Uncover the most lively coastal community within South Carolina
Discover the Wonders of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach, a vibrant city on the southeastern coast of the United States, offers an array of attractions and activities that cater to history, culture, food, and outdoor enthusiasts.
For those with a passion for history and culture, Brookgreen Gardens (22.4 miles from Myrtle Beach) is a must-visit. This nationally recognized historic site boasts beautiful sculptures, live oak trees, and the Lowcountry Zoo, home to native animals. Art lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will find much to admire here.
Another cultural gem is Huntington Beach State Park, situated near Murrells Inlet. The park is home to Atalaya Castle, a Moorish-style home built in the early 1930s, and hosts the Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival, featuring local food, music, and crafts.
Broadway at the Beach, centrally located, is a lively entertainment district offering dining, shops, live outdoor entertainment, and cultural attractions, including shows and a wax museum.
Foodies will delight in the diverse selection of restaurants in Broadway at the Beach and nearby areas like Murrells Inlet, often referred to as South Carolina’s “Seafood Capital.”
For outdoor pursuits, Myrtle Beach itself offers a wide, clean beach with family-friendly activities and opportunities for relaxing in nature. For those seeking more thrilling water-based adventures, Myrtle Waves Water Park is South Carolina's largest water park, featuring numerous slides and pools, including the state's largest wave pool.
Mini golf is a significant pastime in the area, with elaborate courses found along Route 17 Business, such as Mt. Atlanticus and Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf. Nature lovers will appreciate the hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic beauty of coastal areas like Huntington Beach State Park and Brookgreen Gardens.
Additional entertainment options include Ripley’s Aquarium with marine life displays and interactive exhibits, the SkyWheel Ferris wheel for panoramic views of the coastline, indoor attractions like WonderWorks, and dinner shows such as Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage.
Litchfield Beach, a tranquil escape located approximately 20 miles south of downtown Myrtle Beach, offers a more relaxed atmosphere. Eco-friendly restaurants like Hook & Barrel serve popular dishes like oysters, seared scallops, and crabcakes. The Bowery, a landmark honky-tonk bar, offers live music and a selection of cold, crisp beers.
Charlie's Place, located in central Myrtle Beach, was once a nightclub and hotel that hosted Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, and Cab Calloway during the Jim Crow era. The Sea Captain's House, an oceanfront restaurant known for its she-crab soup and hush puppies, is another local favourite. Big Mike's Soul Food, a no-frills establishment serving Southern comfort dishes, is also worth a visit.
The best times to visit Myrtle Beach depend on your preferences. Spring and summer offer ideal conditions for outdoor pursuits, autumn is perfect for golfers, and winter provides a festive atmosphere with whimsical lights and Christmas-themed shows.
For accommodation, the Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Enclave Myrtle Beach offers sleek and elegant suites, a children's activity center, outdoor and sheltered pools, and a poolside bar. The Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes, an expansive oceanfront hotel with modern rooms and sprawling outdoor pools, is another popular choice.
Families will appreciate the Dunes Village Resort, an oceanfront resort with rooms ranging from studios to four-bedroom suites, an indoor water park, and a 250ft-long lazy river.
Myrtle Beach's attractions extend beyond its city limits. The SkyWheel, a 187ft-tall observation wheel, offers panoramic views of the coastline. The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, a half-mile wooden boardwalk, is a haven for nature lovers, where various birds and wildlife can be spotted.
With over 80 full-sized golf courses and over 30 mini courses, Myrtle Beach is rightfully known as the Golf Capital of the World. Sandy Island, a 12,000-acre freshwater islet, provides a serene escape.
In conclusion, Myrtle Beach offers a well-rounded experience blending historic sites, cultural events, diverse food options, and plentiful outdoor and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal destination for a memorable vacation.
- Nature enthusiasts can explore the Lowcountry Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens, home to native wildlife, and enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic beauty.
- Food lovers will appreciate the diverse selection of restaurants in Myrtle Beach and nearby areas, with a focus on fresh seafood, especially in South Carolina’s “Seafood Capital,” Murrells Inlet.
- For those seeking an eco-friendly dining experience, Litchfield Beach offers restaurants like Hook & Barrel, serving popular dishes in a sustainable manner.
- A community hub, Broadcast at the Beach, features dining, shops, live entertainment, and cultural attractions, making it an ideal spot for experiencing local culture.
- Beyond its city limits, visitors can explore attractions like the SkyWheel for panoramic views of the coastline and the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, a haven for nature lovers, where various birds and wildlife can be spotted.
