While sitting in the sand and enjoying the waves is unquestionably on the top of everyone’s list for a vacation on the Grand Strand, there are tons of unique things to do in Myrtle Beach that will attract all ages.
From surf camps to penguin meet-and-greets, there are plenty of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path things to do in Myrtle Beach. To sweeten the deal even more, remember that guests staying at one of our Vacation Myrtle Beach resorts will enjoy discounts to many attractions, restaurants, and shops in the area with their very own Myrtle Beach discount card.
Let’s dive right into these 49 unique things to do in Myrtle Beach for you and your family’s next getaway.
1. Go Back in Time at Medieval Times
1. Go Back in Time at Medieval TimesFeast on a four-course meal while knights duel for your entertainment. Myrtle Beach is home to a variety of unique dinner shows but Medieval Times is one of our fan favorites.
2. Enjoy an Amusement Park for the Mind
WonderWorks, located within Broadway at the Beach, makes education a whole lot of fun! This family-friendly venue will spark your imagination and get you all thinking like scientists for the day. Lay on a bed of nails, withstand hurricane-force winds, and experience a 6D adventure at WonderWorks.
If your kids enjoyed WonderWorks, they’ll also love the interactive science and aviation exhibits at EdVenture Myrtle Beach.
3. Swap the Beach for the Intracoastal Waterway
Everyone knows the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and our miles and miles of Atlantic Coast but most are blown away by just how serene and beautiful the Intracoastal Waterway is.
Here is the best place to go kayaking, paddleboarding, or jet skiing through some of the most isolated areas of the Grand Strand.
4. Go Underwater at Ripley’s Aquarium
While the aquarium itself might not be a hidden gem, not many people know about the animal encounters you can have. Wade in the water or snorkel alongside the stingrays or stay on land and meet the African penguins who live at Ripley’s Aquarium.
5. Go Horseback Riding on the Beach
With Inlet Point Plantation, you and your family can enjoy a guided tour on Waites Island, along the Intracoastal, or within the Pecan Groves. This’ll give you a great chance to see more of the Myrtle Beach area from a completely unique vantage point.
6. Hunt for Your Own Souvenir
6. Hunt for Your Own SouvenirWho hasn’t scavenged the beach looking for shark teeth to take home? With Fossils Forever, they’ll take you and your family on a shark tooth hunting adventure so you can find your own souvenir to bring back home with you.
7. Learn to Surf the Waves
Don’t expect massive waves on your Myrtle Beach vacation but for those that are new to surfing, our gentle waves are ideal to learn on. Kokopelli Surf Camp offers professional lessons for adults and kiddos alike.
8. Have Some Fun at Shark Wake Park 843
A day at Shark Wake Park 843 is easily one of the most fun things to do in Myrtle Beach. Here you can try out water sports like wakeboarding, knee boarding, water skiing, or play on the floating obstacle course. This North Myrtle Beach water park isn’t like anywhere else you’ve been before!
9. Transport Yourself to Brazil
9. Transport Yourself to BrazilWhile Myrtle Beach is home to plenty of delicious restaurants, one of the most unique is Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse. Here you can savor an authentic Brazilian Churrascaria dining experience where Gauchos come to your table with different cuts of beef, pork, lamb, and poultry. Just be sure to come hungry!
10. Try Locally Brewed Beers
While a lot of people flock to The Bowery, the home of famous country band Alabama, for a sunset beer, if you’re trying to get off the beaten path, you’ll want to swap that plan out for one of Myrtle Beach’s breweries.
If you’re more of a wine person, you might be surprised to know that the Grand Strand has their very own winery, Duplin Winery. Here you can try some of the best southern sweet wines.
Often the breweries and Duplin Winery have live music where you can listen in to some of the area’s best local musicians.
101. Get a Quirky Gift at Gay Dolphin Gift Cove
While Gay Dolphin itself is pretty well-known, their gift shop offers a wide array of unique knickknacks, souvenirs, apparel, and jewelry to take back as a souvenir for yourself or a gift for a loved one.
Gay Dolphin is near the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, one of the best things to do in town, so make a stop at the shop before or after your ride!
12. Embrace the Beauty of Brookgreen Gardens
12. Embrace the Beauty of Brookgreen GardensBrookgreen Gardens is best known for their magnificent Christmas lights but really all year-round the gardens are a must-see in Myrtle Beach.
Enjoy a stroll through the botanical gardens, learn about the area’s history, and pay a visit to the Low Country Zoo to see the animals that call this area home.
13. See Myrtle Beach from Above
If the SkyWheel isn’t unique enough for you, get even better ocean views from a helicopter ride. Night or day you’ll be wowed by the beauty of Myrtle Beach and the surrounding area when you can take it all in from above.
14. See Even More Local Wildlife
Touch a real live alligator or slithering snake at Alligator Adventure at Barefoot Landing. You can also watch in during feeding time of the alligators and see some exotic birds and mammals.
15. Journey Through the Waccamaw River
15. Journey Through the Waccamaw RiverBook a nature and wildlife tour with Waccamaw River Tours to really get off the regular path and into an area that not even many locals know very well. The Waccamaw River is considered one of the finest blackwater rivers and is home to an abundant amount of wildlife.
16. Visit Small Towns
Shop at the local shops and retailers in historic downtown Conway or head north to Little River. While Conway might have a little more charm, Little River is a great place to visit if you’re seeking fishing adventures.
17. See Historic Cars, Planes, & Games
Are you a big fan of the classics? See some of the coolest vintage hot rods and automobiles at Wheels of Yesteryear. Or, if planes are more your forte, see historic fighter aircraft on display at Warbird Park, just outside The Market Common.
For our retro game lovers, the Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum is for you! Here you can play on retro pinball machines, dating as far back as the 1970s.
18. Stroll Along the MarshWalk
Located just south in Murrells Inlet, MarshWalk is a great alternative to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Here you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants, live entertainment, and a picturesque pathway. Although open all the time, the nightlife here is a lot of fun.
19. Get Your Adrenaline Flowing
19. Get Your Adrenaline FlowingFor the thrill seekers in the group, you’ll love the wide variety of amusement parks and thrill rides in and around Myrtle Beach. A few of our favorites include:
- Family Kingdom Amusement Park, Myrtle Beach’s seaside amusement park
- O.D. Pavilion Amusement Park, North Myrtle Beach’s oceanfront amusement park
- Beach Rider Jet Boat at Broadway at the Beach, for a water ride that rocks, rolls, and will have you hanging to the edge of your seat
- Sling Shot Thrill Ride, where you’ll travel at speeds of over 120 miles per hour.
20. Cheer on the Home Team
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are our city’s minor league baseball team. For an All-American experience, cheer on the home team, enjoy a hot dog, and end the evening with post-game fireworks after select games.
21. Go Back in Time
While we do recommend living in the moment during your vacation, Myrtle Beach is home to some unique history that most don’t know about. If you’d like to go back in time during your trip here, experience what life was like on a farm in early-1900s Horry County at the L.W. Paul Living History Farm or step inside Atalaya Castle, built in 1931 and a former winter home, at Huntington Beach State Park.
Another alternative is to roam the art galleries and exhibits at Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum.
22. Enjoy Some Local Treats
22. Enjoy Some Local TreatsAlthough most people rush to make a reservation or two at our most popular oceanfront restaurants, that’s not all the Grand Strand has to offer.
For a dinner unlike any other, Reserve your table for a fondue dinner at The Melting Pot. For a quick bite, find a seat at the bar at the historic Peaches Corner for a burger, hot dog, and ice cream. And to top it all off, satisfy your sweet tooth with one-of-a-kind donuts at Duck Donuts.
23. Go Scuba Diving
Although most people don’t initially think of Myrtle Beach as a scuba diving destination, that’s what makes this a unique opportunity. You won’t have the busy crowds or stressed corals. Instead, schedule a scuba diving tour of a post-Civil War wreck or alongside barracuda with Coastal Scuba.
24. Call Out to Lady Luck
24. Call Out to Lady LuckAlthough South Carolina doesn’t typically have casinos, the Myrtle Beach area is home to the only one. The Big “M” Casino isn’t just a regular casino, it’s a boat cruise. That means you can gamble with table games, enjoy a buffet, and take in some great scenery.
If you’re simply here for the views, cruise the Intracoastal Waterway on the Barefoot Queen instead.
25. Get on Your Dancing Shoes
Ever heard of the dance, the Carolina Shag? This dance took our coast by storm starting in the 1940s and even today you can go shagging on the weekend at one of the many restaurants and clubs on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach.
26. Hit the Mini Links
You may not have known but Myrtle Beach loves mini golf. Here there’s a course for all styles, interests, ages, and weather. Pick from dozens of unique Myrtle Beach miniature golf courses for some family-friendly competition.
27. Spend Some Time at Myrtle Beach State Park
27. Spend Some Time at Myrtle Beach State ParkWant a quiet stretch of beach? Myrtle Beach State Park is an ideal place to lay down your towel for the day. Or, challenge yourself to catch your own dinner off the impressive fishing pier. This well-protected piece of coastline is one of the best places to spend a tranquil day at the beach.
Enjoy All the Unique Things to Do in Myrtle Beach
With even more things to do from escape rooms and a visit to the Hollywood Wax Museum, you certainly won’t feel boredom creep in during your vacation to Myrtle Beach. To put the icing on top of the cake, book your stay with one of Vacation Myrtle Beach Resorts and Hotels to not only have a fantastic home base for your trip but to save big on restaurants, entertainment options, and shops with our discount card.
