Quick Navigation show

Myrtle Beach Tours: Coastal Fun, Family Thrills & Southern Charm

Intro to Myrtle Beach Tours

Stretching along South Carolina’s Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is a playground where sun-soaked beaches, lively boardwalks, and Southern hospitality meet. Known for its golf courses, amusement parks, and seafood feasts, it’s a destination equally beloved by families, couples, and adventure seekers. Tours bring this coastal gem to life — whether through dolphin cruises, swamp adventures, culinary trails, or theater shows.

Guided experiences streamline vacation planning, letting you skip the guesswork and dive into what makes Myrtle Beach unforgettable.

Start planning with our Myrtle Beach Travel guide — and discover how guided activities can bring the coast’s beaches, flavors, and entertainment to life.

Why Take a Tour in Myrtle Beach?

While it’s easy to lounge on Myrtle’s famous beaches, tours unlock layers beyond the shoreline. Expert-led activities reveal salt marshes teeming with wildlife, deep-sea fishing grounds, or behind-the-scenes looks at Gullah culture. For families, organized tours mean fun with less stress — dolphin cruises with guaranteed sightings or theme park combo passes ensure smooth logistics.

Tours also give you flexibility. Morning eco-adventures, midday food tours, or evening theater packages cater to all ages and travel styles. Seasonal expertise matters: summer crowds call for advance booking, while quieter spring and fall months offer discounted tours and more personal experiences.

Top Tours by Popularity

Dolphin & Ocean Tours

Dolphin-Watching Cruises: Board boats from the marina to spot playful dolphins along the coast, often paired with narration about marine ecology.
Parasailing Adventures: Soar above the Atlantic with tandem parasailing tours, perfect for thrill-seekers.
Deep-Sea Fishing Charters: Half-day or full-day trips target snapper, grouper, and king mackerel with gear included.

Nature & Outdoor Tours

Waccamaw River Swamp Tour: Flat-bottom boats glide past cypress trees and alligators in this unique ecosystem.
Kayaking in Murrells Inlet: Guided paddles explore salt marshes and wildlife-rich creeks.
Hiking at Myrtle Beach State Park: Ranger-led walks interpret coastal flora and fauna.

Family Fun & Entertainment

Pirate Adventure Cruise: Children dress as pirates and join treasure hunts aboard themed boats.
Broadway at the Beach Entertainment Tour: Explore attractions, shops, and live shows in the city’s entertainment hub.
Amusement & Water Park Combo Tours: Packages cover Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Myrtle Waves Water Park.

Food & Culture Tours

Seafood Tasting Trail: Sample shrimp and crab dishes at local spots with a culinary guide.
Carolina BBQ & Lowcountry Cuisine Tour: Introduces visitors to smoky ribs, pulled pork, and shrimp-and-grits.
Gullah Heritage Experience: Cultural tours share storytelling, crafts, and cuisine rooted in African American traditions.

Editor’s Picks

Sunset Catamaran Sail: Evening sails combine ocean breezes with panoramic coastal views.
Brookgreen Gardens Tour: Explore sculptures, gardens, and a zoo in one of Myrtle’s top attractions.
Helicopter Beach Ride: Quick flights offer bird’s-eye views of the Grand Strand.
Ghost Tour of Conway: Nighttime storytelling in a historic riverside town near Myrtle Beach.
Golf & Brewery Tour: Spend the day on Myrtle’s legendary greens followed by craft beer tastings.
Myrtle Beach Theater Packages: Combine dinner with shows like Carolina Opry or Legends in Concert.

Let Myrtle Beach Inspire Your Next Trip

Indulge your senses on seafood and barbecue tours, tasting the best of Carolina cuisine.
Embrace adventure with parasailing, kayaking, and deep-sea fishing, perfect for ocean lovers.
Simplify your getaway with family-friendly packages, from pirate cruises to amusement parks.
Connect with the South through cultural tours and live entertainment, where history and performance meet.

Book immersive Myrtle Beach tours and experience unforgettable things to do in Myrtle Beach — from dolphin cruises and BBQ trails to swamp adventures and family theater nights.

Must-See Nearby Adventures

Murrells Inlet Marshwalk Tour: A lively boardwalk of seafood restaurants and music.
Pawleys Island Excursion: Tours to a laid-back barrier island with historic cottages and hammock shops.
Huntington Beach State Park Tour: Known for birdwatching, alligators, and pristine beaches.
Conway Riverboat Cruise: Scenic boat rides along the Waccamaw River.
Georgetown Historic Tour: Coastal history and rice plantation heritage just south of Myrtle.

Most Loved Attractions & Activities

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk: Tours highlight arcades, SkyWheel views, and beachfront nightlife.
Carolina Opry: A top-rated live show blending country, rock, and Broadway hits.
Brookgreen Gardens: Repeatedly praised for its art, nature, and wildlife.
Ripley’s Aquarium: Guided family experiences with touch tanks and shark tunnels.
Family Kingdom Amusement Park: Classic seaside rides with unlimited ride passes available on tours.

Local Secrets You’ll Love

Local Shrimp Boat Tours: Join fishermen as they haul in the day’s catch.
Hidden Beach Picnics: Private tours set up lunches at quieter stretches beyond the main strip.
Blue Crab Festivals: Seasonal tours link food tastings with live music.
Artisan Markets: Discover local crafts and souvenirs through guided shopping walks.

Savor the Local Cuisine

Food is a highlight of Myrtle Beach tours. Barbecue tours savor smoky pork and vinegar-based sauces, while seafood trails feature shrimp boils, oysters, and crab cakes. Murrells Inlet is the place for waterfront dining, while culinary classes teach Southern staples like hush puppies and collard greens. Wine and brewery tours add a local craft twist to dining experiences.

Sample Day Plans

3-Day Family Getaway

Day 1: Boardwalk stroll and SkyWheel ride.
Day 2: Dolphin cruise + Family Kingdom rides.
Day 3: Beach picnic + aquarium visit.

5-Day Adventure & Relaxation

Day 1: Parasailing and boardwalk.
Day 2: Kayaking in Murrells Inlet.
Day 3: Golf + craft brewery tour.
Day 4: Sunset catamaran sail.
Day 5: Brookgreen Gardens and theater night.

7-Day Coastal Discovery

Day 1–2: Myrtle Beach attractions and live shows.
Day 3: Waccamaw swamp boat tour.
Day 4: Deep-sea fishing charter.
Day 5: Pawleys Island excursion.
Day 6: Huntington Beach State Park.
Day 7: Conway ghost tour.

10-Day Grand Strand Immersion

Day 1–2: Boardwalk, SkyWheel, and Ripley’s Aquarium.
Day 3–4: Murrells Inlet and kayaking tours.
Day 5: Brookgreen Gardens and sculpture tour.
Day 6: Parasailing and sunset catamaran.
Day 7: Deep-sea fishing adventure.
Day 8: Pawleys Island and hidden beaches.
Day 9: Golf + brewery pairing.
Day 10: Carolina Opry finale.

Ideal Seasons to Explore

Summer (June–August) is peak season, ideal for beach tours but busiest for attractions. Spring (March–May) offers mild weather and blooming gardens, perfect for outdoor adventures. Fall (September–November) is warm enough for ocean tours, with fewer crowds and food festivals. Winter (December–February) brings discounted tours, theater shows, and holiday-themed events.

What to Know Before You Reserve

Book summer dolphin cruises and parasailing early; seats fill fast.
Family-friendly tours often offer combo passes for better value.
Weather can be humid; bring sunscreen and water on outdoor tours.
Many tours include hotel pickups from the main strip.
Evening shows run year-round; matinees are best for families.
Group sizes vary: swamp tours are small, cruises larger.
Accessibility: check boat tours for wheelchair-friendly options.
Fishing charters usually include gear and bait.
Confirm cancellation policies for weather-dependent tours.
Cultural tours may run only on weekends — check ahead.
Seasonal wildlife (dolphins, sea turtles, birds) influences tours.

Accessibility & Special Considerations

The boardwalk, theaters, and many attractions are wheelchair accessible. Some boats and swamp tours provide ramps, while beach terrain may require assistance. Families find Myrtle Beach especially welcoming, with kid-focused packages. Senior travelers enjoy slower-paced garden tours, golf excursions, and live shows.

Moving Around Made Simple

The main gateway is Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR). The city is compact, with hotels near beaches, attractions, and tour operators. Rental cars offer flexibility for nearby towns, while shuttles and taxis serve popular areas. Many tours include direct pickups, reducing transport stress.

Stay Close to the Action

Stay along the Oceanfront Boardwalk for easy access to tours and attractions. Broadway at the Beach suits families wanting entertainment at their doorstep. Murrells Inlet offers quieter waterfront stays ideal for nature lovers. Luxury resorts north of Myrtle provide beach escapes with tour shuttles included.

Plan Smarter, Travel Better

Use apps like Tides Near Me for fishing and boating, Eventbrite for live shows, and Rome2Rio for transport planning. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, bug spray for swamp tours, and light rain gear for summer showers. Comparison tools can help find discounted show-and-tour bundles.

Choose Your Next Adventure

Charleston, South Carolina: History-rich streets, plantations, and Lowcountry cuisine.
Wilmington, North Carolina: Riverfront charm and film history.
Savannah, Georgia: Spanish moss-lined squares and Southern culture.
Outer Banks, North Carolina: Barrier islands with lighthouses and wild horses.

Nearby States or Provinces

South Carolina Midlands: Columbia’s museums and Congaree National Park.
North Carolina Coast: Beaches and lighthouses stretching northward.
Georgia Coast: Barrier islands and coastal history.
South Carolina Lowcountry: Gullah culture, seafood, and scenic marshlands.

It’s Time to Experience Myrtle Beach

From dolphin cruises and swamp tours to seafood trails, golf days, and legendary theater nights, Myrtle Beach offers a blend of relaxation and adventure for every traveler. Book your Myrtle Beach tours today — and step into a coastal journey filled with fun, flavor, and Southern warmth.