Best Things to Do in Myrtle Beach: The Ultimate Vacation Guide for 2025

Ever found yourself scrolling through endless vacation options, wondering where you can find the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement? Myrtle Beach might just be the answer you’re looking for. This stunning South Carolina coastal gem offers everything from pristine beaches and thrilling attractions to cultural experiences and family-friendly entertainment. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, the array of things to do in Myrtle Beach ensures there’s something for every traveler.

Beach Activities and Oceanfront Fun

Pristine Beaches and Water Activities

The heart and soul of Myrtle Beach lies in its 60 miles of gorgeous sandy shoreline. Wake up early to catch a breathtaking sunrise over the Atlantic before claiming your spot on the beach. The Grand Strand, as locals call it, offers plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the sun and surf.

For those seeking more action, water sports abound along the coast. Rent a jet ski for an adrenaline rush, or try parasailing for a bird’s-eye view of the coastline. First-timers can book surf lessons at Surf City Surf Shop, where friendly instructors will have you riding waves in no time. Stand-up paddleboarding offers a more peaceful way to experience the water while getting a full-body workout.

Fishing Adventures

Fishing enthusiasts will find paradise in Myrtle Beach. Cast a line from one of the many fishing piers, like the historic Apache Pier (the longest wooden pier on the East Coast) or the Myrtle Beach State Park Pier. Both offer rental equipment if you didn’t bring your own gear.

For a more immersive experience, book a deep-sea fishing charter. Companies like Hurricane Fleet and Fisher-Man Charters offer half-day and full-day trips where you might catch anything from Spanish mackerel to king mackerel, depending on the season.

How to Plan a Fishing Trip in Myrtle Beach

• Step 1: Choose between pier fishing or deep-sea fishing.
• Step 2: Pick a fishing location (Apache Pier, Myrtle Beach State Park Pier, etc.).
• Step 3: Rent gear or bring your own.
• Step 4: Check local fishing regulations.
• Step 5: Book a fishing charter if going offshore.

Scenic Beach Walks and Nature Experiences

Sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most rewarding. Take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline during golden hour, when the setting sun paints the sky in spectacular colors. Early risers might spot dolphins playing offshore during morning walks.

Bring a small bag for beachcombing—you never know what treasures you might find, from colorful shells to sand dollars. Just remember to leave any living creatures where you found them.

Iconic Myrtle Beach Attractions

Must-Do Attractions in Myrtle Beach (Step-by-Step)

• Step 1: Walk the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.
• Step 2: Ride the SkyWheel for panoramic views.
• Step 3: Explore Broadway at the Beach.
• Step 4: Visit Ripley’s Aquarium.
• Step 5: End the night with a show at The Carolina Opry.

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade

The 1.2-mile Myrtle Beach Boardwalk serves as the beating heart of downtown. This wooden walkway offers stunning ocean views alongside shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Stop for an ice cream cone at Kirk’s Ice Cream Corner, a local favorite since 1983, then browse the quirky shops for the perfect souvenir.

Street performers often entertain crowds during summer evenings, creating a festive atmosphere. Don’t miss the regular fireworks displays at the 2nd Avenue Pier during peak season—they light up the sky every Wednesday night.

SkyWheel and Oceanfront Amusements

For an unforgettable perspective of Myrtle Beach, climb aboard the SkyWheel. This 187-foot Ferris wheel features climate-controlled gondolas that take you high above the coastline. Visit around sunset for the most spectacular views, but be prepared for longer lines during this prime time.

The surrounding area features classic amusement park rides perfect for families. From the Hurricane roller coaster to the nostalgic carousel, these rides bring out the child in every visitor.

Broadway at the Beach Entertainment Complex

No visit to Myrtle Beach is complete without exploring Broadway at the Beach. This massive entertainment center spans 350 acres, featuring shops, restaurants, and attractions surrounding a man-made lake.

Ripley’s Aquarium stands as one of the most popular attractions, where you can walk through an underwater tunnel as sharks swim overhead. Nearby, WonderWorks (the upside-down building that’s impossible to miss) offers over 100 interactive exhibits that blend education with entertainment.

When hunger strikes, options range from Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville to local seafood spots like Landry’s. Stay into the evening when the complex transforms with nightlife options like Celebrity Square’s clubs and bars.

Family-Friendly Myrtle Beach Entertainment

Water Parks and Splash Zones

When you need a break from saltwater, Myrtle Beach’s water parks offer refreshing alternatives. Myrtle Waves Water Park features over 20 slides and attractions, including the thrilling “Turbo Twisters” and the more relaxed “Ocean in Motion” wave pool.

Wild Water & Wheels combines water slides with go-karts and mini-golf for a full day of family fun. For younger children, Splashes Oceanfront Water Park provides gentler water features perfect for toddlers and elementary-aged kids.

Even during rare rainy days, you won’t miss out on aquatic fun. Dunes Village Resort houses an indoor water park that’s perfect when outdoor activities aren’t an option.

Mini-Golf Extravaganza

Myrtle Beach has rightfully earned its title as the “Mini-Golf Capital of the World” with over 50 courses. Each offers unique themes and challenges that go well beyond your standard putt-putt experience.

Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf takes you through a Peter Pan-inspired landscape, while Mount Atlanticus leads players through a mythical lost continent with elevation changes that provide ocean views from the highest holes. For evening play, Jungle Safari Golf lights up with a neon glow after dark.

Interactive Museums and Educational Experiences

Learning becomes an adventure at Myrtle Beach’s interactive museums. WonderWorks combines science, art, and fun with exhibits that let kids experience hurricane-force winds or lie on a bed of nails (safely!).

The Children’s Museum of South Carolina encourages hands-on exploration through exhibits on everything from dental health to grocery shopping. Meanwhile, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium showcases strange artifacts and unusual exhibits that will fascinate visitors of all ages.

Outdoor Activities in Myrtle Beach

State Parks and Nature Preserves

Escape the hustle of the main strip at Myrtle Beach State Park, where a maritime forest meets the shoreline. The park’s nature center offers educational programs, while hiking trails wind through a rare stretch of undeveloped coastal woodlands. Bring binoculars—the area is renowned for bird watching.

Just south, Huntington Beach State Park provides a more secluded beach experience alongside marshlands teeming with wildlife. The park’s freshwater lake attracts alligators, herons, and egrets, offering fantastic photography opportunities. Don’t miss Atalaya, the Moorish-style former winter home of sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington and her husband Archer.

Golf Courses and Driving Ranges

Golfers flock to Myrtle Beach for its 90+ championship courses. The “Golf Capital of the World” offers options for every skill level and budget. Barefoot Resort features four courses designed by golf legends like Greg Norman and Davis Love III, while the Dunes Golf and Beach Club consistently ranks among America’s top courses.

Casual players and beginners might prefer Cane Patch Driving Range or one of the many executive courses that offer shorter rounds at lower prices. Many resorts offer golf packages that include accommodations and tee times at significant savings.

Watersports and Adventure Activities

Beyond the beach itself, the waters around Myrtle Beach invite exploration. Kayaking through the salt marshes of Murrells Inlet reveals a peaceful ecosystem where you might spot ospreys diving for fish or dolphins swimming in the distance. Blackwater Adventures offers guided tours perfect for beginners.

For ocean thrills, parasailing lifts you 500 feet above the Atlantic for breathtaking views. Companies like Ocean Watersports offer tandem rides, so even nervous first-timers can soar with a friend.

Dolphin-watching cruises departing from Little River provide almost guaranteed sightings of these intelligent marine mammals. The Blue Wave Adventures tour combines wildlife spotting with educational commentary about local ecosystems.

Step-by-Step Guide to a Perfect Day at Myrtle Beach

• Step 1: Start with a sunrise beach walk.
• Step 2: Enjoy morning swimming or water sports.
• Step 3: Have lunch at a boardwalk restaurant.
• Step 4: Visit Myrtle Waves Water Park or Ripley’s Aquarium.
• Step 5: Play mini golf in the early evening.
• Step 6: Finish with dinner and entertainment.

Cultural Sightseeing in Myrtle Beach

Historical Sites and Landmarks

While Myrtle Beach might be known for modern entertainment, history buffs can explore fascinating sites nearby. Hopsewee Plantation, a pre-Revolutionary War rice plantation and birthplace of Thomas Lynch Jr. (a signer of the Declaration of Independence), offers tours of the preserved home and sweetgrass basket weaving classes.

The Rice Museum in Georgetown chronicles the crop that once dominated the local economy through interactive exhibits. Meanwhile, Atalaya Castle provides a glimpse into the unique architecture and lifestyle of the Huntington family during the early 20th century.

Arts and Theater Experiences

Myrtle Beach boasts impressive performing arts venues. The Carolina Opry, founded by Calvin Gilmore, presents award-winning music, comedy, and dance shows that blend traditional country with Broadway-style production. Similarly, the Alabama Theatre offers high-quality variety shows featuring music from multiple genres alongside family-friendly comedy.

For a different theatrical experience, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament transports you to 11th-century Spain with jousting knights, falconry demonstrations, and a four-course feast eaten without utensils—just as they did in medieval times.

Local Markets and Crafts

Connect with local culture at the Myrtle Beach Flea Market, where hundreds of vendors sell everything from antiques to handcrafted jewelry. The market runs year-round and offers unique souvenirs you won’t find in typical tourist shops.

During summer months, local farmers markets pop up throughout the Grand Strand. The Myrtle Beach Farmers Market at Market Common features fresh produce from regional farms alongside artisanal foods and crafts. It’s the perfect place to gather ingredients for a beach picnic or find locally-made gifts.

Dining and Culinary Experiences

Seafood Restaurants and Waterfront Dining

Fresh seafood defines Myrtle Beach cuisine, and waterfront restaurants add spectacular views to the dining experience. Murrells Inlet, the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina,” features the MarshWalk—a boardwalk lined with outstanding restaurants like Dead Dog Saloon and Creek Ratz, where you can watch fishing boats return with the day’s catch.

For special occasions, Sea Captain’s House combines oceanfront views with classic recipes dating back to the 1950s. Their she-crab soup and jumbo lump crab cakes have achieved legendary status among regular visitors.

Budget-conscious travelers can enjoy excellent seafood at local markets like Seven Seas Seafood, where you can purchase fresh catch to cook at your vacation rental.

Unique Dining Experiences

Beyond seafood, Myrtle Beach offers distinctive dining options. Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show combines acrobatics, special effects, and a four-course meal as pirates battle before your eyes. Meanwhile, Medieval Times serves a hearty feast while knights compete in tournaments of skill.

Culinary tours like Myrtle Beach Food Tours lead small groups through samples of local specialties while sharing stories about the area’s history and culture. It’s a perfect activity for first-time visitors wanting to discover hidden gems.

Sweet Treats and Dessert Spots

Save room for dessert! Original Painter’s Homemade Ice Cream has been serving creamy concoctions since 1952. Their signature butter pecan uses locally sourced pecans for authentic southern flavor.

For traditional coastal treats, River Street Sweets offers pralines made from a century-old family recipe, along with fresh saltwater taffy pulled daily. Watch candy-makers at work before selecting your favorites to enjoy on the beach.

Nightlife and Evening Entertainment

Live Music Venues

When the sun sets, Myrtle Beach’s music scene comes alive. The Bowery, operating since 1944, launched the careers of country band Alabama and continues showcasing live music nightly with no cover charge. For a more upscale experience, Tin Roof presents regional and national acts in a rooftop setting with ocean views.

Families can enjoy music together at Plyler Park’s “Hot Summer Nights” series, featuring free concerts and children’s entertainment throughout summer evenings.

Sunset Cruises and Evening Tours

Experience Myrtle Beach from the water during a sunset cruise. Enchanted Sailing Charters offers intimate BYOB sailboat excursions, while larger vessels like Sea Thunder provide narrated tours combining history with stunning views.

For something different, try a ghost tour through historic Georgetown or Conway. These walking tours blend local legends with documented history for an entertaining and slightly spooky evening activity.

Shows and Performances

Myrtle Beach’s entertainment scene shines brightest in its professional productions. Beyond the previously mentioned Carolina Opry and Alabama Theatre, GTS Theatre offers tribute shows celebrating legends like Elvis and the Motown era in an intimate setting.

Comedy clubs like Comedy Cabana bring nationally-touring comics to the beach for nightly laughs. The club’s reasonable cover charges and drink minimums make it an affordable evening option.

Seasonal Events and Festivals in Myrtle Beach

Summer Highlights

Summer brings Myrtle Beach to life with special events nearly every day. The Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival combines competitive barbecue cooking with live music and family activities over Labor Day weekend. Earlier in summer, the Carolina Country Music Festival draws top Nashville stars for a three-day oceanfront concert series.

Weekly fireworks displays light up the sky throughout the season, with regular shows at Broadway at the Beach (Tuesdays and Fridays) and Barefoot Landing (Mondays).

Fall Activities

As temperatures cool slightly, fall brings harvest celebrations and food festivals. The Myrtle Beach Seafood Festival showcases the region’s best catches each October, while Oktoberfest events at Market Common feature German food, beer, and music.

Halloween transforms the area with family-friendly events like Howl-O-Scream at Ripley’s Haunted Adventure and the not-so-scary “Tricks and Treats” at Broadway at the Beach.

Winter and Holiday Events

While winter brings cooler temperatures (though rarely freezing), Myrtle Beach sparkles with holiday spirit. The Night of a Thousand Candles at Brook green Gardens illuminates the botanical gardens with over 2,700 hand-lit candles and countless twinkling lights.

The South’s Grandest Christmas Show at Alabama Theatre combines traditional carols with spectacular special effects, while the Beach Ball Classic brings top high school basketball teams from across the nation for a prestigious tournament.

Spring Festivities

Spring breathes fresh energy into Myrtle Beach. The annual Myrtle Beach International Film Festival screens independent productions, while the Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am Golf Tournament attracts sports stars and entertainers for charity.

Food festivals bloom alongside spring flowers, with events like the Myrtle Beach Food Truck Festival bringing diverse culinary options to the oceanfront.

Explore Affordable & Fun Places To Visit In March USA and plan your perfect spring trip!

Conclusion

From sunrise strolls on uncrowded beaches to exhilarating nightlife, Myrtle Beach truly offers something for every traveler. The perfect vacation here balances iconic attractions with hidden gems, active adventures with relaxing downtime. As you plan your trip, remember that some of the best experiences come from spontaneous discoveries—the charming café you stumble upon, the street performer who makes you smile, or the spectacular sunset that takes your breath away.

Start planning your Myrtle Beach getaway today and discover why generations of visitors return year after year to this special stretch of South Carolina coastline. Whether you’re building sandcastles with your children, teeing off on world-class golf courses, or simply unwinding to the rhythm of the waves, Myrtle Beach creates the backdrop for memories that last a lifetime. What will your Myrtle Beach story be?

FAQs: About Things to Do in Myrtle Beach