- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach's story began not with colonial forts but as a 20th-century resort town, shaped by the Burroughs & Collins Company. While the iconic Ocean Forest Hotel is gone, its legacy defines the Grand Strand's ambition. Look for surviving mid-century Googie architecture in older motels along Ocean Boulevard, a stark contrast to modern high-rises. This development history is key to understanding the city's unique, entertainment-focused layout.
The 60-mile Grand Strand is the centerpiece, but nature extends inland to the blackwater Waccamaw River, perfect for serene kayak trips through cypress swamps. At Huntington Beach State Park, you can spot nesting sea turtles in summer or alligators from the causeway year-round. For a different view, walk the length of Apache Pier, one of the East Coast's longest wooden piers, for unparalleled fishing and ocean vistas.
Beyond the buffets, the local food scene thrives on Calabash-style seafood, known for its light batter and fresh taste. For a true coastal experience, head to Murrells Inlet, the "Seafood Capital of South Carolina." Here, you can try a Lowcountry boil, a regional one-pot feast of shrimp, sausage, and corn. It's an authentic taste of the area's Gullah Geechee culinary heritage, a highlight for anyone visiting Myrtle Beach.
- Myrtle BeachUnited States
- Myrtle BeachUnited States
- Myrtle BeachUnited States
- Myrtle BeachUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild weather, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot, peak tourist season
- Wintercool, off-season, occasional rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #LightLayeringClothes
- #Swimsuit
- #BeachTowel
- #Sunglasses
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 days with beaches & day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is the official language here
- #MyrtleBeachBoardwalk
- #BroadwayAtTheBeach
- #MyrtleBeachStatePark
- #Ripley'sAquarium
- #SkyWheel
- #FamilyKingdomAmusementPark
- Relax on the beach
- Ride the SkyWheel
- Explore the boardwalk
- Take a dolphin cruise
- Enjoy fresh seafood
- Play mini-golf
Recommended Hotels in Myrtle Beach by Experience
Things to do in Myrtle Beach
Discover
Exploring Myrtle Beach reveals a coastline packed with attractions. Get stunning views from the SkyWheel, see marine life at Ripley's Aquarium, or enjoy nature at Myrtle Beach State Park, a tranquil oceanfront forest retreat.
Experience
Tee off at championship golf courses, catch a show at The Carolina Opry Theater, or enjoy seasonal events like the Sun Fun Festival. Stroll the iconic Boardwalk for classic amusements, shopping, and family entertainment.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
A 1.2-mile oceanfront path with arcades and amusements.
SkyWheel Myrtle Beach
A 187-foot observation wheel with panoramic ocean views.
Broadway at the Beach
Outdoor complex with unique shops and family attractions.
Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
Aquarium featuring a 340-foot underwater shark tunnel.
Myrtle Beach State Park
Oceanfront park with a historic fishing pier and trails.
Brookgreen Gardens
Botanical garden with American figurative sculptures.
The Carolina Opry Theater
Theater hosting acclaimed live music and variety shows.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR). For the Myrtle Beach airport to city center trip, use taxis or rideshares (~15 min). No direct train to Myrtle Beach exists; the nearest Amtrak is 70 miles away in Florence (FLR).
Getting Around
Driving in Myrtle Beach is easiest with a car rental. The Coast RTA bus system offers public transport in Myrtle Beach with day passes. For shorter distances, golf cart rentals are a fun local option, alongside standard taxis and rideshares.
Local Essentials
When you plan a trip to Myrtle Beach, book car rentals well in advance for summer. Traffic on Ocean Blvd and US-17 gets heavy. Be mindful of paid parking zones, as enforcement is strict. Golf cart drivers must have a valid license.
Where to Stay in Myrtle Beach
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in Myrtle Beach by tasting fresh Calabash-style seafood and creamy shrimp and grits. The local dining culture leans into casual, family-style meals, especially at sprawling seafood buffets where everyone can gather.
Enjoy
Eat at Sea Captain's House for classic coastal dining, reserve view. Taste drinks at Dead Dog Saloon's lively waterfront deck, check music. Grab breakfast at Johnny D's Waffles, a bustling spot for unique creations, expect lines.
Sea Captain's House
Classic oceanfront dining with fresh seafood catches.
The Original Benjamin's Calabash Seafood
Famous for its massive 170-item seafood buffet.
Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse
Endless carved meats served tableside by gauchos.
Carolina Roadhouse
Loud, energetic spot for ribs, steaks, and salads.
Angelo's Steak and Pasta
Home of 'The Greatest Steaks in the Universe'.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Myrtle Beach cultural activities through traditions like the Sun Fun Festival, a summer kick-off since 1951. Discover the area's heritage at the World Famous Blue Crab Festival, celebrating coastal cuisine and Gullah Geechee culture.
Enjoy
Discover modern Myrtle Beach attractions with events like the Carolina Country Music Fest, a massive four-day oceanfront concert. Film lovers can attend the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival, known as the "East Coast's answer to Sundance."
Carolina Country Music Fest
A must-see four-day country music event in June on the beach.
World Famous Blue Crab Festival
May festival in Little River with seafood, live music, and crafts.
Myrtle Beach Intl. Film Festival
Acclaimed April film festival showcasing international cinema.
Dickens Christmas Show & Festivals
Victorian-themed holiday market in November with 350+ vendors.
Sun Fun Festival
Myrtle Beach's longest-running festival celebrating summer.
Run to the Sun Car Show
Major March car show featuring thousands of classic vehicles.
St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival
Large March parade and street festival on Main Street.
So Much to Do!
Myrtle Beach has so much to do for everyone, not just the beach itself. The kids loved the arcades and all the attractions around Broadway at the Beach. It was easy to find good places to eat that weren't too expensive. A great place for a family getaway.
Beautiful, Relaxing Beach
Just an amazing stretch of sand. The beaches are so wide and clean, perfect for long walks or just setting up a chair and listening to the waves. The sound of the ocean was exactly what we needed. It wasn't too crowded this time of year, which was a real plus.
Fun Boardwalk Area
The Boardwalk area is a lot of fun, especially at night. We rode the SkyWheel and got some awesome views of the coast. There are plenty of little shops and bars to check out. The whole area just has a classic, fun beach town feel.
Fantastic Golf Trip
Myrtle Beach is a golfer's paradise. The number of high-quality courses within a short drive is incredible. The courses were well-maintained, and the staff at the clubs were super friendly. Finding a good Calabash seafood place afterward was easy.
Great for the Kids
What a fantastic spot for a family trip. The amount of mini-golf courses alone is wild; our kids wanted to try every single one. It's more than just the ocean, there are tons of activities to keep everyone entertained, rain or shine.
Lovely Off-Season Visit
We visited during the quieter season and had a wonderful time. The crowds were gone, but many of the great restaurants and live shows were still open. It's a very different, more peaceful experience this time of year. A really pleasant stay.