Myrtle Beach Travel Guide – A Vibrant Coastal Escape

Intro to Myrtle Beach Travel Guide

With 60 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline, an iconic boardwalk, and a nostalgic-meets-modern energy, Myrtle Beach offers the ultimate beach town revival. From bustling amusement parks and all-you-can-eat seafood buffets to serene sunrise strolls and low-key hideaways, this coastal city is a place to play, relax, and reconnect.

Start your journey with our Myrtle Beach tour guide and uncover all that awaits — from oceanfront attractions and seafood gems to secret marsh trails and vibrant festivals.

Get to Know Myrtle Beach – Neighborhoods & Districts

Myrtle Beach is more than a stretch of sand — it’s a patchwork of neighborhoods that each brings a different beach-town vibe.

• The Boardwalk District
  The heartbeat of Myrtle Beach tourism, this lively area spans just over a mile along the oceanfront and is packed with arcades, restaurants, souvenir shops, and street performers. It’s ideal for first-time visitors and families who want easy beach access with a side of nonstop entertainment.
• North Myrtle Beach
  A quieter, more upscale option for couples and families, North Myrtle Beach blends golf resorts, seafood restaurants, and family vacation condos with a slower pace and wider beaches. Barefoot Landing here offers a picturesque shopping and dining scene with live music and waterway views.
• Broadway at the Beach Area
  Located inland, this entertainment and shopping hub features themed restaurants, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and Ripley’s Aquarium. Perfect for rainy days or family breaks from the sand, this area buzzes well into the night.
• Surfside Beach & Garden City
  Just south of Myrtle Beach proper, these towns feel like old-school beach escapes. Surfside Beach brands itself as “The Family Beach,” while Garden City offers small piers, low-rise rentals, and scenic marshland views.
• Market Common District
  Chic and residential, Market Common mixes retail with local life. This is where locals come to brunch, bike around, and relax at Grand Park. It’s a great place for travelers seeking a blend of calm and convenience.
• Murrells Inlet
  Technically its own town but often visited from Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet is a fishing village turned foodie haven. The MarshWalk — a boardwalk-style promenade over coastal marshes — features seafood joints, live music, and kayak tours.
• Where to Stay in Myrtle Beach
  First-timers and families should stay near the Boardwalk for beach proximity and easy access to top attractions. Couples or digital nomads may prefer North Myrtle or Market Common for peace and scenery. For longer stays, vacation rentals in Surfside Beach or Murrells Inlet offer extra space and charm.

Top Attractions & Iconic Sights

From towering wheels to underwater tunnels, Myrtle Beach knows how to entertain travelers of all ages.

Skyline Views and Icons

• Myrtle Beach SkyWheel
  Soaring nearly 200 feet above the oceanfront, this iconic Ferris wheel is one of the tallest on the East Coast. Glass-enclosed gondolas make it accessible year-round, and night rides offer dazzling views of the lit-up boardwalk.
• Second Avenue Pier
  A long-standing favorite for strolls, sunsets, and fishing, this pier has a rooftop bar for cocktails with a view. Come at golden hour for postcard-perfect shots.
• Family Kingdom Amusement Park
  This oceanside amusement park is a throwback delight, with wooden coasters, bumper cars, and classic carnival games right on the water’s edge.
• Broadway at the Beach
  Though inland, its popularity earns it skyline-status. This massive entertainment complex features mini-golf, zip lines, and fireworks shows, plus themed dining spots like Margaritaville.

Local Tip: For the best views of the coastline, book a helicopter tour — it’s more affordable than you might think and takes just 10–15 minutes for unforgettable aerial shots.

Museums and Cultural Gems

• Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
  A family favorite, this immersive attraction lets you walk through glass tunnels surrounded by sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. Interactive touch tanks keep kids engaged for hours.
• Hollywood Wax Museum
  Pose with life-size wax versions of celebrities, then head upstairs for zombie laser tag and mirror mazes — all under one roof.
• Franklin G. Burroughs–Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum
  A hidden cultural gem right on the beach, this free museum hosts rotating exhibits focused on Southern artists and themes.

Family Favorites

• WonderWorks
  With a glow-in-the-dark ropes course, bubble lab, and hurricane simulator, WonderWorks is an “edu-tainment” zone that wows curious minds.
• Alligator Adventure
  Located at Barefoot Landing, this wildlife park showcases hundreds of alligators, crocodiles, snakes, and exotic birds — perfect for animal-loving kids and teens.
• Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
  Part of the Dolly Parton entertainment family, this dinner theater offers pirate-themed acrobatics, sea battles, and hearty Southern-style fare.

Natural Escapes Within and Near Myrtle Beach

While known for man-made amusements, Myrtle Beach also offers quiet corners of nature if you know where to look.

• Myrtle Beach State Park
  Just south of the Boardwalk, this park features protected forests, a long fishing pier, and quiet beach areas perfect for a slower pace. Walking trails lead through maritime woods and dunes rich with birdlife.
• Huntington Beach State Park
  A 30-minute drive south, this coastal preserve offers some of the best birdwatching on the East Coast. Don’t miss Atalaya Castle, a Moorish-style mansion hidden in the dunes.
• Brookgreen Gardens
  Art meets ecology at this sprawling botanical and sculpture garden south of Murrells Inlet. It’s a blend of manicured beauty, Lowcountry nature, and regional history.
• Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens
  Tucked just over the state line in Little River, this hidden oasis offers boardwalks over salt marshes, shaded trails, and remnants of colonial-era plantations.

Myrtle Beach Day Trip Ideas

• Pawleys Island
  A laid-back beach town known for hammocks, quiet surf, and a no-rush vibe. Drive time: 45 minutes.
• Conway
  Historic downtown Conway is filled with oak-lined streets, indie cafes, and riverfront parks. A 25-minute drive inland makes it a perfect half-day escape.
• North Carolina Beaches (Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle)
  Less than an hour north, these beaches offer a quieter Carolina experience with fewer crowds and scenic boardwalks.

Local Tip: For kayaking, visit the Waccamaw River Blue Trail. Rentals and guided eco-tours are available in Conway and Murrells Inlet.

Culture, History and Local Identity

Despite its fun-first image, Myrtle Beach has rich cultural layers rooted in the Lowcountry.

• Hopsewee Plantation
  Located along the North Santee River, this 18th-century plantation offers guided tours, Gullah heritage discussions, and traditional tea service.
• Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor
  Myrtle Beach lies within this national corridor, which honors the language, foodways, and traditions of the Gullah people — descendants of West African slaves in the Carolinas.
• Warbird Park
  Set in the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, this outdoor memorial features fighter jets and pays tribute to local military history.
• Carolina Country Music Hall of Fame
  Housed in a humble storefront, this small museum celebrates South Carolina’s contributions to country music legends past and present.

Walking Tour Idea: Take a self-guided mural tour downtown — many buildings feature public art honoring local stories, musicians, and natural beauty.

Local Food, Markets and Artisan Vibes

Myrtle Beach blends classic coastal flavors with growing creative energy.

Must-Try Dishes
Start with a Lowcountry boil — a one-pot seafood feast of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes. Don’t leave without tasting she-crab soup or hush puppies, and check the specials board for local catches like flounder or grouper.

• Sea Captain’s House
  This beloved beach cottage–turned–restaurant offers ocean views and seafood classics. Go for breakfast and stay for the view.
• The Wicked Tuna
  With locations in Murrells Inlet and on the Boardwalk, this spot mixes sushi, seafood towers, and vibrant bar energy with water views.
• Blueberry’s Grill
  A popular brunch and lunch café, Blueberry’s serves inventive omelets, crab cake benedicts, and mimosa flights.
• Croissants Bistro & Bakery
  Locally loved for pastries, brunch, and elegant Southern dinners, Croissants is a chic break from the tourist trail.

Taste your way through Myrtle Beach’s lively boardwalk or explore delicious things to do in Myrtle Beach’s seafood havens, brunch spots, and food halls.

Artisan Finds:

• Myrtle Beach Farmers Market (seasonal): Stock up on local jams, produce, and Carolina barbecue sauces.
• The Hammock Shops Village in Pawleys Island offers handmade hammocks, crafts, and jewelry.

Events, Nightlife and Seasonal Fun

Myrtle Beach pulses with energy year-round, thanks to its seasonal festivals and an evolving nightlife scene.

• Carolina Country Music Fest (June)
  This beachfront blowout features some of the biggest names in country music, with stages on the sand and fans from across the Southeast.
• Sun Fun Festival (May)
  A throwback to Myrtle’s earliest beach festivals, Sun Fun mixes parades, beach games, and family-friendly performances — perfect for summer season openers.
• Myrtle Beach Bike Week (May & October)
  Harleys and hot rods fill the coast during this dual-scheduled celebration of cruising culture, food fests, and live music.
• At the Market Common
  During holidays and spring weekends, Market Common hosts wine strolls, movie nights, and artisan events under string lights.

Nightlife Vibes

• Broadway at the Beach: Best for club hopping, dueling pianos, and casual bars.
• The Bowery: A country-rock icon since the 1940s with live bands nightly.
• Tin Roof: Rooftop views and themed dance nights along the Boardwalk.
• Murrells Inlet MarshWalk: Seafood, cocktails, and mellow live music with a water view.

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring: Azalea blooms, music festivals, outdoor dining returns
• Summer: Fireworks, boardwalk buzz, peak beach days
• Fall: Fewer crowds, art festivals, mild weather
• Winter: Holiday lights, oyster roasts, cozy brunches

Explore Myrtle Beach tours and things to do in Myrtle Beach to make the most of your time. From wildlife cruises and jet ski adventures to ghost walks, kayak trips, and Southern cooking classes — the Grand Strand is full of unforgettable moments.

Which Airport Should You Use?

• Flying internationally → MYR (Myrtle Beach International Airport) is best connected and offers direct service from major hubs including Atlanta, New York, and Toronto.
• Regional travel or leisure focus → Florence Regional Airport (FLR) is a quieter alternative for those coming from smaller cities in the Carolinas.
• Budget flights and seasonal routes → Charleston (CHS) is about 2 hours south and opens more connections to the Caribbean and Europe with a road trip option.
• Driving from nearby states? Myrtle Beach is easily accessed via US-501 or SC-31, both scenic drives through the Lowcountry.

Getting Around Myrtle Beach – Transport Tips

Myrtle Beach is car-friendly but still manageable without one depending on where you stay.

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is less than 10 minutes from the Boardwalk. Taxis and Uber are available curbside.

Public Transit:

• Coast RTA runs affordable bus routes between the airport, Boardwalk, Conway, and key attractions.
• Day passes cost under $5 and can be purchased via their mobile app.

Bike & Scooter Rentals:

• Boardwalk bike rentals are ideal for oceanfront cruising.
• Lime and Bird scooters operate seasonally in designated areas.

Recommended Apps:

• Rome2Rio: Multimodal trip planning
• Coast RTA App: Track buses in real-time
• ParkMyrtleBeach: Meter info and parking availability

Local Tips: Yield to cyclists along Ocean Boulevard. Pedestrian crossings are enforced — always use the lights!

Best Time to Visit Myrtle Beach

Here’s how each season compares for weather, crowds, costs, and experiences.

Spring (March–May)
– Weather: 60s–70s and breezy
– Crowds: Moderate and growing
– Cost: Affordable, with early season deals
– Best For: Golf, garden walks, seafood festivals

Summer (June–August)
– Weather: Hot and humid (80s–90s)
– Crowds: High — book early
– Cost: Peak pricing on hotels and flights
– Best For: Family fun, beach days, nightlife

Fall (September–November)
– Weather: Mild and pleasant (70s)
– Crowds: Light
– Cost: Better hotel rates and last-minute deals
– Best For: Couples, events, seafood season

Winter (December–February)
– Weather: Cool and dry (50s–60s)
– Crowds: Lowest of the year
– Cost: Deep discounts
– Best For: Quiet getaways, golfing, holiday events

Photogenic Tip: Early spring and late fall offer glowing light, sea mist, and fewer people — ideal for photography.

Myrtle Beach Travel Essentials – Key Insights

• SIM/Data: AT&T and T-Mobile both offer solid prepaid plans that work well across Myrtle Beach. For travelers who prefer digital convenience, eSIMs from providers like Airalo or Holafly are also widely supported.
• Transit Costs: Public transportation is affordable and reliable via Coast RTA. Single bus rides cost $1.50, and unlimited day passes are available for around $5 through the Coast RTA mobile app.
• Entry Points: Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is the primary gateway, located just minutes from the beach. For those arriving by road, US-501 offers direct inland access, while SC-31 is the major north–south route along the Grand Strand.
• Local Vibe: Expect a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere with a nostalgic flair — think boardwalk lights, summer fun, and a balance of modern comforts and retro charm.
• Walkability: The Boardwalk and Market Common are the most walkable areas, offering plenty of shops, attractions, and dining within close proximity. Beyond these zones, a car or public transit is often necessary to get around efficiently.

Quick Picks List
– Best for food: Murrells Inlet seafood restaurants
– Best for beach/sunset: North Myrtle Beach dunes
– Best for nightlife: Broadway at the Beach
– Best for family fun: Boardwalk amusements and SkyWheel
– Best for slow travel: Surfside Beach and Market Common

Live Like a Local – Hidden Gems & Authentic Spots

Get beyond the tourist track with these local favorites that showcase Myrtle Beach’s soulful side.

• Savannah’s Playground (Market Common)
  A fully inclusive, sensory-friendly play space built by locals for all ages and abilities. Families love its thoughtful design and peaceful setting.
• The Boathouse
  A riverside bar with a local band stage, Sunday Funday parties, and zero tourist fuss. Located on the Intracoastal Waterway.
• Chapin Memorial Library Events
  Book lovers and culture seekers can find author talks, art nights, and free beach reads steps from the Boardwalk.
• Fresh Market or Lee’s Farmers Market
  For authentic Southern produce, jams, and butchers loved by locals. Great for picnic planning.
• Indigo Farms
  Straddling the NC border, this working farm offers seasonal berry picking, corn mazes, and homemade pies. A local rite of passage.

Local Etiquette Tips:
– Beach chairs can’t block lifeguard views — follow the signs.
– Locals grab sunrise coffee barefoot — join the ritual but pack out your trash.
– Don’t touch live sand dollars or starfish — they’re protected.

Nearby Destinations to Explore

Make the most of your trip by pairing Myrtle Beach with these great regional getaways:

• Charleston Tours
  A historic Southern port city with pastel homes, Gullah culture, and some of the best food in America. Just 2 hours south.
• Savannah Tours
  Take a scenic coastal drive to this Spanish moss–draped city full of ghost lore, mansions, and riverfront strolls.
• Wilmington Tours
  Up the coast in North Carolina, Wilmington offers historic charm, riverfront eats, and a gateway to Wrightsville Beach.
• Asheville Tours
  Head inland to the Blue Ridge Mountains for hiking, craft breweries, and the famed Biltmore Estate.
• Atlanta Tours
  Myrtle’s direct flights to Atlanta make it easy to add a big-city leg filled with museums, Southern eats, and music heritage.

Final Tips for a Smart Myrtle Beach Adventure

– Book oceanfront stays at least 3 months ahead in summer
– Visit boardwalk attractions early in the morning to avoid lines
– Pack layers — even summer nights can get breezy
– Try a weekday visit for fewer crowds at top sights
– Don’t rely solely on Uber — plan a car rental or local bus app
– Tipping is standard: 15–20% at restaurants and $2–$5 for valet or bell service
– Use SPF even on cloudy days — Myrtle sun is strong
– Many attractions offer online discounts — book in advance

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