Visiting Myrtle Beach: Top Attractions, Best Time to Go & Travel Tips
By Jeff Lowe • February 22, 2026
Myrtle Beach has long ranked among the most popular beach destinations on the East Coast, and it’s easy to see why.
Set along a 60-mile stretch of Atlantic coastline known as the Grand Strand, this South Carolina favorite blends wide sandy beaches with entertainment districts, fresh seafood, and an impressive lineup of attractions.
As we plan an upcoming May trip with another couple, I’ve spent plenty of time researching what makes this destination tick.
Golf may dominate many conversations about Myrtle Beach, but what stood out to me is how much more there is to experience — from scenic state parks and waterfront dining to live shows and classic boardwalk evenings.
If you’re considering a visit to Myrtle Beach, here’s a deeper look at the top attractions, best time to visit, and what to expect beyond the fairways.
The Beaches: The Heart of Myrtle Beach
The main draw, of course, is the beach itself. Myrtle Beach offers miles of soft sand and a wide shoreline that rarely feels cramped, even during busier times of year.
The central beach area is lively and convenient, especially near the Boardwalk district. You’ll find easy public access points, chair and umbrella rentals, and plenty of nearby dining options. It’s perfect if you like having energy and activity nearby.
If you prefer something quieter and more natural, Myrtle Beach State Park provides a more relaxed setting with fewer high-rise buildings. The park also features walking trails, picnic areas, and a fishing pier that stretches into the Atlantic.
A short drive south brings you to Huntington Beach State Park, often praised for its unspoiled beauty. It’s a favorite for birdwatchers and nature lovers, and it offers a quieter stretch of sand that feels worlds away from the busier resort corridor.
Whether your ideal beach day involves sunning, long shoreline walks, or simply listening to the waves roll in, Myrtle Beach delivers variety.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & SkyWheel
The oceanfront energy comes alive along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. This 1.2-mile promenade runs parallel to the ocean and serves as a central gathering spot for visitors.
Here you’ll find:
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Casual restaurants and bars
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Arcades and souvenir shops
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Ice cream stands and beachy snack spots
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Oceanfront views at every turn
The most recognizable feature along the Boardwalk is the SkyWheel Myrtle Beach. Rising nearly 200 feet above the shoreline, this observation wheel offers panoramic views of the Atlantic and the city skyline. At night, its colorful lighting becomes a focal point of the beachfront.
Even if you skip the ride, strolling the Boardwalk in the evening is one of the classic Myrtle Beach experiences.
Broadway at the Beach
If you’re looking for an all-in-one entertainment hub, Broadway at the Beach consistently tops visitor lists.
Built around a large lake, this sprawling complex combines shopping, dining, nightlife, and attractions in one walkable area. It’s especially popular in the evening when the restaurants fill up and live music drifts through the open-air spaces.
Attractions here include:
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Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
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Specialty shops and boutiques
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Live entertainment venues
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Bars and late-night spots
Ripley’s Aquarium, in particular, is known for its underwater tunnel that allows visitors to walk beneath sharks and sea life — a surprisingly immersive experience that appeals to adults as much as kids.
Broadway at the Beach is ideal for visitors who want options in one central location without hopping in and out of the car all evening.
Barefoot Landing & North Myrtle Beach
Farther north, Barefoot Landing offers a slightly more laid-back atmosphere.
Set along the Intracoastal Waterway, Barefoot Landing combines waterfront dining with specialty shops and entertainment venues. The setting feels a bit more relaxed compared to the high-energy central district, making it a good choice for a slower-paced dinner or sunset stroll.
Nearby, North Myrtle Beach tends to feel less crowded and more residential. If you’re looking for a quieter stay while still being close to attractions, this area is worth considering.
Murrells Inlet & the MarshWalk
About 20 minutes south of central Myrtle Beach sits Murrells Inlet, often referred to as the Seafood Capital of South Carolina.
The MarshWalk is the highlight here — a wooden boardwalk stretching along the marsh, lined with seafood restaurants and live music venues. It’s known for:
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Fresh local seafood
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Waterfront views
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Casual, coastal ambiance
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Beautiful sunsets over the marsh
For visitors who want to pair a scenic setting with dinner and drinks, Murrells Inlet provides a memorable change of pace from the main resort strip.
Beyond Golf: Mini-Golf, Water Sports & Shows
While Myrtle Beach is famous for having more than 80 golf courses, not every visitor comes for championship play. Fortunately, there’s plenty to do beyond traditional golf.
The area’s mini-golf scene is practically an attraction in itself. Elaborate courses featuring pirate ships, jungle themes, and volcanoes pop up along major roads. It’s lighthearted, competitive fun that works especially well for couples or families.
On the water, you’ll find options like:
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Parasailing
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Jet ski rentals
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Dolphin-watching tours
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Deep-sea fishing charters
Evenings bring another layer of entertainment. Myrtle Beach is known for dinner theaters, tribute concerts, and live music performances. If you’re looking to mix beach days with structured entertainment, you won’t have trouble filling a night or two.
Brookgreen Gardens: A Cultural Surprise
One attraction that consistently appears on “must-see” lists is Brookgreen Gardens.
This expansive sculpture garden and wildlife preserve combines art, history, and natural beauty. Visitors can stroll through manicured gardens featuring American figurative sculptures, explore Lowcountry zoo exhibits, and learn about regional history.
It’s a quieter, more reflective experience compared to the beachfront buzz — and a reminder that Myrtle Beach offers more than amusement-style attractions.
Best Time to Visit Myrtle Beach
Choosing when to visit can dramatically shape your experience.
Spring (April–May):
Arguably one of the best times to visit. Temperatures are warm but not oppressive, crowds are lighter than peak summer, and prices are often more reasonable. May, in particular, offers excellent beach weather without the heavy family travel season.
Summer (June–August):
Expect high temperatures, humidity, and the largest crowds. This is prime vacation season, especially for families. Ocean water is at its warmest, but accommodation rates typically peak as well.
Fall (September–October):
Another strong option. The weather remains warm, and crowds thin out after Labor Day. It’s worth noting that this period overlaps with Atlantic hurricane season, though many trips proceed without issue.
Winter (November–March):
Much quieter and cooler. While swimming isn’t ideal, winter can be a peaceful time for beach walks and lower lodging rates.
For those prioritizing beach time without peak-season congestion, late spring and early fall are especially appealing.
Where to Stay in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach accommodations range from high-rise oceanfront resorts to smaller boutique properties and vacation rentals.
In general:
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Central Myrtle Beach offers the most action and easy access to the Boardwalk.
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North Myrtle Beach provides a quieter, more residential feel.
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Murrells Inlet offers scenic marsh views and proximity to top seafood spots.
When planning our own trip, we prioritized staying near the beachfront for easy access to morning walks and sunset views. Proximity to the ocean tends to enhance the overall experience, especially for shorter stays.
Dining in Myrtle Beach
Seafood headlines the local dining scene, but the variety extends well beyond that.
Expect to find:
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Casual beachside grills
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Upscale steak and seafood restaurants
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Southern comfort food
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Waterfront dining along the Intracoastal and marsh
Shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, fried oysters, and fresh catch specials are common menu staples. Whether you prefer flip-flops and a patio or a white-tablecloth setting, Myrtle Beach offers options at nearly every price point.
A Destination with Layers
What surprised me most while planning this trip is how layered Myrtle Beach feels. On the surface, it’s a classic beach town known for golf and family vacations. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find scenic state parks, cultural gardens, waterfront dining districts, and an entertainment lineup that stretches well beyond the sand.
For couples, families, friend groups, or solo travelers, Myrtle Beach provides flexibility. You can spend entire days doing nothing but enjoying the ocean — or you can fill your schedule with shows, attractions, and explorations up and down the Grand Strand.
That balance is likely why so many people return year after year.
Myrtle Beach: More Than a Golf Getaway
As our May trip approaches, I’m increasingly convinced that Myrtle Beach offers more than its golf reputation suggests. Yes, the courses are abundant. But so are the beaches, boardwalk evenings, seafood dinners, and quiet moments along the marsh.
If you’re searching for a coastal destination that blends energy with relaxation — and offers something for nearly every type of traveler — Myrtle Beach deserves serious consideration.
Whether you come for the sand, the shows, the seafood, or simply a change of scenery, chances are you’ll find your own favorite corner of the Grand Strand.