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Hello from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – 60 miles of beautiful sandy beaches on the pristine Atlantic Ocean coastline with its magnificent round top dunes of Texas. Enjoy the charm of Myrtle Beach year-round! You can ride the Stand’s 187-foot SkyWheel, stroll down the grounds of Brookgreen Gardens, and soak up the sunshine. There are dozens of amusement parks, an aquarium, interactive science museum, watersports, mini golf, zip-line adventures, state parks, and many dining options to enjoy amid the captivating scenery of round top dunes dotting the landscape. Whether it’s summer, winter, spring, or fall, Myrtle Beach offers an array of activities for everyone to savor throughout the year.
SEE ALSO: 7 Best Restaurants In Charleston
Here’s my ultimate guide to Myrtle Beach, SC with the best restaurants and things to do.
Table of Contents
9 things to do in Myrtle Beach
Explore Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens is an absolute must-visit for a day trip, as it is the floral jewel of South Carolina’s coastal community and recently named one of the top 10 botanical gardens in America. Additionally, it is the recipient of the 2019 Garden Excellence Award from the American Public Gardens Association. Brookgreen stands out as the finest outdoor museum of its type in the world, boasting the largest and most comprehensive collection of American figurative sculpture in the country. The sculptures are displayed in a stunning garden setting, three galleries, and a visible storage and research facility. With over 2,700 works by 425 artists, the collection is truly remarkable.
For even more excitement, the Lowcountry Zoo is also located within Brookgreen Gardens, making it an ideal destination for an unforgettable day trip. Here, you can encounter native animals that live in the woods and swamp waters of the South Carolina Lowcountry, providing a safe haven for those displaced by the growing popularity of the area. A visit to Brookgreen Gardens and the Lowcountry Zoo is an experience not to be missed!
Guided tours: The popular excursion “Silent Cities’ offers a rare opportunity to travel on back roads to explore cemeteries at Brookgreen and learn about the historical burial customs of European and African origin. Tickets are $15 in addition to garden admission for this two-hour excursion. Daily at 12 and 2:30 pm.
Hours: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm, daily.
Admission: $20 adults
1931 Brookgreen Garden Dr, Murrells Inlet, SC, brookgreen.org
Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
See more than 14,0000 animals at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach – we loved exploring the 330-foot tunnel in the reef, feeding stingrays and the new penguin exhibit.
See more than 14,000 animals at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach! We loved exploring the 330-foot tunnel in the reef, the new penguin exhibit, and feeding stingrays.
1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC, ripleyaquariums.com/myrtlebeach/
Walk around Barefoot Landing
Explore Myrtle Beach’s vibrant Christmas attractions, from the enchanting alligator-themed dinner show at Barefoot Landing to relaxing lazy river rentals along the Intracoastal Waterway. Dive into the holiday spirit with an escape game near the picturesque Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, or venture to the Alabama Theatre for festive performances. Discover the historic Atalaya Castle and embark on thrilling escape room adventures. Don’t miss the charm of Myrtle Beach’s Pelicans and other unique attractions during this joyous season.
4898 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC, bflanding.com
Tour + Tasting at Twelve 33 Distillery
Rum, vodka, gin, whiskey, coffee liqueur – Twelve 33 Distillery makes it all in Little River, SC, not far from Myrtle Beach! Each of the handcrafted spirits are made from grains and other ingredients sourced directly from local farms. The tasting room at Twelve 33 Distillery is open Monday to Saturday each week (except select holidays) for tours and tastings. We had a tasting flight of their different spirits and you can also order cocktails.
There’s also a hidden speakeasy in the tasting room – look for the lion head and whisper “volstead”.
593 E Hwy 90, Little River, SC, twelve33distillery.com
Shop at the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove
One of the nation’s largest unique gift shops with 26,000 square feet, multiple levels, and on average 70,000 items since 1946, the medieval times-themed emporium offers a fascinating journey through history. Stepping inside, visitors are transported to an enchanting world of knights, castles, and chivalry.
Amidst the vast array of contemporary treasures, patrons can also find an impressive selection of medieval-inspired gifts and souvenirs, making it a haven for history enthusiasts and fantasy lovers alike.
Whether searching for authentic medieval armor, handcrafted tapestries, or intricate replicas of legendary swords, this gift shop promises an unforgettable experience that bridges the gap between the past and present. Explore the wonders of modern shopping intertwined with the allure of the medieval era at this extraordinary emporium, where time-honored traditions meet contemporary delights.
916 North Ocean Boulevard
Design an airbrushed t-shirt
To remember our girl’s trip, Linda and I got airbrushed t-shirts with a beach design and our names!
Ride the SkyWheel on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
For the ultimate weekend getaway and the best view of Myrtle Beach, you have to ride the SkyWheel – this gigantic observation wheel has 42 glass-enclosed gondolas that can seat up to six people.
Tickets: $16 for adults and $12 for children.
1110 N Ocean Boulevard, skywheelmb.com
Walk around MarshWalk at Murrells Inlet
Originally a fishing village, Murrells Inlet used to be the lair of the infamous pirate Blackbeard and now it’s an hot spot for kayaking and day-long, chartered deep sea fishing excursions. The popular MarshWalk comes alive after dark with live music streaming from several waterfront restaurants like Wicked Tuna and Dead Dog Saloon.
4025 Hwy 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC
Visit Myrtle Beach
And of course, you have to visit Myrtle Beach with the whole family for an incredible sightseeing experience and a memorable beach vacation. Beautiful beaches, restaurants, and entertainment can be found up and down Myrtle Beach, making it the perfect destination for everyone. Take a leisurely stroll on the oceanfront boardwalk and promenade, hop on the 187-tall Myrtle Beach SkyWheel for a breathtaking view of the coastline, enjoy the mesmerizing ocean waves, go shopping at Gay Dolphin Gift Shop for unique souvenirs, or immerse yourselves in the world of celebrities at the Hollywood Wax Museum. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the sandy shores, building sandcastles with the kids, or simply relaxing by the water, a beach vacation in Myrtle Beach offers endless opportunities for relaxation and fun. There’s no shortage of sightseeing and beach activities, making it a must-visit destination for the whole family to create lasting memories and enjoy the best of coastal beauty and attractions.
Beach activities include:
- jet skiing
- parasailing
- dolphin watch tour
- kayaking
- banana boat
- fishing charters
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- wave pool
Other things to do in Myrtle Beach
- Huntington Beach State Park – set on 2,500 acres just south of Murrells Inlet, Huntington Beach State Park has a pristine stretch of expansive Grand Strand coastline. There’s sea-breeze camping, paramount surf fishing and some of the best bird watching along the East Coast.
- Myrtle Beach State Park – South Carolina’s first state park in 1936 with 312 acres on the city’s south end in a beautiful oceanfront maritime forest including almost a mile of sun soaked coastline. There’s a nature trail and some of the best surf fishing in the state. The park is open daily from 6am to 10pm from March through November and 6am to 8pm from December through February.
- WonderWorks – interactive science museum that’s fun on both sunny and rainy days with a glow-in-the-dark ropes course
- Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
- Myrtle Waves Water Park – South Carolina’s largest water park with 20 acres of waterslides, rides, rafts and chutes
- Miniature golf courses (mini-golf courses)
- Laser tag
- Family Kingdom Amusement Park
- Broadway at the Beach – family-friendly activities
- Broadway Grand Prix – 7 Go-Kart tracks, two 18-hole Mini-Golf Courses, and an all-new Arcade with Max Flight Simulator
- The Market Common
- Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
- The Carolina Opry
- Paddleboarding
- Pontoon boat
- Pavilion Park – popular amusement park at Broadway at the Beach with thrill rides and roller coasters
Best restaurants in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is known for its fresh local seafood, rice, grits, sweet potatoes, peaches, berries, and fresh produce, all of which are complemented by stunning ocean views and the picturesque beachfront. Additionally, visitors and locals alike can indulge in the region’s delectable culinary offerings at the fishing pier, where they can savor both North Carolina-style Calabash with traditional lightly-breaded, fried seafood meals and South Carolina’s rice, stone-ground grits, shrimp, blue crab, grouper, and country ham. The beachfront fishing pier not only provides a delightful dining experience but also offers breathtaking vistas of the ocean, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a memorable meal with a mesmerizing backdrop.
Breakfast
walk
Blueberry’s Grill
If you have a sweet tooth, you’re going to love the blasts at Blueberry’s Grill. You can choose from pancake, french toast, and waffle blasts – each of them come with fresh strawberries, blueberries, & bananas, then topped with vanilla icing, whipped cream, and warm syrup.
Don’t miss the grilled blueberry muffins – an iconic item at Blueberry’s Grill! They’re also known for their omelets and benedicts.
7931 N Kings Hwy. Myrtle Beach, SC, blueberrysgrill.com
Drift
Croissant benedicts are a popular breakfast here in Myrtle Beach and one of the best spots to go is Drift.
980 Cipriana Dr A-6, Myrtle Beach, SC, drifteatery.com
Lunch
Lulu’s
Lulu’s was one of my favorite restaurants in Myrtle Beach – loved the colorful patio, fresh seafood, and live music. It was always a delightful experience dining there, but one evening, the magic of the place reached a new level when “Legends in Concert” took the stage. As we enjoyed the catch of the day – grilled swordfish, it was simply mouthwatering and perfectly complemented by the lively tunes of the tribute artists. The ambiance became electrifying as we relished the ocean-to-table experience with fresh oysters, onion rings, and smoked tuna dip while the performers gave us an unforgettable show.
To make the evening even more special, we indulged in the 32oz Cruzan infusion served in a souvenir bucket. This delightful concoction blended pineapple juice, OJ, lemonade, a splash of grenadine, and a variety of flavored Cruzan Rums. Sipping on the delicious drink and tapping our feet to the beat of the music, we realized that the combination of great food, live entertainment, and the vibrant atmosphere truly made “Legends in Concert” at Lulu’s an extraordinary dining experience. Myrtle Beach’s ocean-to-table seafood delights are always a must, but when combined with a night of tribute performances, it’s an experience that simply cannot be missed.
4954 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC, lulubuffett.com/northmyrtlebeach/
RipTydz Oceanfront Bar and Grille
For the best view of Myrtle Beach, go to the rooftop of RipTydz Oceanfront Bar and Grille. You can see all of Myrtle Beach while enjoying a frozen pineapple cocktail. The seafood steamers with snow crab, clams, mussels, shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn with a butter dipping sauce was also so good.
1210 North Ocean Boulevard, riptydz.com
Dinner
Wicked Tuna
Our first meal in Myrtle Beach was at Wicked Tuna on the beach, a “must-see” spot that greeted us with a beautiful sunset from our table. If you want dinner with a view, Wicked Tuna is the ultimate destination where you can enjoy a delicious meal and even catch a glimpse of the magnificent SkyWheel, a towering ferris wheel that offers stunning vistas of the city and coastline.
The catch of the day piccata was simply incredible – featuring grouper sautéed in a tantalizing blend of lemon butter, shallots, and capers, served alongside perfectly cooked broccolini. To add to the delightful experience, we also indulged in a jumbo shrimp cocktail, a delectable Maryland sushi roll, and a refreshing ginger salad. Our dining experience at Wicked Tuna was undoubtedly enhanced by the breathtaking view, including the captivating presence of the nearby ferris wheel, making it a “must-see” for anyone visiting Myrtle Beach.
110 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC, thewickedtuna.com
Joe’s Bar & Grill
Cozy up next to the fire with the best panoramic view of the saltwater marsh. We had the shrimp scampi with large gulf shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter velouté sauce, lemon and herbs, and served on a bed of angel hair – it was delicious!
Fun fact: Joe’s Bar has raccoons in the backyard and you can sometime see them on the perch!
810 Conway St., North Myrtle Beach, SC, joesbarandgrillonline.com
Dead Dog Saloon
Dead Dog Saloon, renowned as one of the best spots to listen to live music in the Myrtle Beach area, offers an array of “fun things” that make it truly unique. Notably, visitors can bring cherished pictures of their beloved dogs that have passed on, and these heartfelt mementos are tenderly hung up as a heartwarming tribute, creating a touching and heartening atmosphere.
But the excitement doesn’t end there! After savoring the soulful tunes and embracing the heartwarming ambiance, you can extend your night with a delightful journey into the vibrant nightlife around Murrells Inlet. Embrace the thrill of discovering new bars, cozy pubs, and perhaps even other pet-friendly establishments where you can make more unforgettable memories.
So, whether you’re a music lover, a devoted dog owner, or simply seeking a memorable and “fun” night out, Dead Dog Saloon and the surrounding Myrtle Beach area have an abundance of joyous experiences awaiting you.
4079 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC
