Things To Do
in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a sun-soaked coastal city along South Carolina’s Grand Strand known for its wide sandy beaches and lively boardwalk. The area blends family-friendly attractions, live entertainment, and a booming golf scene with miles of shoreline. Along with its resort hotels, seafood joints, and outlet shopping, it offers a relaxed, quintessential South Carolina beach vibe.

Each season brings a different flavor, from summer beach days to peaceful winter strolls along the Atlantic.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Beachfront Sunrise Yoga
morning
:

Start your day with a refreshing sunrise yoga session on the beach, where the sound of the waves sets a calming atmosphere. As the sun rises, enjoy the peaceful ambiance and connect with nature while practicing your poses. After yoga, treat yourself to a nutritious breakfast at a nearby café, savoring fresh fruit and locally brewed coffee.

afternoon
:

Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun on the sandy shores of Myrtle Beach, where you can relax with a good book or take a dip in the ocean. If you're feeling adventurous, rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the coastline from a different perspective. As the sun begins to lower in the sky, stroll along the beach to collect seashells and enjoy the beautiful views.

evening
:

As twilight approaches, head to the iconic Boardwalk for an evening filled with entertainment and dining options. Grab dinner at a seafood restaurant overlooking the ocean, where you can indulge in the day's catch while watching the sunset. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Boardwalk, taking in the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps stopping for ice cream at a local shop.

day 2
Exploring the Myrtle Beach State Park
morning
:

Begin your day by exploring the natural beauty of Myrtle Beach State Park, where you can hike along the scenic trails surrounded by lush greenery. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including birds and turtles, as you immerse yourself in this serene environment. After your hike, enjoy a picnic breakfast at one of the park's designated areas, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, head to the park's beach area for some relaxation or beachcombing, where you can uncover fascinating shells and marine life. Consider embarking on a guided nature tour to learn more about the local ecosystem and the park's history. As the day winds down, take a moment to reflect on the serene surroundings before heading back to your accommodation.

evening
:

For dinner, explore a cozy local restaurant that specializes in Southern cuisine, where you can savor dishes like shrimp and grits or fried green tomatoes. After dinner, enjoy a peaceful evening stroll along the beach, basking in the tranquility of the ocean waves. Look up at the stars and take in the beauty of the night sky as you unwind from the day's adventures.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🛏️Hotel per night$120-250
🚗Gas per gallon$2.80-4.00
🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$40-60
🛍️Groceries for a week$60-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Wide beaches and family-friendly attractions
  • Strong golf scene and abundant outdoor activities
  • Vibrant dining options and seasonal events
  • Generally affordable compared with many coastal destinations
  • Crowds in peak season and limited parking at popular spots
  • Hurricane season can disrupt travel plans
  • Some areas feel highly tourist-driven and commercial

Places to Visit in Myrtle Beach

Visit one of these nice places.

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and SkyWheel

Iconic oceanfront boardwalk with the SkyWheel offering sweeping views of the coastline, especially at dusk.

Cherry Grove Pier

Historic pier providing ocean panoramas, sunrise silhouettes, and fishing activity for dynamic shots.

Brookgreen Gardens

Expansive sculpture gardens and nature trails with water features and lighting for dramatic photography.

Huntington Beach State Park and Atalaya Castle

Coastal marsh landscapes, dunes, and the Moorish-style Atalaya for architectural photos.

Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk

Boardwalks over tidal marshes with boats, wildlife, and sunset backdrops.

Culinary Guide

Food in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach’s cuisine centers on Atlantic seafood, Lowcountry favorites, casual coastal fare, and Southern comfort dishes. Expect generous portions, smoke-kissed barbecue, and a laid-back, family-friendly dining scene.

Myrtle Beach Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

She-crab soup

Creamy soup made with crab meat and roe, a Lowcountry staple found in many seafood spots.

Must-Try!

Frogmore stew

Lowcountry boil with shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage cooked together and shared family-style.

Calabash-style fried seafood

Light, crispy fried seafood common along the Carolina coast.

Shrimp and grits

Savory shrimp served over creamy grits with bacon or sausage.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Myrtle Beach Farmers Market

Seasonal market offering local produce, seafood, crafts and ready-to-eat treats.

Climate Guide

Weather

The city has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters; spring and fall offer pleasant weather, while hurricane season runs roughly June through November.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Southern hospitality

Friendly greetings and polite conversation are appreciated.

Beach etiquette

Respect personal space on crowded beaches and follow lifeguard instructions.

Tipping and service charges awareness

Ask if a service charge is included to avoid double tipping.

Safety Guide

Safety

Be mindful of rip currents and changing weather; beachgoers should swim near lifeguards and avoid submerged hazards. Keep valuables secure, especially in crowded tourist areas, and use licensed transportation.

Tipping in Myrtle Beach

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Restaurant servers typically expect 15-20% of the bill; tip higher for exceptional service. For hotel staff, guest services and tour guides, consider 1-5 per day, depending on service.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is handy for markets and smaller vendors; some places may add a service charge.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes; shoulder-season crowds make it ideal for outdoor activities and photography.

Summer

Hot and humid with long days; peak beach crowds, thunderstorms, and frequent outdoor events.

Fall

Milder weather and fewer crowds; great for golf, hiking, and outdoor exploration.

Winter

Cool but mild by many standards; many attractions operate year-round with occasional schedule changes.

Nightlife Guide

Myrtle Beach at Night

Myrtle Beach offers a lively but family-friendly nightlife scene along Ocean Boulevard and Broadway at the Beach, with casual bars, live music venues, arcades, and dinner shows. Expect a mix of laid-back pubs, rooftop lounges, and kid-friendly entertainment rather than a heavy club scene.

Hiking in Myrtle Beach

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Huntington Beach State Park Trails

Marsh and maritime forests with boardwalks and coastal scenery.

Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk

Boardwalk trails along tidal marshes with wildlife viewing.

Conway Riverwalk

Paved trail along the Waccamaw River with scenic views and access points.

Airports

How to reach Myrtle Beach by plane.

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)

Located just north of the city; quick access to hotels and beaches with taxis or rideshares.

Charleston International Airport (CHS)

About 2.5 hours away by car; larger international hub.

Florence Regional Airport (FLO)

Smaller regional airport approximately 1.5–2 hours away; convenient for short trips.

Getting Around

Walkability

The Boardwalk area and The Market Common are walkable districts with restaurants and shops; however, much of the Grand Strand is car-dependent and best explored by vehicle.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Large numbers of family vacationers frequent the area year-round.

Retirees

Seasonal residents contribute to a relaxed post-summer atmosphere.

Tourists

Seasonal waves of visitors come for beaches, outlets, and entertainment.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Golf

A cornerstone of the region, with numerous courses for all levels.

Fishing

Deep-sea and inshore charters operate from the inlet and piers.

Beach Volleyball

Common on crowded summer beaches and local resort hotels.

Transportation

Traffic

High seasonal traffic on US-17 and Hwy 501 during summer; plan extra travel time and consider off-peak parking strategies; Coast RTA provides bus service across the Grand Strand.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Myrtle Beach.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most restaurants offer salads, veggie bowls, pasta, and veggie sides; ask for sauces on the side and request meat-free options when possible.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is supported by Grand Strand Health system, including Grand Strand Medical Center, urgent care centers, and several clinics throughout the area for emergencies and routine care.

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