Run to the Sun Car Show: Things To Do While You're In Town (Updated for 2026)
Every spring, thousands of classic car enthusiasts roll into Myrtle Beach for the legendary Run to the Sun Car and Truck Show, one of the largest independent car shows in the Southeast. The three‑day event fills the former Myrtle Square Mall site with more than 3,000 pre‑1989 cars and trucks, along with vendors, awards, and a massive swap meet that draws fans from across the country.
If you're here for Run to the Sun, chances are your days will be spent admiring chrome, horsepower, and perfectly restored classics. But when you're ready to explore beyond the show field, the Grand Strand has plenty more experiences that car lovers and show-going friends and family will appreciate.
Here are some of the best things to do, eat, and hang out spots while you're in town for Run to the Sun.
Event Details
- What: The 37th Annual Run to the Sun Car and Truck Show
- When: March 19-21, 2026, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday & Saturday
- Where: Old Myrtle Square Mall site, 2501 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- Details: The Myrtle Beach area's largest annual automotive show, featuring over 3,200 pre-1989 cars and trucks, 150 vendors, and 10,000 spectators across 56 acres.
Things To Do
Carolina Forest Area
If you love classic cars, this is a must‑stop while you're in town. Located right next to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Wheels of Yesteryear features more than 150 vintage American cars and trucks from the early 1900s through the muscle car era. The collection rotates regularly, so there’s always something new to admire, from pristine Chevelles to rare Mopars.
Downtown Myrtle Beach
One of the unofficial traditions of Run to the Sun weekend is cruising Ocean Boulevard. As the sun goes down, classic cars roll along the oceanfront while spectators line the sidewalks to watch the parade of chrome, rumbling engines, and vintage rides. Even if you’re not behind the wheel, it’s one of the most fun people‑watching experiences of the weekend.
Myrtle Beach (near Broadway at The Beach)
Feel the need for speed? Myrtle Beach has plenty of places to get behind the wheel. Broadway Grand Prix is the area's most fully-featured go‑kart facility in town, with great tracks for all ages and skill levls, plus amusement rides, a mini golf course, arcade and more. Other great options include The Track in the restaurant row area of town, Fun Warehouse in Surfside Beach, and K1 Speed Indoor Karting in North Myrtle Beach, where electric karts deliver fast laps on a slick indoor track.
Broadway at The Beach, Myrtle Beach
Keep the competitive spirit going at one of Myrtle Beach’s great arcades. Dave & Buster’s at Broadway at the Beach mixes racing simulators, sports games, and classic arcade action with great food and drinks. For a nostalgic vibe, stop by Fun Plaza on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, a longtime oceanfront arcade packed with classic games and carnival‑style fun or opt for Lulu's Arcade, a great family-friendly stop at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach.
GTS Theatre, Myrtle Beach
If you want a break from engines and exhaust notes, check out Motor City Musical: A Motown Tribute at GTS Theatre. The show celebrates the music of artists like The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, and more, bringing the sound of Detroit to the beach. Myrtle Beach is also known for its incredible tribute shows. You’ll find everything from Elvis and classic rock tributes at Legends in Concert, to high‑energy productions at The Carolina Opry and major touring acts at the Alabama Theatre.
Place To Eat
Myrtle Beach
This retro burger joint is a favorite among locals and car lovers alike. Burky’s serves up old‑school burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes in a casual roadside setting that feels perfectly matched for classic cars. It’s also known for attracting cruise‑ins and classic rides in the parking lot.
Multiple Locations
With 8 locations across the Grand Strand, River City Cafe is famous for its massive burgers, casual atmosphere, and walls covered with license plates from across the country. Go all in with fan favorites like the peanut butter burger, the towering Kitchen Sink burger stacked with toppings, or a classic bacon cheeseburger done right. It’s a fun, no-frills place to grab a big, messy burger after a long day at the show field.
Garden City Beach
Bohemian Bull serves stacked, flavor-packed burgers, a strong craft beer lineup, and a laid-back outdoor vibe. Favorites like the duck fat fries and over-the-top burger builds make it worth the stop, especially after a day at the show. The spacious patio naturally turns into a hangout for car lovers, where you can roll in, grab a cold one, and talk shop without ever feeling rushed.
Myrtle Beach
Joe’s is a local favorite for classic diner comfort food and old-school portions. Expect all-day breakfast with fluffy pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and loaded omelets, plus Southern staples like meatloaf, country fried steak, and daily blue-plate specials. It’s the kind of no-nonsense spot where coffee keeps coming, plates are piled high, and you leave full.
Myrtle Beach
Cruise down to the Intracoastal Waterway and pull in at The Boathouse for waterfront views, live music, and cold drinks. It’s a popular hangout for both locals and visitors, especially on weekends when bands take the stage outside. This weekend features local favorite rockers Black Glass on Friday night, hair rock tribute act Bad Romeo on Saturday night and country up-and-comer Greylan James on Sunday afternoon.