Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Brookgreen Gardens
One of the Grand Strand's most magnificent hidden treasures, the 9,100-acre Brookgreen Gardens is the oldest and largest sculpture garden in the United States, with more than 550 examples of figurative American sculpture by such artists as Frederic Remington and Daniel Chester French. Each sculpture is carefully set within garden rooms and outdoor galleries graced by sprawling live oak trees, colorful flowers, and peaceful ponds. The gardens are lush and full in spring and summer, and in winter splashes of color from winter-blooming shrubs are set off against the stark surroundings. The property was purchased as a winter home for industrialist Archer Huntington and his wife, Anna Hyatt Huntington, in 1929, but they quickly decided to open it to the public as a sculpture garden and wildlife sanctuary. You'll find a Lowcountry zoo (including native red wolves, introduced in 2021), an aviary, a cypress swamp, nature trails, an education center, and a butterfly house. Summer concerts under the stars and the garden's breathtaking Night of a Thousand Candles during the Christmas season are Brookgreen traditions. The gardens are just beyond The Fighting Stallions, the Anna Hyatt Huntington sculpture alongside U.S. Route 17.
1931 Brookgreen Garden Dr., Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, 29576, USA843-235–6000Sight Details
Rate Includes: $18, June–Sept., Wed.–Fri. 9:30–9, Sat.–Tues. 9:30–5; Oct.–May, daily 9:30–5 -
2. Huntington Beach State Park
This 2,500-acre former estate of Archer and Anna Huntington lies east of U.S. Route 17, across from Brookgreen Gardens. The park's focal point is Atalaya (circa 1933), their Moorish-style 30-room home. New in 2021 is a $1.2 million nature center, with live native animals, including an aquarium with rays and horseshoe crabs. There are nature trails, ample areas for biking (including a bicycle path from Huntington Beach to Litchfield Beach), fishing, picnic areas, bird-watching expeditions, a playground, concessions, and a campground.
16148 Ocean Hwy., Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, 29576, USA843-237–4440Sight Details
Rate Includes: $8, Daily 6 am–10 pm -
3. Myrtle Beach State Park
South Myrtle BeachTake a short hike through a forest canopy of pine, magnolia, and live oak, and escape the traffic of Highway 17 while discovering what Myrtle Beach looked like before all the neon. This state-protected parcel of land has a mile-long beach, 350 campsites, picnic pavilions, hiking trails, a fishing pier, an ice cream shop, and playgrounds. There are year-round family or children's activities offered through the park, like crabbing and nature programs, and lifeguards at the north section of the beach. Best for: sunrise; swimming; walking. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free with $8 admission to park); showers; toilets.
4401 S. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 29575, USASight Details
Rate Includes: $8 -
4. Pawleys Island
Over 3 miles of tranquil and natural beach run along the shoreline of Pawleys Island. The surrounding architecture consists only of beach cottages and low-lying resorts, so it's a peaceful retreat. Lack of crowds allows for bicycling on packed sand, shelling, or napping on a hammock. Note that there aren't any lifeguards. Best for: surfing; swimming; walking. Amenities: parking (limited; on side streets).
Pawleys Island, South Carolina, 29585, USA -
5. Alligator Adventure
Interactive reptile shows, including an alligator-feeding demonstration, are the main attractions at this wildlife park. Boardwalks lead through marshes and swamps on the 15-acre property, where you'll see wildlife of the wetlands, including a pair of rare white albino alligators, the largest known crocodile in captivity, giant Galápagos tortoises, river otters, and all manner of reptiles, including boas, pythons, and anacondas. Unusual plants and exotic birds, as well as mountain lions and spotted hyenas, are also in residence.
U.S. 17 at Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 29582, USA843-361–0789Sight Details
Rate Includes: $28 -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Broadway Grand Prix Family Race Park
Central Myrtle BeachThis go-kart race park features seven different tracks, including one indoor slick track. The 26-acre facility also has bumper cars, kids' rides, an arcade, and miniature golf.
1820 21st Ave. N, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 29577, USA843-839–4080Sight Details
Rate Includes: $45 all-you-can-ride, Opens daily at 10 am or noon, closes between 8 pm and 11 pm; call or check website for details -
7. Cherry Grove Oceanfront Park
Between two high-rises in the relatively quiet community of Cherry Grove, this small oceanfront park with pretty, budding landscaping has amenities for families, like a shaded gazebo, bench swings, and a ramp to the sand for strollers. Best for: solitude; sunrise; swimming; walking. Amenities: lifeguards; showers; toilets.
2108 N. Ocean Blvd., North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 29582, USA -
8. Family Kingdom
The StripDominated by a giant white wooden roller coaster called the Swamp Fox, Family Kingdom amusement park is quite an experience, and it's right on the ocean. There are thrill rides, children's rides, a log flume, a go-kart track, an old-fashioned carousel, and the Slingshot Drop Zone, which rockets riders straight down a 110-foot tower. It's a bit like going to a state fair that runs all summer long. Bring your bathing suit and cross the street for more fun at Splashes Oceanfront Water Park. Operating hours can vary, so check online before visiting, especially on Saturday when the parks are sometimes rented by groups. Money-saving bundled tickets and multiday passes are readily available.
300 S. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 29577, USA843-626–3447Sight Details
Rate Includes: $29 all-you-can-ride, Amuseument park generally Apr.–Sept. daily; water park generally late May–Aug. daily (closed some weekdays in shoulder season), but hrs vary; call or check website for details -
9. Garden City Beach
Horry County's southernmost beachfront is backed by a causeway that crosses creeks and tributaries feeding into Murrells Inlet. The coastline is a curious collection of a few high-rise hotels, older condo buildings, and cute, stilted beach houses. Beachfront disappears at high tide farther south—so much so that it slaps up against the pilings and sea wall. The Garden City Pier is a must for fishing (free), strolling, playing arcade games, or dancing to live music at the partially covered bar perched at the very end. Other beach activities include kayaking, Jet Skiing, kiteboarding, parasailing, banana-boat rides, and boogie boarding. Best for: sunrise; surfing; swimming; walking. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (sometimes); parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports.
Atlantic Ave. and S. Waccamaw Dr., Garden City Beach, South Carolina, 29576, USA -
10. Myrtle Beach
Central Myrtle BeachThe beachfront of the city of Myrtle Beach stretches from the Springmaid Pier at the south end up to 82nd Avenue North. Expect the entire length of this popular family beach to be busy from May to October with people fishing, boogie boarding, parasailing, surfing (only allowed before 10 am and after 5 pm), and sunbathing. In the off-season (November–February) you can take horseback rides on the beach. Restaurants and shops line the boardwalk section of 2nd to 14th Avenues. A beachfront trail of workout stations lines the north end. Note that an ordinance bans tents over 7½ feet in diameter from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Best for: partiers; sunrise; swimming; walking. Amenities: lifeguards (May–September; no lifeguards in residential section of 38th–48th Avenues North); parking (free at north-end beach access areas; metered on street along Ocean Boulevard; pay by day or hour at Pavilion Parking Garage at 8th Avenue North); showers; toilets; water sports.
32nd Ave. S to 82nd Ave. N, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 29577, USA -
11. Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade
The heart of Myrtle Beach is this mile-long oceanfront destination that stretches from the 14th Avenue Pier, where seafood restaurant-café Pier 14 roosts, to the newly renovated 2nd Avenue Pier and its Wicked Tuna restaurant and open-air rooftop lounge. Take a sky-high seat on the SkyWheel, one of the largest Ferris wheels on the East Coast at 175 feet tall, with enclosed gondolas for a smooth ride (don't miss the light show at night), then stop in for a bite to eat at Jimmy Buffett's LandShark restaurant located right at the entrance. You can also take the kids to play in the old-time arcade, zip across the Myrtle Beach Zipline Adventures aerial course, break for a soft-serve ice cream cone, shop for a souvenir at the world-famous Gay Dolphin, shuck oysters at Dirty Don's, pull up a stool at the Bowery (the legendary bar that gave country band Alabama its start), or just stroll or sit, taking in the beach scene. A schedule of free live concerts, performances, fireworks, and children's carnivals abounds in summer at the boardwalk's Plyler Park. Don't miss the holiday, family-friendly block parties year-round. Bikes, pets, and skateboards are prohibited on the boards May--September.
14th Ave. N to 2nd Ave. N and Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 29577, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Daily 24 hrs, year-round. -
12. Myrtle Waves Water Park
Central Myrtle BeachAt South Carolina's largest water park you can shoot through twisty chutes, swim in the Ocean in Motion Wave Pool, race your friends down the Turbo Twisters, or ride a boogie board on the Racin' River. Even the toddlers will enjoy splashing in Bubble Bay and Saturation Station playground. There's beach volleyball, too, for when you've had enough water. Shaded areas with lounge chairs offer respite from the sun, and private cabanas, complete with waitstaff, are available to rent for the day.
3000 Mr. Joe White Ave., Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 29577, USA843-913–9250Sight Details
Rate Includes: $32, Closed Oct.–Apr., mid-May–mid-Sept., daily; May and mid-Aug.–early Sept., weekends only. Opens at 10 or 11 am and closes between 5 and 7 pm, but hrs vary; call or check website for details. -
13. North Myrtle Beach
Choose from more than 240 access points to this beach, which is populated with fewer sunbathers than Myrtle Beach—especially farther south and north of Main Street's stretch of beachfront. Ocean Park, at 101 South Ocean Boulevard, offers a nice setting, with a beachfront picnic shelter and a giant, 40-foot-tall inflatable triple waterslide, dubbed the Trippo, open in summer (rides are $3). Best for: sunrise; surfing; swimming; walking; windsurfing. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (metered); showers; toilets; water sports.
Ocean Blvd. from 63rd Ave. N to 47th Ave. S, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 29582, USA -
14. Pavilion Park
Central Myrtle BeachThe historic oceanfront Pavilion (razed in 2006) lives on through its amusement rides that are now split between three sections at Broadway at the Beach. East Park features original Pavilion rides like the famous Herschell-Spillman Carousel, dating back to 1912. West Park is home to kiddie rides and the Myrtle Turtle coaster, while Central Park includes an array of modern thrill rides. In between, hit the snack stands vending funnel cakes and snow cones.
1171 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 29577, USA843-839–0303Sight Details
Rate Includes: Ride tickets $1.75, unlimited ride pass $38.50, Daily noon–11 -
15. Ripley's Aquarium
Central Myrtle BeachGlide underwater (no need for a wet suit) through a winding tunnel exhibit that's longer than a football field, where sharks of all kinds and exotic marine creatures, including poisonous lionfish, moray eels, and an octopus, swim over and around you (or below you, if you spring for the glass-bottom boat tour). Children can examine horseshoe crabs and stingrays in touch tanks, and mermaid shows are offered regularly. There are also add-ons, like the up-close 30-minute, $70 Penguin Encounter. Admission discounts are available when combined with the price of Ripley's Ocean Boulevard attractions.
1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 29577, USA843-916–0888Sight Details
Rate Includes: $35, Opens 9 am - 7 pm Sun-Thurs; 9 am - 8 pm Fri-Sat -
16. Surfside Beach
Dubbed "the Family Beach," this small strand just south of Myrtle Beach offers up about 2 miles of white sand. Here, the hotel high-rises, bright lights, and big city of Myrtle Beach disappear, replaced by beach houses, cottages, and peaceful views. The centerpiece Surfside Pier is the site of most of the town's festivals, burger and fried-fish joints, and Scotty's, a kickin' karaoke bar. Best for: solitude; sunrise; surfing; swimming; walking. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (May–September); parking (lots with meters at 12 out of 36 beach access areas); showers; toilets.
17th Ave. N to Melody La., Surfside Beach, South Carolina, 29575, USA -
17. Wooden Boat Show
Each October, Front Street is transformed into a popular event where craftsmen showcase their works in the wooden boat exhibits. There's an intense boatbuilding competition (finished off by a rowing race on the river), kids' model-building contest, live music, and arts and crafts. All proceeds from the show are donated to the Harbor Historical Association's maritime museum.
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