The tourist destination of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is much more than meets the eye. Although common for family trips and college spring break, there are also plenty of activities aimed at adults! We’re diving into a few of our favorites in the city with adult-focused programming.
Myrtle Beach’s Art Museum and Galleries
Before you get into Myrtle Beach proper, stop at the stunning Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet. It’s located on the grounds of a former rice plantation that first opened to the public in 1932. The over 1,500 acres include a wildlife park and a sculpture garden with over 1,000 pieces. They have pop-up drinks stations during seasonal events.
The Grand Strand Arts Trail also includes the galleries and art spaces from Georgetown all the way to the North Carolina state line. The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum is another arts-focused experience, set in a 1920s beach villa that was transformed into a museum in 1997. The 11 galleries include a variety of artwork from regional artists.
Myrtle Beach History Museums
Dig into the area’s rich history at Atalaya Castle, a Spanish-inspired home owned by the prestigious Huntington family that also owned Brookgreen. Now in Huntington Beach State Park, it’s open for tours, including a Segway tour.
The Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum is a four-room schoolhouse that dates back to 1932 and opened as a museum in 2006. The former students helped open it with artifacts from its history.
In nearby Conway, the Horry County Museum is also in a historic school, this time from 1905. Start at the massive fish tank seen on Animal Planet. Other exhibits include vintage swimwear and memorabilia from local schools. The museum hosts free concerts and events. There’s also an affiliated working farm nearby.
Golf, Spa, Performances, and Other Things to Do
Myrtle Beach is a golf destination in its own right with public courses and resort courses designed by big names like Nicklaus and Fazio. They feature coastal views and options for rentals and clubhouse dining.
Treat yourself to a massage at one of Myrtle Beach’s spas. The Awakening Spa at the Anderson Ocean Club and Spa is one of the area’s top-rated facilities, with massages, facials, and other body treatments.
The Grand Strand is also a fun place to catch a show. The Carolina Opry has a diverse lineup of shows, including the popular Christmas show. Legends in Concert is an incredible performance of tribute artists singing the tunes of artists like Elvis Presley, Cher, Shania Twain, and more. Or catch the Motown Tribute Show.
There are also magic and illusion shows like Charles Bach Wonders Magic and Illusion Show and Steve Falcon’s Comedy Hypnosis Hour. You can also take part in the Myrtle Beach Karaoke Bus Tour, the Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show, or the Murrells Inlet Sunset Cruise.
Where to Eat in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is home to the Murrells Inlet community, which is one of the top places for seafood in South Carolina. Among the many seafood restaurants here is Wicked Tuna, which sits on the marsh. The menu includes shrimp tacos, steaks, sushi, craft co*cktails, and everything in between.
Sea Captain’s House is in a 1930s cottage on the water with classic Lowcountry fare like shrimp and grits and she-crab soup. Hook & Barrel focuses on sustainable ingredients like local seafood and the famed Carolina gold rice.
Art Burger Sushi Bar has funky options including liquid nitrogen co*cktails, sushi, and burgers with black bean, falafel, tuna, and traditional beef. Dishes are named after notable artists and their work, including Van Gogh and Whistler’s Mother and there’s a gallery featuring work of local artists.
For the best brunch in the Grand Strand, head to Croissants Bistro & Bakery, a local favorite for their cakes, pastries, and, of course, breakfasts. Grab the eggs benedict on, what else, a croissant with a mimosa, and take a slice of cake to go.
Where to Drink in Myrtle Beach
Duplin Winery North Myrtle Beach may be based in North Carolina but this sprawling Myrtle Beach tasting room is the perfect spot to try muscadine wine. You can purchase from their massive store and book a tasting session, which includes six samples. The venue also hosts live music at Barefoot Landing.
Another option is La Belle Amie Vineyard, locatedon the north end of the Grand Strand. It has a tasting room surrounded by the vineyard where they host live music and festivals. Try samples from their Twisted Sisters line.
Myrtle Beach is also home to a craft brewery, New South Brewing Company, which is open to visitors Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays for tours and tastings. Located only a few blocks from the Boardwalk, it’s a great place to spend the afternoon. They also have food trucks in case you get hungry.
Grand Strand Brewery is another option with a new taproom that is a few blocks away from New South. The beer lineup includes hazy IPAs, hefeweizens, and stouts along with snacks like burgers, wings, and sandwiches.
Adult-Friendly Hotels in Myrtle Beach
While the majority of hotels in Myrtle Beach appeal to families, there are some great places to stay for adults as well. Don’t forget about rentals, which allow you more flexibility.
Anderson Ocean Club has gorgeous oceanfront rooms with an in-house spa and fitness facility. Enjoy all the amenities of a hotel with the convenience of a condominium. Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes also has direct beach access and a spa.
Kingston Plantation has a number of options, including the Royale Palms condominiums and the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort & Arcadian Shores Golf Club. It has a golf course, convenient for those that want to tee off. Marina Inn at Grande Dunes is another option with AAA four-diamond status and in-house dining.
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