Most Americans have collectively decided that THIS…2021, the year of our Lord, would be the summer in which we bring back the great, classic, American road trip. I, for one, am thrilled. I’m telling you RIGHT NOW. If your trip for the summer doesn’t include a cheesy road side attraction, or some time spent at a family friendly tourist city that’s been around since the dawn of time…I’m not interested. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is the kind of place that’s been around for ages. It’s also the kind of place that makes your heart race with giddy joy upon entering town.
Yes, even if you think you’d be jaded because you’ve flown around the world, you’ll still find yourself chomping at the bit to have a fun-filled classic getaway in Myrtle Beach once you see the giant Ferris Wheel spinning amidst a golden, orange, and pink sunset.
Live MUSIC AT THE BOWERY BAR.
Hannah, Hannah Henderson Travel
The iconic Bowery Bar is the premier spot to enjoy a night of live music in Myrtle Beach. Located on 9th Ave N, just off the Myrtle Beach promenade and boardwalk, The Bowery has live music 6 nights a week. With a house band that delivers great quality country and rock classics from 8:30pm until close, you will have a fantastic night out at The Bowery.
Attached to The Bowery is the food and non-music side of the establishment, Duffy’s. You can get a wide range of southern meals and bar snacks, as well as well-priced drinks. Luckily their tongue-in-cheek tagline ‘hot beer, lousy food, and bad service’ is not the reality, and you won’t leave disappointed.
The Bowery in Myrtle Beach is a larger-than-life venue that has been around for decades – the energy in the room when the band starts playing ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ is electric. Don’t mind the chicken-wire protection around the stage – it adds to the whole ‘Roadhouse’ vibe of the place. If you’re looking for live music in Myrtle Beach, head to The Bowery.
The Theatre and the Beach.
Victoria, Guide Your Travel
Myrtle Beach is a well-known vacation town and a favorite among tourists who come here to enjoy the sun and beautiful scenery. The beach in Myrtle Beach is absolutely gorgeous with white sand and blue water so make sure to add it to your itinerary. This is a fantastic spot for all sorts of water sports and swimming when the sea is calm. The best time to visit is definitely during the summer when temperatures are warm and you’ll get to spend as much time as possible by the beach.
However, Myrtle Beach can also be beautiful during the colder months when you can go for walks or surf. The beach stretches for miles so you’ll always find a quiet spot that isn’t crowded. You can walk all the way to the popular Myrtle Beach Boardwalk which is a great spot for lunch or drinks after a beach day.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade.
Rai, A Rai of light
Strategically located in the heart of downtown Myrtle Beach, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade is a popular tourist attraction. This 1.2-mile-long avenue runs along the beach from the 2nd Avenue Pier at 2nd Avenue North all the way to Pier 14 at 14th Avenue North. Open year-round to the public, it makes for a great choice to spend a couple hours people-watching and indulging in the fun dining, bar spots, and a host of attractions on offer.
Highlights include the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, Fun Plaza Family Fun Center, Nightmare Haunted House, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Shopping is another popular activity with an abundance of stores that include Cloud Nine, Candy Mikes, A Silver Shack, and Ron Jon Surf Shop to name a few. The best time to visit is just before sunset. You’ll have the opportunity to witness the skyline lit up by the 190-foot SkyWheel as the sun goes down. No visit to the area is complete without a stop at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade.
See a Comedy Show.
Stephanie, wandering why traveler
A few years ago I sat wedged between my parents at the Carolina Comedy Club while Jordan Rock (brother of Chris Rock) asked my parents for detailed information about their relationship. I really wanted to melt into a puddle and disappear into the sea. BUT, he was hilarious overall. And my parents are really cool. So, I consider that a night well spent. A lot of legitimate star talent passes through the comedy club circuit, so consider catching a show. Comedy Cabana is another great spot for some laughs!
Outlet Shopping in Myrtle Beach.
Sydney, a world in reach
If you’re looking for a way to spend a rainy day in Myrtle Beach (or to recover from a sunburn after a beach day), consider having a day full of outlet shopping!
There are two outlet malls in Myrtle Beach – the Tanger Outlets located off Highway 17, and the Tanger Outlets located off Highway 501. Choose one to visit, or hit up both for the ultimate outlet shopping spree!
The Highway 17 location is the larger mall with around 100 stores, while the Highway 501 location has around 75. Both locations feature favorite brands like American Eagle, Old Navy, and Polo Ralph Lauren. You can find a Nike Factory Store at 501, while 17 has Michael Kors and Kate Spade.
Tanger Outlets Highway 501 is slightly closer to the main area of Myrtle Beach and is just 10 minutes away from Broadway at the Beach. Tanger Outlets Highway 17 is just about 20 minutes away from downtown Myrtle Beach in the Arcadian Shores area.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach.
Catalin, Travel trained
When visiting Myrtle Beach one of the best attractions is Ripley’s Aquarium, located on Broadway at the beach shopping complex. The aquarium is full of unique experiences that no vacation to the area will be complete without. Make sure you pack your travel camera to capture memories you are going to cherish for years to come.
Anyone looking to get close to a stingray is going to enjoy the Friendship Flats, where you can reach out and touch them as they swim by. If you’re looking to get up close and personal with some stingrays, you can swim with them during a stingray experience.
For those looking for more adventure, you can dive with the sharks. If you’re looking for a more cute experience, the Penguin Encounter will let you hang out with one of the cutest animals on earth.
After your exciting encounter, you can grab some refreshments at the Rainbow Cafe before checking out the other exhibits in the aquarium. Learn all about rainforests in the Rio Amazon, or check out thousands of jellyfish in Planet Jellies. Learn all about the Indo-Pacific Coral Reef at the rainbow rock, with dive shows every Thursday through Sunday at 2:00pm. If you want to learn about some of the scarier creatures of the ocean make sure to check out the Dangerous Reef.
Ripley’s Aquarium is full of hands-on fun and adventure for the whole family. It’s the perfect way to beat the heat one afternoon or spend the entire day learning.
Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park.
Claire, claire pins travel
Huntington Beach State Park and Brookgreen Gardens are two great day trip destinations located directly across the highway from each other at Murrells Inlet, which is 15 miles or a 30-minute drive south of Myrtle Beach.
Brookgreen Gardens is considered to be a world-class sculpture garden and one of the top public gardens in America where flowers bloom year-round. A number of themed botanical gardens are interspersed with fountains and pavilions. These display a variety of sculptures, many of which feature representations of animals and nature or themes from Greek and Roman mythology. There is a gift shop onsite and be aware that pets are not permitted inside the gardens.
Just across the street, Huntington Beach State Park is a favorite choice for birdwatchers. It features an extensive boardwalk system that passes by a freshwater pond which is home to alligators, along with a tidal salt marsh filled with fish, birds, and other wildlife. The onsite Nature Center presents displays of park wildlife. Park rangers provide regularly scheduled interpretative sessions, some of which are aimed at families with children. There is also a large sandy beach, public campground, picnic facilities, and a gift shop.
Get Wasted at Dirty Don’s.
Stephanie, wandering why traveler
Tired of sightseeing and being well-behaved for the sake of the kids? Reward yourself with delicious oysters and some remarkable people-watching at the boardwalk location of Dirty Don’s. Choices of the beloved bivalve include oyster parmesan, buffalo and blue cheese oysters, oyster ‘rockafella’, and blackened oysters. Can’t decide on just one type? Get the sampler! Not an oyster fan? No worries, there’s plenty of other seafood options (deep fried and not).
Now for the fun part. With every pitcher of fruity, artificially colored, beachy themed drink you get a free t-shirt! It’s only one per pitcher, so your group might need to order a few rounds until everyone gets their Dirty Don’s souvenir shirt. You’re sure to be wrecked following an afternoon at this place. BUT, are you buzzed enough to try one of Dirty Don’s oyster shooters…
Like many Americans, we are anxious to get back out there. And, like everyone else, Myrtle Beach was one of the top destinations we looked at for Memorial Day weekend! We didn\'t book our trip there just yet, but it is on our list as we will be traveling domestically for awhile. I\'ve always wanted to go to Myrtle Beach so this post caught my attention! Thanks for the tips on things to do!
ReplyI love these ideas! I grew up going to Myrtle Beach in the 80s as a kid. It\'s so different now and there are several things on this list I\'ve never seen. Thanks for the post!
ReplyI\'ve been to South Caroline on my very first trip to the US which was a road trip by....Greyhound! I\'ve travelled from Charlston to New Orleans. Since Charlston was my first stop in the US and I was totally lost and overwhelmed, it will always have a special place in my heart. Unfortunately, I didn\'t have the opportunity to visit Myrtle Beach; also, it was February...a very cold February ;-)
ReplySuch a fun compilation of things to do in Myrtle Beach, looks like an entertaining place for a holiday with friends or family 😊. I particularly like the way you wrote the introduction though, fresh but with a pinch of humor.
ReplySouth Carolina I have heard so much great stuff about! Especially about Myrtle beach, but none of them remembered where they went. So, I am so glad to see this article. I love boardwalks and pretty beaches. Can\'t wait to check it out one day! Great article.
ReplyKeep on writing, great job!
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