Best Things to Do in Myrtle Beach (Top Attractions & Activities 2026)

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Myrtle Beach, you’ve picked one of the most exciting beach destinations on the entire East Coast. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is loud, lively, and packed with options from beautiful sandy shores to amusement parks, fresh seafood, and a nightlife scene that goes well into the early hours. No matter who you’re traveling with, this city knows how to keep everyone happy.

Myrtle Beach Is More Than Just a Beach Town

A lot of people think Myrtle Beach is just sand and sunscreen. However, once you actually get here, you realize it’s so much more than that. This city stretches for miles along the South Carolina coastline and is home to hundreds of restaurants, dozens of attractions, world-class golf courses, and a Myrtle Beach boardwalk that ranks among the best in America. In addition, it welcomes millions of visitors every year, families, couples, solo travelers, and groups of friends, and somehow manages to have something great for every single one of them. This is the Myrtle Beach travel guide you need before your trip.

13 Best Things To Do In Myrtle Beach

From the famous boardwalk to hidden local gems, Myrtle Beach offers more than most visitors expect. Whether you have three days or a full week, these 13 picks cover the very best Myrtle Beach attractions for every type of visitor. Moreover, we’ve added tips for families, couples, and first-timers so you can plan your days without any guesswork.

1. Walk the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk is the first place most tourists head, and for good reason. This 1.2-mile stretch runs along the ocean and is lined with shops, restaurants, arcades, and some of the best ocean views you’ll find anywhere on the East Coast. It’s busy, colorful, and full of energy at almost any hour of the day. Walking it in the morning feels completely different from walking it at night, so try to do both.

• Free to walk anytime
• Stretches from 2nd Avenue Pier to 14th Avenue North
• Wheelchair and stroller-friendly

2. Visit Broadway at the Beach

Broadway at the Beach is one of the most popular Myrtle Beach attractions and a destination in itself. This massive entertainment complex sits on a 350-acre lake and is packed with restaurants, shops, mini-golf, live shows, and attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium. You could honestly spend an entire day here without running out of things to do. Moreover, many of the shops and outdoor areas are completely free to walk around and enjoy.

TIP: It’s truly lovely to visit when the sun sets, and the lights come on over the lake.

3. Spend a Full Day at the Beach

This one sounds obvious, but the Myrtle Beach shoreline deserves its own spot on this list. The beach stretches for 60 miles of Atlantic coastline, and different sections have very different vibes. The area near the boardwalk is lively and social. However, if you head further north toward Cherry Grove or south toward Surfside Beach, things get much quieter and more relaxed. The water is warm from May through October, and the sand is clean and wide.

Best for: Families with kids, couples looking for a quiet morning, solo travelers who just want to decompress.

4. Check Out Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

Located inside Broadway at the Beach, Ripley’s Aquarium is one of the top Myrtle Beach family activities in the entire city. It has a moving walkway that takes you through a tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and hundreds of fish swimming overhead. Kids absolutely love it, and adults tend to stay much longer than planned. In addition, there are touch tanks, jellyfish exhibits, and daily feeding shows that are fun for all ages.

• Budget about 2 hours for a full visit
• Book tickets online in advance
• Great option for rainy days

5. Play a Round of Mini Golf

Mini golf is practically a tradition in Myrtle Beach. The city has more mini golf courses per square mile than almost anywhere else in the United States — over 50 of them. They range from simple family-friendly layouts to elaborate themed courses with waterfalls, pirate ships, and jungle settings. Therefore, whether you’re 7 or 70, a round of mini golf here is always a good time. It’s also one of the most affordable Myrtle Beach family activities available.

6. Ride the SkyWheel

The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel sits right on the boardwalk and stands 187 feet tall. It’s one of the tallest Ferris wheels on the entire East Coast, and the views from the top are incredible, especially at night when the city lights up along the shore. Each gondola is fully enclosed and climate-controlled, so it’s comfortable in any weather. In addition, the ride lasts long enough to really soak in the view.

Tip for couples: Book a ride at sunset. It’s one of the most romantic spots in the city.

7. Enjoy the Myrtle Beach Nightlife Scene

When the sun goes down, Myrtle Beach nightlife takes over. The city shifts into a completely different gear. The boardwalk area buzzes with live music, rooftop bars, and packed restaurants. Broadway at the Beach has evening shows and outdoor entertainment. In addition, areas like Restaurant Row on Kings Highway have lively bars and clubs that stay open late. However, the nightlife here isn’t just for party-goers — there are plenty of laid-back spots with live acoustic music and ocean breezes that suit any mood.

Top nightlife spots to check out:

• Tin Roof Myrtle Beach — live music every night
• The Library—rooftop bar, great views
• Duplin Winery — wine tastings in a relaxed setting

8. Visit the Myrtle Beach State Park

Not everything in Myrtle Beach is loud and busy. Myrtle Beach State Park sits just south of the main city and offers a completely different experience. There are hiking trails through maritime forest, a fishing pier, a nature center, and a quieter section of beach that feels a world away from the boardwalk. It’s one of the best free things to do in Myrtle Beach if you have your own transportation and want some peace and nature.

• The entry fee is very low (under $10 per person)
• Great for birdwatching and nature photography
• Perfect for an early morning visit

9. Take a Dolphin Watching Cruise

The warm Atlantic waters near Myrtle Beach are home to bottlenose dolphins year-round, and several local companies run cruise tours that get you up close. Tours usually last about 90 minutes and depart from Little River or Murrell’s Inlet. They’re fun, relaxed, and genuinely exciting when the dolphins show up, which they almost always do. Moreover, sunset dolphin cruises are especially popular with couples and make for a memorable evening.

Book in advance during summer — these sell out quickly.

10. Eat Fresh Seafood at Murrell’s Inlet

Murrell’s Inlet is about 15 minutes south of Myrtle Beach and is known as the Seafood Capital of South Carolina. The Marshwalk here is a waterfront strip of restaurants where you can sit outside, watch the boats, and eat some of the freshest seafood on the East Coast. It’s a must-visit for any food lover. In addition, it’s one of those spots that feels totally local — far less touristy than the main Myrtle Beach boardwalk strip.

Must-try eateries in Murrell’s Inlet:

• Wicked Tuna: waterfront seating and fresh catch
• Dead Dog Saloon: great shrimp and a fun atmosphere
• Drunken Jack’s: a neighborhood favorite since 1981

11. Try Watersports on the Ocean

Myrtle Beach has a full lineup of watersports available right on the beach. You can rent jet skis, try parasailing, take surfing lessons, or go on a banana boat ride with the family. Several outfitters set up along the shore and make it easy to jump in without much planning. Therefore, even if you’ve never tried any of these activities before, this is a great place to give them a shot. Instructors are friendly and patient, especially with beginners and kids.

12. Spend Time at Family Kingdom Amusement Park

Family Kingdom is a classic seaside amusement park right on the oceanfront — the kind that feels nostalgic and fun in equal measure. It has roller coasters, a water park, and plenty of rides for younger kids. In addition, it’s one of the most affordable Myrtle Beach family activities in the city. The water park section is especially popular in summer and gives kids hours of entertainment without breaking the bank.

• Located directly on the ocean
• Separate tickets for the amusement park and the water park
• Great for families with kids aged 4 and up

13. Catch a Live Show or Entertainment Event

Myrtle Beach has a surprisingly strong live entertainment scene. The Alabama Theatre in North Myrtle Beach puts on spectacular variety shows year-round. The Carolina Opry is another long-running favorite, featuring music, comedy, and dance performances the whole family can enjoy. Moreover, during summer, outdoor concerts and events pop up regularly along the boardwalk and at Broadway at the Beach. Check local listings before your trip so you don’t miss anything good.

Best Time To Visit Myrtle Beach

• March & April: Warm, quiet, and affordable. Great for first-timers who want to see the city without the summer rush.
• May – August: Peak season. The beach and boardwalk are in full swing, but expect crowds and higher hotel prices.
• September & October: Still warm enough to swim, far fewer people, and much better deals on accommodation.
• November – February: Off-season. Very quiet, but great for budget travelers and anyone who just wants to walk the boardwalk in peace.

Where To Stay in Myrtle Beach

• Oceanfront Hotels: The Marriott Resort & Spa and the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort are popular choices with direct beach access.
• Vacation Rentals: VRBO and Airbnb have condos and beach houses at all price points — great for families.
• Budget Options: Several clean and comfortable motels line Kings Highway at very reasonable prices, especially outside peak season.

Free Things To Do in Myrtle Beach

You don’t need to spend a lot to have a great time. Here are the best free things to do in Myrtle Beach:

• Walking the boardwalk and Promenade
• Swimming and relaxing on the beach
• Watching the SkyWheel light up at night from the boardwalk
• Browsing Broadway at the Beach outdoor areas
• Visiting Myrtle Beach State Park trails (small entry fee applies)
• Watching the sunrise from the shore

Still on the Fence? Myrtle Beach Will Change Your Mind Fast

Here’s the truth: no travel article fully captures what it feels like to stand on the Myrtle Beach boardwalk at night with the ocean breeze on your face and the SkyWheel glowing above you. The best things to do in Myrtle Beach are the kind you have to experience for yourself. And once you do, a return trip is almost guaranteed.

Want more tips like these? Check out our full travel prep guides at The Tourists World. We also believe a well-informed travel recommendation is one of the most valuable parts of planning a trip, and we’re here to make sure every trip you take is worth every mile.