Myrtle Beach is one of the East Coast’s most popular vacation spots, known for its 60-mile stretch of beautiful beaches, world-class entertainment, family-friendly attractions and lively coastal atmosphere. Whether you’re planning a relaxing escape, a family trip or a weekend packed with adventure, Myrtle Beach has options to delight every visitor.
Attractions and Entertainment
Myrtle Beach is filled with incredible attractions, from thrilling rides to immersive theaters. Start at Broadway at the Beach, the city’s most popular entertainment district. Here you’ll find Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach — known for its mesmerizing shark tunnel and hands-on marine encounters — as well as WonderWorks, an upside-down interactive science museum perfect for curious minds.
Take in panoramic coastal views on the SkyWheel, one of the tallest observation wheels on the East Coast. For theme park fans, Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Myrtle Waves Water Park offer high-energy fun for all ages.
If you enjoy live entertainment, don’t miss The Carolina Opry, famous for its award-winning musical productions, or the Alabama Theatre in North Myrtle Beach, which hosts concerts, dance performances and seasonal shows. For unique wildlife experiences, Alligator Adventure features one of the largest reptile collections in the world.
Art lovers and nature enthusiasts will appreciate Brookgreen Gardens, a beautiful mix of botanical landscapes and outdoor sculpture installations. Just next door, Huntington Beach State Park offers pristine beaches, quiet marshes and excellent birdwatching, making it a peaceful outdoor escape and a favorite spot for photographers. Film and celebrity fans can also stop by the Hollywood Wax Museum to snap photos with lifelike figures.
Outdoor Activities and Nature
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of ways to enjoy Myrtle Beach’s natural beauty. Take a dolphin watching cruise, explore scenic eco-tours or spend the day fishing, jet skiing or paddleboarding.
The area offers hiking trails, birdwatching spots and native wildlife exhibits to explore. You can also visit the Lowcountry Trail, which consists of a beautiful boardwalk that crosses the hillside overlooking Mainfield, a restored rice field of the former Brookgreen Plantation.
From nature hikes to kayaking tours, Myrtle Beach’s diverse landscapes provide a refreshing escape.
Family-Friendly and Kid Activities
Myrtle Beach is known as one of the most family-oriented destinations on the East Coast, offering a wide range of family and children’s attractions, family-friendly events and activities for all ages. The area is filled with creative experiences and family-friendly shows that keep kids entertained from morning to night.
At Broadway at the Beach, children can enjoy colorful rides on the carousel, explore hands-on exhibits or join workshops and classes designed for young creatives. The Art Museum’s exhibitions often include kid-friendly programs, and many venues throughout Myrtle Beach host kids’ parties and themed activities.
With live entertainment, interactive museums, outdoor adventures and activities built for every interest, families will find no shortage of ways to keep children engaged during their visit.
Events and Seasonal Activities
Myrtle Beach features a full calendar of events and festivals throughout the year. In the winter months, the coastline comes alive with festive holiday lights, seasonal decorations and special events like the Barefoot Landing Tree Lighting, located near Barefoot Resort.
Holiday markets, seasonal craft beers, specialty cocktails, community-sponsored activities and musical productions add extra excitement to the cooler season. Visitors can also enjoy the outdoor ice-skating rink, holiday festivals and winter-themed tours that provide a fresh way to experience the Grand Strand.
From sporting events to seasonal celebrations, there’s always something happening — no matter what time of year you visit.
Shopping and Dining
No trip is complete without exploring the local shops and restaurants. Myrtle Beach offers everything from major outlets to quaint coastal boutiques.
Shop at Tanger Outlets, Coastal Grand Mall or Myrtle Beach Mall, or stroll along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk to discover one-of-a-kind boutique shops and specialty shops. Along the way, you’ll find breweries and distilleries, local bakeries and cozy cafés that are perfect for enjoying treats and craft drinks. And of course, seafood restaurants are everywhere, serving fresh catches from the South Carolina coast.
Golfing
Known as the “Golf Capital of the World,” Myrtle Beach boasts more than 90 courses, including PGA-quality golf courses and celebrity-designed golf courses suited for every skill level. Golfers can choose from classic layouts, modern designs and scenic courses along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Top favorites include the Dunes Club, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, Pawleys Plantation Golf Club, Long Bay Golf Club, Tidewater, Thistle Golf Club, Prestwick Country Club and River Hills Golf & Country Club. Popular options along the Intracoastal Waterway also include the Grande Dunes Resort Course, Myrtlewood Palmetto, Pine Hills and Pine Lakes.
Visitors can explore the Myrtle Beach Golf Trail, a curated collection of premier championship courses that highlight the region’s best golfing experiences. For something more casual, the area is known for its fun and creative themed putt putt courses, making it easy for families to enjoy golfing together.
Many resorts offer convenient golf packages that pair luxurious accommodations with guaranteed tee times, making trip planning simple and stress-free.
Indoor Activities and Rainy-Day Options
Even when the weather doesn’t cooperate, Myrtle Beach has plenty of indoor attractions to keep the fun going. Explore the EdVenture children’s museum, challenge your mind with immersive escape rooms or experience knights, jousting and a full medieval feast at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament.
Families can enjoy interactive museums, indoor mini golf courses, arcades, bowling and live shows, all perfect for rainy days or whenever you need a break from the sun.
Nearby Destinations and Day Trips
There’s so much more to explore beyond central Myrtle Beach. Take a scenic drive to Conway, a charming riverfront town known for its historic district and arts scene. Visit North Myrtle Beach for coastal dining and shopping or head to Surfside Beach and Garden City for laid-back, family-friendly beach vibes.
For nature lovers, the Heritage Shores Nature Preserve in North Myrtle Beach offers walking trails and boardwalk views of the marsh. History buffs will enjoy Georgetown, one of the oldest towns in South Carolina, and the broader Grand Strand region provides all kinds of cultural and coastal experiences.
If you’re visiting in early summer, don’t miss the historic Sun Fun Festival, a long-running Myrtle Beach tradition.