Things to Do in Myrtle Beach
Along the southern Atlantic coast of South Carolina is one of the most famous and popular tourist destinations in the country. Myrtle Beach, which is the central hub of activity along the ‘Grand Strand’ of coastal beaches, is a bustling beachfront city that is packed to the gills with fun and unique experiences.
Myrtle Beach is home to world-class golf courses, breathtaking beaches, a bustling beachfront boardwalk, and mouth-watering cuisine. If you are in the market for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation getaway, Myrtle Beach is the place for you. Let’s take a look at some of the places to see, experiences to have, and best things to do in Myrtle Beach.
Visit the Family Kingdom Amusement Park
Image: Family Kingdom Facebook
Located just off the beach, on the central Ocean Boulevard, sits the classic Family Kingdom amusement park. The park has been the central attraction for countless visitors to the city for over 40 years. With 37 unique rides – from thrill rides to children’s rides – Family Kingdom remains one of the top rated amusement park experiences in the United States.
Family Kingdom even has a 2,400ft wooden figure-eight roller coaster called ‘The Swamp Fox, that has been around since the park’s opening in 1966. The Swamp Fox is one of only 122 remaining wooden roller coasters still in operation in North America; it is just one classic ride among many that bring park-goers endless joy in this living piece of classic american entertainment. Family Kingdom is most definitely a can’t miss experience for visitors of all ages.
Deep Sea Fishing
If you love fishing – whether as a hobbyist or sportsman – you cannot miss the chance to go deep sea fishing off the coast of Myrtle Beach. The actual experience of fishing off the coast in the clear blue waters of the Atlantic ocean cannot be matched. Those who are more used to small-time fresh water fishing, are sure to be blown away by the big-catch fish you can reel in.
There are plenty of amazing companies that will take adventurers out to see on half day, or even full day deep sea fishing excursions. Little River Fleet is one such company that will take visitors out to sea and give you the experience of a lifetime. You will be able to fish for black sea bass, flounder, sharks, and more while out on the deep blue sea. Even if you aren’t the most experienced fisherman, you are sure to love the experience of reeling in a massive and exotic catch.
Ride the Myrtle Beach Skywheel
At the heart of the boardwalk, it is impossible to miss the massive and towering Ferris wheel known as ‘The SkyWheel’. The SkyWheel is a staple of Myrtle Beach, and is so large that it can almost be seen from any point in the city. The SkyWheel is the only 200ft tall Ferris wheel on the east coast. Its vibrant LED lights ignite the sky with various mesmerizing hues as it spins, and takes those who ride it to the highest vantage point in the city.
The SkyWheel is actually the single highest vantage point for viewing the Atlantic ocean in all of North America. So you are guaranteed to get the absolute best view of the city, and the ocean, from the apex of this massive ride. So long as you aren’t afraid of heights, the SkyWheel is one Myrtle Beach experience that cannot be missed.
Go on a Safari
Image: T.I.G.E.R.S Preservation Station Facebook
No, no, you read that correctly. You can actually go on a safari in Myrtle Beach. T.I.G.E.R.S Wildlife Preservation Station is a wildlife preservation located on the north side of Myrtle Beach. This 50-acre plot of land is home to more than 130 endangered species, including some big cats and elephants. The preservation is even home to a ‘Liger’, which is a crossbreed of a Tiger and a Lion. It also happens to be the world’s largest cat.
Guests of the preservation can interact with, and experience these exotic animals up close on a real-life safari experience. The experts at the preservation will help to educate, and inform visitors about these animals as well. If you are looking for a wild and exotic experience, the T.I.G.E.R.S Wildlife Preservation is the place to be.
Spend a Day on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
The Myrtle Beach boardwalk is a strip of endless fun that runs just over a mile long down the stunning beachfront. The boardwalk is basically the central hub of nearly all activity happening during the day, and even at night. It is home to souvenir shops, restaurants, street performers, exotic shopping experiences, and much more. The 60 mile long ‘Grand Strand’ of the southern Atlantic coast beaches culminates at the Myrtle Beach boardwalk.
The Myrtle Beach boardwalk is free to visit, however, you will have to pay for parking if you’re driving to it. There are parking meters and paid parking lots, but other than that, the boardwalk is free.
Whether you are a family on vacation, or a solo-traveler who is just passing through, you are sure to find endless fun and entertainment along the boardwalk. Not to mention, just about any type of cuisine you can imagine can be found here – so you’ll never run out of things to try!
Visit Brookgreen Gardens
If you were to make a list of ‘The Most Instagram Worthy Places in Myrtle Beach’, then Brookgreen Gardens would likely be at the top. Located about 15 miles south of the city center along the coast, this 9,000 acre wildlife preserve and nature garden is among the most beautiful spots in the region. The entire garden is actually a National Historic Landmark, and it is easy to see why.
Home to over 2,000 sculptures, thousands of towering oak trees, and even a zoo, this natural park is sure to fill your camera with endless breathtaking photos that you will cherish forever. The entire garden somehow manages to marry 18th century charm, with otherworldly nature that creates a feeling unlike any you have ever experienced. Brookgreen Gardens is truly out of this world.
Enjoy a Show at the Charles Bach Wonders Magic Show
Image: Charles Bach Wonders Facebook
If you have ever wanted to experience a Las Vegas style magic show, but don’t feel like visiting the infamous ‘Sin City’, then you are in luck! Located on Ocean Boulevard is the wonderfully magical Charles Bach Wonders Magic Show. Here you can experience a truly unique blend of comedy, music, dance, and of course – magic.
Charles Bach is an incredibly talented illusionist and performer who has appeared on television shows such as Penn & Teller’s Fool Us. In addition, he has toured and performed in over 50 countries, and has garnered international renown for his amazingly spectacular magic shows. It doesn’t matter what your age is, you are sure to be dazed and amazed by this wildly over-the-top magic and art performance. This is the perfect event for anyone seeking a night out that you are sure to remember.
Meet Some Dolphins
Myrtle Beach is home to thousands of curious dolphins who aren’t shy about coming up and saying ‘hi’. Every year visitors and locals alike will sign up for the countless different dolphin centered experiences that will allow you to meet these majestic and brilliantly smart creatures up-close and personally.
There are dozens of amazing companies that will help visitors get out on the water and meet dolphins. You can choose from the famous Sea Thunder Dolphin Cruise, which is perfect for the whole family. Or, if you are someone who wants a more ‘fast paced’ dolphin experience, you can also choose the ‘Sea Screamer’ experience which takes visitors on a much more speedy dolphin tour. No matter what you choose, you are guaranteed to experience the wonder and majesty of these sea mammals in a more personal way than you ever imagined.
Go Parasailing
If you are a thrill seeker, then Myrtle Beach has just the adrenaline dose that you are looking for. Parasailing 300 feet above the water is the perfect combination of high-octane fun and breathtaking sight seeing. You and two other friends or family members can see the beauty of Myrtle Beach from sky high vantage points. From these heights, you will be able to see the boardwalk, city skyline, and even exotic sea life below from the best view possible. You are sure to have a heart-pounding experience that will leave a smile on your face for hours afterwards. Parasailing is the closest thing you will get to flying, without jumping out of a plane.
Experience the Beach Itself
We have spent all this time discussing all of the wonderful things you can do in and around Myrtle Beach. However, we haven’t taken the time to discuss the actual focal point of Myrtle Beach – the beach itself. Those who come to Myrtle Beach will have dozens of unique and custom beach access points across the strand to choose from. From the Carolina border to Surfside Beach, the Grand Strand is chock full of waterfront venues to fit any mood or taste.
If you are going to an oceanfront vacation destination; it cannot be overstated how important it is to whittle away the hours relaxing on the white sand beaches to the soothing sound of the Atlantic waters lapping the shore. After all, vacations on the beach are made to relax just as much as they are for adventure. The beach access points of Myrtle Beach are some of the best in the world.
