Myrtle Beach Tours & Activities

Plan your trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — handpicked tours and activities, the best time to visit, where to stay and eat, how to get there, and a sample itinerary.

Top things to do in Myrtle Beach

• Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade. This 1.2-mile oceanfront walkway stretches from the 2nd Avenue Pier to the 14th Avenue Pier, lined with seafood restaurants, arcade games, live entertainment, and the iconic SkyWheel. Renovated in recent years with colorful recycled-plastic boards, it is the beating heart of the Grand Strand and open 24 hours a day.
• Myrtle Beach SkyWheel. Standing 187 feet above the Atlantic, this climate-controlled observation wheel anchors the Boardwalk with 42 enclosed gondolas seating up to six people each. The views stretch up and down the Grand Strand at sunset and are particularly dramatic at night when the wheel is illuminated.
• Brookgreen Gardens. Set on a 9,000-acre former rice plantation about 20 miles south of Myrtle Beach, Brookgreen is a National Historic Landmark housing the largest collection of American figurative sculpture in the world — more than 2,000 works by 425 artists — alongside botanical gardens and a wildlife habitat with alligators, river…
• Myrtle Beach State Park. One of the last stands of maritime forest on South Carolina's coast, this 312-acre state park offers a lifeguarded ocean beach, a 700-foot fishing pier, nature trails through live oak and palmetto woods, and a Nature Center with saltwater aquariums and live animals — a calm counterpoint to the commercial Grand Strand.
• Broadway at the Beach. South Carolina's largest entertainment complex sprawls across 350 acres around a 23-acre lake, with more than 20 restaurants, 100-plus specialty shops, Ripley's Aquarium, WonderWorks, Legends in Concert, and a nightclub district — drawing over 14 million visitors a year and keeping all ages occupied for an entire day.
• Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach. Anchored inside Broadway at the Beach, this immersive aquarium features a 330-foot Dangerous Reef shark tunnel with sawfish and sea turtles in a 750,000-gallon exhibit, South African penguins, sloths, stingray touch tanks, and live mermaid diving shows — one of the most visited attractions on the Grand Strand.
• Murrells Inlet MarshWalk. Dubbed the Seafood Capital of South Carolina, Murrells Inlet sits about 12 miles south of Myrtle Beach and its half-mile wooden MarshWalk fronts tidal marshes with a string of dockside restaurants, oyster bars, and live-music venues. Dolphin sightings at dusk are a reliable bonus.
• Grand Strand Golf. With more than 90 public and resort courses stretching 60 miles from Pawleys Island to Sunset Beach, NC, the Grand Strand is one of the most concentrated golf destinations in the United States. Designers include Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus, and stay-and-play packages make it a relative…

Best time to visit Myrtle Beach

Mid-April to early June, or late September to late October. Shoulder seasons offer comfortable temperatures (65–80°F range), lower humidity, less rain, and smaller crowds than peak summer. WeatherSpark rates these windows as optimal for warm-weather outdoor activities. Spring also coincides with major events like Bike Week and SOS

Myrtle Beach weather by month

Getting to Myrtle Beach

A car is strongly recommended for exploring the full 60-mile Grand Strand. However, if you stay oceanfront near the Boardwalk, the Coast RTA bus system (Route 10 runs along Ocean Boulevard) and rideshare apps cover most in-town needs. Avoid US-17 during summer afternoons — use SC-31 (Carolina Bays Parkway) or Robert M. Grissom Parkway to bypass the worst congestion.

• MYR Myrtle Beach International Airport — 5 min drive
• ILM Wilmington International Airport — 75 min drive
• CHS Charleston International Airport — 105 min drive

Where to stay in Myrtle Beach

Where to base yourself, by neighborhood.

• Downtown Myrtle Beach / The Boardwalk District. The oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade district is ground zero for the classic Myrtle Beach experience — walkable to the SkyWheel, seafood restaurants, summer fireworks, and the beach itself. Hotels range from budget-friendly high-rises to full-service… Good for: First-time visitors, couples, solo travelers, anyone who wants the full beach-boardwalk atmosphere.
• Broadway at the Beach / Central Myrtle Beach. A few blocks inland from the ocean, this entertainment-dense corridor surrounds the 23-acre Broadway at the Beach complex. Lodging here (many with resort pools and lazy rivers) tends to be more affordable than oceanfront, while remaining central to virtually… Good for: Families with kids, groups seeking entertainment and dining variety, budget-conscious travelers.
• Grande Dunes / Arcadian Shores. Located in the northern stretch of Myrtle Beach, Grande Dunes is the Grand Strand's prestige address — a 2,000-plus-acre master-planned community with gated enclaves, championship golf, a marina, and the Marriott Resort and Spa as its flagship property.… Good for: Golfers, couples seeking luxury and calm, spa-goers, longer stays.
• North Myrtle Beach / Ocean Drive. A separate municipality 9 miles north of central Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach has 14 miles of wide, uncrowded beaches, the legendary Main Street shag-dancing scene (Fat Harold's Beach Club), Barefoot Landing shopping and dining on the Intracoastal… Good for: Families, beach-music enthusiasts, travelers who want quiet beaches without driving far from attractions.
• The Market Common. Built on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, this walkable mixed-use neighborhood 4 miles south of downtown feels more like a charming small town than a beach resort. Tree-lined streets, a lakeside park, boutique shops, and a strong restaurant scene draw… Good for: Couples, shoppers, travelers who prefer a neighborhood feel over a resort-strip atmosphere.
• Surfside Beach. A small residential town about 8 miles south of downtown Myrtle Beach that bills itself as the 'Family Beach.' Quieter, more affordable, and with a long walkable stretch of uncrowded sand, it attracts budget-conscious families and those seeking a laidback… Good for: Budget travelers, families with young children, repeat visitors who want fewer crowds.

Where to eat in Myrtle Beach

A curated set of standout tables and local favorites.

Local favorites & classics

• Sea Captain's House. North Ocean Boulevard / Midtown · Seafood — An oceanfront Myrtle Beach institution since 1962, voted Southern Living's Best Seafood Restaurant four years running. Known for its she-crab soup, fresh…
• Lee's Inlet Kitchen. Murrells Inlet · Lowcountry Seafood — A family-owned landmark since 1948 and Southern Living's Best Seafood Restaurant in South Carolina 2023. Famous for its heirloom-recipe fried shrimp, onion…
• Wicked Tuna. Murrells Inlet MarshWalk · Fresh Seafood / New American — Perched over the marsh on the iconic MarshWalk, Wicked Tuna operates its own fishing fleet — fish literally travel from hook to plate the…
• Captain George's Seafood Restaurant. 29th Avenue North / Broadway District · All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Buffet — A Grand Strand institution directly across from Broadway at the Beach, serving a 70-plus-item all-you-can-eat buffet of crab…
• Mako's Marina Bar and Grill. Little River (north of North Myrtle Beach) · Coastal Seafood — A waterfront marina spot known for fresh-caught coastal cooking — Jerk Mahi, Parmesan-Crusted Halibut, and local shellfish — with…
• UPTWN Prime. Myrtle Beach · Upscale Steakhouse — A newcomer earning buzz for 21-plus-day dry-aged prime steaks and bone-in cuts, paired with an extensive wine program. The closest thing to a destination…
• National House of Pancakes. 211 N Kings Hwy · 4.7★ (38,065 reviews)
• The Hangout. 1181 Celebrity Cir · 4.8★ (19,896 reviews)

Cafés, bakeries & casual

• Hook and Barrel. North Kings Highway · Contemporary Coastal Seafood — Opened in 2017 by the team behind Croissants Bistro, this sustainability-focused restaurant rotates its menu quarterly to match peak-season…
• Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen and Bar. The Market Common · Southern / New American — The Asheville-based Southern kitchen serves scratch-made, responsibly sourced plates — shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, stone-ground goat cheese…
• Ole Smoky Distillery and Yee-Haw Brewing. Broadway at the Beach · Barbecue / Craft Beer / Moonshine — A waterfront complex at Broadway at the Beach combining slow-smoked barbecue, Tennessee moonshine tastings, and craft beers from Yee-Haw…
• Johnny D’s Waffles, Myrtle Beach. 3301 N Kings Hwy · 4.6★ (6,551 reviews)
• Toffino's Italian Bakery Deli Pizzeria. 550 Farrow Pkwy · 4.6★ (3,383 reviews)
• Beach Hippie Coffee ®. 5311 N Kings Hwy · 4.9★ (1,417 reviews)
• Croissants Bistro & Bakery. 8014 N Kings Hwy · 4.7★ (1,773 reviews)
• The Baked Bear. 1210 Celebrity Cir #205 · 4.9★ (1,066 reviews)

A 7-Day Myrtle Beach Plan

1. Day 1 — Boardwalk, Beach & SkyWheel. Start your Myrtle Beach visit with a stroll along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, soaking in ocean views and the classic beach-town energy. Grab breakfast at one of the boardwalk cafes before the crowds arrive. Ride the iconic Myrtle Beach SkyWheel for sweeping panoramic…
2. Day 2 — Aquarium, Amusements & Family Fun. Spend the morning at Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, walking through the stunning shark tunnel and watching live stingray feedings — a highlight for all ages. Head to Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Splashes Oceanfront Water Park for roller coasters, classic carnival…
3. Day 3 — Broadway Shopping & Entertainment District. Explore Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach's sprawling entertainment complex, beginning with a lakeside breakfast at the district's waterfront restaurants. Browse the unique shops and attractions at Broadway at the Beach, including WonderWorks and Celebrity Square;…
4. Day 4 — Garden Sanctuary & Low Country Heritage. Drive south to Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, one of the most stunning sculpture gardens in America, set amid ancient Live Oaks draped in Spanish moss. Continue to the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, a half-mile boardwalk lined with waterfront restaurants and sweeping…
5. Day 5 — Dolphins, Watersports & Ocean Adventure. Book a dolphin-watching cruise out of Myrtle Beach's waterway for a chance to see Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat — departures begin in the morning. Return to the beach for an afternoon of watersports: try jet skiing, parasailing, or…
6. Day 6 — Fairways, Greens & Grand Strand Golf. Tee off at one of the Grand Strand's world-class courses — Dunes Golf and Beach Club or Caledonia Golf and Fish Club offer spectacular settings at a range of skill levels. After your round, visit The Market Common, a walkable urban village in a beautifully restored former…
7. Day 7 — Shag Dancing, Beach Music & Local Soul. Visit Myrtle Beach State Park for a morning nature walk through coastal Carolina forest, with a short trail leading to a quieter, more natural stretch of beach. Explore the history of Carolina Shag Dancing — the official state dance of South Carolina — at the Shagger's…

Events & festivals in Myrtle Beach

• Spring SOS — Society of Stranders Shag Festival (April 16–26, 2026). Ten-day celebration of the Carolina Shag, South Carolina's official state dance, held in North Myrtle Beach. Features dance competitions, instruction, live bands on Main Street, club parades, and tea parties at the OD…
• Myrtle Beach Bike Week — Spring Rally (May 8–17, 2026 (87th Annual; held annually since 1940)). One of the largest motorcycle rallies in the United States, drawing approximately 200,000 riders annually to the Grand Strand. The spring rally has been held along the Grand Strand since 1940.
• Atlantic Beach Bikefest (Black Bike Week) (Memorial Day weekend (late May)). Founded in 1980 by the Flaming Knight Riders motorcycle club in nearby Atlantic Beach; now the largest African American motorcycle rally in the United States, drawing 350,000–400,000 attendees annually.
• Myrtle Beach Bike Week — Fall Rally (September 25–October 4, 2026). The autumn counterpart to the spring motorcycle rally, held along Ocean Boulevard and throughout the Grand Strand.

Top-rated tours & activities in Myrtle Beach

• Waccamaw River Nature and Wildlife Tour — 4.9★ (1,389 reviews)
• 2 Hour Semi-Private Surf Lesson — 4.9★ (175 reviews)
• Original Motown Tribute Show — 4.8★ (981 reviews)
• Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Ticket in Myrtle Beach — 4.6★ (2,438 reviews)
• Riga Tony's Murder Mystery Dinner Show — 4.4★ (585 reviews)
• Music and Memories at Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre — 5.0★ (286 reviews)
• Original Motown Christmas Tribute Show — 4.9★ (93 reviews)
• Award Winning Las Vegas-Style Magic Show! Charles Bach Wonders! — 4.8★ (624 reviews)

Myrtle Beach travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Myrtle Beach?

Mid-April to early June, or late September to late October.

What are the top things to do in Myrtle Beach?

Top experiences include Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, Brookgreen Gardens, Myrtle Beach State Park, Broadway at the Beach.

Which airport is closest to Myrtle Beach?

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is the nearest, about 5 minutes away.

Where should I stay in Myrtle Beach?

Popular areas to base yourself include Downtown Myrtle Beach / The Boardwalk District, Broadway at the Beach / Central Myrtle Beach, Grande Dunes / Arcadian Shores, North Myrtle Beach / Ocean Drive.

How do I get around Myrtle Beach?

A car is strongly recommended for exploring the full 60-mile Grand Strand.