I just came back from a fabulous trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It was my first time visiting the area, but I was on a press trip with several other journalists so we all got to explore the area together and let me tell you, there is plenty to see and do in Myrtle Beach.
10 Things To Do In Myrtle Beach
Here are ten things to do in Myrtle Beach to make your vacation one to remember!
1. Visit The Beach
OK. So this one is a no-brainer. You have to visit the beach! I went in September and it is really a great time to visit Myrtle Beach because the crowds have all died down and the ocean is still warm. There is nothing as relaxing as walking on the beach and picking up shells. Furthermore, I loved swimming in the warm water. It was so relaxing and so refreshing!
I stayed at the Crown Jewel Beach House in Garden City Beach so I was able to take a short stroll from the house to the beach- so convenient and no worries about parking.
2. Stroll Along The Marshwalk
The MarshWalk is Murrells Inlet’s version of the Boardwalk. It is quaint area peppered with waterfront dining and live music options. We stopped in to Bubba’s Love Shak for a cocktail and I was amazed to find a great band playing live music on a Tuesday night at about 9:00pm. Turns out they have live music every evening! That is my kind of place!
3. Visit Brookgreen Gardens
Check out America’s largest outdoor sculpture garden, Brookgreen Gardens, where admission is valid for seven consecutive days because there is just so much to see!
4. Take A Guide Kayak EcoTour
Stephanie (from Mommy Musings) and I took a Blackriver Outdoors guided kayak ecotour in Huntington Beach State Park. We kayaked along Myrtle Beach’s salt marsh and Drunken Jack Island, reputed to hold the treasures of Blackbeard, and it was so much fun. First of all, you get to kayak. Second of all, the scenery is beautiful. Third of all, the tour was really informative and interesting in in such a natural conversation manner- not a boring lecture. I would go again anytime! The water was actual salt water (not just brackish) and very clear. We saw lots of types of birds and learned about the history of the area and some fun ecological facts I didn’t know before. There was a slight breeze and it was so quiet. Even though I was busy rowing, I found it really relaxing. It is a must do in Myrtle Beach!
5. Visit Alligator Adventures
I know that I would normally not have gone to Alligator Adventures because I would have thought to myself, “Growing up in Louisiana, I have seen plenty of alligators.” However, I am so glad I went. I loved it. Alligator Adventures is known as one of the largest reptile facilities in the world, but it has so much more than just gators. But I do have to say that the gators are pretty awesome! From tons of tiny alligators, to live feedings of 15-foot alligators, to albino gators, they are very impressive. We got our photo taken with a live gator and he was so much fun to handle, so soft!
I also loved getting to see the absolutely huge tortoises, a Eurasian owl, lemurs, macaws, kangaroos, serval, warhog, emus and more. Alligator Adventures is another must do thing in Myrtle Beach!
6. Ride The Skywheel
Enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean, beach, and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk area from one of the Skywheel gondolas (which are totally enclosed and safe for the whole family). With more than 1 million LED lights, just looking at the Skywheel is fun! After the fun ride, we took a stroll on the boardwalk and almost everyone indulged in some tasty soft serve ice cream.
7. Visit Horry County Museum
The Horry County Museum was actually very worthwhile. The entrance holds a fresh water aquarium so you can see the local river ecology in an aquarium that was built by Animal Planet’s “Tanked” team (you can catch the episode for more info on it.) The goal of the museum is to preserve and show Myrtle Beach’s history as well as it’s natural history and prehistoric elements so you will see everything from Civil War relics, to animal exhibits, to farm exhibits, to Native American exhibits. They even have a huge auditorium with free programs on the weekends. I think it would be a fun and educational trip for the whole family.
8. Free Glass Blowing Demonstrations At Conway Glass
Conway Glass owners and artists Ed and Barbara Streeter made a Christmas ornament that was used on a White House Christmas tree. Buy some of their beautiful glass works or take advantage of free glass blowing demonstrations.
9. Stop By The Ultimate Gullah Store
This unique shop offers chance to peek into Gullah culture and pick up some gifts that support the preservation of that culture such as some of the finest handmade sweetgrass baskets.
10. Eat Local
OK, you know you need to try all the good seafood and local eats while you are in Myrtle Beach! There are plenty of good places to eat and here is a list of the best restaruants in Myrtle Beach to get you started. Also, don’t forget to try a South Carolina Bog if you can!
Chicken Bog
Find yourself some chicken bog while you are in Myrtle Beach. It is a Lowcountry tradition you won’t want to miss. I had the pleasure of sampling some chicken bog made by Bryan Hopkns who last years annual Loris Bog-Off Festival! Boy was it good and he fixed it up with some other down home favorites- dried lima beans with ham hock and a delicious slaw. He sure knows how to put his own spin on things. As he said, “It is a real simple complicated dish to cook.” Easy ingredients but a lot of time and love go into the making.
When you are done with this list of 10 things to do in Myrtle Beach, SC, just start back at #1 and alternate between #1 and #10. You can’t go wrong! Have fun y’all! What are your favorite things to do in Myrtle Beach?
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Annie {Stowed Stuff} says
Love that last photo!!! The beach was AMAZING!!! Loved meeting you on this trip, Scarlet!