Top 10 Reasons to Visit Myrtle Beach
It’s easy to understand why more than 17 million people per year visit Myrtle Beach. From the first moment you arrive here, you’ll feel that this is where you belong. Because this isn’t just any beach. It’s The Beach.
Known lovingly as The Grand Strand, we are one destination made up of 14 unique beach communities, connected by a shared passion.
We’re the place where you can let loose, be you and go with your own flow. We’re the sun on your face, the thrill of a roller coaster or the perfect bite of seafood. We are 60 miles of bringing people together.
There's so many great reasons to visit, it can be tough to narrow it down, but we've found 10 of our favorites to share with you below. We think by the time you're done reading you'll be ready to book your next vacation in Myrtle Beach!
We'd be remiss if we didn't start with the reason people know us as The Beach.
From Cherry Grove, North Myrtle Beach and Atlantic Beach on the north end, to Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island in the south, our oceanfront real estate is everyone's favorite feature.
Whatever your preferred beach activity — Frisbee, volleyball, surfing, swimming, or lounging — we've got the space to play at your own speed.
That sound you hear is the Atlantic, and it's calling for you. Why haven't you started packing yet?
From beachfront fish frys to seaside tiki bars to quirky themed restaurants for kids, we pair real tasty food with a real good time. With 60 miles of beach and over 2,000 restaurants, your best self shines when you dine at The Beach. Enjoy beach views and live music at the many restaurants right along the waterfront. Wander over to the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, you'll find yourself in the "seafood capital of South Carolina" with a string of top-notch restaurants serving up hook to plate seafood. Try international cuisines, local southern flavors, or fine dining - whatever you are in the mood for.
We're big on the fun, authentic experiences that can only come from enjoying the foods you love with your favorite people.
With approximately 90 quality courses, many designed by some of the legends of the game, Myrtle Beach is a golfer's paradise. We're often called the golf capital of the world, and it's easy to see why. One of our courses even played a pivotal role in the evolution of "Sports Illustrated," hosting the magazine's first sales conference a few weeks before the debut of its first issue in 1954. With all this history and all these choices, the only links you should travel to are the ones right here along the Grand Strand.
And we have more than just regular golf too! Did you know Myrtle Beach has over 30 mini golf courses? You can test your putt-putt skills in wildly themed courses from jungle safaris to shipwrecks. Then head over to TopGolf to practice your swing some more while enjoying drinks and snacks on their elevated driving range.
We want you to enjoy your stay in Myrtle Beach and experience all the fun things to do We have options for every budget, which is one of the reasons 17 million people flock to our little plot of paradise annually. Plus, we've got hotels, condos, beach homes, rustic cabins, and campgrounds. Depending on how far you want to travel, there are accommodations with ocean views, some right on the ocean and others within walking distance. As you can see, there are plenty of options when choosing that home away from home.
There's never a dull moment in Myrtle Beach. If you're looking for adventure and a little bit of learning, take a wander through that upside-down house known as WonderWorks. Or, journey under the sea at Ripley's Aquarium. There's also plenty of thrilling entertainment at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show and Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. And who could pass up a world-class live entertainment show at The Carolina Opry, which pioneered the Myrtle Beach area's theater boom? There are also fantastic shows at the Alabama Theatre, Legends in Concert, GTS Theatre, just to name a few. Plus, over 600 fine art events each year! The sum of all our parts equals up to one entertaining trip.
It's not a vacation at The Beach without a trip to America's Boardwalk, a 1.2 mile boardwalk extending along the picturesque Atlantic Ocean in the heart of Myrtle Beach. The Boardwalk recently underwent a facelift, now featuring recycled plastic boards in nine colors, making it not only more accessible, but more durable for years to come. The whole family can enjoy beachfront shops, restaurants and attractions that line the Boardwalk.
A must-see at the Boardwalk is the iconic Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is 187 feet tall, ranking it as the biggest one on the East Coast with the highest view of its kind of the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean. For those not afraid of heights, they'll be rewarded with a beautiful view of our fair city's skyline.
Sometimes you just need a little retail therapy. And there's plenty of it here along the Grand Strand. Coastal Grand Mall, Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot Landing, Tanger Outlets, and The Market Common are just a few of our local options to find that perfect pair of pants, gifts for loved ones or just a few trinkets for yourself. If you are looking for the perfect souvenir, check out the Gay Dolphin along the Boardwalk, a quirky and iconic spot that's been a Myrtle Beach staple for years and years.
Live music plays all day and all night in Myrtle Beach, and each experience is different from the next. You can find the genres and vibes that are just your style, ranging from classic beach music by the water to unique local artists rocking to their own tunes. Stop by music venues in the area, such as Tin Roof and House of Blues, for a variety of local and touring bands. Or head on over to The Bowery, a well-known spot in Myrtle Beach and most famous as the spot where the band, Alabama, got its start!
Our music scene is full of music lovers of all kinds.
Take your Myrtle Beach vacation to another level by planning your trip during one of our many fabulous events and festivals throughout the year. From food festivals, like the Food Truck Festival and the Little River Shrimpfest, to sports events, such as the Myrtle Beach Bowl and the Worlds Strongest Man competition, there is something for the whole family to enjoy throughout the year. The Beach N' Chili Fest is also hosted at The Beach each September and rounds up some of the best chili chefs from across tthe country - and you can have a taste!
Oh, we can't forget about the largest country music concert on the East Coast - the Carolina Country Music Fest! With over 20 major artists on the schedule, this 4-day country music festival sells out quickly each year with headliners like Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan and Kenny Chesney in previous years.
The sports junkie in all of us can get their fix in Myrtle Beach. Enjoy America's pastime at TicketReturn.com Field and watch our Myrtle Beach Pelicans in action during their home games throughout the spring and summer.
Yes, we are mighty proud of our beaches. But it's not the only natural attraction we have to offer. Take a stroll through the wonder that is Brookgreen Gardens, or enjoy the peaceful tranquility of the Conway Riverwalk. And when you need to walk off all those shrimp and crab legs, the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk can't be beat for scenic beauty.
From belles to bikers, our city is never short of fun, interesting people who are bursting with Southern charm and hospitality. Bring the family, and make some new friends that will last you a lifetime. Myrtle Beach is an eclectic community that thrives on personality and class.
We are the area's official online vacation guide which offers everything you need to plan a perfect vacation to the Myrtle Beach Area. Plan your stay online and choose from a wide assortment of accommodation options including Myrtle Beach hotels, resorts, small motels, condos, beach homes, and additional types of vacation rentals. From oceanfront resorts along the entire Grand Strand to cozy beach homes and vacation rentals in North and South Myrtle Beach, including Surfside Beach and Garden City, find the amenities and location perfect for you.