The Grand Strand draws millions of visitors each year to its 60-mile stretch of coastline — and Myrtle Beach sits at the heart of it. That combination of long sandy beaches, short drives from major airports, and an infrastructure built for families means you can plan a low-key beach day, an active outdoor adventure, or an evening out without fuss.
Below are eight genuinely cool things that showcase the area’s best: three beach and outdoor escapes, three family-focused attractions, and two top picks for food, nightlife and local culture. Expect simple planning tips, practical times to visit, and specific spots to try on your next trip.
Beach & Outdoor Activities
Myrtle Beach’s coastline and nearby parks deliver both relaxed and active outdoor options for families and water-sport fans. The Grand Strand’s 60-mile sweep moves from wide, sandy shorelines to protected marshes and state parks, with plenty of rental shops and guided trips nearby. Bring sunscreen and a tide chart, and you’ll find something to match your energy level.
1. Sunbathing, Beachcombing and Shelling
Relaxing on the sand and hunting for shells is an iconic, simple pleasure here. The Grand Strand’s long beaches yield everything from coquina fragments to the occasional sand dollar, especially around low tide.
Best time: early morning at low tide when crowds are light and fresh finds wash up. Quieter stretches are north of the main boardwalk or near Myrtle Beach State Park, where the shoreline feels more natural. Bring a mesh bag for wet finds and check a local tide chart before heading out.
2. Water Sports: Paddleboarding, Kayaking and Jet Skis
Water sports here suit beginners and experienced riders alike. Many local outfitters rent stand-up paddleboards and kayaks by the hour, and guided eco-tours introduce marsh ecology and birdlife in calm waters.
Choose calmer inlets and marsh channels for SUP or kayak trips, and reserve open-ocean jet-ski sessions if you want speed. Murrells Inlet’s marsh tours are great for wildlife spotting and typically last 1–2 hours. Always ask about life jackets, local regulations, and certification requirements for jet skis.
3. Explore Parks: Birding, Trails and Brookgreen Gardens
Beyond sand and surf, coastal parks bring birds, shaded trails and curated sculpture gardens to the list. Huntington Beach State Park is a top spot for marsh ecology and winter shorebird viewing, while Brookgreen Gardens pairs walking paths with hundreds of sculptures and landscaped ponds.
Plan a half-day visit for either site: families will appreciate the accessible trails and shady picnic areas, photographers can time visits for golden-hour light, and birdwatchers should target spring and winter migration windows for shorebird and waterfowl sightings. Check trail maps and accessibility options before you go.
Family-Friendly Attractions and Entertainment
Myrtle Beach’s reputation as a family destination comes from decades of amusement parks, aquariums and a lively boardwalk. Large complexes draw multi-million annual visitors and employ thousands seasonally, which keeps attractions running and events plentiful during peak months.
4. Broadway at the Beach and Ripley’s Aquarium
Broadway at the Beach is a hub for shopping, dining and attractions; you can pair a casual lunch with a ride or an interactive exhibit. Nearby Ripley’s Aquarium offers tunnel tanks, touch pools and immersive displays that hold kids’ attention for a solid 2–3 hours.
A practical half-day: start with a few rides or a mirror maze, grab lunch at a family-friendly restaurant, then spend 90–180 minutes at the aquarium. Look into family ticket packages and timed-entry options to cut down on lines during summer weekends.
5. Mini Golf, Amusement Parks and Family Kingdom
Myrtle Beach is famous for themed mini-golf across the Grand Strand—there are easily 20+ courses to choose from—plus Family Kingdom, an oceanfront amusement park with classic rides like a wooden coaster and Ferris wheel.
Combine a themed mini-golf round with an afternoon at Family Kingdom for a full, budget-friendly day. Many courses offer family pricing, and amusement park ride tickets or wristbands are typically sold per ride or as daily passes; check seasonality and operating hours before you go.
6. Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and SkyWheel
The boardwalk serves as a social spine lined with arcades, food stands and performers, anchored by the SkyWheel observation ride. The SkyWheel reaches about 187 feet, offering broad views of the coast and city lights.
Best time for a ride is at sunset or in the evening when lights come on. After a SkyWheel rotation, stroll the boardwalk for street performers, classic arcades, and seafood stands—accessible paths and nearby parking make it easy for families with strollers.
Food, Nightlife and Local Culture
The local culinary scene stretches from longtime seafood houses to live-music venues and seasonal festivals. Nearby Murrells Inlet is often called the area’s seafood capital, and the MarshWalk lineup keeps fresh-catch restaurants within easy reach of evening waterfront strolls.
7. Fresh Seafood and Lowcountry Dining
Shrimp, oysters, flounder and Lowcountry boils are staples you shouldn’t skip. Longstanding restaurants like Sea Captain’s House serve signature dishes—think she-crab soup and fried shrimp—that highlight regional flavors.
Decide between waterfront dining with sunset views or casual crab shacks for a relaxed meal. Many entrees fall in the $15–$35 range, so plan accordingly and reserve a table on summer weekends. For a lively night out, try a Murrells Inlet MarshWalk spot and time your visit for late afternoon to avoid the peak dinner rush.
8. Live Music, Festivals and Nightlife
Myrtle Beach offers live music year-round and a steady festival calendar from spring through fall. Venues like House of Blues host touring acts, while local clubs keep beach music, country and classic rock on the weekly schedule.
Check local event calendars for summer concert series and holiday events, and pick venues based on age restrictions and cover charges. For a classic evening, grab dinner, catch a local band, and end with a boardwalk walk or a nightcap at a coastal brewery.
If you’re compiling a short list of cool things to do in myrtle beach, mix a daytime outdoor activity with a family attraction and a seafood dinner to sample the area’s range.
Summary
These eight picks span relaxed beach time, active outdoor choices, family entertainment, and the best local food and music. Pick two or three to form a compact weekend itinerary—or spread them out across a longer stay.
- Try an early-morning shelling session on the quieter north shore and bring a mesh bag plus a tide chart.
- Combine Broadway at the Beach with Ripley’s Aquarium for a single, family-friendly half-day.
- Book a sunset SkyWheel rotation (at ~187 feet) and follow it with a waterfront seafood dinner on the MarshWalk.
- Mix one beach activity, one family attraction and one dining option on your next visit; reserve tickets for peak-season weekends.
