Also known as the Grand Stand because of its 60-mile string of beaches, Myrtle Beach is a prominent tourist vacation spot. It is located along the South Atlantic coast of South Carolina and is known for its laidback lifestyle and amazingly beautiful views.
Visitors come here to enjoy the endless and broad sandy beaches, several attractions sites, world-class golf courses, and more.
With so much to do and places to visit in Myrtle Beach, it is easy for anyone to get overwhelmed.
To help make your tour of Myrtle Beach more direct, here are eight of the best places that you can see more and should make a point of visiting while there.
1. The Beach Itself
It goes without saying that is perhaps the main attraction in this area. Myrtle Beach is an expansive stretch of beach along the oceanfront with plenty of private and public beaches. Visitors can toss frisbees around with their dogs, fly a kite and search for shells with their kids, or enjoy the blue ocean water with the family for wholesome fun.
You can also enjoy paid activities and adventures such as parasailing, fishing, scuba diving, boating, windsurfing, or surfing. If you’re not into water activities, you can choose to simply bask in the sun as you enjoy a drink by the beach or read a book.
Nighttime at the beach can be a special time as the beauty of it all can really set the tone for romance. The lights, music, and sounds of water breaking on the sands in the background will add a lovely touch to a nighttime walk on the beach.
While at the beach, visitors can also visit the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk where they’ll find several souvenir shops, hotels, tourist attractions, and restaurants. Annual festivals such as the Carolina Country Music Fest, Myrtle Beach Seafood Festival, and others are also hosted at the beach.
2. The SkyWheel
The SkyWheel which opened its doors in 2011 is a 10-minute ride that takes people round in its 42, six-person gondolas. It offers riders plenty of photo ops and an expansive view of the city. The gondolas are spacious enough and are climate-controlled for extra comfort.
At night the wheel is illuminated by a million LED lights making it a striking and iconic landmark. Should you wish to enjoy more time in the SkyWheel, you can choose to take the VIP option and enjoy a reserve for a 20-minute ride in a gondola with views from every angle including a glass floor. Take note that you’ll have to book your ticket online and in advance.
3. Ripley’s Aquarium
Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach Boardwalk will give your family an excellent opportunity to explore a giant aquatic habitat from the inside. This is made possible by the acrylic tunnel that goes through the Dangerous Reef aquarium.
Ripley’s Aquarium has thousands of sea animals such as giant sharks, fish, stingrays, and sea turtles that visitors can view close up from the tunnel. If you are brave enough, you can camp overnight inside the tunnel or take a dive with the sharks.
The staff is very helpful and they provide visitors with great lessons about marine life.
4. Family Kingdom Amusement Park
This place has several games, rides, and activities for the entire family. Some of the activities available include carousels, bumper cars, a kiddie train, antique cars, a Ferris wheel, and go-karts. It also has a 110-foot free fall Drop Zone, multiple roller coasters, and a tilt-a-whirl.
The park has full-scale pay and a pay-per-ride option, which offers visitors the flexibility to choose only the activities they would like to try.
5. The Pinball Museum
If you are looking for a Myrtle Beach arcade play area that is not only affordable but fun-filled, this attraction is a must-visit. Retro and Pinball lovers are going to find it very hard to leave this museum.
It is easy to access and has over two dozen machines with games that will take visitors back to the 1970s, 80s, and ’90s.
6. WonderWorks Myrtle Beach
This location takes the idea of a science museum to a whole new level. It can engage kids of all ages in fun time learning activities focused on topics like lights and sound, natural disasters, art, physical challenges, and space exploration.
Located in Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, WonderWorks has interactive exhibits that are categorized by theme into Wonder Zones. The youngest visitors have a dedicated area to learn and play and with activities like a giant Lite-Brite.
Fun activities in WonderWorks include a laser tag arena, Extreme 360 bikes experience, and an indoor glow-in-the-dark ropes course. It also has a 6D Extreme theater motion theatre.
7. Myrtle Waves Water Park
Myrtle Beach is home to South Carolina’s largest water park with slides that will have you screaming before tossing you far into the water. There are over one million gallons of water flowing through more than 20 acres of rides, slides, chutes, and rafts in the Myrtle Waves water park.
The heart-stopping slides include the Night Flight, Turbo Twisters, and the King Cobra. It also has a 20-foot-long enclosed Super Chute slide, and other thrilling range of water slides meant for the brave. There are plenty of kid-friendly slides as well for the younger children.
8. Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage
Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage treats guests to several comedy shows and performances that include tricks from parrots, sea lions, and other animals. Visitors can enjoy a show of acrobatic pirates from the Crimson and Sapphire crews battle for victory as they enjoy a meal while seated at the watery stage.
To make sure you have a good seat, try and book early. Remember to arrive early so you can get to watch the pre-show.
Explore the Mystery and Wonders of Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is full of attractions and activities for everyone. Its extensive sights, good cuisine, subtropical climate, events, and more combine to offer visitors a truly unforgettable experience. With several world-class golf courses, white sandy beaches, parks, and museums, and so much more, you can ne
