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The 20 Best Things to Do in Myrtle Beach for First Timers

Myrtle Beach

Located along the coast of South Carolina, Myrtle Beach is a city and popular vacation resort that attracts many tourists. It has a traditional seaside atmosphere that visitors love, and there are plenty of things for people to see and do during their stay. Due to the number and diversity of the activities and attractions on offer, some visitors find it difficult trying to whittle down the options to make sure they include all the best things in their vacation itinerary. To help you to make sure you make the most of your visit to this city, here is a list of the 20 best things to do in Myrtle Beach for first-time visitors.

20. Broadway Grand Prix

Featuring seven different go-kart tracks, this venue offers fun for all the family. The tracks vary in design, so there is something to suit all abilities. There is a track that is specially designed for younger children and the Grand Prix Pro Track where the karts can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. Although the go-karts are the main attraction, there are plenty more things to enjoy, including a rock-climbing wall, a sky coaster, an arcade, and two mini-golf courses with racing car themes. There is also a snack bar where you can grab a bite to eat.

19. Explore the Blackwater and Salt Marsh Ecosystems

The coast of Carolina has a unique ecosystem which is evident in Myrtle Beach, which is bordered by both the Atlantic Ocean and Waccamaw River. Away from the tourist-filled waterfront is the blackwater and salt marsh ecosystems that are unique to this coastline, says Thrillist. This shows a completely different side to the city as it has many elements of natural beauty and some interesting wildlife. There are many educational tours where you can learn about the ecosystems, or you can get more involved by kayaking through the swamps or scuba diving to look at the local marine life and shipwrecks.

18. Franklin G. Burroughs and Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum

Those who are interested in art, culture, and history, should set aside some time in their itinerary to visit Franklin G. Burroughs and Simeon B. Chapin Museum. The permanent exhibition features work by local artists that are inspired by the rich culture of the Carolinas. There are also touring shows throughout the year.

17. Myrtle Waves Water Park

If you daren’t brave the waves at the beach but you want some water-based fun, you should head to Myrtle Waves Water Park. This is the largest water park in South Carolina as it covers 20 acres and more than one million gallons of water. Things to enjoy at this water park include slides, rides, rafts, ad chutes. The highlight for adrenalin junkies is sliding down the 20-foot long Super Chute. There are also several other water parks in Myrtle Beach, including Wild & Water Wheels and Splashes Water Park. However, Myrtle Waves is the best option.

16. Ripley’s Believe It or Not

An interesting attraction to visit during your time in Myrtle Beach is Ripley’s Believe It or Not. You can enjoy seeing the bizarre collection of unusual objects in the Odditorium, which includes unusual sculptures and shrunken heads. There are many interactive elements to this attraction that are a lot of fun, such as the huge arcade, the mirror maze, the 5D movie theater, and a haunted laser tag arena. There are exhibitions and attractions to suit people of all ages, and this is a great activity for everyone to enjoy on a rainy day.

15. Warbird Park

This is a free attraction, so it is a good option for those who are visiting Myrtle Beach on a limited budget. Warbird Park is an educational activity that is located in the Market Common district and it is situated at the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. It is now a stunning park that displays aircraft that were once part of active operations. Each aircraft on display is accompanied by information about its historical significance. In addition to the aircraft, you can see the Wall of Service. This is a wall that contains the names of every service member who has ever served at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base.

14. SkyWheel Myrtle Beach

SkyWheel Myrtle Beach has become an iconic landmark of the city and an important feature of the skyline. This large wheel has 42 six-person gondolas that take you on a 10-minute ride. From the top, you are treated to panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Myrtle Beach, and the surrounding area. At night, the wheel is illuminated by one million LED lights, which make it a rather impressive feature of the skyline.

13. Pirates Voyage

You will find Pirates Voyage next door to The Carolina Opry. It is a dinner show venue where diners can enjoy a pirate-themed interactive show while eating a hearty meal. The show involves acrobatic pirates going into battle while also performing tricks and comedy stunts. There are also contests and plenty of opportunities for the guests to get involved in the performance. This is one of the best entertainment restaurants in the city.

12. Wonderworks Myrtle Beach

Planetware describes this attraction as taking the concept of a science museum to a new level. Even from the outside, this attraction looks intriguing, as the building looks as though it is falling over. Inside, there is a range of interactive exhibits that are divided into themes zones. The topics covered include physical challenges, natural disasters, art, space exploration, and lights and sound. There are activities to suit all ages, including a 6D Extreme theater, an indoor glow-in-the-dark ropes obstacle course, an Extreme 360 bikes experience, and a special play area devoted the young visitors.

11. Family Kingdom Amusement Park

If you are visiting Myrtle Beach as a family, then one of the best family attractions to visit is the Family Kingdom Amusement Park. This offers plenty of family fun and there is something for people of all ages. This beachside attraction covers 13 acres and features 38 rides including a carousel, a rollercoaster, go-karts, and rides for small children. It also has a Ferris wheel which allows you to enjoy spectacular views across the Atlantic Ocean and along Myrtle Beach. There is also a waterpark section at this attraction, which has water slides and a lazy river.

10. Alabama Theater

If you enjoy the performing arts and would like a cultural experience during your time in Myrtle Beach, then a trip to Alabama Theater is something that you should not miss. This theater has a jam-packed calendar of performances throughout the year. You should check what is on during your stay and book your tickets in advance, if possible.

9. The Carolina Opry

According to US Travel News, Carolina Opry has been open since 1986 and it is one of the main events for live music. The shows that take place vary from gospel choirs to country music performances. They offer a varied program, and it is worth checking what is on before embarking on your trip to Myrtle Beach.

8. Huntington State Park

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist areas of Myrtle Beach, then a peaceful place to visit is Huntington State Park. Features of the park include three miles of private beach, picnic area, a nature center, a campsite, and various bike and hiking trails. It is also home to the stunning Atalaya Castle which was once the home of railroad tycoon Archer Milton Huntington. You can learn more about the Huntington family inside the castle. Birdwatching and observing the loggerhead turtles are a popular activity at the park.

7. Brookgreen Gardens

Brookgreen Gardens were purchased by Archer Milton Huntington in 1929 so that he could use the land as a retreat for his wife during her recovery from tuberculosis. The couple then opened up the sculpture garden to the public. The property covers 9.100 acres, and there is much more than just the sculpture garden to enjoy. There is a wildlife sanctuary, an aviary, a cypress swamp, the Lowcountry Zoo, an education center, a butterfly house, and nature trails. Events and festivals are held at this venue throughout the year. One activity you can enjoy at this attraction is a ride in a 48-foot pontoon boat. The boat ride takes you alongside the historic Oaks Plantation rice fields, the old rice mill, and a Civil War fort

6. Play a Round of Golf

One of the things that Myrtle Beach is famous for is its golf courses, and some people refer to this city as the golf capital of the world. If you are a golf enthusiast, you will find multiple golf courses from which you can choose, including championship golf courses that have been designed by some of the best-known golf course designers in the world, such as Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Arnold Palmer, and Robert Trent Jones. One of the best to visit is Barefoot Resort & Golf, as there are four courses that vary in difficulty.

5. Myrtle Beach State Park

Myrtle Beach State Park is more than just a beach, as it has a dense forest with interesting nature trails. Visitors can also enjoy surf fishing and equestrian facilities. The park covers 312 acres of land, with features including fishing piers, picnic tables, and a nature center where you can learn about the birds, turtles, and other species that you will see. It is possible to camp in this park if you want a different experience than staying in a hotel.

4. Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach

An activity that is both fun and educational is a visit to Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach. One of the best features of this attraction is the Dangerous Reef, which is a 340-foot underwater tunnel. When you walk through the tunnel, you are surrounded by green moray eels, tarpons, and sharks. There are also touch pools, displays, exhibitions, and a Discovery Center where you can learn more about the species on display.

3. Mount Atlanticus Miniature Golf

Although Myrtle Bay is known for its amazing golf courses, these are not always a good option for novices and families. A more accessible option is to have a fun game of miniature golf. Although there are many miniature golf courses in this city, one of the best is Mount Atlanticus Miniature Golf. The holes vary in difficulty and the course has an interesting and visually appealing design. Other miniature golf courses worth considering are Dragon’s Lair Miniature Golf, Jungle Lagoon, and Treasure Island.

2. Boardwalk at the Beach

Boardwalk at the Beach is a large shopping and dining complex. It is the best place to enjoy some retail therapy, and it is home to some of the best places to eat in Myrtle Beach. There is a movie theater, a dozen food outlets, three hotels, and several attractions. Every Tuesday, there is a firework display, and many events and festivals are held at this location throughout the year. Another good option for shopping is Barefoot Landing, although this doesn’t have all the extra features of Broadway at the Beach.

1. Spend a Day at Myrtle Beach

One of the main reasons why tourists choose to visit this destination is because of its coastal location. Therefore, it makes sense that the most popular activity to enjoy during a visit is spending a day at Myrtle Beach. US Travel News says it is the perfect place to relax, enjoy a walk, sunbathe, play with the children, paddle in the waves, and build sandcastles. You can also enjoy fishing and a range of water sports. The beach is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, so you can go shopping or enjoy a meal.

Dana Hanson

Written by Dana Hanson

Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. She also enjoys creative writing, content writing on nearly any topic (particularly business and lifestyle), because as a lifelong learner, she loves to do research and possess a high skill level in this area. Her academic degrees include AA social Sci/BA English/MEd Adult Ed & Community & Human Resource Development and ABD in PhD studies in Indust & Org Psychology.

Read more posts by Dana Hanson

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