The Getaway
myrtle beach

Myrtle Beach is nicknamed the Grand Strand for a reason. This 60-mile strip of fun off the East coast of South Carolina has beautiful beaches, great golf courses, killer seafood restaurants, and natural wonders that will take your breath away. The people are friendly, the food is delicious and the atmosphere is laid back. It is the perfect place to come alone or bring the family.

Advertisement

01 Stroll Along the Boardwalk and Promenade

15 Can’t Miss Experiences in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Start your trip to Myrtle Beach at the Boardwalk, rated among the third best in the country. The 1.2-mile, raised-wood boardwalk along the Atlantic Ocean coast is the region's main social area. A walk along the boardwalk nets you amazing ocean views. Take a ride on the SkyWheel to get a birds-eye look at Myrtle Beach from 200 feet. Enjoy the free concerts held every Tuesday and Saturday. Jugglers, acrobats, and other entertainers perform every Sunday evening, and every Wednesday night features fireworks. Something is going on almost every day of the week at Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, which makes it a definite must-do.

Advertisement

02 Explore Murrells Inlet

15 Can’t Miss Experiences in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Historic landmarks, delicious food and beautiful scenery abound at Murrells Inlet. One an historic fishing village home to Blackbeard the Pirate, Murrells Inlet is now one of Myrtle Beach’s main entertainment districts. The MarshWalk is a half-mile boardwalk that runs along a natural saltwater estuary. The restaurants offer incredible ocean views and live music. Tour the amazing residence and grounds at Atalaya Castle. Visit Richmond Hill Plantation to see one of five archaeological sites and what life on a plantation was really like. You may have to spend more than just one day at Murrells Inlet to see all the beauty, history, and entertainment it has to offer.

Advertisement

03 Spend a Day at Brookgreen Gardens

15 Can’t Miss Experiences in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

What was once four rice plantations is now Brookgreen Gardens, a sculpture garden and wildlife preserve. Your visit here will reveal over 1,400 American sculptures placed throughout several themed gardens. Historical sites include several structures from the original plantations. A trail leads through various nature reserves, each with its own ecosystem. The Lowcountry Zoo is also on-site. Your day here will be filled with natural and man-made beauty, as well as an education about Myrtle Beach’s native flora and wildlife.

Advertisement

04 Pay Tribute at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum

15 Can’t Miss Experiences in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Come to Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum to see historic naval ships and experience a living history of the brave people who serve their country. Tour ships of the U.S. naval fleet. Get hands-on training to experience real life on a naval ship, including a pilot-in-training program for people of all ages. You can even arrange to sleep overnight aboard the U.S.S. Yorktown. Patriots Point promises an educational visit that entertains, as well.

Advertisement

05 Have Fun in the Water

15 Can’t Miss Experiences in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Several wrecked ships sit off Myrtle Beach’s coast. Some occurred naturally, while others were purposely sunk to create artificial reefs. The Sherman and Charleston Tug are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. They attract a wide range of marine life, including stingrays, tropical and game fish, sharks, and barracudas. If you’re lucky, you may even snag an artifact. What a grand souvenir from your Myrtle Beach trip that would be!

Advertisement

06 Take a Gambling Cruise

15 Can’t Miss Experiences in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Come aboard the Big “M” Casino for some great scenery while you play. Take your chances at the slot machines or test your skills on one of the many blackjack and poker tables. Eat to your heart’s content at the all-you-can-eat buffet or just enjoy a scenic cruise on the Atlantic Ocean. Whatever your pleasure, a trip on this luxury yacht is the perfect choice for a day or evening of adult entertainment.

Advertisement

07 Play a Round

15 Can’t Miss Experiences in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is home to some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses on Earth. Over 100 of them, in fact, which is why Myrtle Beach is known as the “Golf Capitol of the World.” Most are open to the public, and some were designed by the sport’s premier architects. They all boast beautiful scenery and stimulating golf, which make playing a round in Myrtle Beach a very worthwhile experience.

Advertisement

08 Enjoy Live Entertainment

15 Can’t Miss Experiences in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The Carolina Opry is one of several unique places to see live entertainment in Myrtle Beach. Take your musical pick from country, blues, rock, and a variety of other genres. If comedy is more your style, there are plenty of those acts, too. Several variety shows at places like the Alabama Theatre, GTS Theatre or Legends in Concert combine music and comedy to satisfy every theatrical appetite.

Advertisement

09 Enjoy Delicious Food, Myrtle Beach-Style

15 Can’t Miss Experiences in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach offers a very eclectic mix of food from around the country. Sure, you can get your fill of shrimp and grits, a signature South Carolina meal, and the crab dishes are plentiful, too, since you are just off the coast of the Atlantic. Interestingly, though, you can also find some of the best Louisiana po’boys or St. Louis ravioli. In fact, delicious versions of some of the nation’s most beloved foods exist in Myrtle Beach, like the Philly cheese steak and Jersey pork roll sandwiches. Whatever your taste buds are in the mood for, you will surely find it in Myrtle Beach.

Advertisement

10 Have a Blast at Myrtle Waves and Other Tourist Attractions

15 Can’t Miss Experiences in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is one of the world’s top travel destinations, so naturally, it is home to a variety of family entertainment venues. Myrtle Waves and Family Kingdom Amusement Park offer thrill and water rides. Ripley Entertainment hosts the Believe It or Not museum, Haunted Adventure, and an aquarium. Explore themed venues, including Pirates Voyage and the Hollywood Wax Museum.

Advertisement

11 Kayak the Atlantic Ocean

Myrtle Beach's Atlantic shoreline is a kayaker's paradise, where the ocean's vastness beckons adventurers to explore its sprawling beauty. Embarking on a kayaking journey here allows you to navigate through the gentle waves, discover secluded spots, and even encounter the diverse marine life that calls these waters home. It's an immersive way to experience Myrtle Beach's natural allure from the unique vantage point of a kayak.

Advertisement

12 Visit Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

A visit to Ripley's Aquarium is like diving into an underwater kingdom, where the wonders of the deep are just a glass pane away. Marvel at the vibrant marine life, from the graceful glide of a stingray to the swift dart of a shark, all within the heart of Myrtle Beach. It's an educational adventure for all ages, offering a glimpse into the ocean's mysterious world without getting your feet wet.

Advertisement

13 Take a dolphin-watching tour

Set sail on a dolphin-watching tour to witness the grace and playfulness of these beloved marine mammals in their natural habitat. As you cruise along the waters of Myrtle Beach, keep your eyes peeled for the telltale splash and fin of dolphins frolicking in the wake. It's a heartwarming experience that connects you with the ocean's wonders and leaves you with memories that last a lifetime.

Advertisement

14 Experience the Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum

Step into the Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum for a nostalgic journey back to the golden age of arcade games. Flipper wizards and novices alike can enjoy the clink and clang of pinball machines, each telling its own story with bright lights and vibrant art. It's a playful homage to a bygone era, offering fun for all ages and a break from the sun-soaked adventures outside.

Advertisement

15 Enjoy wine tasting at Duplin Winery

Duplin Winery invites you to indulge in the rich flavors of the South with a wine-tasting experience that tantalizes the palate. Sip on a selection of sweet Southern wines, each with its own story and heritage. Nestled near Myrtle Beach, it's a cozy spot to unwind and savor the moment, whether you're a wine aficionado or a curious newbie.

Share

Scroll Down

for the Next Article

The Getaway Badge
Sign up to receive insider info and deals that will help you travel smarter.
Advertisement
Advertisement