10 Most-Popular Myrtle Beach Attractions

A Myrtle Beach vacation is packed with activities and opportunities to create a lifetime of memories for your friends and family. Whether it’s a week-long  or a weekend beach getaway, planning what to do and your Myrtle Beach vacation rental can be overwhelming. We offer 10 popular Myrtle Beach attractions to get your gears moving.

1. The Beach: Hands down the number one thing to do that’s really hard to top, go to the beach. You could have picked anywhere: the mountains, the desert, a coniferous forest, but you chose a Myrtle Beach vacation. In fact, with 60 miles of sand along what is known as the Grand Stand, and with lifeguards on duty, why bother with a list? We’re done.
2. The Sunrise over the Atlantic: There’s nothing quite like seeing the sun rise from the horizon of the Atlantic Ocean. Well, maybe paddling out in the early hours and watching the sunrise while on a surfboard. If you start your day early, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to have most of the beach to yourself before the umbrellas and coolers begin to show up. If you decide to surf, between April 30 and Labor Day it’s prohibited between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. except in designated areas.
3. Golfing: 100+ courses in the area and beautiful weather makes this one of the most sought after golf destinations in the country. Whether you’re on vacation with family or friends, many of the courses are close to the beach and offer activities beyond the fairways.
4. Mini-golf: If you’d rather be surrounded by prehistoric dinosaurs and exploding volcanoes instead of goofy pants you’re in luck because there are dozens of miniature golf courses to choose from along the Grand Stand. Sure, there are hundreds of championship fairways nearby, but why not play on the same course as the nationally televised U.S. Prominigolf Master’s National Championship?
5. Brookgreen Gardens: This combined garden, sculpture exhibit and zoo was designated a National Historic Landmark and listed on the Register of National Historic Places, it was also listed by Coastal Living Magazine as one of the top 10 public gardens in the country. Along with countless sights and activities like a pontoon boat cruise, the gardens also host classes in sculpture, horticulture, history and animals. Bicycles are welcome on the paved roads.
6. Ripley’s Aquarium: This 85,000 square foot multi-level aquarium have interactive and educational exhibits that showcase the aquatic ecosystem just outside the doors along with around the world. There’s a glass tunnel that puts you right in the middle of sharks, sea turtles and fish and a shallow pool with touch-friendly species.
7. Carolina Opry: Built in 1993, this 2,200 seat showplace received the Governor’s Cup, the state’s highest tourism award. If you’re on vacation in Myrtle Beach, this live show powerhouse offers everything from laser light shows to dance to song.
8. Myrtle Beach Sky Wheel: Standing at 187 feet and just yards away from the water, the Skywheel is the largest Ferris wheel on East Coast. Each flight- three revolutions- takes an estimated 8-10 minutes and there are 42 glass-enclosed, climate controlled gondolas to carry passengers. At night, the wheelchair accessible landmark lights up.
9. Brewery Tour: Tired of watered-down, easily accessible, bland beer from your grocery store or local pub? It’s no surprise there’s a surge in craft beer popularity over the past couple of years as micro-breweries and brewers take greater risks and specialize on variations of the beverage. While you’re on the beach, plan ahead with a designated-driver to hop-scotch over two-dozen breweries nestled along the coast. Sit with the locals, order a beer flight and tour the facilities to see the process from start to finish.
10. Hot Summer Nights: Free nightly events along the boardwalk last from June through August. Starting with a family-friendly Boardwalk Kids Carnival, all ages can have fun with face painting, caricature artists, games, stilt walkers and much more. Later in the night, check out the “I Love Sugar” oceanfront music stage to hear local and regional acts. Cap off the night every Wednesday with a firework show along the boardwalk.