CITY GUIDE
Things to do in Myrtle Beach, SC
Your guide to Myrtle Beach—home to one of the country’s tallest Ferris wheels.
Wander back into the nostalgic summers of old with a trip to Myrtle Beach. This seaside destination is located in the Grand Strand—a 60-mile stretch of beaches along South Carolina’s coast and is famous for its historic wooden boardwalk. Among the many family-friendly activities this city has to offer, you can take your pick of celebrity-designed golf courses and laidback mini-golf courses, state parks, boardwalk amusement parks and water parks, and white-sand beaches. Delight in the sparkling arcade lights, win a carnival prize, wade into the warm ocean waves, or savor the view from the 200-foot-tall SkyWheel.
We asked our team at Vacasa for their top things to do in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Here are our recommendations for where to eat and stay, what to see, budget-friendly activities, and even fun things to do with kids. Book your stay, pack your bags, and get ready to relax—we’ve got your Myrtle Beach travel plans on lock.
Start your morning off with something sweet at the National House of Pancakes and dig into a stack of fluffy pancakes or French toast with a cup of hot coffee. When you need a little break in your day, you don’t have to travel far to find it. Roll up around happy hour to 8th Ave Tiki Bar & Grill, conveniently located along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, which offers specialty cocktails and frozen blends to beat the beach heat. After a long day of adventure or lounging in the sun, grab dinner at Pier 14 Seafood Restaurant & Fishing Pier. This local oceanfront eatery is a favorite for its hush puppies, live music, and beach views.
Of course, the main event of this seaside escape is the renowned Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Running 1.2 miles along the city’s oceanfront, this boardwalk is a popular way to spend sunny days—whether sightseeing by foot or bike, indulging in deliciously deep-fried boardwalk food, enjoying the rush of thrilling rides, or kicking back on the SkyWheel, a 200-foot Ferris wheel that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Treat yourself to a show downtown at the Carolina Opry, which features live musical performances and shows including comedy, dancing, a nostalgic Time Warp show of ’60s–’80s hits, and a seasonal Christmas special. In the surrounding area, you’ll find golf courses, souvenir boutiques, breweries, and the Hollywood Wax Museum.
With a fun-filled wooden boardwalk, the beach, and endless activities downtown, Myrtle Beach has no shortage of things to do with your kids while on vacation. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk boasts roller coasters and rides, escape rooms, laser tag, and carnival games. For more smiles, check out one of the many nearby mini-golf courses, the Family Kingdom Amusement Park, or the colorful fish at the Aquarium of Myrtle Beach.
Away from the pier’s fanfare, there are plenty of ways to take in the landscape and enjoy some fun on a budget. Myrtle Beach State Park’s nature trails meander from the scenic coastline into green maritime forest, with spots for fishing and picnics. During the summer, you’ll find free concerts and events near North Myrtle Beach and McLean Park. Be sure to check out North Myrtle Beach’s T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station to watch tigers, monkeys, and other wildlife, with free admission.
Book your stay and soak up the boardwalk lights with Myrtle Beach vacation rentals. Whether it’s an oceanfront condo or a family beach house with a little more privacy, there’s no shortage of perfect stays for your trip away. Search by amenities like oceanfront, direct beach access, or pools and hot tubs to find the perfect home base for your beach retreat.
