The best things to do are different for everyone. Myrtle Beach may conjure images of rowdy spring breakers and souvenir shops—but look a little closer and you’ll find a coastal escape with far more dimension and charm. The Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch along South Carolina’s Atlantic coast, has been a popular vacation spot since the early 1900s. It is now evolving into an exciting destination with upscale cuisine, luxury hotels, and outdoor adventures. It’s where you can start your morning kayaking through marshy inlets, spend the afternoon touring sculpture gardens or sipping craft beer on the beach, and cap off the evening with a sunset view of the ocean over oysters, rosé, and live music.
Myrtle Beach has plenty of surprises for everyone, whether you’re an avid traveler who wants to explore the local treasures that lie beyond the surf shops or a first timer attracted by the hustle and bustle of the Boardwalk. Here is our guide on this Southern beach town that’s often misunderstood.
Get here (and around).
Myrtle Beach can be reached easily by air or car. Uber, Lyft or taxis are also available to get around the city. The Coast RTA offers a comprehensive bus system that includes 10 Grand Strand routes. free shuttles To popular spots. Renting a car can help you enjoy a slower pace. golf cart Bicycles at Boardwalk Bikes Explore coastal roads and charming neighbourhoods at your own pace.
What to do in Myrtle Beach
A ride on the sleigh is the best way to enjoy the morning sun and gain a sense of direction on the boardwalk. SkyWheelFrom a gondola, you can see the Atlantic stretching in all directions. In a climate controlled gondola, the famous boardwalk of the city looks like a postcard. There are pastel-colored arcades with rolled ice-cream stands and a vast, shimmering stretch Grand Strand beach at the horizon. This family-friendly activity is only open from 11 am to 11 pm. Afterwards, explore the boardwalkFollow the scents of fried seafood and cotton candy along the beach promenade to find one of the numerous beach bars. Start your day with a local craft beer New South BrewingIf you want to try something new, grab a cocktail from the menu. Grab a cocktail at 8th Avenue Tiki Bar Before you catch some live music at Tin RoofThe views from the roof are only surpassed by the sights of the crowds below. Stop by the Fun Plaza Arcade Try your hand at both retro and vintage games as well as new ones.
Myrtle Beach has more to offer than a constant buzz. Drive north to Cherry Grove BeachThe Cherry Grove Pier is a popular fishing spot where locals cast their fishing lines and families enjoy picnics. You’ll see more locals here than tourists, and the pace is slower. The salt marshes weave their way through the landscape just inland. This creates a completely different picture of South Carolina’s landscape. Get a close-up view of the marshland with a Great Escapes Kayak Tour. The guided paddleboard and Kayak tours on Waties Island will take you through the tidal channels of this island, giving you a unique opportunity to experience a part that Myrtle Beach has few tourists. Be sure to have your camera or smartphone handy in order to capture the adorable fiddlers crabs darting through the mudflats, or the blue herons that nestle in the reeds.
Take a couple of hours to yourself. Brookgreen GardensMurrells Inlet is a short drive away. This 9,100-acre property, which was once a rice plantation is a botanical garden, an open-air museum and a zoo. It’s a natural oasis with water lilies and sea lions. The gardens are open later in the summer for the Summer Light Series. Curated installations are illuminated by thousands of twinkling light fixtures throughout the property. The gardens feature glassblowers Craig Mitchell SmithThis summer, he donated more than 25 glass sculptures for the exhibition.
Where to Eat
You’d be remiss if you didn’t grab a drink during golden hour The HangoutThe restaurant feels more of a block-party than a regular restaurant. The dining room is flanked by a large courtyard with foam and sand pits, yard-games, retail stores, and stages where live music can be heard. To eat, their signature Hangout Nachos, layered with melted cheddar, fresh pico de gallo, and jalapeños, are a crowd favorite, as is the Hangout Burger—a juicy patty topped with cheddar and crispy onion rings. The seafood gumbo is a must-try for a true taste of Carolina. It includes shrimp, smoked sausage, and jalapenos.
