25 Best Things to Do in Myrtle Beach, SC

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Located along the Atlantic Ocean, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade is a 1.2-mile oceanfront walkway that opened in 2010. The boardwalk is made up of three sections. If you are wondering where to go in Myrtle Beach, this is a great place to start exploring. The first is the North Walkway, which goes from the 14th Avenue North Pier to Plyler Park and features a raised wooden deck with dune vegetation and landscaping.

The second section goes from Plyler Park to 8th Avenue North. With its many beachfront arcades, cafes, and shops, it is the busiest part of the walkway. Finally, the South Promenade, from 8th Avenue North to 1st Avenue North, is a meandering seaside park with natural landscaping and benches. A weekly fireworks show takes place at the 2nd Avenue Pier.

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The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, a 187 foot tall Ferris wheel, is located on North Ocean Boulevard next to the Landshark Bar and Grill and is one of the top Myrtle Beach attractions.

The SkyWheel opened in 2011 and uses gondolas for the flights, each of which lasts three revolutions, or about eight to ten minutes. Two to six people are allowed to ride in each gondola.

The SkyWheel also offers a VIP flight, a first class experience where up to four people ride in a special gondola with glass floors and leather seats, and receive a bottle of water and a souvenir bag. The SkyWheel offers special rates for groups of 15 people or more.

1110 North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC, 843-839-9200

© Franklin G. Burroughs - Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum

Located on South Ocean Boulevard, the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum features visual arts exhibits, classroom space, and a library. Opened in 1997, the museum is housed in a 1924 building that eventually moved from the Cabana section of Myrtle Beach to its current location.

There are four collections, including the Art Museum Permanent Collection, the Barbara Burgess and John Dinkelspiel Collection of Southern Art, the Bishop Maps and Prints Collection, and the Waccama Arts and Crafts Guild Collection. Temporary exhibitions display items like ceramics, photography, sculpture, and much more. There are many education programs and field trips for children. Keep reading for more Myrtle Beach attractions.

3100 S Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Phone: 843-238-2510

© Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

At Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach the whole family can send some quality time enjoying a string of fun and educational activities all under one roof. The amazing aquarium is spread out over 3 levels and many of the attractions are linked by moving glide paths that will take you past a wonderful collection of marine creatures great and small. Here you will get to see sharks and stingrays, endangered sea turtles, scary moray eels and comical penguins. There is a separate area devoted to multi-colored reef fish and in another area you can come face-to-face with an octopus. The Aquarium also offers a variety of up-close-and-personal marine interactions.

1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, 843 916 0888

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The Myrtle Beach State Park is located on South Kings Highway along South Carolina’s Atlantic Ocean coastline. There are several miles of maritime forest as well as a beach and camping facilities. Opened in 1935, the park is situated on 312 acres on the south end of Myrtle Beach.

It is a quiet park that offers educational experiences, great surf fishing, and a picturesque nature trail. Summer programs give children the opportunity to learn about marine life such as dolphins and sea turtles, as well as the plants and animals typical of the park. In addition to campsites, guests can also rent cabins. Keep reading for more Myrtle Beach attractions.

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Located on Celebrity Circle in the heart of Myrtle Beach, Broadway at the Beach is an entertainment area and shopping center. Established in 1995, it now is one of the area’s most popular shopping destinations. Set on 350 acres of land, Broadway at the Beach is a $25 million attraction that includes 100 specialty shops, more than 20 restaurants, and three theaters. Broadway at the Beach shops and attractions surround the 23-acre Lake Broadway.

There are also hotels, nightclubs, and other exciting attractions, which include Legends in Concert, Hollywood Wax Museum, Ripley’s Wax Museum, and many more. Be sure to see the latest attractions, the Backstage Mirror Maze and the Vault Laser Maze.

1325 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Phone: 843-444-3200

© New South Brewing

Located on Campbell Street, New South Brewing is a small microbrewery that produces beers such as dark star porter, lager, nut brown ale, stout, and many more. Established in 1998, brewery has a goal of offering fresh draft beer to the public. In 2009, the brewery added canned packaging to their products. Guests have opportunity to purchase souvenirs like T-shirts and six packs.

1109 Campbell Street, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Phone: 843-916-2337

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Located on South Ocean Boulevard in the heart of Myrtle Beach, Family Kingdom Amusement Park is a seaside amusement part with 37 rides for children and adults. Opened in 1966, the 13-acre park is one of the few amusement parks in North America that is admission-free. Instead, visitors purchase tickets for each individual ride.

They can also find free entertainment at the park including balloon sculptors, clowns, face painters, magicians, and many more. Some of the attractions are a 1923 carousel, a wooden roller coaster called Swamp Fox, and the Giant Wheel Ferris wheel that takes guests 100 feet up in the air in open gondolas.

300 South Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Phone: 843-626-3447

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T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station offers a guided walking tour called the Wild Encounter Tour through its 50-acre wildlife preserve. This three-hour tour allows visitors to see animals living in the wild outside the confines of cages. The animals are mostly African mammals such as chimpanzees, leopards, orangutans, tigers, and several other endangered species.

Tours are offered from March to October. T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station provides another way for visitors to learn about wildlife. At its Tigers Preservation Station at Barefoot Landing, there is a compelling free-living tiger museum and wildlife exhibit. At this facility, guests are able to get close to the animals and even hold a young ape or tiger cub.

4898 Hwy 17S, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Phone: 843-361-4552

© Wheels of Yesteryear

Wheels of Yesterday in a classic car museum located on Hospitality Lane. Its collection features more than 100 classic cars owned and restored by Paul Cummings, a classic car enthusiast. The museum displays about 50 classic cars at one time, and it changes its inventory once a year in January.

Opened in 2009, the museum has one of the largest collections of vintage American-made cars in the Southeast. Some of the makers of the classic cars include Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth. A few of the most popular cars are a 1949 Dodge truck, a 1969 Mercury Cyclone CJ, and a 1963 Corvette Split Window Sting Ray Coupe.

413 Hospitality Lane, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Phone: 843-903-4774

© Backstage Mirror Maze

Backstage Mirror Maze is located at Broadway at the Beach on Celebrity Circle. It features unique mirror and laser mazes in a 2,000 square foot space that is designed in the style of an old-time theater. The maze is set up to mimic a New York Mafia bank robbery and escape: it’s 1933, and Lucky Luciano and his gang have just robbed the Times Square Bank.

Guests help to find the mobsters who have escaped through the maze with its many hallways, mirrors, dead ends, trap doors, props, and twists and turns. Guests also wear kaleidoscope glasses that increase the effects of the mirrors and lights. More girls weekend getaways

Broadway at the Beach, 1314 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Phone: 843-712-1794

© Wicked Tuna

Wicked Tuna is a charming waterfront bar and restaurant in Murrells Inlet, opened in 2013 along the city's beautiful MarshWalk. The delightful hook-to-plate restaurant serves up clever seafood entrees prepared with daily-caught local seafood, including Carolina coastal fare such as mahi mahi, sea bass, grouper, and snapper. Fried clam, shrimp, and oyster baskets are served throughout the day, along with shrimp and fish tacos, po'boy sandwiches, and a full menu of creative sushi rolls. Shareable appetizers range from raw bar options such as peel-and-eat shrimp to tuna dip trio platters and chicken wings tossed in a variety of sauces. Extensive wine and sake lists are offered to pair with all meals.

4123 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, Phone: 843-651-9987

© Cafe Old Vienna

Looking very unassuming on the outside and hidden in a strip mall in Myrtle Beach, Café Old Vienna is very different once you get inside. This authentic German/Austrian restaurant is spacious, with heavy beams on the ceiling, light wood furniture, and touches of European décor; it is cozy and homey and will capture your attention even before you get to the food. And the food, prepared by Austrians Werner and Martina Horvath, is as authentic as it gets. Of course, schnitzel of all kinds rule the menu, pork, veal and chicken, and even modern variations such as the almond-crusted Wiener schnitzel or the delicious Farmers Schnitzel with an egg on top. There are also many popular European dishes, such as French chicken cordon bleu, Hungarian goulasch and Italian osso bucco. For lunch, there are some wonderful substantial sandwiches, such the Bavarian bratwurst with the side of spaetzle, red cabbage, and German potato salad.

1604 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, Phone: 843-946-6252

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Located at Broadway at the Beach on Celebrity Circle, the Pavilion Park is a popular amusement park divided into three sections of attractions. The Pavilion Park East features rides like the park’s famous carousel and the Rocket, among others. At Pavilion Park Central, you can find thrilling rides like the Cliff Hanger and the Pipeline Slide for adults, while Pavilion Park West features more rides for children.

Here, kids can have fun riding the Myrtle Turtle roller coaster, riding on the Rio Grande Train, or flying on the Red Baron Mini Jets.

1171 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Phone: 843-839-0303

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If you always wanted to learn to surf, kayak, or paddleboard and are vacationing in Myrtle Beach, you are in the right place. When Jack’s Surf Lessons and Board Rentals in Myrtle Beach was launched in 2010, it was the first area service focused on teaching people to surf. Since then, Jack’s has added stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking to the range of services offered and, with their knowledge of the Myrtle Beach & Murrells Inlet waters, are considered the authority on these sports. Jack’s also offers board, equipment, and kayak rentals. All rentals include a short water safety instruction and all the necessary gear.

3200 F S. Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, Phone: 843-647-7471

© Pirate’s Voyage Dinner and Show

A lot of thought and careful planning have resulted in a wonderful indoor dining and entertainment venue where the whole family can enjoy a four-course meal while they watch the antics of Blackbeard and Calico Jack. You will witness brave battles taking place all around you – in the waters, on the beaches and high up in the masts of the realistic, full-sized pirate ships. In addition to pirates, you will see colorful parrots and beautiful mermaids. The show is perfect for all ages and is great for families, parties and other events. They can also serve you a vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free or gluten free meal if you require.

8907 N. King’s Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572, 843 497 9700

© Hollywood Wax Museum

The Hollywood Wax Museum is another of Myrtle Beach’s excellent family attractions. The museum is filled to the brim with life-size wax models of all your favorite Hollywood actors and characters. Not only can you get to see them up close, you can take as many photos as you like to earn great bragging rights at home. To make it even more fun, there are Prop Stations where you will find loads of props including costumes, hats, shades and more. Once you have filled your phone with selfies you can explore the laser maze, play a giant piano and much more.

1808 21st Ave North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, 843 444 0091

© Myrtle Waves Water Park

Attractions like Myrtle Waves Water Park make Myrtle Beach an ideal destination for family fun in the sun. The park is one of the most highly rated water parks in the country, offering a myriad of fun rides and slides for all ages. There is a special play area for the youngest visitors, while the whole family can enjoy the famous Ocean in Motion Wave Pool and the relaxing Lazy River. Older children, teenagers and adults can ride the waves in the Tsunami Flow Rider or head straight to the exciting rides and slides, all of which provide hours of adrenalin-boosting fun.

300 Mr. Joe White Ave, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, 843 913 9250

© WonderWorks Myrtle Beach

At WonderWorks Myrtle Beach your children can have hours of educational fun. The attraction welcomes families to come an experience more than 100 interactive exhibits which are designed to challenge young minds by combining learning and fun. At the very start of your experience you will need to walk through the Inversion Tunnel, where you step on the clouds and see the ground above your head, setting the scene for an all new experience. Highlights of your visit will include the Imagination Lab, the Light and Sound Zone and the Space Discovery Zone. Other fun activities include a ropes course, laser tag and various rides.

1313 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, 843 626 9962

© Alligator Adventure

At Alligator Adventure visitors will get up close to some of the world’s most fearsome animals and reptiles. While alligators are the main attraction, there are several other birds and animals for you to meet, including some alpha predators like lions and hyenas. The park provides a permanent home for several interesting alligators including albino alligators, American and Chinese alligators, Nile crocodiles and Bob, a local alligator who was born without a tail. Other reptiles include tortoises and snakes and there are also many beautiful birds including ostriches, which are the largest birds on the planet. Live shows include alligator feeding and alligator and snake handling demonstrations.

Hwy 17 at Barefoot Landing, Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, 843 361 0789

© House of Blues

House of Blues is one of the most popular Myrtle Beach attractions for entertainment and dining under one roof. The venue hosts an assortment of musical concerts, murder-mystery dinners, gospel brunches and other entertainment just about every weekend. The restaurant serves delicious Southern-inspired cuisine and there is a full bar. The appetizer menu features favorites like Gumbo, BBQ Pulled pork and Voodoo Shrimp which are followed by a selection of salads, sandwiches and burgers. The mains include mouth-watering Baby Back Ribs, Fried Chicken, Jambalaya and Shrimp & Grits. Be sure to leave some space for Key Lime Pie, Bread Pudding with Bourbon Butter or traditional Brownies.

4640 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, 843 272 3000

© Mt Atlanticus Miniature Golf

Located just one block from downtown Myrtle Beach, the Atlantis-themed Mount Atlanticus Miniature Golf venue is sure to tick all your fun boxes. Perfect for all ages, the venue features 36 beautifully designed miniature golf holes, surrounded by all kinds of interesting props to elevate your golf experience. The 36 holes are divided into 2 18-hole courses, the Minotaur Course and the Conch Course, both of which start off indoors and then continue outside. There are winding paths leading to the top of the “mountain”, waterfalls, caves and a maze to navigate as you play. Mount Atlanticus is open daily from 9am to 5pm.

707 N. Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, 843 444 1008

© The Bowery

Since 1944 the Bowery has been providing top class entertainment and true Southern hospitality. This world-famous music venue is open 7 days a week from 11am onwards, and features live music every night after 8 pm. Their motto has always been “you can’t beat fun” and this great attitude keeps regulars coming back time after time. Their fame has spread by word of mouth and many visitors to the area make a point of stopping by for a meal and some great entertainment. The menu at Duffy’s includes delicious snacks and appetizers, a choice of 8 different burgers, delicious seafood, sandwiches and salads.

110 9th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, 843 626 3445

© Myrtle Beach Room Escape

Myrtle Beach Room Escape invites all escape room addicts to come and have the best hour of their Myrtle Beach vacation playing their favorite games. If you are new to the world of escape games, this attraction offers 2 great mini-escape experiences which last just 20 and 30 minutes each and are an excellent introduction to the craze. There are 4 other exciting themed rooms from which to escape including the Wizard of Oz, Walking Dead, Jailbreak and Hijacked, all of which give you 60 minutes to solve the puzzles, break the codes and make you escape before your time runs out.

316 9th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, 843 990 1677

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The multi-award-winning stars of the Legends in Concert live tribute shows will absolutely wow you with their talents. The show has been a long-running success story in Las Vegas as well as in Myrtle Beach and brings some outstanding talent to the stage. Each of the Legends in Concert performers really look like the stars they are paying tribute to and all have wonderful voices. The shows are famous for their elaborate sets and costumes and no visitor to Myrtle Beach should leave without catching at least one of their live tribute musical concerts. Check their website to see who will be performing during your visit.

2925 Hollywood Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, 800 960 7469