Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach doesn’t whisper for your attention. It grabs it with the roar of ocean waves, the shimmer of carnival lights, the rhythm of live music drifting across the sand, and the sizzle of Carolina barbecue on the grill. Set along South Carolina’s Grand Strand, this coastal playground stretches for more than 60 miles and pulses with nonstop activity, beach-town personality, and a sense of joy that brings families back year after year.

Whether you’re planning a sun-soaked getaway, a reunion packed with seafood feasts and water park thrills, or a golf-filled escape with your crew, Myrtle Beach lays out every reason to stay a little longer.

The Beach is the Beginning

At the heart of Myrtle Beach’s energy lies its namesake shoreline. The sand is wide, the surf is gentle, and the scene is made for every type of traveler. Parents relax beneath umbrellas while kids race to build castles near the tide. Teenagers skimboard in the shallow surf and couples walk barefoot at sunrise. You can fish from Springmaid Pier, watch dolphins from a parasail, or float slowly on a banana boat.

The 1.2-mile Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade brings the coast alive with oceanfront shops, street performers, carnival games, and the towering SkyWheel. The 200-foot-tall observation wheel delivers sweeping views of the Atlantic from climate-controlled gondolas. Book a VIP ticket to skip the lines, especially during golden hour.

Where Flavor Tells the Story

The food scene tells a flavorful story of coastal South Carolina: bold, comforting, and made to be shared. Myrtle Beach thrives on classic Southern dishes with a local twist. Think seafood buffets, low-and-slow barbecue, and desserts that feel like a warm hug from Grandma.

Don’t Miss:

• Bennett’s Calabash for an over-the-top seafood buffet packed with crab legs, oysters, shrimp, and prime rib.
• Simply Southern Smokehouse for pork barbecue, fried chicken gizzards, banana pudding, and fruit cobblers.
• Big Mike’s Soul Food for meatloaf, sweet potato pie, and classic “meat-and-three” platters.
• Mammy’s Kitchen for a family-style Southern breakfast where kids eat free and biscuits and gravy rule the menu.

For something more elevated, Joe’s Bar & Grill serves coastal cuisine with a polished touch, while 42nd Street Bar and Grill impresses with steakhouse precision and local seafood done right. Reservations are encouraged during peak seasons, especially for large groups.

Big Thrills and Bright Lights

Myrtle Beach knows how to put on a show. With more than 25,000 live performances annually, the area stages everything from toe-tapping concerts to over-the-top dinner shows. Pirates Voyage features sword fights, sea creatures, and fire-lit acrobatics while Medieval Times delivers jousting and feasting fit for kings and queens.

At Broadway at the Beach, the action never lets up. You’ll find everything from escape rooms and Ripley’s Aquarium to WonderWorks, known for its upside-down building and hands-on science exhibits. After dark, head to the Hollywood Wax Museum to pose with celebrity look-alikes or catch a ride on a nighttime jet boat for a high-speed splash through the inlet.

Looking for rhythm with your drink? Bars across town host live music nearly every night of the week. Ocean Annie’s and The Bowery both offer legendary beachside music scenes where dancing with sandy feet is practically a requirement.

Room to Relax, Space to Explore

Myrtle Beach offers an incredible range of places to stay, from budget-friendly condos to sprawling resorts. Nearly every property lines up along the shoreline, meaning ocean views and quick beach access are part of the package. Dunes Village Resort is known for its on-site water park and family suites, while Avista Resort and Island Vista Oceanfront Resort balance comfort with proximity to restaurants and attractions.

Groups and families love the Grand Atlantic Ocean Resort for its spacious condos and kid-friendly amenities including a heated lazy river and arcade. For indoor water park fun, The Breakers Resort delivers five slides, multiple pools, and strong dining options with both casual and upscale offerings.

Beyond the Beach

Myrtle Beach brings outdoor adventure beyond the shoreline, too. The Waccamaw River winds through cypress groves and swamps where turtles sun themselves on fallen logs and osprey hover overhead. Kayaking or paddleboarding through these quiet waters offers a peaceful contrast to the bustle of the boardwalk.

To explore South Carolina’s cultural roots, venture just beyond the beach to the Gullah Museum in Georgetown. Learn about rice as a cash crop, view textiles created by local artisans, and hear stories passed down through generations of Gullah Geechee descendants.

Art lovers will find a peaceful hour or two at the Franklin G. Burroughs – Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum. This free museum near the beach showcases local artists and invites families to create during drop-in workshops.

Built for Reunions and Repeat Visits

Myrtle Beach is made for moments you remember. Whether it’s a child’s first time in the ocean, a birthday celebrated with crab legs, or the glow of fireworks seen from a beachfront balcony, these are the memories that shape travel traditions. Families return year after year, with grandparents, toddlers, and teens all finding their rhythm along the Grand Strand.

The combination of beachside simplicity, over-the-top fun, and welcoming hospitality makes Myrtle Beach one of the most versatile vacation spots in the country. Come for the sun, stay for the music, and leave with stories worth retelling.