Things To Do in Myrtle Beach: Bucket List of 90+ Essential Experiences

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a city defined by its endless coastline, electric entertainment, and laid-back Southern charm. It’s where 60 miles of sand meet world-class golf, family amusement, and a vibrant Low Country culture.

There are endless things to do in Myrtle Beach and surrounding communities. Here are the must-do activities, classic sights, can’t-miss annual events, and hidden gems organized by theme so you can plan your Grand Strand adventure.

How to Use This List

Print this page, save it, or make your own checklist — no matter where you start, you’ll discover why Myrtle Beach is a city that always has something more to offer. Whether you’re making your first visit or you’re a longtime resident, use this bucket list to spark new adventures and enjoy the best of the Grand Strand.

Iconic Grand Strand Experiences

Feel the energy of the coast on the 1.2-mile Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, the city’s vibrant artery buzzing with arcades and shops. Get a bird’s-eye view from the towering SkyWheel, then dive into the sprawling entertainment mecca of Broadway at the Beach. Just up the road, the waterfront shops and music venues of Barefoot Landing offer a perfect evening escape, anchored by the wild encounters at Alligator Adventure.

• Stroll the 1.2-mile Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, stopping for snacks and ocean views.
• Ride the iconic Myrtle Beach SkyWheel for breathtaking, climate-controlled views of the coastline.
• Explore Broadway at the Beach, a massive outdoor entertainment complex with shops, restaurants, and attractions surrounding a 23-acre lake.
• Watch the seasonal fireworks display over Lake Broadway.
• Shop, dine, and see live music at Barefoot Landing, a waterfront complex on the Intracoastal Waterway.
• See massive alligators and other reptiles at Alligator Adventure, located at Barefoot Landing.
• Ride the thrilling Sling Shot Thrill Ride on the Boardwalk.
• Walk the entire length of the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, stopping at the various waterfront restaurants and bars.

The Beach & Ocean Fun

The 60-mile Grand Strand is the main attraction. For classic fun, fish from the iconic pier at Myrtle Beach State Park or take a thrilling parasail ride high above the waves. For a wilder escape, explore the pristine 3-mile beach at Huntington Beach State Park, a top spot for bird-watching, or join a dolphin-watch cruise to see the coast’s most playful locals.

• Enjoy a peaceful day of hiking, fishing, or swimming at Myrtle Beach State Park.
• Walk the trails and see the maritime forest at Myrtle Beach State Park.
• Explore the pristine, 3-mile beach at Huntington Beach State Park, a top spot for bird-watching.
• Search for shells and shark teeth on the shores of Myrtle Beach.
• Learn to surf with lessons from a local surf shop.
• Go parasailing high above the Atlantic for a bird’s-eye view.
• Rent a jet ski for a high-speed ocean adventure.
• Take a thrilling banana boat ride with the whole family.
• Join a dolphin-watch cruise to see marine life.
• Fish from the historic Pier 14, located right on the Boardwalk.
• Walk to the end of the Second Avenue Pier for great views.
• Take a laid-back kayak or paddleboard tour through the salt marshes.

World-Class Golf & Amusements

Embrace the title of “Golf Capital of the World” on legendary links, from the PGA-ready TPC Myrtle Beach to the Low Country beauty of Caledonia. But the fun doesn’t stop there — ride the historic Swamp Fox wooden coaster at the oceanfront Family Kingdom or challenge the family to a round at a fantastical mini-golf course like Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf.

• Play a round at The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, a classic and prestigious course.
• Book a tee time at TPC Myrtle Beach, a PGA Tour-caliber course.
• Experience Low Country beauty at Caledonia Golf & Fish Club.
• Play the challenging King’s North course at Myrtle Beach National.
• Hit balls with friends at the high-tech Topgolf driving range.
• Putt through a volcano at Molten Mountain Miniature Golf.
• Play a round of mini-golf at the pirate-themed Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf.
• Climb the multi-level Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Golf, known for its towering course.
• Play a round on the mining-train-themed course at Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf.
• Ride the historic, wooden Swamp Fox Roller Coaster at Family Kingdom Amusement Park.
• Enjoy classic rides and bumper cars at Family Kingdom, Myrtle Beach’s only oceanfront amusement park.
• Race go-karts at Broadway Grand Prix Family Race Park.

Family Adventures & Attractions

Keep the whole family entertained with attractions that spark wonder. Walk under sharks in the 340-foot tunnel at Ripley’s Aquarium or let your imagination run wild in the “edu-tainment” exhibits of the upside-down WonderWorks. Pose with your favorite stars at the Hollywood Wax Museum or explore the bizarre and baffling at the classic Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium.

• Walk through the underwater shark tunnel at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach.
• Touch a stingray at the hands-on Discovery Center at Ripley’s Aquarium.
• Explore the “upside-down” building of WonderWorks, an indoor “amusement park for the mind”.
• Challenge yourself on the indoor ropes course at WonderWorks.
• Pose for photos with lifelike stars at the Hollywood Wax Museum.
• See bizarre artifacts at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium on the Boardwalk.
• Get lost in the glow-in-the-dark Ripley’s Crazy Golf.
• Navigate the confusing twists and turns of Ripley’s Mirror Maze.
• Splash down the slides at Myrtle Waves, South Carolina’s largest water park.
• Play classic and modern games at the Fun Plaza Arcade on the Boardwalk.

Live Entertainment & Nightlife

When the sun goes down, the Grand Strand’s famous stages light up. Catch a high-energy music and dance spectacular at The Carolina Opry or the Alabama Theatre. For a feast with a show, cheer for battling pirates at Pirates Voyage or jousting knights at Medieval Times. Or, for a concert, catch a national touring act at the legendary House of Blues.

• See the award-winning musical variety show at The Carolina Opry.
• Catch “ONE The Show,” the signature production at the Alabama Theatre at Barefoot Landing.
• Watch battling pirate crews and acrobats at the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show.
• See world-famous tribute artists perform at Legends in Concert.
• Catch a national touring band or enjoy the Sunday Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues.
• Laugh out loud at the Carolina Comedy Club.
• Feast and cheer for your knight at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament.
• See a magic show at the Charles Bach Wonders Theatre.
• Enjoy live music on the lawn at The Boathouse, known as “Myrtle’s best backyard”.
• Listen to live country music at The Bowery, an iconic oceanfront bar operating since 1944.
• Enjoy live bands and rooftop views at Tin Roof.
• See the Motown Tribute Show at the GTS Theatre.
• Watch a traditional Polynesian Fire Luau.

Food & Drink

The “Seafood Capital of South Carolina” delivers on its promise. Dive into a legendary “Calabash-style” buffet at Captain Benjamin’s, or enjoy an upscale oceanfront meal at the historic Sea Captain’s House. For a truly local experience, head to Murrells Inlet and stroll the MarshWalk, a boardwalk connecting famous seafood joints like Drunken Jack’s and The Wicked Tuna, all packed with live music and marsh views.

Seafood & Southern Staples

• Indulge in an all-you-can-eat “Calabash-style” seafood buffet at a famous spot like Captain Benjamin’s.
• Have an upscale, oceanfront dinner at Sea Captain’s House.
• Enjoy dinner with a view at Drunken Jack’s on the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk.
• Try the fresh seafood and sushi at The Wicked Tuna, overlooking the Inlet.
• Listen to live music on the patio at Dead Dog Saloon.
• Dine at the nautical-themed RipTydz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar.
• Try the famed lobster bites or prime rib at Flamingo Grill.

Iconic Bites & Local Favorites

• Grab a classic foot-long hot dog at Peaches Corner, a Boardwalk landmark since 1937.
• Have a hearty, Southern breakfast at Mammy’s Kitchen.
• Enjoy a fine dining steak at New York Prime.
• Get a high-end, locally-sourced meal at Aspen Grille.
• Enjoy a casual lunch at Dagwood’s Deli.
• Eat at LandShark Bar & Grill, located at the base of the SkyWheel.

Breweries, Wineries & Bars

• Taste sweet muscadine wine at Duplin Winery.
• Enjoy wine tasting on the porch at La Belle Amie Vineyard.
• Sample local craft beer at New South Brewing.
• Try a flight at Grand Strand Brewing Company, located near the Boardwalk.

Beyond the Beach: Nature & Low Country

Discover the region’s serene Low Country soul just minutes from the beach. Spend a day at the magnificent Brookgreen Gardens, a 9,100-acre National Historic Landmark featuring the world’s largest outdoor sculpture collection and a zoo. Just across the highway, explore the crumbling, Moorish-style halls of Atalaya Castle or take a quiet kayak tour of the Waccamaw River.

• Stroll through the stunning Brookgreen Gardens, home to the largest collection of American figurative sculpture in the country.
• Visit the Lowcountry Zoo, located inside Brookgreen Gardens.
• Take a pontoon boat tour on the Waccamaw River through Brookgreen’s rice plantations.
• Tour Atalaya Castle, the historic Moorish-style winter home of the Huntingtons, at Huntington Beach State Park.
• Walk the boardwalks over the marsh at Vereen Memorial Gardens in Little River.
• Take a scenic cruise on the Intracoastal Waterway.
• Charter a deep-sea fishing excursion to hunt for marlin, tuna, and grouper.
• Visit the Horry County Museum in nearby Conway to see exhibits on local history, including the “Fish T-Rex.”

Shopping & Unique Finds

From high-end boutiques to kitschy souvenirs, shopping is an attraction in itself. Stroll the tree-lined streets of The Market Common for an upscale, “town square” experience. Hunt for deals at the two massive Tanger Outlets. And no trip is complete without getting lost in the sprawling, multi-level Gay Dolphin Gift Cove, a Boardwalk institution since 1946.

• Stroll, shop, and dine in the upscale, “town square” atmosphere of The Market Common.
• Hunt for bargains at the two Tanger Outlets locations (Hwy 501 and Hwy 17).
• Get lost in the massive, multi-level Gay Dolphin Gift Cove, a Boardwalk icon since 1946.
• Browse the unique boutiques and artisan shops at Pawleys Island Hammock Shops.
• Find beachwear and souvenirs at a classic beach shop like Eagles Beachwear or Ron Jon Surf Shop.

Annual Events & Festivals

The Grand Strand loves a celebration, and the calendar is packed. The biggest event of the year is the Carolina Country Music Fest, which brings tens of thousands to the downtown oceanfront. Mark your calendar for other huge gatherings like the Run to the Sun Car Show, the Myrtle Beach Marathon, and the delicious World Famous Blue Crab Festival in nearby Little River.

• Attend the Carolina Country Music Fest, a massive multi-day festival on the oceanfront.
• Sample local cuisine during Restaurant Week South Carolina.
• Run in the annual Myrtle Beach Marathon.
• Welcome Canadian visitors during the Can-Am Days Festival in March.
• See thousands of classic cars at the Run to the Sun Car Show.
• Eat fresh seafood at the World Famous Blue Crab Festival in Little River.
• Experience the Dickens of a Christmas festival at The Market Common.
• Watch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in North Myrtle Beach.

Local Favorites & Day Trips

To feel like a local, grab a hot dog and cheer for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (a Cubs affiliate) at their ballpark. Or, take a day trip to explore the charming, historic riverfront of Conway, or head south to the “arrogantly shabby” elegance of Pawleys Island and the scenic Georgetown Harborwalk.

• Watch a Myrtle Beach Pelicans minor league baseball game at Pelicans Ballpark.
• Take a day trip to historic Conway and walk the Waccamaw Riverwalk.
• Drive south to explore the quiet, upscale charm of Pawleys Island.
• Head further south to Georgetown to walk the scenic Harborwalk.
• Watch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean.
• Enjoy a sunset cocktail overlooking the marsh in Murrells Inlet.
• See a football game at Coastal Carolina University.
• Visit the L.W. Paul Living History Farm in Conway to see farm life from the early 1900s.
• Go fishing at the serene Cherry Grove Fishing Pier.
• Ride a horse on the beach at Inlet Point Plantation.

Map of Things to Do in Myrtle Beach, SC