Myrtle Beach is a beautiful Atlantic Coast city, most known as a vacation resort - and for good reasons. It's almost as if most Myrtle Beach attractions are directly tailored to tourists, with a 60-mile span of gorgeous beaches, long boardwalks to explore, and plenty of tourist hotspots - famous as the Grand Strand.
And yet, despite that, there are plenty of hidden gems and low-key attractions for more relaxed, subtle exploration. There are numerous things to do in Myrtle Beach, from the bizarre to the sunny and from the historical to the tranquil.
You can find places suitable for people of all ages and interests, so how can you choose between them? This list is here to help you out! Here are the 30 top tourist attractions in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
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Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade is one of the country's best boardwalks. Opened in 2012, it spans a total of 1.2 miles and is an accessible spot on the gorgeous cobalt waves of the Atlantic Ocean. While Broadway on the Beach is perhaps more popular, this boardwalk is no less appealing and is even more versatile.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade is divided into three portions. The first is the North Walkway, where you'll find a rustic wooden deck raised above the ground, some stunning landscaping, and plenty of lush vegetation. Next, there's the bustling central area, a lively and vibrant spot filled with cafes, arcades, stores, and a festive atmosphere. Finally, you can check out the South Promenade, which boasts lots of verdant lands to walk and benches to sit on in a beautiful seaside park.
Regular events are held throughout the sections of Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade. There's live music, fireworks shows, seasonal festivals, and much more! It's a must-see in Myrtle Beach.
Address: Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
The Carolina Opry is one of the chief Myrtle Beach tourist attractions for entertainment and live music. It was opened in 1986 and has been a hub for performances of all sorts ever since. Whether you want to watch a dance show, a Broadway musical, a comedy performance, a country music concert, or a gospel choir, you'll find something suitable here.
All shows at the Carolina Opry benefit from its high-tech, state-of-the-art behind-the-scenes magic, with great lighting, special effects, and sound facilities. This allows for its two-hour shows to be immersive and engaging. In the festive season, the Carolina Opry hosts the Carolina Opry Christmas Special, a famous performance that continues to improve and grow annually.
Address: 8901 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show is an entertainment and dining establishment that can be found in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It was created by the iconic Dolly Parton and is an absolute must-see in Myrtle Beach.
The show of this establishment involves a bunch of water-themed performances. Some of these stars the Pirate Crews Sapphire and Crimson, which invite audience participation as they square off and showcase a wide range of acrobatic tricks.
There are also lots of animal shows featuring sea lions and parrots who perform stunts, join contests, and put on a good comedy show. As you eat, you'll get to eat a delicious four-course dinner. Each course is served appropriately as you watch plays, re-enactments, battles, and all sorts of acts!
Address: 8907 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
You'd be hard-pressed to find any Myrtle Beach attractions more iconic and famous than Broadway at the Beach. Since it opened in 1995, this has been a haven for entertainment and shopping. It covers a whopping 350 acres and can be found right in the heart of Myrtle Beach, on Celebrity Circle.
It's tough to run out of things to do at Broadway at the Beach. There are a hundred or so stores and shops, more than 20 dining establishments, and a total of three theaters. There are hotels, nightclubs, and a wide range of attractions, many of which are considered top spots in Myrtle Beach on their own.
Broadway at the Beach also has a beautiful 23-acre centerpiece known as Lake Broadway. This is where you'll find the hippest nightlife and best accommodation spots. If that sounds up your alley, check it out!
Address: 1325 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Myrtle Beach State Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Myrtle Beach. It's a notable haven for South Carolina outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, encompassing 312 acres at South Kings Highway along the Atlantic Ocean's coastline.
The park opened its doors in 1935, making it the first South Carolina State Park and boasting long-stay cabins and camping facilities. You'll encounter all sorts of terrain at Myrtle Beach State Park, from sandy beaches to maritime forests. It's a tranquil, reflective environment of relative quiet, perfect for activities like hiking, surf fishing, picnicking, sightseeing, sunbathing, swimming, bird watching, and more.
There are also educational features, such as marked nature trails, marine life education, and children's summer programs. Anglers will especially love the fishing pier that extends off the park's land into the Atlantic Ocean.
Address: 4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
Also Read: 25 Best State Parks to Visit in the US
Looking for fun things to do in Myrtle Beach that won't wear you out? The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is an excellent choice. This beautiful Ferris wheel was opened in 2011 and spans 187 feet in height. It can be seen in the city's skyline from a distance and is the country's sixth tallest observation wheel.
The SkyWheel gives you a gorgeous view of the surrounding area through beautiful gondolas. Each ride lasts about eight to 10 minutes, during which you and between one and five fellow passengers in your gondola will make three full revolutions of the wheel.
There's a VIP flight option, too, which is fancier and quite romantic. It uses a four-person gondola with glass floors and leather seats so you can sink into comfort while surrounded by beautiful panoramic views.
Address: 1110 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
The gorgeous Brookgreen Gardens are among the most delightful and beautiful attractions in Myrtle Beach. This 9,127-acre property is technically located south of South Carolina's Murrells Inlet, though it is often considered close enough to Myrtle Beach to be among its attractions.
It is, in equal part, a wildlife preserve and a sculpture garden, encompassing the Lowcountry Zoo and several themed gardens. At the Brookgreen Gardens, you'll spot tons of American figurative sculptures, nature reserves linked by trails and unique ecosystems perfectly divided for flora and fauna within.
The gardens were initially intended for an industrialist's wife, who needed a place to recover from tuberculosis. Later, they opened the grounds to create the country's biggest and oldest sculpture garden. This is a harmonious blend of art, nature, and history.
Address: Brookgreen Garden Dr, SC
Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is one of the most fun attractions in Myrtle Beach. The aquarium is a haven for marine enthusiasts, families, and curious guests from all walks of life. This is a great spot to learn all about aquatic habitats and what they look like from within.
Much of its habitats are home to marine residents from the Amazon River and across the Indo-Pacific, allowing rarer and lesser-known fish to be seen in the flesh - or, rather, scale!
Ripley's Aquarium is perhaps most known for its beautiful acrylic tunnel, which winds throughout the length of the building so you can look at thousands of underwater creatures. You'll spot sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, fish, and more exotic varieties like clown triggerfish. In addition to all of that, the aquarium regularly hosts dive shows, mermaid shows, live shows, and live feedings.
Address: 1110 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Also Read: Best Aquariums in the United States
Wondering what to do in Myrtle Beach that's fun for people of all ages? Family Kingdom Amusement Park is a great bet! This seaside theme park is 13 acres in size and contains an impressive 37 rides, each tailored to an age group, thus allowing for plenty of options for everyone.
This is one of the only pay-as-you-go-parks remaining in the country, continuing this tradition since it opened in 1966. Family Kingdom Amusement Park has plenty of fun rides. These include a 100-foot Ferris wheel with observational gondolas, a carousel from 1923, a roller coaster called Swamp Fox, drop towers, and splash rides.
You can also play at the carnival game stalls, ride bumper cars and go-karts, and play some arcade games. Don't want to spend too much? Wander the grounds, watch the clowns and tilt walkers, and interact with painters, magicians, and balloon artists.
Address: 300 S Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Also Read: Best Amusement Parks in the US
The Myrtle Waves Water Park is the biggest waterpark in South Carolina, making it one of the most fun spots in Myrtle Beach. It spans 20 acres and utilizes over a million gallons of water. There are rafts, slides, chutes, rides, and other attractions, like a lazy river and a flow rider.
The Myrtle Waves Water Park also has its fair share of adrenaline-pumping rides, like the Racin River, which reaches speeds of 250 miles per hour, and the Super Chute slide, which is a 20-foot enclosed rush. You can also hop on rides with scary names like Snake Mountain's King Cobra and Turbo Twisters or opt for more relaxed ones suitable for all ages.
Address: 3000 Mr Joe White Ave, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
If you haven't been living under a rock for the past several decades, then you've probably heard of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! You may have even grown up reading or watching materials from that franchise. That's why you should stop by Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, one of the most amusing places in Myrtle Beach!
This museum is filled with bizarre, strange, and one-of-a-kind items. Its two floors are unique and quirky, with attractions like a mirror maze, a haunted laser tag arena, and even a giant arcade. Of course, the Odditorium's primary draws are its weird collections of items, like rare animal skeletons, shrunken human skulls, sculptures built from the strangest materials, six-legged pigs, vampire-hunting kits, and spinning vortex tunnels.
Address: 901 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
WonderWorks is one of the most unique things to do in Myrtle Beach. The science museum is almost like an indoor theme and amusement park for people of all ages. Innovation, fun, and novelty all meet for this hands-on, highly educational, and activity-filled institution!
WonderWorks is separated into several themed areas, each one fittingly called a WonderZone. They cover various topics, such as light and sound, space exploration, natural disasters, art, and physical challenges.
Some zones are dedicated to specific age groups, so there are spaces for babies and toddlers, too. Aside from exhibits, kids can enjoy a bunch of even more engaging activities. There's a laser tag arena, an experience where children can try Extreme 360 bikes, several rides, a 6D motion theater, and a big bubble area.
Address: 1313 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Also Read: The Most Beautiful Buildings in America
While technically a part of Broadway at the Beach, the beautiful and exciting Pavillion Park deserves its spot on this list of Myrtle Beach attractions. This amusement park, like Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, is separated into three sections in Celebrity Circle.
Pavilion Park Central is filled with adult rides bursting with thrills that will get your blood rushing! These include the likes of the Cliff Hanger and Pipeline Slide. Meanwhile, the East and West sides both offer something for kids.
In the former, you'll find a famous historic carousel, and in the latter, your kids will get to ride the Myrtle Turtle, Rio Grande Train, or Red Baron Mini Jets! Rising above all the attractions and rides is a giant observation wheel that allows you to see the cityscape and sea around you. It's a lovely bird's eye view.
Address: 1171 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Barefoot Landing is a multi-purpose complex designed to be somewhat similar in concept to Broadway at the Beach, though it is much smaller in scope and scale. It can be found in Myrtle Beach's northern area, close to Barefoot Resort. Barefoot Landing is a tranquil area perfect for unwinding, relaxing, or enjoying a low-key day. There are plenty of shops and places to eat, and you can purchase apparel, jewelry, gifts, souvenirs, and knick-knacks. In the summer, fireworks shows happen at night, too.
Address: 4898 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
The Hollywood Wax Museum is one of the most interesting places to go in Myrtle Beach, especially if you haven't been to a wax museum before. This is the place to be if you want some wacky photos with your favorite celebrities in wax form. This branch of the Hollywood Wax Museum opened in 2014 and is filled with great famous figures.
Among the wax replicas are those of Taylor Swift, Audrey Hepburn, Robert Downey Jr., and several horror villains from iconic, classic films. You'll also find a notable King Kong figure in the form of a 35-foot giant ape figure. There is even a great gift shop worth checking out for Hollywood-themed souvenirs.
Address: 1808 21st Ave N Unit A, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
If you're looking for things to do in Myrtle Beach that's in touch with the hip local crowd, check out the Market Common.
This is a community and lifestyle area spanning 114 acres, with many living quarters, eateries, and stores.
Whether you want to do some window shopping or spend some dough, this is a great place to be.
There are also a few entertainment spots in the Market Common, such as a bowling alley, places to play billiards, and art galleries.
Cyclists will also find plenty of available spaces to ride a bike and get some exercise.
Don't forget that you can also check out many South Carolina local outlets to get an authentic taste of the local trends.
Address: 4017 Deville St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Warbird Park is a hidden gem of sorts, but it's one of the sights in Myrtle Beach that are well worth seeing.
It can be found within the Market Common and is situated on the grounds of the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base.
It charges no admission fee and is an excellent spot for aviation enthusiasts and those interested in history.
Warbird Park was turned into a park in 1993 and showcases several types of aircraft that the original Air Force Base once used.
There's an Operation Desert Story A-10 Warthog Thunderbolt, an F-100 jet fighter, and even an A-7 Corsair tactical fighter jet.
Other aircraft are also on display, as is a Wall of Service with the names of everyone who has ever served at this base.
Address: Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
The Broadway Grand Prix Family Race Park is a great spot for racing enthusiasts and anyone who wants to see if they have a need for speed.
Originally the NASCAR Speedpark, this is one of the many awesome Myrtle Beach attractions.
It features seven different tracks with different difficulty levels for different ages.
The fastest and toughest is the Grand Prix Pro Tack, which runs for 20 miles per hour.
When you're done racing, you can also head to the Broadway Grand Prix Family Race Park's other attractions.
There's an arcade, a racing-themed mini-golf course, a kids' area complete with seven rides, a sky coaster, and even a rock climbing wall.
Address: 1820 21st Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Wheels of Yesteryear is a classic car museum that opened its doors in 2009.
Whether you're an avid automobile enthusiast, enjoy slices of history, or are just looking for cool spots in Myrtle Beach.
This museum consists of cars owned by Paul Cummings, an avid collector and enthusiast of classic vehicles.
It is he who has restored the hundred-or-so cars here. About 50 cars are displayed at Wheels of Yesteryear in one go.
Each January, the inventory changes and rotates, so if you come back for your next holiday, there will be something new to see.
This is one of the biggest collections of American-made retro cars in all of the Southeast.
You can find a 1963 Corvette Split Window Sting Ray Coupe, a 1969 Mercury Cycle CJ, and a 1949 Dodge truck.
There are also plenty of cars by big brands like Plymouth, Dodge, and Chrysler.
Address: 413 Hospitality Ln, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
The Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum is undoubtedly one of the best arcades in South Carolina.
It's in the perfect central location, surrounded by accommodation establishments, eateries, attractions, and stores to shop at.
The museum itself, of course, is the primary attraction!
The Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum is one of the greatest places to visit in Myrtle Beach for avid gamers and fans of all things vintage.
More than 25 machines are on display, ranging from the modern to those from the 1970s.
You can find popular ones involving The Wizard of Oz, Monopoly, Star Wars, The Simpsons, and Indiana Jones.
Better yet, this isn't a hands-off museum - the goal is for you to try out the machines and play on them.
Address: 607 27th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum is a central part of the culture and art scene of South Carolina.
As such, it's among the Myrtle Beach attractions that aren't to be missed.
It is housed in an old building that dates back to 1924 when it was the 10,000-square-foot Springmaid Villa.
The museum itself opened its doors in 1997 and charges no admission fee.
At its core, this is a learning space, complete with classrooms, a library, and of course, multiple visual arts exhibits.
There are four art collections and several temporary shows featuring media like photos, ceramics, and sculptures.
The main permanent collection uses photos and portraits to tell the story of Myrtle Beach.
The traditional Barbara Burgess and John Dinkelspiel Collection of Southern Art and the unique Bishop Maps and Prints Collection are two other collections.
But, undoubtedly, the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum's most famous attraction is its Waccamaw Arts and Crafts Guild collection.
Address: 3100 S Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Savannah's Playground is a gorgeous ADA-accessible play place designed for kids and people of all ages.
For the most part, it is specifically designed to be used by individuals with disabilities, so keep that in mind.
If you're traveling with someone who would benefit from such welcoming accessibility, this is one of the places in Myrtle Beach that you should absolutely bring them to!
Savannah’s Playground does charge fees, depending on which attraction you want to use.
There are swings, a paddleboarding and fishing pond, a child-safe zip line, a ropes course, lots of musical toys, and a water park-type playground.
The playground is divided into several different areas so you can go exactly where you want to.
Address: 3600-3640 Emmens Ave, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
The T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station is one of the best Myrtle Beach attractions for animal lovers and those interested in environmental conservation.
Covering 50 acres, this institution is home to multiple endangered wildlife species, not just tigers, so you can see mammals like orangutans, leopards, and chimpanzees.
Walking tours of the T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station is available from March to October and last about three hours.
During these tours, you'll see animals living and moving freely outside confines and cages.
You'll even get the chance to hold baby apes and tiger cubs! After that, check out the free-living tiger museum, filled with information and wildlife exhibits.
Address: 4898 Highway 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
The Bowery is a live music club with a lengthy history, and it's one of the best nightlife-related Myrtle Beach attractions.
This storied location has hosted rock shows and country performances since 1944, where it has sat close to the waterfront in a perfect, rustic package.
Music at The Bowery gets started every night at around half past eight and runs late into the night.
While you're here, you can eat great bar food and, if you're lucky, catch a popular country band performance in full swing.
Address: 110 9th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the many heart-of-the-city Myrtle Beach tourist attractions, head out to Huntington Beach State Park.
This peaceful place is a great, less hectic beach spanning 3 miles.
It has a great jetty to fish from, plenty of trails to hike and bike, an informative nature center, and some tremendous bird-watching opportunities.
In addition, Huntington Beach State Park is the home of Atalaya Castle, a stunning Moorish building that looks into the lives of Hispanic scholar and industrialist Archer Milton Huntington and his sculptor wife, Anna Hyatt Huntington.
Address: 16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
If you're looking for fun things to do in Myrtle Beach and like a good round of golf, head to Mt. Atlanticus Miniature Golf.
It is designed to resemble a mountain, where you must continue climbing higher as you make your way from hole to hole, with difficulty fluctuating between each.
This occurs because the course is on Mt. Atlanticus, so it's 75 feet up!
Mt. Atlanticus Miniature Golf has two courses for a total of 36 holes, and both are tropical-themed with tiki influences.
The courses are named the Minotaur and the Conch, and in both, if you score a hole-in-one at their last holes, you can win free games for life.
Address: 707 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
The Backstage Mirror Maze is one of the most fun places to go in Myrtle Beach.
It's a 2,000-square-foot expanse arranged to resemble a noir film from old-time cinema, filled with mirror and laser mazes.
It's a confusing conundrum of an attraction sure to get your heart pumping and mind spinning.
The theme of this attraction is simple: you're in a mafia thriller as a mob member of Lucky Luciano.
It's 1933, and you're on the run after robbing Time Square Bank! You'll wear kaleidoscope glasses that make the mirrors and lights much more intense as you attempt to escape with your hard-earned loot through the twists and turns.
Address: 1314 Celebrity Cir #165, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Alabama Theatre might seem oddly named, as it's not in Alabama, but it is, in fact, among Myrtle Beach attractions.
That's because it's named after Alabama, the country music band which performed one of its most popular and famous shows in its early days here in Myrtle Beach.
The band opened the Alabama Theatre in 1993.
It has a seating capacity of 2,000 and sits inside the shopping mall of Barefoot Landing.
All sorts of well-known artists and performers have taken to its stage, entertaining adoring audiences.
Address: 4750 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
The Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum is dedicated to educating visitors on the history of segregation and civil rights in this part of South Carolina.
As its name suggests, this museum was originally a school for young black Americans who were not allowed to study with white kids.
This school barely met the absolute minimum requirements for a suitable learning environment.
Today, the Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum is one of the essential historical attractions in Myrtle Beach.
It refuses to sugarcoat what the reality for its students was.
It has a restored classroom and several exhibits that include newspaper excerpts and photos that tell its tale.
The museum also continues to be an important educational center for the community today.
Address: 900 Dunbar St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Like a good drink? If so, the New South Brewing is one of the best places to visit in Myrtle Beach! It offers free tours of its grounds, which is a real treat as it has been in operation since 1998.
Its life as a small microbrewery has grown over time, allowing it to produce approximately 3,000 barrels of handcrafted ale every year.
Canned beer is even sold alongside it all!
The New South Brewing Company does fresh draft beer well.
They produce a wide range of brews, such as dark star porter, nut brown ale, stout, white ale, double IPA, and pale ale.
You can sample these drinks in their taproom and purchase souvenirs during your visit.
Address: 1109 Campbell St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Also Read: The Best Brewery Tours in the USA
An interactive map of the best attractions in Myrtle Beach, SC. Use the map to explore all the top attractions.
Myrtle Beach attractions are diverse, vibrant, and varied, with plenty of options for people of all interests and ages. You can head to the beach or the boardwalk, lounge in a park, visit a preserve or check out a museum. And then, after that, you can take a trip to a wide range of entertainment establishments, ranging from live performances to games and activities. This beautiful city is the perfect holiday destination, and with this guide, you'll have no problem identifying the best attractions to visit.