New Attractions & Hidden Gems in North Myrtle Beach (Updated for 2026)
North Myrtle Beach has always known how to have a good time, from its sun-soaked stretches of sand to the open-air dance floors that gave birth to the shag.
These days, the laid-back beach town is buzzing with even more to see and do, with major new attractions, fresh restaurants, expanded parks, and summer-long live music joining its longtime favorites.
Whether you’re chasing a classic beach-music night or one of the splashy new venues opening up around town, these are the hidden gems worth seeking out.
3607 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach
Opening in 2026, AlleyOops is set to be one of North Myrtle Beach’s most exciting new entertainment venues. Moving into the former Ryan’s Buffet space, this family-friendly spot will pack in 12 lanes of duckpin bowling, a mini-golf course, a golf simulator, an upscale restaurant, and even a stunning shark tank. Keep an eye out as it gets ready to open its doors.
4898 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach
No, Barefoot Landing isn’t exactly a hidden gem; it’s one of the Grand Strand’s best-known destinations. But this sprawling waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment complex is always evolving, and there’s plenty new even longtime visitors may have missed.
Recent additions worth seeking out include shops like Charleston Shoe Co., The Spice & Tea Exchange, Nine Line Apparel, Young’s Pecans & Gifts, and the Iris Galerie art gallery, plus fresh dining options like Big Chill Island House, Taco Mundo, and Crooked Hammock Brewery.
Take a lap around the complex's charming boardwalk and you’re bound to discover something you haven’t seen before.
212 Sea Mountain Hwy., North Myrtle Beach (Cherry Grove Area)
A landmark for nearly 80 years, Boulineau's isn't new but it epitomizes the "hidden gem" nature of the Cherry Grove area. Be sure, this is no ordinary IGA — it's much more than a grocery store. Here, visitors can stock up on beach essentials and browse souvenirs and gifts or embrace the old-school feel and grab some fresh seafood, southern cookin' or other local delicacies from the hot bar and enjoy a no-frills meal you won't forget. The barbecue and fried chicken are highlights and it's also an amazing spot for doughnuts, baked goods and sweet treats.
1386 Hwy 17 N, North Myrtle Beach
A welcome addition to the North Myrtle Beach dining scene, Cape Fear Seafood Company serves fresh, chef-driven coastal cuisine in a warm, upscale-casual setting. From perfectly prepared local seafood to shrimp and grits, pastas, and signature dishes, it has earned a loyal following for quality and consistency. A great pick for a relaxed but elevated dinner.
1105 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach
Since opening in 2020, The Crazy Mason has become a Grand Strand sensation, and this newer North Myrtle Beach location brings its over-the-top creations even closer to the beach. Think wildly creative milkshakes piled high with candy, cake, and everything in between, all served in a keepsake mason jar. It’s pure, picture-perfect indulgence the whole family will love.
Myrtle Beach Mall, 10177 N Kings Hwy
Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown is a massive new addition just south of North Myrtle Beach at the Myrtle Beach Mall, and it’s hard to miss. The roughly 50,000-square-foot complex pairs scratch-made food, like Trash Can Nachos and the Bacon Mac-N-Cheeseburger, with family-friendly fun including a tropical tiki bar, bowling lanes, and a huge arcade. It’s a bold, all-in-one entertainment destination worth the short trip.
101-A Sea Mountain Hwy, North Myrtle Beach
Discover one of the Grand Strand's best-kept secrets with a guided kayak tour from Great Escapes Kayaking. Paddle through scenic salt marshes and tidal creeks on your way to pristine Waites Island, an undeveloped barrier island known for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife. It's a peaceful outdoor adventure that showcases a side of North Myrtle Beach many visitors never experience.
219 Sea Mountain Hwy, North Myrtle Beach
A fresh new beach-eats spot in the Cherry Grove section of North Myrtle Beach, The Grove House sits just a block from the sand along Sea Mountain Highway. From the team behind the popular Mama Jean’s, it occupies a beautifully redone space with a sizeable covered patio for outdoor dining. The menu runs from salads, sandwiches, and wraps to pizzas and Italian entrees, with beer and wine available. A great new option for lunch or dinner whether you’re visiting or a Cherry Grove local.
228 Hwy 17 N, North Myrtle Beach
A family-owned newcomer serving up made-from-scratch Southern comfort, Honey Barrel Breakfast & Grill is a cozy spot for a hearty start to the day, or a satisfying dinner. Think classic breakfast and brunch favorites done right, plus down-home grill fare, all with the kind of warm hospitality that keeps locals coming back. A welcome new addition to the North Myrtle Beach dining scene.
405 Main St, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Since 1948, Hoskins Restaurant has been serving up Southern hospitality in the heart of North Myrtle Beach. This beloved Main Street staple is known for its hearty breakfasts, fresh seafood, comfort food favorites, and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a longtime visitor or discovering it for the first time, a meal at Hoskins is a true taste of beach-town tradition.
Avista Resort, 300 N Ocean Blvd, North Myrtle Beach
For a memorable beachfront night out, the Hula Fire Show & Luau Dinner at the oceanfront Avista Resort brings island-style entertainment to North Myrtle Beach. Enjoy a luau-inspired dinner paired with a thrilling fire and hula performance under the stars, a festive experience for couples and families alike. Check the schedule and reserve ahead.
3578 Vanderbilt Blvd, North Myrtle Beach
Trade the boardwalk for the saddle with a guided horseback ride from Inlet Point Plantation. These unforgettable excursions take riders through scenic coastal landscapes and along the shores of Waties Island, one of the few undeveloped barrier islands in South Carolina. It's a unique way to experience the area's natural beauty while creating memories that will last long after your vacation ends.
Main Street (the Horseshoe) & Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach knows how to do summer, and that means live music all season long.
Music on Main turns Main Street’s Horseshoe into the main stage every Thursday from June through September 2026, with a new band each week playing beach music favorites and classic hits, plus a special nod to America’s 250th anniversary. Bring a beach chair, find a spot, and dance the night away — it’s free and starts at 7 p.m.
Over at Barefoot Landing, SummerFest — which runs June through August — brings nightly entertainment and family fun, capped by a fireworks display over the water every Monday at 10 p.m. (weather permitting).
150 Citizens Circle, North Myrtle Beach
One of the area’s biggest recreation hubs just got bigger. A major expansion completed in late 2025 added new athletic fields (bringing the totals to 13 soccer fields and 12 ball fields), two new playgrounds, freshwater ponds, walking trails, and picnic shelters across roughly 90 additional acres. Whether you’re here for a tournament or a family day outdoors, this sprawling, beautifully maintained park has room for everyone, and the surrounding area is buzzing with new homes and dining on the way.
Ocean Drive, North Myrtle Beach
It's surely not new, but the classic S.C. state dance is still a must-try experience and the a visit to the "hidden gem" area of Main Street North Myrtle Beach, is the perfect place to try it. In the historic Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach, the OD Pavilion is home to one of the last open-air dance floors on the East Coast, and it’s hallowed ground for fans of the shag, South Carolina’s official state dance. This is the heart of a beloved shag-club scene that includes legendary spots like Fat Harold’s Beach Club, Duck’s, the OD Arcade & Lounge, and the Spanish Galleon. Come feel the timeless, toe-tapping energy that put Ocean Drive on the map.