Sun, Sand, and More: Your Guide to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Credit: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA city skyline.

Boasting a 60-mile-long strip of beaches, Myrtle Beach thrives on attractions close to and far from the beach. Whether they are boardwalks, mini golf, museums, or dinner shows, there is something here for everyone.

Best Time to Visit

June through August, so both the air and water temperature can warm up to comfortably lay on the beach and not get cold. But, you can still go all year round, with other attractions not connected to the ocean.

Also Read: What to Pack? A Complete Guide to the Right Clothes and Gear

Places to Go and See

SkyWheel

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Credit: Claire P. 

Stands nearly 200 feet above the shore, it’s the tallest ferris wheel east of the Mississippi, with enclosed cabins and 360 degree views.

  • Hours: 11am-12am; open all year 
  • Best time: near sunset on a clear day or during the day (more towards summer)
  • Price: $18.99

Broadway at the Beach

Credit: Adobe Stock

With a huge range of attractions, shops, restaurants, and prime location, Broadway at the Beach is one of the biggest attractions in the area.

  • Hours: Range depending on the time of year, but average between 10-9
  • Best time: Warmer months to walk around comfortably, but really any time during the year
  • Price: Free to walk around

Ripley’s Aquarium

Author: MusikAnimal

Located in Broadway at the Beach, this aquarium is sure to mesmerize with its 750,000 gallon all-around shark tank, Dangerous Reef, and Dive Shows. A perfect place for visitors of all ages.

  • Hours: 9-11 all year
  • Best time: Go whenever, especially since it is all indoors, or plan around specific shows/special events
  • Price: $39.99

Check out: Indulge in the Ultimate Wine Country Experience: Exploring the Top Wineries of Napa Valley and Sonoma

Dolly Parton’s Pirate Voyage

Photo by Alexandria Wyckoff

A perfect combination of show and dinner, watch as two teams of pirates fly through the air and into the water as they battle against each other. Led by Captain Blackbeard and his quartermaster Calico Jack, you won’t want to take your eyes off the action.

  • Hours: Nearly everyday during the summer, less during winter months; 3:30/6/8:30 shows depending on the day chosen
  • Best time: Anytime due to it being indoors, but may be less crowded during the winter months
  • Price: $69.99

Mini Golf

Photo by Kayla Farmer on Unsplash

Myrtle Beach provides ample places to hone your Mini Golf skills. Many of these locations are themed too, adding a whole new experience to each place you visit.

  • Hours: Depends on the course
  • Best time: Summer months unless indoors, then all year 
  • Price: Depends on the course

The Beach

Photo by Amanda Frank on Unsplash

Also known as the Grand Strand, the 60 mile string of beaches is perfect for a whole day splashing around in the water and lounging in the sand, or taking a midnight stroll under the moon.

  • Hours: 24hr/365 days
  • Best time: Summer months or when the weather/water gets warm enough
  • Price: Free

Hidden Gems

Huntington Beach State Park

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Photo by Holly Fake on Unsplash

This state park has activities for everyone – a National Historic site, 173 campsites, 3 miles of beach, an annual arts and crafts festival, and 2,500 total acres to enjoy and explore. Make a day trip or even stay on a campsite; whatever you choose, make sure to enjoy all the State Park has to offer. 

  • Hours: 6-6 (extended to 10 pm During Daylight Savings time), year-round
  • Best time: Warmer months to comfortably walk around and explore
  • Price: $8

Read More: 10 Solo Travel Tips to Get you Wandering

Brookgreen Gardens

Credit: Doug Coldwell

Travel to the gardens in order to see beautiful sculptures, learn about past history, see some unique animals, and walk amongst the flora itself. During the summer, you can also view “Summer Light” – a nighttime event where lanterns light up the gardens on Wednesdays and Saturdays while local bands play in the background. 

  • Hours: 9:30-5 daily, year-round
  • Best time: Warmer months, especially once all the greenery/flowers come back
  • Price: $22

Atalaya Castle

Located right on the coast in Murrells Inlet, Atalaya Castle is full of rich history and amazing views. Either take a day trip or even plan your wedding, there is much offered at this National Landmark built in the 1930s by Archer Huntington and his wife Anna.

  • Hours: 9-4 (extended to 5 during DST), year round – be aware may be closed for private events
  • Best time: Warmer months, but could realistically be all year since indoors
  • Price: $2

Murrell’s Inlet MarshWalk

Credit: Pollinator

Located in the historic fishing village of Murrells Inlet, this half-mile wooden boardwalk sits atop a natural saltwater estuary, and is the perfect blend of nature and delicious restaurants. Come and listen to live music in the same location that Blackbeard and other pirates once roamed. 

  • Hours: 5:30-12
  • Best time: Any time if going to a restaurant, but warmer months if walking around on the boardwalk
  • Price: Free

Top Restaurants

Captain George’s Seafood Buffet

View this profile on Instagram

@captaingeorges • Instagram photos and videos

If you’re having a seafood craving, this is the destination for you. A plethora of options await you, whether it is seafood or non-seafood products. Make sure to eat as much as possible, especially since this restaurant is a buffet.

  • Hours: Average 3-9pm everyday
  • Price: ~$50/person
  • Featured Food: Snow Crab Legs

Check out: AYCD New York City Brunch with Flavors from Around the World

Margaritaville

Located at Broadway at the Beach, this restaurant is a creation of Jimmy Buffet and his famous song “5 o’clock somewhere.” Hurricane themed items are scattered around the space, and there are plenty of food options to choose from. 

  • Hours: 11-10, year-round
  • Featured Food: Jimmy’s Jammin’ Jambalaya® / Burger in Paradise®
  • Featured Drink: Who’s To Blame® / 5 O’Clock Somewhere

Wet Willie’s

Satisfy your inner child at Wet Willie’s, where there is a large selection of flavored alcoholic slushies to choose from. You can also order delicious food here, or just take your daiquiri in a cup and continue wandering around Broadway at the Beach.

  • Hours: 11-11, year-round
  • Featured Food: Willie Philly / Willie’s Baked Wings
  • Featured Drink: Shock Treatment® / Weak Willie®

Señor Frog’s

If you’re looking for a fun bar and restaurant, then make a stop at Señor Frog’s at Broadway at the Beach. Hosting delicious food, shows, and contests this is the perfect place to loosen up and enjoy the view of the lagoon. 

  • Hours: 12-12, year-round
  • Featured Food: Mago Tropical Mahi-Mahi / Carne Asada
  • Featured Drink: Sr Frog’s / Campiña

Top Hotels

Carolinian Beach Resort in Myrtle Beach by Vacasa

  • ~$100/night
  • Featured Amenities: Free hot breakfast, Internet, Hot Tub, Oceanfront Pool Deck, Lazy River, Mini Golf
  • Hotel Information: Check in 4pm, Check out 10am, Free Parking

Cabana Shores Hotel

  • ~$200/night
  • Featured Amenities: Outdoor Pool, Laundry Facilities, Refrigerator, Free WiFi, Bar/Lounge, Air Conditioned
  • Hotel Information: Check in 4pm, Check out 11am, Free Parking

Homewood Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Coastal Grand Mall

  • ~$200/night
  • Featured Amenities: Free hot breakfast, Free WiFi, Outdoor Pool, Streaming TV, Pet Friendly Rooms, Fitness Center
  • Hotel Information: Check in 4pm, Check out 11am, Free Parking

Hampton Inn & Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront

  • ~$300/night
  • Featured Amenities: Free hot breakfast, Free WiFi, Beach, Indoor/Outdoor Pools, Beach, Fitness Center
  • Hotel Information: Check in 4pm, Check out 11am, Free Parking

Courtyard by Marriott Myrtle Beach Oceanfront

  • ~$400/night
  • Featured Amenities: Outdoor pool, Free WiFi, Fitness Center, Restaurant, Convenience Story, Laundry
  • Hotel Information: Check in 4pm, Check out 11am, On-site Parking $20/day

Whether you decide to just hang out at the beach every day, or find a new attraction to explore, Myrtle Beach has a plethora of activities to keep you entertained no matter how long you stay.

Alexandria is a News Editor, writer, and reader of all things literature. She graduated from the State University of... More about Alexandria Wyckoff

Mentioned In This Article:

More About: