So you're planning a trip to Myrtle Beach and wondering what's worth your time. I get it - the place has over 60 miles of coastline and more attractions than you can shake a stick at. Last spring, my family spent a week there and we still didn't cover half the stuff. Let's cut through the noise and talk real experiences.
Beaches and Waterfront Activities
Obviously you're here for the ocean. The main stretch near downtown gets crowded, no sugarcoating it. If you want space, drive 15 minutes north to Cherry Grove Beach. Water temperature hits 80°F by June - perfect for swimming. Pro tip: rent chairs and umbrellas early (around $25/day) because shade disappears by 10am.
Beach Gear Hack: Instead of renting daily, check out Sandy Feet Rentals (1200 N Ocean Blvd). Their weekly umbrella package saved us $40 compared to daily rates. Open 8am-6pm daily.
Water Sports Worth Trying
Jet Ski Adventures
Myrtle Beach Watersports (2200 S Ocean Blvd)
30-min tours: $65/person
Hours: 8:30am-7pm
Why I liked it: Guides take you to less crowded areas
Parasailing
Express Watersports (1325 2nd Ave Pier)
400ft flight: $79/person
Hours: 9am-dusk
Heads up: Weight minimums apply (90-450lbs)
Must-Visit Attractions
Look, some spots are touristy but fun. Others? Skip 'em. After testing 15+ places, here's what delivers:
| Attraction | Type | Address | Hours | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookgreen Gardens | Sculpture Garden | 1931 Brookgreen Dr, Murrells Inlet | 9:30am-5pm daily | $22 adult / $12 kids |
| Family Kingdom Amusement Park | Retro Rides | 300 S Ocean Blvd | Variable by season | Pay-per-ride ($3-6) or $35 wristband |
| Myrtle Beach State Park | Nature Area | 4401 S Kings Hwy | 6am-10pm | $8 adult / $5 kids |
Personal take: Skip the overpriced aquarium. The $40 entry fee doesn't match the experience. Instead, head to Vereen Memorial Gardens for free boardwalk trails through salt marshes.
Dining That Doesn't Disappoint
Seafood shacks? Tourist traps? I ate at 23 restaurants so you don't have to gamble. These three never failed:
| Restaurant | Specialty | Address | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Captain's House | She-crab soup | 3002 N Ocean Blvd | $$$ (entrees $22-34) |
| Bimini's Oyster Bar | Raw oysters | 930 Lake Arrowhead Rd | $$ (bucket $18) |
| Croissants Bistro | Breakfast | 3751 Robert Grissom Pkwy | $ (benedicts $11) |
Warning about "all-you-can-eat" places: Many require 2-hour waits during peak season. Crabby Mike's (3101 S Ocean Blvd) actually delivers - go before 5pm to avoid crowds.
Free Activities That Rock
Because vacations get expensive fast:
- Boardwalk Sunset Strolls: Start at 14th Ave pier around 7pm in summer
- Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk: Free wooden boardwalk with dolphin spotting
- Myrtle Beach Art Museum: Free admission Sundays (3100 S Ocean Blvd)
Rainy Day Solutions
Got stuck in a downpour last July. Saved our trip:
- Ripley's Aquarium: Overpriced? Maybe. But that glass tunnel is magical ($33 adult)
- Bowling at Dino's: Old-school lanes with cheap beer ($12/hr per lane)
- Broadway at the Beach: Indoor ropes course at Soar+Explore ($28)
What Locals Actually Do
Chatted with bartenders and shop owners to get these gems:
- Kayaking in Socastee Creek ($35 rentals at Blue Wave Adventures)
- $1 oyster nights at Wicked Tuna (Wednesdays)
- Free concerts at Plyler Park (June-August Fridays)
Seasonal Considerations
Summer (June-Aug)
Crowded but warm water
Hotel prices peak
Book everything in advance
Expect afternoon thunderstorms
Shoulder Season (Apr-May/Sep-Oct)
My sweet spot
Water still swimmable
30-50% lower rates
Fewer lines everywhere
Honest Kid-Friendly Reviews
Travelled with a 7-year-old. His report card:
- WonderWorks: B+ (cool experiments but crowded)
- Alligator Adventure: A- (feedings at 3pm are wild)
- Mini-golf courses: C (too many identical options)
Transportation Tips
Rental car vs shuttle? Here's the math:
- Airport shuttle: $75 roundtrip for family of 4
- Compact rental: $55/day with parking fees ($12/day at hotels)
- Winner? Rental if staying >3 days - beaches spread out
Uber works fine downtown but surges during events.
Common Questions About Myrtle Beach Activities
What is there to do in Myrtle Beach for couples?
Sunset cruises from Crazy Sister Marina ($45pp). Couples massage at Spa33. Avoid Broadway at night - too noisy.
What is there to do in Myrtle Beach besides the beach?
Historic plantations like Hopsewee. Live jazz at House of Blues. Craft breweries - New South Brewing has great tours.
What is there to do in Myrtle Beach when it rains?
Escape rooms (Conundrum has pirate theme), Dave & Buster's arcade, or catch a show at Carolina Opry.
What is there to do in Myrtle Beach at night for adults?
Dueling pianos at Crocodile Rocks, rooftop bars like Atlas Tap House, or ghost tours in Murrells Inlet.
Budgeting Reality Check
| Expense | Budget Option | Mid-Range | Splurge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Oceanfront motel ($120/night) | Resort w/ kitchenette ($220) | Luxury condo ($400+) |
| Meals | Grocery + seafood market ($35/day) | Mix of casual dining ($65/day) | Steakhouses daily ($120+) |
| Activities | Free beach + parks ($0) | 1 paid attraction/day ($40) | All-access passes ($100/day) |
Personal Favorites and Fails
Worth every penny: Early morning fishing charter ($600 for 6 people). We caught mahi mahi and cooked it for dinner.
Skip it: Helicopter tours. Lasted 8 minutes for $85 - felt rushed.
Surprise hit: La Belle Amie Vineyard. Free music Fridays with $6 wine tastings 45 minutes north.
Final Reality Check
Myrtle Beach isn't some hidden gem - it's unapologetically touristy. But that's why it works. Where else can you golf at dawn, build sandcastles by noon, eat fresh shrimp for dinner, and catch a magic show after dark? Focus on experiences matching your vibe. Water baby? Book water sports early. Foodie? Hit Murrells Inlet. Chiller? State parks and gardens. Honestly? Half the fun is stumbling upon random mini-golf courses with erupting volcanoes. Just go with it.
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