Top Places for Car Lovers in Myrtle Beach
For all of those who need to drive fast, want to have fun, and look at unique, vintage cars, this is for you! Myrtle Beach has many hidden gems, and the attractions that might not be at the top of most people’s list are those for car lovers. The city offers various driving activities, museums to read about car history, and even some restaurants that will give you nostalgia.
*For those who have been to Myrtle Beach for car shows, the MOPAR at the Beach car show has been moved to Daytona, Florida.*
Activities
Broadway Grand Prix: There is no better way to spend an afternoon than racing at the track. Broadway Grand Prix offers seven different tracks for go-karting depending on speed, difficulty, and age. There are also opportunities for families with the “Family Track” which has two-seater cars, and two smaller tracks that are tailored specifically for children to enjoy. 2024 is the Grand Prix’s 10th anniversary, so there will be even bigger and more exciting things happening including bumper cars and special performances from the Lazarus Entertainment Group. The Prix also has a snack bar, arcade, and mini golf for visitors.
Wheels of Yesteryear: A family legacy that’s been in Myrtle Beach for years is at the Wheel of Yesteryear. This museum, located off the busy 501 Highway, has been open since 2009 and shows a collection of vintage cars. The cars all belong to the owner Paul Cummings and his wife Carol, with their collection of over 150 vehicles. The collection has been consistently growing for over 55 years, showcasing American-made trucks and cars. The museum also features car-themed items and classic cultural items that have been collected from different parts of the country. The museum is open Monday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
The Track: For variety, The Track is another go-kart park that has three different levels for driving. This establishment is a little more family-oriented, ensuring that everyone of all ages will have something to do. Whether it’s the Fat Daddy’s Arcade, shooting water from the Blaster Boats, or visiting Kids Country with a variety of rides, there’s a range of things to do. The Track uses a point system to allow visitors easy access to their amenities. You purchase a card, load up points, and then use that card on the activity of your choice. It makes the experience quick, efficient, and enjoyable for everyone.
Cruise down the boulevard in a shotgun: If you’re traveling to Myrtle Beach with a friend group or a special someone, one of the best things to do is rent a shotgun and take a drive down the boulevard. Slingshots are vehicles that are slender, low to the ground, and open on top with no roof, allowing you to take in the ocean breeze and witness Myrtle’s summer evenings firsthand. There are a handful of rental stations across the city ranging in price depending on how long you intend on renting the vehicle.
Car Shows
Run to the Sun Car Show: Each year, Myrtle Beach’s Run to the Sun car show continues to expand. In 2024, the event will celebrate its 35th anniversary which will feature thousands of cars from classics to hot rods around the country. The event lasts three days, and you can purchase a weekend or one-day pass. Either way, you’re going to spend at least five hours walking around the event with the number of cars you’ll see! This year the event will be held March 14-16 from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Visitors will also be able to witness live performances, win cash prizes, and enjoy tasty food.
Myrtle Beach Mustang Week: Since 2002, mustangs have gathered once a year to shake up Myrtle Beach Boulevard. Old, new, chromed-out, or creatively designed, you can find nearly any make and model of the classic car during Mustang Week. The event started as a small gathering in the early 2000s and now, it’s a huge car show along with activities such as learning about the history of Mustangs, drag race competitions, a Mustang beauty pageant, and more. In 2024 the event will be held September 2-7.
Restaurants
Myrtle Beach doesn’t have exactly “car-themed” restaurants; however, it has some that are decorated with license plates, giving you the feeling that you’re in a different decade.
Joe’s Diner by the Airport: Joe’s is a little diner near the airport that offers some of the best southern food in the area and for a good price. The interior gives off the impression that you’re in the ‘70s at a mom-and-pop shop with older signage and booths next to large mirrors. Serving biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, pork chops, and about every classic sandwich you can think of, Joe’s is the place to be when starting off the morning. The restaurant is open from 6:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
River City Café: With seven locations, you are sure to find one that’s close to you. River City is a burger joint that has concoctions of all kinds such as the “Fork and Knife”, “Fried Mac and Cheese”, “Peanut Butter Bacon”, and “Nacho Crunch”. They also offer some seafood platters and sandwiches. The best part, however, is the license plates hung on the wooden walls that come from states all around the country. River City has very colorful décor with lights and random displays hanging from ceilings, and each place mat at the tables is a sheet of brown paper, which guests are given crayons to color and mark up as they, please. It makes waiting for food an easy pastime!
Burky’s Grill: A local favorite that will take you back to the 1950s is this drive-in restaurant with black and white checkered floors and red booths. Burky’s is the place to be at the weekends to pick up a good burger or hot dog with a side of fries, you won’t even realize it’s a fast-food joint. Every Friday night from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. the burger spots hosts “Classic Car Nights” where you can find vintage vehicles to decked out Mustangs. It’s a great way to hang out, meet some locals, and eat good food. *Burky’s is currently under construction due to a fire but will be running again in the next two months.*
