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Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular vacation destinations on the East Coast. The Grand Strand takes its name from the sixty miles of uninterrupted beach bordering the beautiful warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Myrtle Beach’s main draw is the beach, but the area offers much more to lovers of the outdoors. The Grand Strand is one of the best places for Jet Ski Rentals Myrtle Beach, boating, fishing, parasailing, kayaking, camping, paddle boarding, river tubing and much more. The South Carolina coast features a myriad of rivers, creeks, backwaters, inlets, and marshes to explore.
The area is home to world-class shopping, fine dining, diverse entertainment options from theaters to amusement parks, golf courses and mini golf, live music, and much more. It boasts high-caliber theater and shows at venues like the Carolina Opry and Broadway at the Beach, or you can visit a museum or an aquarium. Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand truly has something for everyone!
The following is just a small sample of the many attractions and activities available to visitors to Myrtle Beach, SC and the Grand Strand.
The presence of the ocean isn’t the only thing that makes the Myrtle Beach are such a draw for those who love watersports. While deep sea fishing, boating, and parasailing on the Atlantic Ocean are certainly fun, some of the area’s hidden gems lie a bit farther from the beach – but they aren’t just for locals! Possibilities for Myrtle Beach watersports are numerous and exciting!
East Coast Jet Ski Adventures is located along the Waccamaw River and in close proximity to the Intracoastal Waterway in Longs, South Carolina. This tight-knit group of watersports enthusiasts offers not only jet ski rental, but fun jet ski experiences that take visitors well off the beaten path and into some of Myrtle Beach’s most pristine and scenic natural environments. East Coast Jet Ski Adventures offers a variety of activities from the location it shares with River Island Adventures, including jet ski rides and rentals and dolphin viewing rentals that travel down the Intracoastal Waterway to the sea. Be sure to book these fun and popular activities early in your vacation, in case you have to reschedule because of inclement weather.
River Island Adventures provides a unique experience in a natural setting along the Waccamaw River. If you truly want to discover South Carolina’s natural beauty and have a lot of fun, visit this adventure outfitter. They offer a variety of activities, including: Escape River Island, inner tube trips, kayak and river boat rentals to their 48-acre private island, camping, and much more. Their secluded location offers tree swings, hammocks, picnic tables, fire pits, clean restrooms, games, and a boat dock and ramp.
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One of the best things to do on a coastal South Carolina vacation is to stroll along the beautiful boardwalk that runs along Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach. Aside from enjoying the sun, sand, and sea, visitors have access to popular shops, famous bars and eateries, fun arcades, live music, and more. During the busy season, there are plenty of activities and events to enjoy along the boardwalk, most of them family friendly. However, after hours, many people like visiting the oceanfront and rooftop bars and clubs. The Myrtle Beach boardwalk is home to Family Kingdom Amusement Park, miniature golf courses, the Myrtle Beach Skywheel, shopping, dining, and much more for visitors to enjoy.
Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Splashes Oceanfront Water Park offers families hours of fun right on the boardwalk. It is one of the few amusement parks in walking distance from the boardwalk and downtown Myrtle Beach hotels, and it currently features almost forty fun rides, with new rides being added every year. Highlights include the Swamp Fox wooden roller coaster, go kart racing, the Log Flume, and the Slingshot Drop Zone.
This massive and quirky gift shop right by the sea is truly a Myrtle Beach institution and a popular destination. The gift shop has stood on the Myrtle Beach boardwalk since 1946, was rebuilt after Hurricane Hazel in 1954, and is still one of the most visited attractions along the Grand Strand. It offers several floors of unique souvenirs, jewelry, apparel, shells, collectibles, and much, much more.
There is no shortage of fun attractions in Myrtle Beach, and much of the entertainment on offer is family friendly. No matter what you’re in the mood to do or see, you will never be bored during your Myrtle Beach visit.
Pirates Voyage is billed as “The Most Fun Place to Eat in Myrtle Beach.” The swashbuckling live show features sword fighting, acrobatics, and more as Blackbeard and Calico Jack lead the Crimson and Sapphire pirate crews in a battle on land, aboard ship, in the water, and high above their full-size pirate ships – all alongside mermaids, parrots, and more while you dine on a four course dinner. Pirates Voyage even offers a special Christmas show during the holiday season.
Medieval Times is another dinner and entertainment experience available to those visiting Myrtle Beach, and it is a grand spectacle to delight the whole family, featuring a medieval jousting competition, hand-to-hand combat, falconry, and horsemanship, all while enjoying a delicious four course meal.
The Carolina Opry performing arts theater has received the designation of “Most Outstanding Attraction” from the State of South Carolina as well as the title of “Top Myrtle Beach Attraction” by CNBC. The theater offers world-class entertainment and live music. Visit the Carolina Opry calendar of events for more information on their many popular shows.
Ripley’s Aquarium offers visitors a chance to get up close with some of the marine animals that inhabit the Myrtle Beach area and the waters of the world, including rays, skates, sea turtles, barracudas, sharks, jellies, eels, and exotic fish! The animals experts at Ripley’s Aquarium also offer many hands-on experiences for the whole family.
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not museum of Myrtle Beach is a fun attraction for the family, and it offers curiosities from all over the world in a series of themed galleries. Ripley’s Myrtle Beach museum features art, animal oddities, pop-culture memorabilia, and interactive games and stories of the strange and unusual. The museum is located on North Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach.
Broadway at the Beach is a massive shopping and entertainment center featuring restaurants, shopping, attractions, and night life. It is home to the Legends In Concert theater, the Carolina Comedy Club, the Hard Rock Cafe, and dozens of other eateries and attractions. Broadway at the Beach is also where you will find the Ripley’s aquarium and museum.
For fun family activities, look no further than the water rides at Myrtle Waves Water Park. Myrtle Waves Water Park is a great place for the family to play in the wave pool, enjoy rides down the water slides and tube slides, or take a ride down the Lazy River or Racin’ River. It is located not far from Broadway at the Beach.
You can easily spot the Hollywood Wax Museum by the Great Ape of Myrtle Beach climbing the building. It houses three attractions: one in which you and the family can get pictures with and learn about your favorite stars, and Outbreak, a zombie-infested walk-through. Finally, visitors can explore Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors, a fairy-tale-themed maze suitable for the whole family.
Barefoot Landing in Myrtle Beach, SC offers visitors the chance to eat, shop, and enjoy attractions beside the Waterway. The Barefoot Landing complex is built around a large lake only a short distance from the Myrtle Beach waterfront in North Myrtle Beach. At Barefoot Landing, visitors can enjoy the Alabama Theater, the House of Blues, upscale and boutique shopping, art galleries, waterfront dining, and night life. Barefoot Landing is one of the most popular destinations in North Myrtle Beach.
The golf courses, mini golf, arcades, amusement parks, and attractions of central Myrtle Beach are what many visitors think of when they imagine a Myrtle Beach vacation. However, not all of the best things the Grand Strand of South Carolina has to offer are located right in Myrtle Beach.
Add some variety to your trip by visiting some of the areas around Myrtle Beach – they have a lot to offer and while they are popular, you might find them a little less crowded.
North Myrtle Beach is a continuation of the Grand Strand, though some say it has a different vibe. Like Myrtle Beach, it boasts plenty of mini golf courses, oceanfront dining, fun attractions, entertainment, rides, and everything else you could ask for in a beach town.
Murrells Inlet in located to the south of Myrtle Beach. It is a fishing village and former lair of the infamous pirate Blackbeard. Today, it features the beautiful and popular Marshwalk, where you can enjoy live entertainment and visit restaurants in what is known as “the seafood capital of South Carolina.” There’s no better place around Myrtle Beach for fishing, including deep sea fishing excursions, or boating, than Murrells Inlet.
Little River and Longs, South Carolina are a little bit of the beaten path, but they’re close enough to Myrtle Beach to warrant a visit, especially if you and your family enjoy activities like fishing, hiking, kayaking, and camping. You will definitely escape the Myrtle Beach crowds and get a taste of South Carolina nature by visiting these areas. Check out East Coast Jet Ski Adventures if you want to ride a jet ski and get a chance to play in some of South Carolina’s less traveled waterways.
Market Common is a charming neighborhood and shopping area almost right across the street from Myrtle Beach State Park, and it has a wealth of activities and entertainment available to those visiting the area. Market Common is centrally located and easy to reach, and Myrtle Beach State Park is worth a visit for a beach day away from the crowds and hotels.
Add some variety to your vacation by spending a few hours in these smaller, fun beach towns south of Myrtle Beach.
Whether you are coming to Myrtle Beach for traditional fun like swimming, sun-bathing, and mini golf, you’re interested in shopping and shows at venues like Broadway at the Beach and the Carolina Opry, or you want to experience adventure and exploration from a jet ski or kayak, you will find a warm Southern welcome waiting for you in Myrtle Beach.