Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, may boast a small population of under 40,000, but this spot is not one to ignore. The subtropical climate makes it a great vacation spot for all those looking for their next summer stay without the Miami crowds. Instead, you can focus on getting the best view of the waterfront, no crowd surfing required.
With an emphasis on Southern hospitality, you can expect to be welcomed by the local lifestyle. Fill your days with beach activities, live bands, seafood restaurants, golf courses, and more, all while avoiding the tourist traps.
Ready to dip your toes into the south coast? Then it’s time to take a look at some of the best things to do and start building your Myrtle Beach bucket list.
Take advantage of all the Atlantic Ocean has to offer by hopping on a Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise. For just under $30, you can hop on an estimated 2-hour narrated cruise to spot dolphins and cruise the coastline. The crew is knowledgeable and entertaining, and there's a solid chance you’ll spot bottlenose dolphins swimming alongside the boat.
If you’d rather have more relaxation and let someone else do the driving, hop on a PonTiki Boat Cruise. They offer both party cruises and sunset cruises, so you can choose to make some new friends over tropical cocktails or simply enjoy the sun melting into the Atlantic with a cold drink in hand.
Or skip the boats altogether and tour the waters on your own terms. Rent a jet ski through Island Adventure Watersports, or challenge yourself at Shark Wake Park’s cable wakeboarding obstacle course. It’s a blast for first-timers and seasoned riders alike, and staff are on hand to help beginners get their footing.
If you prefer to get to know your aquatic life from dry land, take a trip to Ripley’s Aquarium. Covering over 87,000 square feet, there's plenty to explore across multiple exhibits, from the coral reef tunnel to touch tanks and beyond. They regularly feature unique limited-time experiences alongside the permanent collection, so it's worth checking their calendar before you visit.
Traveling with kids? Plan to grab breakfast with a real-life mermaid. The Mermaid Breakfast includes Southern staples like grits and egg casserole, while little ones learn more about a mermaid's day-to-day life, participate in crafts, and take home their own souvenir before heading out as a certified mermaid expert.
You can also make a reservation to meet a penguin one-on-one or upgrade your ticket to the VIP Penguin Experience and make your very own penguin painting alongside your new flightless friend. Either way, it’s the kind of memory that sticks.
If you or someone you’re traveling with prefers a more sensory-friendly environment, there are booking options for sensory-friendly hours, which offer a music-free environment, quiet rooms, and adjusted lighting throughout the space.
Go deep-sea fishing on one of Voyager Deep Sea Fishing’s charters and spend five hours doing exactly what the name promises. Some of the most popular fish to catch are black sea bass, flounder, sea trout, and even small sharks. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-timer looking for a real hands-on ocean experience, this one’s worth your morning.
Everything you need to reel in your next catch is already included. For just $50 per adult (even cheaper for children under 12), you’ll get bait, fishing equipment, and all required licenses. The crew will also clean and bag any of your catches at $0.50 per pound, so you can bring your haul straight back to the kitchen.
Note that food and drinks aren’t included, so pack some snacks and a cooler before you board. An early morning trip out on the open water is hard to beat, and the crew’s energy makes it a good time even when the fish aren’t biting.
A beautiful beach isn’t all Myrtle Beach has to offer. In fact, you can escape the strip altogether and head to Myrtle Beach State Park, one of the most visited state parks in South Carolina. Set up camp among the towering live oaks and pines, participate in some birdwatching to see what native species you can spot in one of the many magnolia trees lining the campgrounds, or simply sit and take in the undeveloped coastline that feels worlds away from the boardwalk buzz.
Before you leave, make sure to take a hike through the Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens. The 3-mile trail is easy and low-intensity, making it a great option for those with accessibility needs or anyone traveling with younger kids. There are 40 viewing spots scattered along the route where you can stop to take in the sprawling marsh landscape, watch for wading birds, and soak up the kind of quiet you didn’t know you needed.
Dive into the art scene and see artwork from famous artists like Norman Rockwell and Ansel Adams at the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum. This museum is tailored for all ages, so the whole family can take part in becoming one with their inner artist. The best part? It’s always free admission, so it’s worth checking out the 11 galleries and always-changing exhibitions while you’re in the area.
Myrtle Beach has no shortage of places to eat, but if you want to skip the chains and eat somewhere that actually reflects the area, these are the spots locals point visitors toward.
Start with Mr. Fish Seafood Market. It's part market, part casual restaurant, and the fish tacos have a following for good reason; the seafood is sourced fresh, and you can taste the difference. Grab a craft beer, settle in, and don't rush it. It’s the kind of place that feels like a find even though everyone who knows Myrtle Beach already knows about it.
For raw bar dining, Original Shuckers Raw Bar is the move. The oysters are briny and cold, the hush puppies come out crispy, and the no-frills setup is part of the appeal. If blue crabs are what you're after, Cackalacky Fish Co. is the locals' pick, consistently good in the way only neighborhood spots can be.
And if your group is the kind that can never agree on where to eat, Dead Dog Saloon solves the problem. The menu is wide enough to cover seafood steam pots, house-made BBQ, burgers, and more, all under one roof with waterfront views. It gets busy, so go early or plan to wait, but it’s worth it.
For the overall best Myrtle Beach experience, stay with Sea Mountain Vacations, the area’s go-to resource for premium vacation rentals along the Grand Strand. Whether you’re traveling as a couple looking for a quiet getaway or bringing the whole extended family along for the ride, Sea Mountain Vacations has properties to match every style and group size.
Guests enjoy access to resort-style amenities, including indoor and outdoor pools, lazy rivers, and high-end finishes throughout. Many properties come fully stocked with everything you need for a seamless stay, so you can spend less time running errands and more time enjoying the coast.
For any golf lovers in the group, take advantage of the championship courses available nearby. Myrtle Beach is widely known as one of the top golf destinations on the East Coast, with more than 80 courses within easy driving distance.
Tip: Try booking one of the channels from home rentals to cut out the extra hassle of transportation. Just take a few steps outside your door, and you're on the sand. All you have to do is lie down, open up your latest beach read, and listen to the waves crashing at your feet.
