15 Best Things To Do In Myrtle Beach
Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of South Carolina, Myrtle Beach isn’t just another beach town; it’s a vibrant community bursting with amusement parks, pristine beaches, and an array of attractions for couples, families, and solo travelers alike.
Whether you’re building sandcastles on the shoreline with your little ones, getting your adrenaline pumping on the rollercoasters, or simply soaking up the laid-back Southern charm, Myrtle Beach is one vacation destination you don’t want to miss!
To help you plan the perfect trip, here are my 15 best things to do in Myrtle Beach.
1. Explore the Grand Strand
The Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of incredible white beaches, is the heart and soul of Myrtle Beach. This sun-soaked expanse has everything you need to enjoy beach time with your family, with watersports, beach chairs and loungers, and lifeguards at all the busiest spots. The Atlantic Ocean is perfect for cooling off and there are plenty of snack bars and ice cream stands all along the Grand Strand to keep the kids full and happy.
But the Grand Strand’s top attractions don’t end with the beaches. As day turns to dusk, the area transforms into an entertainment epicenter, with some of the best Myrtle Beach restaurants serving up fresh, local flavors. At various points on the Grand Strand, you’ll also find eclectic shopping options and buzzing bars with live music.
2. Visit the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is another entertainment hub and one of the most popular spots for Myrtle Beach locals and visitors alike. As you stroll down the iconic 1.2-mile boardwalk, the blend of salty air and the buzz of lively chatter becomes the backdrop for an unforgettable evening. If you want to get a birds-eye view, the 200-ft high Myrtle Beach SkyWheel has 42 air-conditioned gondolas providing stunning views across Myrtle Beach and the Atlantic Ocean.
The boardwalk itself has a dizzying array of attractions, including oceanfront restaurants, street stalls, eclectic boutiques, and awesome souvenir shopping at the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove. There are classic seaside arcades for the kids and when the sun sets, there are street performers, a light show, and live entertainment (and happy hour) at the Landshark Bar and Grill.
3. Test Your Skills at Mini Golf
If you’re visiting Myrtle Beach with kids, then mini golf should be at the top of your trip itinerary! The Myrtle Beach area has over 50 miniature golf courses, offering unique (and competitive) challenges for the entire family.
Some of my family’s favorites are Cancun Lagoon Miniature Golf and Spy Glass Mini Golf, but you can find courses all along the Grand Strand and U.S. 17. Many of the indoor mini golf courses have air-conditioning so they are perfect for both rainy days and hot summer nights, particularly if you have young children in tow.
Note: Some mini golf locations are open seasonally so be sure to check on their website to see if they are open before you make the trip!
4. Head Down to Broadway at the Beach
Broadway at the Beach is a 350-acre entertainment complex that is home to many of the most popular attractions in Myrtle Beach. Alongside the boardwalk, it is one of the best spots for family fun, and there is so much to do you could spend a week-long family vacation just at Broadway at the Beach.
Broadway has fantastic theme parks, amusement park rides, mini golf courses, a state-of-the-art bowling alley, an IMAX cinema, and much more, so even if it’s a rainy day, you are guaranteed a fun time for the whole family. The complex also has a huge number of shopping and dining options, but the piece de resistance is the iconic Broadway 360 Observation Wheel, offering panoramic views of the entire area.
My family loves trying the escape rooms whenever we go to Broadway, and then grabbing some dinner before a live show. I have given some of our favorite attractions their own sections in this guide, but honestly, there is so much awesome stuff that Broadway on the Beach could have a guide all to itself!
5. Seek Some Thrills at Pavilion Park
One of Broadway at the Beach’s most loved attractions is the fantastic Pavilion Park. This Myrtle Beach favorite is split into two distinct amusement parks, each offering its own brand of fun. The Fun Park is perfect for families, with a putt-putt course and a number of kiddie rides designed especially for younger children.
On the other side, Action Park is an amusement park that caters to older kids and adults with more high-octane rides. You can buy individual ride tickets and all-day wristbands on the Pavilion Park website.
6. Get Jurassic at Dino Park
Step back in time to an era when colossal creatures roamed the earth at Dino Park. Another Broadway family favorite. It is the perfect place for photo ops, especially if you have younger kids who you pretend to feed to the T-Rex (not that I’ve tried it…).
Dino Park at Myrtle Beach is an interactive attraction featuring life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs that bring the prehistoric era to life. Located at Broadway at the Beach, this family-friendly park offers visitors an immersive experience with over 20 different dinosaur species, including fan favorites like the T. rex, Triceratops, and Velociraptor. The park includes educational displays, fossil digging activities, and photo opportunities, making it both an entertaining and educational destination. It’s designed to appeal to all ages, with informative exhibits and a focus on fun, allowing guests to explore the world of dinosaurs in an engaging way.
7. Check Out the Marine Life at Ripley’s Aquarium
Ripley’s Aquarium is without a doubt one of my kids’ favorite Myrtle Beach attractions. We usually visit the aquarium when the weather’s not so great because it has loads of awesome rainy-day activities that keep the kids happy until the sun comes out again.
Ripley’s Aquarium provides up-close encounters with a diverse range of marine life, from the hypnotic dance of jellyfish to the graceful glide of stingrays. The glass tunnel of the Dangerous Reef, a 750,000-gallon tank, has hundreds of sharks and colorful fish, offering the ultimate immersive experience. If you time it right, you can even get a snap of a shark stalking your little ones (there is a theme emerging here…)
8. Catch a Baseball Game
Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or looking for a lively way to spend an evening, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans offer a wholesome slice of Americana with a side of coastal charm. The Pelicans are a proud Class ‘A’ affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, and watching them in action is another of my favorite things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids.
As well as the game, there are daily specials like Family Friday + Fireworks, $2 Taco Tuesdays, and $2 Beer every Thursday and Saturday. With great food and entertainment, you are guaranteed fun for the whole family!
9. Get Wet and Wild at Myrtle Waves Water Park
Myrtle Waves Water Park is South Carolina’s biggest waterpark with loads of fun to be had for the whole family. This wet and wild wonderland has no less than 22 slides, as well as relaxing lazy rivers, a massive wave pool, and lots of fun things for younger kids.
If you are going with a group, you can even rent a private cabana to relax while the children are having a splash. There are a number of dining options including Sharkie’s Snack Shack and a fantastic beer garden.
Note: The water park is primarily open in the warmer months, so be sure to make sure that they are open if you plan on visiting.
10. Dive Into Your Imagination at Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens is one of Tripadvisor’s Top 10 US Gardens, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach. It has a number of outdoor and indoor attractions, making it the perfect rainy-day outing for families visiting Myrtle Beach with kids.
Brookgreen Gardens has some excellent theme parks including the Enchanted Storybook Forest, where kids are encouraged to interact with their favorite stories in creative ways, and the Children’s Discovery Room, where young minds can engage with interactive exhibits, unravel mysteries, and learn through play. There is also a sculpture garden, a number of Low Country historical sites, and regular live entertainment.
Brookgreen is also home to Low Country Zoo, which houses river otters, foxes, alligators, and many other South Carolina species. The zoo is not only a great place to see the animals, but also provides educational programs about the local wildlife and conservation efforts. There is also a regular “Brew at the Zoo” event with some of the best local craft beers and live bands.
11. Crank Up the Revs at the Broadway Grand Prix
For those with a need for speed, Broadway Grand Prix in Myrtle Beach is the place to be. Situated just across the street from Broadway at the Beach, this racing haven is an adrenaline-fueled oasis that promises to deliver high-octane excitement for the entire family. It’s a venue where speed and strategy come together, offering an array of go-kart tracks that cater to all ages and skill levels.
Whether you’re an experienced karting enthusiast or trying it for the first time, Broadway Grand Prix has go-kart tracks to suit your skill level. It’s an especially popular spot for older kids who can handle a little more speed and are eager to show off their driving prowess. After you’ve crossed the finish line, there’s plenty more fun to be had with 20,000 square feet of arcade games, mini theme parks, a dedicated kids’ zone, and dining options on-site.
12. Explore Nature at Myrtle Beach State Park
Venturing into Myrtle Beach State Park is like stepping into a different world—one where the bustling cityscape gives way to the tranquil sounds of nature. The 312-acre park has two trails and a number of boardwalks that take you through maritime forests, sand dunes, and along the shore itself. A perfect place for families with kids who are eager to learn about the local ecosystem.
There are picnic areas sprinkled throughout the park, a 140-site campground with water and electricity access, and fantastic fishing and wildlife spotting opportunities. Just be aware that there is a fee for daily fishing and that shark fishing is completely prohibited.
13. Eat Like Royalty at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament
Get ready for some historical family fun with the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament! Myrtle Beach is one of ten Medieval Times locations in the US and Canada. As you step through the castle doors, you will be transported to a bygone era of knights, jousting, and royal banquets.
While you feast on a hearty, four-course meal fit for a king, the realm’s finest horsemen and warriors vie for victory in the arena below. It’s an unforgettable blend of entertainment and dining that is definitely one of the most memorable things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids. Just be aware that the arena gets busy fast so make sure to get there early for the best seats.
14. Get Back to Nature on the Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk
Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk offers a fascinating glimpse into the heart of coastal Myrtle Beach. The half-mile boardwalk winds along the saltwater estuary, providing amazing opportunities to spot local wildlife, from herons stalking through the shallows to crabs scuttling along the water’s edge. It’s one of the best spots in Myrtle Beach for bird watching and nature photography, and my kids love to go there just as the sun is setting and the animals start to come out and play.
There are also some fantastic eateries, bars, and music venues right there on the boardwalk. It’s a great place to spend an evening with a little waterfront dining and a cold drink or two!
15. Check Out the Giants at Alligator Adventure
Alligator Adventure is located in North Myrtle Beach, adjacent to the popular Barefoot Landing Shopping Center. The park’s showcase is, of course, the alligators, with both hatchlings and mature adults calling Alligator Adventure home. But you will also encounter snakes, lizards, big cats, hyenas, and many other species, all of which are part of the park’s mission to educate visitors about conservation.
My kids’ favorite part is the live feeding where you can get up close (but not too close!) while the alligators gobble their dinners. If that makes you hungry, there is a snack bar in the park or you can head over to Barefoot Landing where you’ll find tons of eateries as well as some of the best shopping in North Myrtle Beach.
Summary
In conclusion, Myrtle Beach has been a favorite destination of mine, both with and without the family. There is something for everyone here and plenty of attractions to fill multiple vacations. So grab your family and head down to the coast of South Carolina for a memorable getaway.
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“How boring would the world be if everywhere and everyone were the same. Safe travels and good adventures.” Scuba Jay
