white-tailed deer, ducks, herons, and egrets. All of the animals here are unable to survive in the wild and now they have a safe home at the zoo. There is also a butterfly experience that cannot be missed.

The gardens are also home to the largest collection of American figurative sculptures in the U.S. There are more than 2,000 pieces created by 430 artists situated throughout the grounds.

TAKE A MARSH TOUR OF MURRELLS INLET

Murrells Inlet is one of Myrtle Beach’s secret gems. It’s known as the seafood capital of South Carolina and is a nature lovers’ paradise. One of the best ways to get to know the secrets of Murrells Inlet is to take a tour of the marshes.

There are various ways to explore the marshes, including kayaking and paddleboarding. These methods allow you to cruise quietly over the water. You can take guided tours or rent your own equipment and guide yourself.

If you want to experience the marsh at night, you can walk along the Marsh Walk. This boardwalk runs along the waterfront, and is home to restaurants and live music.

STROLL MURRELLS INLET MARSHWALK AT NIGHT

Briefly mentioned above, The Marsh Walk in Murrells Inlet is a noteworthy way to spend the night. This live music mecca also features waterfront dining and other live entertainment.

There are 8 restaurants featured on the walk, and most of the restaurants will have live music each night as you dine.

BEACH CAMP AT HUNTINGTON BEACH STATE PARK

Camping on the beach is one of the best ways to camp. Huntington Beach State Park has tent sites, as well as sites that are suitable for RVs with electrical hookups, and a select few have sewer hookups.

While camping, you can embark on endless excursions including birding, fishing, boating, swimming, geocaching, biking, and hiking. Another exciting thing to do while on the beaches of Myrtle Beach is to look for shark’s teeth.

There are two named trails in the park and a short boardwalk. The Kerrigan Nature Trail is a short and easy trail and is a great trail to look for birds. The Sandpiper Pond Nature Trail is longer at 2 miles. It goes along a pristine beach and through forests of oaks and red cedars, before eventually bringing you to a saltwater pond.

There is also a historic landmark in the park, Atalaya. Atalaya is an old castle that was built in the early 1930s and can be toured.

If you happen to be camping on the beach when a storm is approaching, keep your eyes out for the Gray Man. This ghostly apparition sometimes appears to be walking the beaches right before a bad storm hits, seemingly warning people to seek shelter.

SURF FISH AT MYRTLE BEACH STATE PARK

One of the top places in South Carolina for surf fishing is Myrtle Beach State Park. Surf fishing is a style of fishing where you fish right from the beach or the shallows. In addition to surf fishing, you can swim, bike, hike, horseback ride, go birdwatching, or take part in geocaching. There are two playgrounds, as well as picnic shelters.

There are two short trails in the park, the Sculpted Oak Trail and Yaupon Trail. Both are easy to navigate. There is also a fishing pier, a nature center, campsites, and cabins.

EXPLORE THE BACKWATER BY JET SKI

An exciting way to explore the backwater of Myrtle Beach is by jet ski. If you have a need for speed, renting a jet ski or taking a jet ski tour is a must.

The jet ski tours that Island Adventure offers include 2-hour tours that take you through all the back bays and rivers in the search of wildlife, epic views, and a memorable adventure. Groups will never exceed 10 riders, so your guide will be able to keep things intimate as he shares his knowledge of the area.

LEARN HOW TO SHAG AT FAT HAROLD’S

Fat Harold’s is one of the most iconic clubs in Myrtle Beach. They are known for dancing and teaching dance, especially the Carolina Shag, a style of dance where one person leads and the partner follows along to classic beach music. Fat Harold’s holds shag classes weekly.

Inside Fat Harold’s Beach Club is a tasty restaurant called Shag City Grille. Considered a local favorite, Shag City serves up cheeseburgers, fried bologna sandwiches, grilled cheeses, fries, onion rings, and much more.

VISIT ONE OF THE AREA MUSEUMS’ HIDDEN TREASURES

• The Horry County Museum is free and open to the public. Here you will find a fish tank housing native freshwater fish, and other animal exhibits too. There is a Military Exhibit which includes military uniforms and weapons, a Native American exhibit, and exhibits about the beaches of Horry County.

• Charlie’s Place is an important part of black history and culture. Originally a nightclub and hotel, famous names like Dizzy Gillespie, Little Richard, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Lena Horne all performed there. Today, the building is used as a community center and event space.

• Myrtle Beach Art Museum is known as one of the exquisite art museums in both North and South Carolina. Enjoyed by people of all ages, the museum features four permanent collections, as well as rotating exhibits.

• The Historic Myrtle Beach Colored School & Education Center was originally a schoolhouse when the country was still segregated. After much fundraising, restoration, and rebuilding in a different location, the building is still being used for educational purposes, as well as community workshops and classes.

• Finally, the Wheels of Yesteryear provides visitors with the opportunity to see vintage cars from various different eras.

DINE YOUR WAY ACROSS THE COUNTRY

• Levy’s Jamaican Cuisine is recognized as the best authentic Jamaican and Caribbean dining experience on the Grand Strand. Levy’s Jamaican Cuisine creates dishes like jerk chicken, curry goat, and escovitch fish. They also have vegan options.

• Café Old Vienna is a popular restaurant and beer garden that offers old-world German/Austrian cuisine. They have a happy hour menu, as well as a kids’ menu, making it a perfect place for a fun family night out.

• Thai Season is an authentic Thai restaurant in North Myrtle Beach. It’s highly recommended and a favorite, according to locals.

THINGS TO DO IN MYRTLE BEACH FOR THE MAINSTREAM

VISIT THE MYRTLE BEACH SKYWHEEL/BOARDWALK

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade are what most people think of when they hear the words ‘Myrtle Beach.’ This area of Myrtle Beach is synonymous with spring breakers and families during summer vacation. You can find places to stay, shop, and play along the 1.2-mile-long boardwalk that runs along the Atlantic Ocean.

Along the boardwalk, you can find amusem*nt park rides, thrill rides, haunted houses, an arcade, a movie theater, and even a zip line that takes you out over the ocean.

In addition to entertainment, you’ll find plenty of wonderful food and dining options here. Just off the boardwalk, Tin Roof has live music and great views. You’ll also find great hotel choices here.

WANDER AROUND BROADWAY AT THE BEACH

Broadway at the Beach is a massive shopping and entertainment complex. There are endless things to do here — maybe too much to include all in one shot, but here is just a little sneak peek.

THE HANGOUT

The Hangout is a family-friendly restaurant that provides beachfront views while you enjoy delicious food. They also host events, like holiday parties, cook-offs, festivals, game nights, pop-up workouts, and fun runs!

You can play ping-pong, foosball, four square, and other activities in the courtyard. Or listen to live music and entertainment to keep you busy while waiting for your meal.

PAVILION PARK

Pavillion Park is Myrtle Beach’s biggest theme park. There are two featured parks within Pavilion, Fun Park and Action Park.

At Fun Park you can find nearly 20 family-friendly rides like the Carousel, Mini Tea Cups, the Broadway 360 wheel, Samba Balloons, Super Happy Swing, the Scrambler, the Rio Grande Train, and the Drop Tower.

Action Park has more thrilling rides like The Beast, The Wave Swinger, Moonraker 20, Rock and Roll Express, Riptydze Slide, Speed XXL, and the Cliff Hanger.

RIPLEYS

Ripleys Aquarium is located in the Broadway complex and houses a 750,000-gallon all-around shark tank. There is an upper level and a lower level, featuring all different types of sea life.

You can opt-in for interactive experiences like the Penguin Encounters, and Stingray Experience, or you can have a sleepover in the aquarium. Ripleys also offers glass-bottom boat tours.

MYRTLE WAVES

Everyone loves to splash the day away in a water park. Myrtle Waves has a Lazy River, Tube Slides, a Flowrider, and family rides, including a kids-only section.

There are cabanas available for rent, and you can find a variety of food and drink to help refuel you throughout the day.

BROADWAY GRAND PRIX FAMILY RACE PARK

If you have a need for speed — or just have a competitive family — the Grand Prix Race Park is a fun place to go. There are 7 tracks to choose from, including the Pro Track, High Bank Oval, Speed Racer, Slick Track, Family Track, Junior Racer, and even a Kids Track.

At the race track, you can also find an arcade, kids zone, and a snack bar, as well as bumper cars and mini-golf.

Book It: Broadway Grand Prix – All You Can Ride Wristband

DINO PARK

Step back into the land before time and learn about dinosaurs at Dino Park! Dino Park helps bring together your imagination and archeological evidence.

There is a dino ball bit for kids to dive and play in, and there is a fossil pit, where you can dig for dinosaur fossils. You can even “ride” an automated T-rex! Catered to small children, Dino Park also has fun playground equipment.

Book It: DinoPark at Broadway at the Beach

SOAR AND EXPLORE ZIPLINE

If you’re not afraid of heights, Soar + Explore is a fun place to visit. There is a zipline here, as well as a ropes course that is exciting for all ages.

There is a laser tag area, a 6-D extreme motion ride, as well as Wander Zones.

HOLLYWOOD WAX MUSEUM

The Hollywood Wax Museum features dozens of perfectly crafted wax figures of sports stars, celebrities, musicians, and more.

Visiting the Hollywood Wax Museum creates the perfect photo opportunity with your favorite celebrity.

ILLUMINATION PARK

Illumination Park is an outdoor art experience that features sculptures made by artists from around the country. The park is free and open to the public.

Most of the sculptures light up at night, making it a unique place to check out during the day and at night.

WALK AROUND BAREFOOT LANDING

Barefoot Landing is Myrtle Beach’s premier destination for shopping, dining and entertainment. Similar to Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot Landing has dozens of attractions all in the same area, making it easy to bounce from place to place.

ALLIGATOR ADVENTURE

If you ever wanted to get up close and personal with an alligator, you definitely need to make a visit to Alligator Adventure. It is the largest reptile facility of its kind in the whole world. While visiting the park, you can go to several shows including Alligator Live Feedings, Alligator Handling And Lecture, and Snake Handling.

HOUSE OF BLUES

Whether you’re going to the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, or anywhere else in the country, you know you’re in for some amazing live music and entertainment.

House of Blues, Myrtle Beach always has an exciting lineup. In addition to concerts, House of Blues also has a murder mystery dinner theater, a bar, and a restaurant.

LULUS

One of the top places for fun, food, and music is Lulus Cafe. Everything made here is made from scratch with menu options for dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, shellfish-free, soy-free, and seafood free.

At Lulu’s, there is a beach arcade, beach volleyball,a kids ropes course, and there is always live music.

WILD WATER & WHEELS ADVENTURE PARK

The Wild Water and Wheels Adventure Park is a perfect family day destination. The water park features speed slides, tube slides, mat slides, and different pool areas. There is a wave pool, a lazy river, and a lounge pool too.

The adventure park features a race zone, mini-golf, and various amusem*nt rides. For the super small kids in the family, there is Wally’s Lagoon, akiddie pool, and Wee Kids Water Wheel.

ENJOY A DAY AT FAMILY KINGDOM AMUsem*nT PARK

Family Kingdom Amusem*nt Park is Myrtle Beach’s only seaside amusem*nt park. This family-friendly park includes roller coasters, bumper cars, a swinging ship, a log flume, a slingshot, a tilt-whirl, the yoyo, and more.

For the younger kids, there is the 4×4 truck ride, canoes, cycles, flight school, frog hopper, Hampton combo, kiddie coasters, swings, and Ferris wheel. There are magic bikes, mini bumper cars, and wet boats too.

SCORE A HOLE-IN-ONE PLAYING LOTS OF MINI-GOLF

Mini golf is another super fun way to get a little competitive with your family members and luckily, Myrtle Beach is known as the “Mini Golf Capital of the World.” There are at least 50 different mini-golf courses found in Myrtle Beach!

OR “REGULAR” GOLF

Myrtle Beach has some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the country. With more than 90 golf courses located here, many people come to Myrtle Beach for a chance to perfect their game here.

Many of the courses here have been built by “award-winning designers and champions in the golf industry.” There is a wide selection of courses for any sort of price range.

CATCH A DINNER SHOW AT MEDIEVAL TIMES OR A PIRATES VOYAGE

In Myrtle Beach, you can catch a dinner show at Medieval Times or at Pirates Voyage. If you’re staying multiple nights, you can even do both.

Medieval Times puts on an exciting show and battle as you feast on a four-course meal that includes garlic bread, tomato bisque soup, roasted chicken, sweet buttered corn, herb-basted potato, and of course, dessert.

Pirates Voyage lets you enjoy a four-course feast while watching the pirate Blackbeard and his quartermaster, Calico Jack, as they lead their crews to a battle on land, on deck, and in the water.

VISIT THE MARKET COMMON

The Market Common has several tourist attractions and activities. There is a bowling alley, a movie theater, and an escape room, as well as shopping and dining options.

Some of the must-see places are The EdVenture Museum, which is an interactive children’s museum where your child can explore several stations, including a Publix, Space Climber, Airways, Mission Control, a Performance Stage, Toddler Beach, Dentist Office, and more.

The Crazy Mason is a milkshake bar that is a refreshing way to cool down and enjoy a tasty treat. They have over 100 options to choose from.

TAKE A DOLPHIN CRUISE

One of the best ways to see dolphins is by taking a dolphin-watching cruise. Myrtle Beach has plenty of tour operators to choose from, so there are plenty of opportunities to see these enchanting creatures.

Read More: 17+ Myrtle Beach Boat Tours Perfect for Soaking Up the Sun

CHARTER A FISHING BOAT

Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or just looking for some time on the water, chartering a fishing boat is a really fun adventure.

Off the coast of Myrtle Beach, you can catch flounder, bull redfish, sting rays, sharks, trout, black drum, spade fish, cobia, black sea bass, triggerfish, mahi-mahi, red snapper, grouper, wahoo, blackfin tuna, and yellowfin tuna.

RENT A PONTOON BOAT

Renting a pontoon boat is a great way to explore the back bays of Myrtle Beach. You can cruise along and enjoy a peaceful ride, or you can cruise around looking for a place to anchor and eat lunch.

Myrtle Beach Watersports offers a variety of boats to rent.

SEE A SHOW AT THE CAROLINA OPRY

Another great date night idea is catching a show at the Carolina Opry. They offer a mix of shows that change frequently, so there is always something new to see.

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO SOUTH CAROLINA

• YOUR SOUTH CAROLINA VACATION
• GEORGETOWN: 7 Relaxing Things To Do In Georgetown SC
• BEAUFORT: 29 Things To Do In Beaufort SC For A Perfect Weekend Getaway
• COLUMBIA: 15 Family-Friendly Things To Do In Columbia, SC
• CHARLESTON: 45+ Fun Things To Do In Charleston SC

WHERE TO STAY IN MYRTLE BEACH