What are the Best Things to do in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is one of the major tourist attractions in South Carolina, attracting an estimated 14 million visitors each year. This beach is situated in the center of a large stretch of beach known as the Grand Strand in northeastern South Carolina. Charming views, lively atmosphere, and bright sunshine make Myrtle Beach a favorite tourist destination. This destination offers visitors a variety of family-friendly attractions, outdoor entertainments, restaurants and shopping options.

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Some Basic Information You Need to Know about Myrtle Beach
     – Location, Climate, Places to Stay and Eat 
2. What are the Best Things to do in Myrtle Beach
     – Attractions and Activities

What are Some Basic Information You Need to Know about Myrtle Beach

Location

Myrtle Beach is a 60-mile span of sandy beach that runs from Little River to Pawleys Island, South Carolina. It is 108 km by highway southeast of Florence, South Carolina, 151 km northeast of Charleston, South Carolina, and 119 km southwest of Wilmington, North Carolina.

If you are flying there, the Myrtle Beach International Airport is located on the south end of Myrtle Beach. Many airlines such as American Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta, Porter, Spirit, and United Airlines offer several flights to Myrtle Beach.

If you are going by car, take US 501 South from Interstate 95 South. There are several roads to reach Myrtle Beach:

• 28-mile Veterans Highway, which links U.S. 501 west of Conway and U.S. 17 north of Myrtle Beach
• Carolina Bays Parkway, which runs from S.C. 9 to U.S. 544

There is no direct railway service to Myrtle Beach; the nearest railway station is in Florence, which is approximately 70 miles away. You have to arrange a bus service, taxi, or shuttle from here to Myrtle Beach.

Places to Stay in Myrtle Beach

Places to Eat

• 710 North Myrtle Beach
• The Whole Food Mediterranean Grill
• Lombardo’s Italian Restaurant
• Simply Southern Smokehouse
• The Melting Pot
• Pop Pop’s Pit BBQ
• Johnny D’s Waffles and Bakery
• SoBaya Japanese Bistro
• New York Prime

Climate and Weather

Myrtle Beach has a humid subtropical climate; thus, this area enjoys abundant sunshine year-round. The summer is long, hot, and humid while the winter is mild and short. April-October is the best time to visit Myrtle Beach when the sunshine is abundant, and water is warm. January-March is not a good time to visit.

What are the Best Things to do in Myrtle Beach

1. Enjoy the Beach

The main attraction in Myrtle Beach is the sandy beach itself, which enjoys bright sunshine all-round the year. Swimming in the mild waves and playing along the sandy beach are two activities you can definitely enjoy, regardless of your budget. Some areas in the beach also offer opportunities for water sports like Jet Skiing or deep-sea fishing.

2. Take a Leisurely Stroll

You can take a leisurely stroll along the Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade, which is 1.2 miles long.  This extends through 14th Avenue to 2nd Avenue Piers in Myrtle Beach. The boardwalk offers views of the stunning beach, various shops, and restaurants along its path. In this summer, various events and festivals are also held on the boardwalk

3. Myrtle Beach SkyWheel

Take a ride on the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, the 187-foot tall Ferris wheel in Myrtle Beach. This is open year round, day or night, and offers you a spectacular bird’s eye view of the skyline and the Atlantic Ocean.

4. Visit Water Parks

Visiting a water park is a great way to cool off after a hot day at the beach. There are several water parks in Myrtle Beach, including Wild Water & Wheels, Splashes Oceanfront Water Park, and Myrtle Waves Water Park.

5. Visit Broadway at the Beach

Broadway at the Beach is a shopping and entertainment complex owned and operated by Burroughs & Chapin Company, Inc. It features over twenty restaurants and over hundred specialty shops, three theatres as well as other attractions. This has many attractions including Ripley’s Aquarium, WonderWorks, Carmike Cinemas Broadway 17, Palace Theatre, Legends in Concert, Pavilion Nostalgia Park, and Hollywood Wax Museum.

6. Visit Barefoot Landing

Barefoot Landing is a large shopping complex located next to the Intracoastal Waterway in North Myrtle Beach. This complex offers entertainment, dining, and shopping in one scenic location. The House of Blues, Alabama Theater, and Alligator Adventure are some attractions in Barefoot Landing.

7. Play Golf

There are about 100 golf courses in and around Myrtle Beach. Legends Golf Club, Mt. Atlanticus Miniature Golf, Dunes Golf & Beach Club, and True Blue are only some of them.

8. Visit Museums

Myrtle Beach is home to several museums such as Hollywood Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Warbird Park (military museum), Wheels of Yesteryears, and Franklin G. Burroughs – Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum.

9. Attend Concerts and Shows

You can also enjoy a variety of concerts and shows in Myrtle Beach. Carolina Opry (musical variety show), Pirates Voyage (dinner theater), Medieval Times (dinner theater), GTS Theatre, and Comedy Cabana are some of the most famous places for entertainment.

10. Go on Nature and Wildlife Tours

Myrtle Beach also offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to enjoying the warm Atlantic waters, they can experience a number of wildlife experiences such as Myrtle Beach Safari, Gator Bait Adventures, Black River Outdoors, and Carolina Waterman.

There are many other interesting places such as Brookgreen Gardens (sculpture garden and wildlife preserve), Market Common (shopping district and lifestyle center), TicketReturn.com Field (baseball field) and Myrtle Beach Speedway (racetrack).

Myrtle Beach offers a variety of activities for people of all ages. Since you now know the directions, best times to visit, and the best things to do in Myrtle Beach, we hope your visit to Myrtle Beach will be super enjoyable and memorable.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Sunrise at the Pier” by Kevin Smith (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Myrtle Beach Sky Wheel at 14th Ave Pier” by Dan J (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
3. “Hollywood Wax Museum – Myrtle Beach SC” By Momwriter – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia