Myrtle Beach in South Carolina has been a hot tourist spot in American since its inception way back in the 1930s when it was known as the Grand Strand. But the name “Myrtle Beach” was already decided three decades before. The area is home to a native shrub called the wax myrtle, and people chose this name for the location in a contest in 1900. Today, Myrtle Beach is as famous as ever, with visitors from all over the USA seeking sun, sand, and good quality family entertainment.
The 60-mile-long main beach is great for surfing, splashing about, or sunbathing. Once the sun dips below the horizon, it’s time to explore all the restaurants, shopping, and shows the area has to offer. For families with kids, there’s a lot of fun to be had, too. Visit the aquarium, play a round of mini-golf, or cool off at the water park. If you’re planning a trip to Myrtle Beach or curious to see if it’s the spot for your next vacation, watch on for our top picks in this perfect summer destination.
Get to the Beach
It’s all in the name. The number one attraction in Myrtle Beach just has to be the beach, right? Myrtle Beach is renowned for its long, stunning stretch of sand and waves that surfers and sunbathers alike will enjoy. Play beach sports like bodyboarding, Frisbee, parasailing, fishing, reading a book, having a picnic lunch, or just splashing around in the shallows. Get a bit further out, and there’s excellent scuba diving to be had. And since this beach is an epic 60 miles long, you might even be able to get a spot all to yourself. But if you’re a fan of crowds, parts of the beach are also just a step away from hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
Take in the Wonders at Ripley’s Aquarium
Ever wanted to experience the amazing undersea world without getting wet? That’s precisely what you can do if you visit Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach. This ocean-faring tourist spot features an enormous acrylic tunnel that’s entirely surrounded by seawater. Stroll through the Dangerous Reef exhibit, and you have a 180-degree view of an array of ocean-dwelling wildlife. Sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles to about 350 species of fish will be gliding past above your head. If you’re brave enough, you can have a sleepover in the tunnel or dive with sharks in the Dangerous Lagoon. But it’s not all bravado. There’s also a lot of marine education in the Discovery Center and at live events like dive shows and jellyfish feedings.
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Get Geeky at Wonderworks
Are you looking for a bit of infotainment for the kids while on vacation? Then head to WonderWorks Myrtle Beach! This is a science museum, but not the boring kind. These walls are filled with interactive exhibits spread across different WonderZones that focus on subjects like light and sounds, space, physical challenges, and art. There’s also a particular spot for the littlest in your family, where they can play and learn in a safe environment. If you’re looking for something to get your heart pumping, try out the glow-in-the-dark ropes course, jump on a bicycle, or play a round of laser tag. There’s even more excitement outside, with a 1,000-foot-high zip line and a 40-foot-high confidence course.
Hum Along at Dolly Parton’s Pirate’s Voyage
Dolly Parton might be most famous for Dollywood, but did you know she also founded a salty dinner show called Pirate’s Voyage? Well, it just so happens that Myrtle Beach is also home to this oceangoing adventure for landlubbers. Once you’re inside the venue, you’ll be shown to your seat beside a water-filled stage. Dig into hearty pirate-themed fare while you watch acrobats, trained animals, and pirate crews battle it out on the not-so-open seas. It’s a popular show, so even though there are door tickets, it’s best to book online or by phone well before you arrive in Myrtle Beach. Tables are also first-come, first-serve, so arrive early to get the best viewing spot.
Ogle the View from the SkyWheel
Do you love a good view? Then don’t hesitate to take in the beach, ocean, and city scenery from the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel. There are 42 gondolas, and each seats six people so that you can go with quite a big crew. Each glass-walled compartment has AC, so it’s always comfortable inside. If you really want to test your fear of heights and take your experience to the next level, book the VIP gondola. It not only has enormous windows, but it also has a glass floor! You get 360-degree views of Myrtle Beach. Once the sun sets, this icon is lit up with millions of LED lights.
Family Time at Broadway at the Beach
If you’re looking for somewhere with enough to keep the kids entertained for hours, head to Broadway at the Beach. That’s where the places we mentioned before, like Ripley’s Aquarium and WonderWorks, are located. But there’s also so much more! Play dress-up as a family and have memorable historical family snaps taken at Old Tyme Portraits. Get your groove on at celebrity tribute show Legends in Concert. Play a round of mini-golf at Dragon’s Lair Fantasy Golf. Once it gets dark, stroll or man a paddleboat to view the stunningly lit Broadway bridges or stay late to watch the 10 pm daily fireworks display. If you feel your tummy rumbling, there are all kinds of classic food spots to choose from: think burgers, pizza, steak, and seafood.
Forest Bath at Brookgreen Gardens
The beach is beautiful, but it’s a bit of a desert. If you need some green in your life, you’ll be more than pleased by all the plants on offer at Brookgreen Gardens. This management of this unique 9,127-acre property deftly blends wildlife landscaping with contemporary art and history. If you’re a walker, there are miles of paths to wander down. If you’re looking for some downtime, find a secluded spot to sit in and contemplate nature or sail along on a 48-foot pontoon boat. For those seeking to learn from past mistakes, you can tour a Civil War fort and former plantation areas, including a slave village, a historic plantation house, and the Alston family cemetery.
Test Your Limits at Family Kingdom Amusement Park
Few adults, let alone kids, will pass up the chance to visit an amusement park! And Family Kingdom Amusement Park has it all! Carnival and arcade games, a roller coaster, and classic rides like go-karts and bumper cars. For the little ‘uns, there are Ferris wheels, a carousel, and a kiddie train. Best of all, right next door is Splashes Water Park. So after you’ve got all overheated running around the rides, you can cool off with water flumes, a 430-foot-long lazy river, and water slides. You can buy individual ride tickets, but we recommend getting an all-day pass to make the most of your budget.
Airborne Antics at Warbird Park
Did you know that Myrtle Beach was once home to a US Air Force base? The site was decommissioned in 1993 and has since become a fascinating park dedicated to retired military aircraft. There are jet fighters dating from Operation Desert Storm all the way back to the 1950s, and each plane is displayed with details about where it was flown and how it operates. If you want to pay tribute to locally based former service members, there’s also a Wall of Service. Best of all, entry is free!
Shop ‘Til You Drop at Barefoot Landing
If you’re looking for somewhere to shop ‘til you drop, Barefoot Landing is the place to head. In the daytime, this place is the perfect spot for leisurely time-wasting. Eat an ice cream as you stroll around the quaint shops full of local clothing, trinkets, adornments, and souvenirs. Then, you and the kids can head into fun attractions with a carnival feel, like Backstage MirrorMaze and Alligator Adventure. There’s a theatre where you can catch a quality show and the House of Blues if you want to listen to some tunes. Head to Barefoot Landing at night, and you can join a ghost tour, where passionate local guides regale you with spooky stories about the area.
Catch a Show at the Carolina Opry
For over three decades, if you wanted to see a show in Myrtle Beach, you’d head to the Carolina Opry. This iconic venue has seen more than 9,000 productions since it was first built. Some would say it’s the beach resort’s version of Broadway in the Big Apple! So if you’re looking for something to do after the sunsets, this is the place to head. You can see top stand-up comedians and some of America’s best musical theatre and dance productions. The Carlina Opry has even been frequented by winning performers from American Idol and America’s Got Talent. If you’re in town around Christmas time and looking for something to do in cooler weather, the venue usually has a family-friendly Christmas special.
Pose With the Stars at Hollywood House of Wax
Even if you think wax museums are creepy, there’s no denying they’re a fun way to spend an afternoon. You get to escape the heat of the summer in a relaxed, dark environment. Better yet, you get to take cheesy photos posing with all your favorite stars. You’re guaranteed to get at least one good shot for the family photo album! At Myrtle Beach’s Hollywood House of Wax, you’ll get to stand in the shadow of Clint Eastwood, Duane “The Rock” Johnson, or the trio of tough ladies from Charlie’s Angels. You can’t miss this museum: it’s adorned with a replica of the Empire State Building, replete with its own King Kong.
Will you consider Myrtle Beach for your next oceanside adventure? Or are there other vacation spots in the US you’d prefer to visit first? Join the debate in the comment section down below. If you liked this video, give it a thumbs up and share it with your friends and family.