17 Things To Do in Myrtle Beach for the Perfect Beach Vacation Itinerary

Quick Answer: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina offers far more than just sand and surf. The best things to do in Myrtle Beach range from world-class golf and family amusement parks to sculpture gardens, dolphin tours, and a lively boardwalk scene. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a full week, this coastal city has enough variety to keep every type of traveler happy.

Key Takeaways

Myrtle Beach works for families, couples, solo travelers, and golf enthusiasts — the activity mix is genuinely diverse.
Spring 2026 brings new attractions, including Family Kingdom’s first-ever single-rail coaster in the Southeast and the newly opened Purdy Center at Brookgreen Gardens. [3][4]
March through May offers mild weather, shorter lines at major attractions, and better hotel rates than peak summer.
Golf is a year-round draw, with over 90 courses along the Grand Strand — March is considered peak season for ideal playing conditions. [1]
Book accommodations early during high-demand periods like Can-Am Days (March 13–22) and marathon weekend, when hotels fill fast. [2]
The boardwalk, beach access, and many parks are free or low-cost, making Myrtle Beach a solid pick for budget-conscious travelers.
New food and drink experiences are coming in spring 2026, including a Tennessee distillery and brewery complex. [5]

What Are the Best Things To Do in Myrtle Beach for First-Time Visitors?

First-timers should start with the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade. It’s the heart of the city’s beach scene, and it’s completely free to walk. From there, you can branch out to paid attractions, restaurants, and the beach itself.

Here’s a solid starting framework for first-timers:

Day 1 — Boardwalk & Beach

Walk the 1.2-mile boardwalk from 2nd Avenue Pier to 14th Avenue North
Ride the SkyWheel Myrtle Beach, a 187-foot Ferris wheel with climate-controlled gondolas
Grab seafood at one of the oceanfront restaurants along the strip

Day 2 — Family Attractions

Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, one of the most-visited aquariums in the Southeast
Stop by WonderWorks or the Hollywood Wax Museum for interactive fun
These attractions are significantly less crowded in spring than summer, making March and April especially good for families [1]

Day 3 — Nature & Culture

Drive 30 minutes south to Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet
Explore the Myrtle Beach State Park for trails and shell collecting

Pro tip: If you’re visiting with kids, buy attraction passes in advance. Many Myrtle Beach attractions offer bundled tickets that can cut costs by 20–30% compared to paying at the door.

17 Things To Do in Myrtle Beach: The Complete List

Here’s the full breakdown, organized so you can mix and match based on your travel style.

🎡 Boardwalk & Iconic Landmarks

1. Walk the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade
Free, scenic, and always buzzing with energy. The boardwalk connects major attractions and is the best place to get your bearings on day one.

2. Ride the SkyWheel
At 187 feet tall, it’s one of the tallest Ferris wheels on the East Coast. Rides offer sweeping ocean views, and the gondolas are enclosed, so it works even on breezy days.

3. Visit the 2nd Avenue Pier
A classic fishing pier that also offers great photo opportunities. You can rent fishing gear on-site.

🎢 Amusement Parks & Family Attractions

4. Family Kingdom Amusement Park
This beachfront park is adding a 100-foot RMC Raptor-style single-rail coaster in 2026 — the first of its kind in the Southeast. New rides like “The Colossus,” “The Flip Side,” and “The Lunartic” are also joining the lineup. [4] It’s a strong pick for thrill-seekers and families alike.

5. Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
Home to thousands of sea creatures, including a walk-through shark tunnel. It’s one of the most popular indoor attractions in the city and worth every penny, especially on a rainy day. [1]

6. WonderWorks
An upside-down building filled with hands-on science exhibits and a laser tag arena. Great for kids aged 6–14, but adults genuinely enjoy it too.

7. Hollywood Wax Museum
Pose with life-size celebrity wax figures. It’s cheesy in the best possible way, and kids love it. [1]

🌿 Nature, Parks & Outdoor Activities

8. Brookgreen Gardens
Located in Murrells Inlet, about 16 miles south of Myrtle Beach, Brookgreen Gardens is one of the most beautiful spots on the entire Grand Strand. It combines outdoor sculpture, wildlife, and botanical gardens across 9,100 acres. The newly opened Purdy Center adds a Welcome Center and conservatory, expanding educational programs and year-round exhibitions. [3] This is a must for art lovers and nature enthusiasts.

9. Myrtle Beach State Park
A quieter alternative to the main beach strip. The park has a mile-long beach, nature trails through maritime forest, and excellent birdwatching. Admission is modest (check the South Carolina State Parks website for current pricing).

10. Huntington Beach State Park
One of the best-preserved beaches on the East Coast. The park hosts events like the 5th Annual Kite Festival (held March 21–22, 2026), featuring professional kite demonstrations, live music, and food trucks. [2] Standard park admission applies.

11. Dolphin-Watching Boat Tours
Multiple operators along the Grand Strand run dolphin tours year-round. Spring tours often have smaller groups and calmer waters. Look for tours departing from Murrells Inlet or Little River.

12. Kayaking and Paddleboarding
The Intracoastal Waterway is ideal for calm-water paddling. Several outfitters rent equipment by the hour. The ocean is still chilly in early spring, but the waterway is sheltered and manageable. [1]

⛳ Golf Along the Grand Strand

13. Play One of 90+ Golf Courses
Myrtle Beach is one of the top golf destinations in the United States. The Grand Strand has more than 90 courses ranging from budget-friendly public layouts to championship tracks like Grande Dunes Golf Club. March is considered peak golf season, with mild temperatures and dry conditions making for ideal play. [1][2]

Choose this if: You’re a golfer who wants variety. You can play a different course every day for a week and not repeat yourself.

Common mistake: Waiting until you arrive to book tee times. During Can-Am Days and other high-demand periods, popular courses fill up weeks in advance. [2]

🍺 Food, Drink & Local Culture

14. Explore Murrells Inlet’s “Seafood Capital”
Murrells Inlet, just south of Myrtle Beach, is known as the Seafood Capital of South Carolina. The MarshWalk is a half-mile boardwalk lined with waterfront restaurants serving fresh local catch. It’s less touristy than the main strip and worth the short drive.

15. Ole Smoky Distillery & Yee-Haw Brewing Co. Complex (Opening Spring 2026)
Tennessee’s Ole Smoky Distillery is teaming up with Yee-Haw Brewing Co. to open a new food and drink complex in Myrtle Beach, targeted for spring 2026. [5] If you enjoy craft spirits and local brews, this will be a standout new addition to the dining scene.

🎉 Events & Seasonal Highlights

16. Attend a Local Festival or Event
Myrtle Beach runs major events throughout the year. Notable 2026 highlights include:

Event	Dates	What to Expect
Can-Am Days	March 13–22, 2026	Nearly 100,000 Canadian visitors, Grand Strand-wide deals [2]
Run to the Sun Car Show	March 20–22, 2026	Hundreds of restored vintage vehicles at Old Myrtle Square Mall [1]
Huntington Beach Kite Festival	March 21–22, 2026	Professional kite demos, live music, food trucks [2]

Check the Visit Myrtle Beach events calendar before you book — timing your trip around a festival can add a lot of energy to your visit. [7]

🏖️ Classic Beach Time

17. Just Hit the Beach
This one sounds obvious, but Myrtle Beach’s shoreline genuinely earns its reputation. The Grand Strand stretches roughly 60 miles of sandy coastline. Spring visits mean wide-open stretches of beach with far fewer crowds than July or August. Shell collecting, sunrise walks, and simply sitting in the sun are all free and genuinely enjoyable here. [1]

If you enjoy beach destinations with a different vibe, check out our guides to things to do in Siesta Key, Florida and things to do in Destin, Florida for comparison.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Myrtle Beach?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) offer the best balance of good weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices. Summer is peak season with the warmest water but also the highest hotel rates and the longest lines at attractions.

Quick comparison:

Season	Pros	Cons
Spring (Mar–May)	Mild weather, fewer crowds, golf peak season	Ocean still cool for swimming
Summer (Jun–Aug)	Warm water, full event calendar	Crowded, expensive, hot
Fall (Sep–Nov)	Comfortable temps, lower prices	Some attractions reduce hours
Winter (Dec–Feb)	Cheapest rates, very quiet	Limited events, some closures

Choose spring if you want the best overall experience without fighting summer crowds. Choose summer if swimming in the ocean is your top priority and you don’t mind paying more.

For more U.S. beach vacation inspiration, our Siesta Key Florida guide and Destin Florida guide cover two other top coastal destinations worth comparing. If you’re open to something more adventurous, a Belize vacation itinerary offers a completely different kind of beach trip.

How Much Does a Myrtle Beach Vacation Cost?

Myrtle Beach is one of the more affordable beach destinations in the United States. Here’s a rough estimate for a 3-night trip for two adults:

Hotel (mid-range, oceanfront): $120–$250/night depending on season
Attractions (2–3 per day): $20–$50/person per day
Meals: $15–$40/person per meal, depending on restaurant type
Golf (one round): $50–$150+ depending on course and season

Budget travelers can keep costs very low by sticking to free beach time, the boardwalk, and state parks. Splurgers can easily spend more on premium golf, fine dining, and spa experiences. For more ideas on keeping U.S. vacations affordable, see our roundup of cheap U.S. vacations under $500.

FAQ: Things To Do in Myrtle Beach

Q: Is Myrtle Beach good for families with young kids?
Yes. Ripley’s Aquarium, WonderWorks, Family Kingdom, and the boardwalk are all family-friendly and well-suited for children under 12. Spring visits mean shorter lines and less heat.

Q: How many days do you need in Myrtle Beach?
Three to five days is the sweet spot for most visitors. Three days covers the main attractions; five days lets you add day trips to Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet, and a round of golf.

Q: Is Myrtle Beach safe for tourists?
Like any city, some areas are safer than others. The main tourist corridor along the boardwalk and resort areas is generally safe. Use standard travel common sense, especially at night.

Q: What’s new in Myrtle Beach in 2026?
Family Kingdom is adding the Southeast’s first single-rail RMC Raptor coaster, Brookgreen Gardens opened the new Purdy Center, and Ole Smoky Distillery is opening a new complex in spring 2026. [3][4][5]

Q: Can you visit Myrtle Beach without a car?
It’s possible but limiting. The main strip is walkable, and rideshare apps work well. However, reaching Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet, and state parks is much easier with a car.

Q: Is golf expensive in Myrtle Beach?
It ranges widely. Budget courses start around $50 per round; premium championship courses can exceed $150. Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) often offer better rates than peak summer. [1]

Q: What’s the difference between Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach?
North Myrtle Beach is a separate city about 15 miles north. It’s generally quieter and more residential, popular with families and Canadian visitors during Can-Am Days. The main commercial strip and boardwalk are in Myrtle Beach proper.

Q: Are there good day trips from Myrtle Beach?
Yes. Brookgreen Gardens and Murrells Inlet are 20–30 minutes south. Georgetown, SC (a charming historic town) is about 45 minutes away. Charleston is roughly 90 minutes and worth a full day.

Conclusion

Myrtle Beach delivers a lot more than a typical beach trip. Between the 60-mile Grand Strand coastline, 90+ golf courses, family attractions, nature parks, and a growing food and drink scene, there’s genuinely something for everyone here. In 2026, new additions like Family Kingdom’s record-setting coaster and the Ole Smoky Distillery complex make it an even stronger destination than before.

Your next steps:

Pick your travel dates and book accommodations early, especially if visiting during Can-Am Days or summer peak season.
Identify your top 5–7 activities from this list and check if advance tickets are needed.
Build a loose day-by-day itinerary mixing beach time, attractions, and at least one day trip.
Check the Visit Myrtle Beach events calendar to see what’s happening during your specific travel dates.

Whether you’re planning a family trip, a golf getaway, or a relaxed couples retreat, Myrtle Beach earns its spot as one of the most versatile beach destinations on the East Coast. For more U.S. beach destination ideas, explore our Destin Florida guide or browse all our USA trip guides.