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Article

Free And Affordable Things to Do in Myrtle Beach

  By  Ashley Daniels
A family enjoying the Myrtle Beach sunshine.

Are you ready for our “free-for-all”? Before you begin any of your activities in Myrtle Beach, pick up some brochures and coupons at our visitor information locations in the Myrtle Beach area. The main visitor information location is located at 1200 N. Oak St. Myrtle Beach, SC and the airport welcome center is located at 1100 Jetport Rd, Myrtle Beach.

There are a couple of different coupon books that you can pick up at your hotel as well, (one is called Monster Coupon Book and the other is Strand). The coupon books have discounts for almost everything you may want to do in Myrtle Beach, like dining, shopping, attractions, etc. Coupons are also online on the official visitor website. They could save you money!

What’s Free and Under $25?

Our Beaches

What could be a better free amenity to start at than our 60 miles of wide, soft, sandy beach on the Grand Strand? Be sure to pack your beach towels, blanket, or beach chairs so you don’t have to rent them. Wake up early in the morning and run along the ocean to take in the fresh, salty air. It’s good for your body, mind, and soul! Let the kids splash, swim, and surf in the water and create memories. Want to take an afternoon nap? Grab your chair, sit down, let your toes sink into the warm sand, and relax under the sun, with the backdrop of the soothing waves rolling in.

 

A family enjoying the Myrtle Beach sunshine.

Broadway At The Beach

Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach

This 350-acre outdoor entertainment, dining, and shopping complex in the heart of Myrtle Beach surrounds a man-made lake. While the lineup of savory restaurants, bars and nightlife, family-friendly dining, boutiques, and live entertainment theaters will cost you, it’s free to roam around Broadway and take in all the sights and senses. During the summer, Broadway hosts a free Summer Nights Entertainment Series, complete with stilt walkers, fire dancers, acoustic musicians, character appearances, and more. And, on most Tuesdays and Fridays at 10 p.m., Broadway even puts on a free firework extravaganza over the lake!

 

Broadway at The Beach


Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

2nd to 14th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach

There is no admission to walk on the Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade that stretches 1.2 miles along the coastline. And you won’t have to pay an arm and a leg to play on the boardwalk’s old penny arcade games, buy a little something from one of the many souvenir shops, or a grab a bite or a beer from one of the bars and restaurants. There are also not-to-be-missed attractions for the whole family, such as SkyWheel Myrtle Beach, Nightmare Haunted House, the Sling Shot Thrill Ride, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!, Ripley's Crazy Golf, and more. And the boardwalk and Plyler Park are transformed into Hot Summer Nights every summer, from mid-June to early summer, a free, kid-friendly entertainment zone!

 


South Carolina Hall of Fame

2101 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach

Walk through the South Carolina Hall of Fame, free of charge and set up for the public to view at the Myrle Beach Convention Center. Stroll down memory lane past photos and info on some of the state’s historic standouts, such as General Francis “The Swamp Fox” Marion, Robert Mills, Anna Hyatt Huntington, Jasper Johns, Dizzy Gillespie, Cale Yarborough, Mary McLeod Bethune, Pat Conroy, and more.

Myrtle Beach Beer Trail

Check out the Myrtle Beach Beer Trail, a great way to experience all of the great breweries in the Myrtle Beach area. Most of our local breweries in the Myrtle Beach area offer free tours to those over 21. Plus, many of these breweries offer free live music and outdoor kids’ games, including New South Brewing Company, Grand Strand Brewing Company, Crooked Hammock Brewery, Tidal Creek Brewhouse, and Independent Republic Brewing.

 


Toast to More Tours

If you prefer vino or something stronger, there are more options for drinking tours. La Belle Amie Vineyard in Little River is an operating vineyard that produces its own private label of muscadine wines and serves as a popular destination for wine tastings and popular festivals throughout the year. Duplin Winery, the oldest and largest winery in the South, offers the same from its location beside Barefoot Landing. And Twelve 33 Distillery provides tastings, flights, and behind-the-scenes tours of how they make their handcrafted spirits.

 


Conway Riverwalk

2nd Avenue, Conway

Overlooking the picturesque Waccamaw River, the Conway Riverwalk is a peaceful place you are free to visit when visiting the historic town of Conway just northwest of Myrtle Beach. The free Riverwalk runs under the landmark 1937 Waccamaw River Memorial Bridge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Other highlights along the way include Riverfront Park, Bonfire Restaurant, and the Conway City Marina.

 


Franklin G. Burroughs-Simon B. Chapin Art Museum

3100 S. Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach

The Myrtle Beach Art Museum has been a cultural, creative outlet for locals and visitors since 1977. Located in a restored 1920s beach cottage near the ocean, the art museum has hosted exhibits showcasing living Southern artists, including Myrtle Beach’s own Alex Powers, Dixie Dugan, and Ouida Salvo. The museum also has 11 galleries with visual art exhibitions changing throughout the year and a regular schedule of special events.

 


Horry County Museum and LW Paul Living History Museum

The Horry County Museum in historic downtown Conway is a free attraction that focuses on the history, pre-history, and natural history of the area. And, not far from the museum is the LW Paul Living History Farm, where visitors can experience the everyday life of a historic Horry County farm. Free tours are offered every Saturday at 10 a.m.

 


Vereen Memorial Gardens

Enjoy an easy hike through the woods and along a beautiful salt marsh boardwalk at Vereen Memorial Gardens, just south of the North Carolina border in Little River. Visitors are welcome to walk, hike, or bike the park with their family and pets. The park is open from dawn to dusk with no cost to enter. 

 


Barefoot Landing

Similar to Broadway at the Beach, this outdoor entertainment hub on the north end of Myrtle Beach hosts a diverse layout of bars and restaurants, and shopping and live theatre venues between a lake and the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s a fun visit in the great outdoors no matter what direction you decide to go! In warmer months, Barefoot’s Dockside Village Amphitheater hosts free live music on weekend nights. Just bring a blanket or your lawn chairs, and settle in for some free entertainment.

 


Murrells Inlet MarshWalk

Visit the historic fishing village of Murrells Inlet and stroll along The MarshWalk that offers breathtaking views of the saltwater marsh, birds, and beautiful scenery. Home to many waterfront restaurants, the MarshWalk is also known for being a spot for live music in the salty air once evening rolls around and seasonal arts and crafts vendors.

 


The Market Common

The super-trendy mixed-use residential and business neighborhood of The Market Common is another area you’re free to explore, located off Farrow Parkway between Business and Bypass 17 on the grounds of the former Air Force base. Shop and browse through the unique boutiques, take a break at one of their stellar bars and restaurants, catch a matinee at the movie theatre, or take advantage of any of their free events throughout the year, including Movies Under the Stars, art festivals, the New Year’s Eve celebration, and complimentary carriage rides.

 


Free Live Concerts

In the summer months, the Grand Strand warms up to a huge lineup of free outdoor concerts in the evenings that you’ll want to have a front seat (or lawn chair) for, including Concerts on the Green in Valor Park at The Market Common, downtown North Myrtle Beach right on Main Street, the Sandhills Bank Amphitheater in the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex, and the Garden City Beach Pier.

 


Miniature Golf

Also known as putt-putt in these parts, mini golf is champion in Myrtle Beach, known as the Mini Golf Capital of the World. Choose from the more than 35 themed miniature golf courses along the Grand Strand with fun and excitement at every hole. Tip: Check the local coupon books and find coupons for savings and hit the course at the discounted hours. Kids 2 and under are free at most establishments.

 


State Parks

We are proud to have two on the Grand Strand, each featuring acres of beautiful, natural, lush landscape along the ocean. Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park. Pick through shells, shark teeth, and sea glass on the wide beach, and explore nature trails, nature centers, a castle, a fishing pier, and more for only $8 or less per person as a park admission fee. The state parks also offer free children’s programs throughout the year.

 

 

Family Kingdom

Enjoy screams, dreams, and flying machines when you get an affordable, all-day wristband at the Family Kingdom Amusement Park, a long-standing tradition of more than 45 years in the heart of Myrtle Beach. Print out our coupon on this site for discounts. You’ll laugh your way through more than 30 rides and coasters at this family-friendly amusement park by the sea!

 

Ashley Daniels

Ashley Daniels of Myrtle Beach is a full-time freelance writer, editor, wife, and mother of three sons (not necessarily in that order), and two fur babies. A native of Eastern PA, Ashley received her bachelor’s in English Writing from the University of Pittsburgh and her MA in Writing from Coastal Carolina University. Today, her folio boasts nearly 25 years of regional and nationally published printed magazine features, blogs, and web copy for a lineup of clients on the East Coast, and ADDY award-winning copywriting. For more info, visit www.ashleymdaniels.com.