Best things to Do in Myrtle Beach! Huge List of fun things to do, from a local

Things to do in Myrtle Beach
Wondering what to do in Myrtle Beach?
Here's a huge list from a local.
Terrific things to do in Myrtle Beach

Wondering what to do on your 2013 vacation?

Discover the best things to do for this 2013 season,
from a local who has lived in Myrtle Beach for 15 years!

Questions about the best fun things to do? Please join our
Myrtle Beach Message Forum!

(Also see the Myrtle Beach Shopping page!)

Did you know....We have several Community Theaters snd lots of local talent in Myrtle Beach and The Grand Strand!

ATLANTIC STAGE Atlantic Stage was formed in 2008 by a group of theatre artists working at Coastal Carolina University and regionally. During the summer of 2009, they secured the 79th Ave Theatre, which they share with university productions. The black box theatre is located at the intersection of 79th Ave and Highway 17, and has over 125 seats.

CAROLINA FOREST HIGH SCHOOL Performing Arts Department - See what's playing and purchase tickets online.

COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY THRATRE The mission of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre is to prepare students to pursue lives as engaged professional theatre artists or to seek further advanced study in graduate programs by providing rigorous training in musical theatre. See website for schedule.

MURRELLS INLET COMMUNITY THEATRE The Murrells Inlet Community Theatre is a nonprofit organization founded in April of 1998. MICT produces a minimum of three plays each season, beginning with a fall production.

THEATRE OF THE REPUBLIC: Located in Conway, a short drive from Myrtle Beach, TOR is a non-profit amateur theatre group with a history of providing affordable community theatre. I can't say enough about these talented people, but I'll bet you'll be surprised at the high quality shows you'll see there.

For up to date listings of live entertainment in the Myrtle Beach Area: Alabama Theatre, The Carolina Oprey, Carolina Improv Company, Dixie Stampede, Legends in Concert, Medieval Times, and The Palace Theatre , please visit my Live Entertainment information page.

Amusement Parks Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach and Garden City Beach: (Check sites for seasonal openings)

FAMILY KINGDOM AMUSEMENT PARK, 301 Third Ave. S., Myrtle Beach. Named #5 Amusement Park in the Nation. Rides including the Swamp Fox wooden roller coaster and a 100-foot Ferris wheel, Family Kingdom offers some of the most memorable and adrenalin-pumping experiences on the Grand Strand. The Water Park is Myrtle Beach's only waterfront Water Park! Family Kingdom Water Park has wet and wild water flumes, (over 100' drop), exhilarating speed slides, intermediate speed slides and a spacious 425' long lazy river with waterfalls. See the web site for more details including hours and prices.

MYRTLE BEACH SPEEDWAY NASCAR RACING EXPERIENCE NASCAR Racing Experience attraction has opened at the Myrtle Beach Speedway. The company based in Charlotte. N.C. offers classroom training and track driving experiences at the Myrtle Beach Speedway track located off Highway 501 behind the Tanger outlets in Myrtle Beach.

NASCAR SPEEDPARK, U.S. 17 Bypass at 21st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. through Aug. 13. Features an all day wristband for $30, which includes all tracks and attractions, except Thunder Road, the NASCAR Silicon Speedway, the rock climbing wall, mini-golf and kiddie rides. Individual tickets are available and under are free. Hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday-Thursday. 918-8725.

O.D. PAVILION AMUSEMENT PARK Come out and enjoy a fun-filled experience with exciting rides, fun-filled games, great food, delicious snacks, and more. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the O.D. Pavilion is a centerpiece for fun and entertainment in the heart of North Myrtle Beach. See the website for details.

PAVILION NOSTALGIA PARK: Located inside Broadway at the Beach. Featuring the Pavilion's carousel, spinning teacups, two pirate ships, Wave Swinger, Caterpillar, dune buggies, motorcycle rides and more. Cost is $3 per individual ride ticket. Hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

Family Attractions and Entertainment in the Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand (Check sites for seasonal openings)

GARDEN CITY BEACH'S BEST KEPT SECRET! AND IT'S FREE!
A quiet pier for families and anyone who wants to go crabbing or enjoy a quiet pier.
Take17 Business S toward Garden City Beach. You'll see 2 overhead signs - one says Garden City Connector, and the other says Pine Ave. - both signs point left. Turn left here and go about half a mile to the dead-end at Elizabeth. The park is straight ahead at the dead end. Pull in, and you can park free inside the park. You'll see swings, play area, outdoor barbecue stands, tables, and a gazebo. Just past this point you'll see a really nice pier. At the end of the pier is a shelter: And to the left you'll see some steps. You can crab from the shelter, the steps, or along the pier. I seldom see people out there. I last visited in 2011, and except for one family leaving the play area, no one was there. I've seen people pulling in lots of crabs here, and I'm always surprised it is still almost undiscovered. P.S. Let's keep it that way!

ALLIGATOR ADVENTURE Barefoot Landing, U.S. 17, North Myrtle Beach, is a reptile park featuring hundreds of American alligators of all sizes. Open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily; tickets sold until 8 p.m. See web site for pricing, special offers and coupons.

BACKSTAGE MIRROR MANIA Step back into time to an Off Broadway theater's backstage area. It's March 11,1933 and Luck Luciano's gang, one of New York City's five Mafia families has hit the Times Square Bank located next door. Help New York's finest look for the mobsters who escaped through the maze of backstage corridors, props, trap doors and turns.

BAREFOOT LANDING Shopping, dining, entertainment in a natural atmosphere is the essence of Barefoot Landing. Taking it slow and easy....that's the Barefoot Way. Seasonal fireworks, street entertainers, weekly parade and much, much more!

BIG D - BROADWAY AT THE BEACH - BIG D AUDITORIUM (formerly IMAX 3D) Carmike Cinemas presents promotions,
shows, time schedules.

BROADWAY AT THE BEACH Broadway aty the Beach features 100 stores, 20 restaurants, 15 attractions, 10 nightclubs and 3 on-site hotels. This is one place you don't want to miss! See my photos for Broadway at the beach, updated with new attractions for 2013.

BROOKGREEN GARDENS, U.S. 17, between Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island. Brookgreen Gardens is a National Historic Landmark and a display garden with the most extensive collection of figurative sculpture in an outdoor setting by American artists in the world. Brookgreen has the only zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums on the coast of the Carolinas. Brookgreen Gardens offers tours, programs, and archeological sites for visitors to explore. More information on the web site. (Also see my Brookgreen Gardens pages featuring hundreds of photos - sculpture and floral - along with descriptive text.)

CAROLINA BACKWOODS ATV TRAIL TOURS Carolina Backwoods is a unique ATV,4X4,OFF ROAD Fun Park, all skill levels. Located near Myrtle Beach S.C. on the North and South Carolina state line, Ash, North Carolina. Cabin and camper rentals, RV sites (30 and 50 amp) with full hook up, including satellite. Tent sites are also available. Only minutes from the beach. See website for more details.

CAROLINA SAFARI Jeep Tours, open all year round. Fascinating lowcountry history, plantations, ricefields, Huntington Beach State Park. Fun for all ages.

CAPTAIN HOOKS ADVENTURE MINI GOLF Take a fantasy golf adventure into Never-Never Land! Enjoy fantasy golf on two 18-hole miniature golf courses, "The Lost Boys" and "Hook's Challenge”! Your journey will be filled with villains, skull and cross-bones, the chance to believe in fairies, caverns and hidden treasure.n

CHILDREN'S MUSEUM The Children's Museum of South Carolina features hands-on exhibits that combine education with entertainment. Displays include the U.S.S. Kids Afloat boating safety exhibit, Bubble Mania, where children can make giant bubbles, and the Express Yourself Arts Center. Cost is only $8. per person; age 1 and younger free. 2501 N. Kings Highway (843) 946-9469

DRAGON'S LAIR FANTASY GOLF Fantasy adventure from the middle ages waiting around every corner of the course, featuring a 30' dragon. Located at Broadway at the Beach

EXECUTIVE HELICOPTERS Come experience the ride of your life aboard one of our helicopters. Float effortlessly as you take in bird's eye views of the many golf courses, Barefoot Landing, Little River, and the beautiful Grand Strand Beaches and Islands! See website for details!

FRANKLIN G. BURROUGHS-SIMEON B. CHAPIN ART MUSEUM, 3100 S. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Tuesdays - Saturdays and 1 - 4 p.m. Sundays. Free admission; donations requested. See the web site for special events.(843) 238-2510.

GREAT AMERICAN RIVERBOAT CO. Barefoot Landing, U.S. 17, North Myrtle Beach. Enjoy sightseeing, dancing and dining as you cruise the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Choose from the Jungle Princess, Jungle Baby or Barracuda Jet Boat! See the website for pricing and more details.

GHOSTS AND LEGENDS THEATRE Barefoot Landing, U.S. 17, North Myrtle Beach. Ghost Show features Lowcountry tales. The Ghost Walk takes place at dusk. Blackbeard Seance - Adults only!

GHOSTS OF GEORGETOWN Lantern Tours. Escape to the past on a haunted history. Explore the darkened streets with re-enactor Bob Wolfe and story teller Elizabeth Robertson Huntsinger Wolf, author of Ghosts of Georgetown.

HALL OF HEROES The Hall of Heroes located inside Rawcliffe Conference Center in the Ocean Dunes is currently open to the public, free of charge, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11a.m. to 4p.m. Friday through Sunday or by appointment. For additional information, see the web site.

HELICOPTER ADVENTURES There’s nothing that compares with hovering over the Grand Strand and getting a bird’s-eye view of the fabulous beach, world-famous attractions and dozens of gorgeous golf courses for which Myrtle Beach is known. Free Shuttle from Broadway at the Beach. Find prices and information on the web site.

HOFFMAN HELICOPTERS Looking for a once in a lifetime experience? Treat yourself to helicopter tour of beautiful, sunny Myrtle Beach. Adjacent to Myrtle Beach International Airport. See website for details.

HOUSE OF BLUES 4060 US Hwy. 17 S at Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach. Featuires a variety of local talent and professionals. See website for schedule and prices.

HYMAN VINEYARDS, CONWAY, SC Now offfering wine tasting. See web site for details.

MUSEUM OF COASTAL CAROLINA and INGRAM PLANETARIUM at the Village at Sunset Beach, N.C., N.C. 179. For information concerning either of these attractions, see web site.

LAZER FX-LAZER TAG, 964 Lake Arrowhead Road, Myrtle Beach. The ultimate high tech adventure, where cutting edge computer technology combines with action-oriented team play to create an exciting, heart-racing experience. This is a true group activity - you are the game! From children 4 years old and up who expect to be thrilled, to those skeptical adults and business people who need a bit of convincing, everyone is captured by the game moments after play begins. 843-467-2229.

MAGIQUEST, Broadway at the Beach, U.S. 17 Bypass and 21st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, A live-action game with more than 150 wand-activated effects where players interact with videos in a three-dimensional fantasy world. See website for hours and pricing.

MARKET COMMON Located on the site of the former Air Force Base, The Market Common offers some of the best restaurants and shopping in this area. Links to all stores and restaurants. You'll also find current events and festivals, as well as a fantastic mivie theater for rainy days.

MARSHWALK Murrells Inlet. Located just a few miles South of Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet is one of the most scenic areas in the Grand Strand. Take your camera. Take the kids. Take a walk. The restaurants here are known for their seafood, but if seafood isn't your choice you'll find lots of other selections.

MAYDAY MINITURE GOLF MayDay Miniature Golf in North Myrtle Beach takes golfers on a real island adventure, beginning with a mock airplane ride that ends in disaster that leaves players stranded on a tropical island.

MOUNT ATLANTICUS One if many family-friendly mini golf courses in Myrtle Beach. You will see unimpeachable evidence of a miniature golf island resort rumored to be 50,000 years old. They say it broke away from the sunken continent of Atlantis only to reappear in Myrtle Beach

MYRTLE BEACH PELICANS, Coastal Federal Field 1251 21st Avenue N., Myrtle Beach, Phone: (843) 918-6002. Their new franchise has entered into a four-year Player Development Contract (PDC) with the Texas Rangers. The PDC agreement designates the Pelicans as the Rangers' Class A-Advanced Carolina League affiliate through the 2014 season. Federal Field. See website for details.

MYRTLE BEACH SEGWAY TOURS - Located at Huntington Beach State Park and at The Market Common. Reservations required. Rentals start at $35.

MYRTLE BEACH ZIPLINE ADVENTURES - Located Downtown, on the site of the former Pavilion.

PIRATE ADVENTURES - Located in Murrells Inlet at Capt. Dick's. (Photo Here) You child will experience the magic of sailing away in search of a sunken treasure. Dressed with a painted curly moustache or an anchor tattoo, your young pirate will learn the rules of the sea, and the always find a treasure. The ship sails with the season, so check the website for more information.

RIPLEY'S AQUARIUM Broadway at the Beach, U.S. 17 Bypass and 29th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, Sharks, rays and other underwater creatures are on display. A moving walkway runs through a 330-foot tube in the main tank, and visitors can touch the rays and horseshoe crabs in touch tanks. The aquarium offers special activities, aventures and shows on a rotating basis. See the website for pricing, events and details.

RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT! MUSEUM Ocean Boulevard and Ninth Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, includes more than 500 exhibits, oddities and off-the-wall artifacts; the museum also features local Laura Slater, the Incredible Eye-Popping Woman, in person. Visit the website online for more details.

RIPLEY'S HAUNTED ADVENTURE Ocean Blvd., Unbelievably scary tour of the old Grimsby & Streaper Casket Company, a company that had been run by two men since 1891 until they mysteriously disappeared. The disappearances and odd happenings in town were blamed on the fact that the company was built over a cave called The Sink, where many entered but never left!

RIPLEY'S MOVING THEATER - Cutting edge tecshnology and incredible 6 channel digital soundaround. Two new action-packed films with continuous showings.

RICE MUSEUM in nearby Georgetown, SC. The Rice Museum features historical information on the Lowcountry rice culture. One-hour guided tours are offered throughout the day Mondays through Saturdays. The museum is also home to the Maritime Museum Gallery. Monday-Saturday 10:00 am to 4:30 pm; Closed Sunday and Major Holidays. Adults...$7.00; Seniors (60 and over) $5.00; Students (6-21) $3.00; Children under 6 free when accompanied by an adult. Group Rates available

ROVER BOAT TOURS - Go shelling in a bird watcher's paradise under the shadow of the Georgetown Lighthouse aboard the motor vessel "Carolina Rover". See dolphins, sea turtles, and other sea creatures as professional naturalists guide you through the Bay. 800-705-9063

SKYDIVE MTRTLE BEACH
The only drop zone in Myrtle Beach. See Myrtle Beach from 2 miles over the earth. Details on website.

SKYWHEEL The Myrtle Beach Sky Wheek opened in May, 2011. The Myrtle Beach Observation Skywheel is an amazing attraction, which is sure to elevate your perspective, measures an impressive 200 feet above sea level and is the only observation wheel of its kind in the US. The SkyWheel is located on the on Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.

SLING SHOT, SKYSCRAPER , BUNGEE JUMPING Intersection Ocean Blvd. and 11th Ave. N . This towering V-shaped ride catapults you about 300 feet in the air at nearly 120 miles per hour. Skyscraper, Sky Bounce, Scrraming Swing. Some restrictions apply. Operates seasonally.

SWAMP FOX TOURS: 624 Front St. Georgetown. Swamp Fox Tours takes you on a pictorial tour of historic Georgetown, SC. Being the third oldest city in South Carolina, Georgetown has an abundance of historic tree-lined streets festooned with moss with historic homes dating back to the 1700s. Also, around the area, are historic churches, museums, and a beautiful waterfront.

UFO ENCOUNTERS EXPERIENCE (NEW at Broadway at the Beach 2013) UFO Encounters (open April 4 - Sept. 2, 2013) in the Bodies Revealed building. Contains alien related exhibits, alien specimens in jars and more than 200 artifacts. Hours: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturday. Starting May 27, adding 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays to the daily schedule. See the official website at: UFO ENCOUNTERS EXPERIENCE See my review and photos UFO Encounters.

UPSIDE DOWN HOUSE Wonderwork's Upside Down House is located at Broadway at the Beach, on the former site of the Crab House Restaurant.

WACCATEE ZOO Enterprise Road, off S.C. 707, Socastee. Waccatee Zoological Farm is located within 500 acres of private, carefully preserved, wooded property. Along winding trails, beneath shady trees you'll find over 100 species of animals, all treated like family.. This zoo receives no state or government funding, just lots of T.L.C. Located where the Waccamaw River, Intercoastal Waterway and Socastee Creek join, Waccatee Zoo is a natural wildlife sanctuary and breeding ground for many species of migratory birds. Open 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily..

Water Parks - Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle BEach, Garden City Beach, Surfside Beach. (Check web sites seasonal openings)

FAMILY KINGDOM OCEANFRONT WATER PARK Third Avenue South and Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach. Splash your way through the "coolest" fun at the beach! Feel the thrill of speeding down a water slide or simply relax as you drift down the cool, refreshing water of a ;azy river. Family Kingdom Water Park has wet and wild water flumes, (over 100' drop), exhilarating speed slides, intermediate speed slides and a spacious 425' long lazy river with waterfalls. .

MYRTLE WAVES Located at the corner of 10th Ave N. & Hwy 17 By-pass near Broadway at the Beach. The address is 3000 Mr. Joe White Ave (10th Ave N), Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. All-day summer fun at Myrtle Waves Water Park is priced right! Bring the entire family and all of your friends for a full day of water-packed adventure.

WILD WATER-WATER & WHEELS, 910 U.S. 17 S., Surfside Beach. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through Se.pt. 7. # 4 Slides
Wipe Out Wave Pool, Lazy River Ride, Wally's Kiddie Lagoon, Adult Lounge Pool, Mini Golf, Go-Carts, Bumper Boats, Snack Bar, Lockers/Showers, No Fees on Inner Tubes, Picnic Area, Gift Shop and Sundeck.

Water Sports, Parasailing, Boat Charters, Sailing Charters, Water Cruises, Rentals (Check sites for seasonal openings)

CAPT. DICK'S PARASAILING AND JET SKI
Exciting enjoyable ways to enjoy the out-of-doors, the sun, and the water! See website for information and prices
U.S. 17 in Murrells Inlet
1-866-557-FISH (3474)

DOWNWIND SAILS & WATERSPORTS
2915 S. Ocean Blvd. in Myrtle Beach, next to Damon's restauran. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 843- 448-7245
Jet Skies, Sail Boats, Kayaks, Parasailing, Banana Boats, and more. Call or see website for more information and pricing.

EXPRESS WATERSPORTS
Scuba, Parasail, Dolphin Watch, Scuba, Banana Boat Rides, Fishing Charters, Kayaking, and more. Call free: 866-566-9338
4042 U.S. 17, Murrells Inlet.

ISLAND ADVENTURE WATER SPORTS
Island Adventure Watersports is a locally owned and operated business that opened in Summer 2010. They are open 7 days a week from April to October and feature a knowledgeable and friendly staff. Located at the historic swing bridge in Socastee. Coupons on web site.

OCEAN WATERSPORTS
Ocean Watersports On the beach at 3rd Ave. S., Myrtle beach, SC Located between Family Kingdom Water-Park & Westgate Resort
843-445-7777. Since 1981 they have been the best part of your Myrtle Beach Vacation. Visit Ocean Watersports in the heart of Myrtle Beach for parasailing, banana boat rentals and more.

PLANTATION RIVER TOURS - Scenic boat tours along historic plantations of South Carolina's beautiful Lowcountry rivers. Departing from the Wacca Wache Marina, you'll see rice plantations, slave cabins, alligators and more. A local historian will be your guide on the history, mystery and legends of the Rice Plantations.

SEABATICAL CHARTERS
Fish with Capt. Hal Lewis and crew aboard the Sea-Batical, a 36' "Carolina Style" Express Boat with the latest fishing gear and electronics! She is fast, air conditioned, and ready to take groups of up to six people to the gulf stream for a day of fun and fishing. Troll for tuna, dolphin, wahoo, marlin, king mackerel and more.

SEA SCREAMER - Enjoy 3 rides in one in this unique speedboat! First, enjoy a narrated cruise of the historical Intercoastal Waterway touring Little River and Calabash, cruising through some of South Carolina's most pristine scenery. View the prestigious marinas and yachts while all the time exploring for birds, playful Dolphins Sea Turtles and other marine life along the way. Then thrill to a refreshing, exhilarating ride past the world-famous beaches and resorts of North Myrtle Beach!

SHORELINE WATERSPORTS
409 S. Ocean Blvd., Surfside Beach 843-238-2359
Parasail Ride, Jet Ski, Banana Boat, Haytak, Sailboat, lessons and more.

WALLACE SAILING CHARTERS, Sailboats are safe, and no swimming required. Just sit back and enjoy the peaceful, quiet ride Sail the tranquil waters around Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Historic Winyah Bay. Search for dolphin, loggerhead turtles, pelicans, egrets, bald eagles and even alligators in the 12 mile estuary between The Georgetown Harbor and Georgetown Inlet.

River Boat Casinos - gambling and cruise - Litrtle River, SC

Big M Casino - Located in Little River, SC on the waterfront.

Sun Cruz - Aquasino - Located in Little River, SC on the waterfront.

Southern Elegance - Located in Little River, SC on the waterfront.

Must present a state or federal ID before boarding. Must be 18 to sail and 21 to consume alcoholic beverages.

State Parks:

HUNTINGTON BEACH STATE PARK U.S. 17, Murrells Inlet. Park offers camping, fishing, coastal hiking trails and general access to three miles of remote beach. Site of the Spanish-style castle Atalaya, former winter home and studio of notçr Anna Hyatt Huntington. Park hours are 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.$5. adult, Seniors 3.25, ages 6-15 $3. 5 and younger free. 237-4440 or the education center at 843-235-8755.

MYRTLE BEACH STATE PARK, 4401 S. Kings Highway, beach access, picnic areas, camping and fishing pier. Park hours 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Park admission: $5. for adults, $3.25 Seniors, $3. ages 6-25; free 5 years and younger. 843-238-5325.

Toll-Free SC Park Information is available at: 1-866-345-PARK (7275)

Teens Night Life:

KARMA ULTIMATE NIGHTLIFE was built for teens only You must be between the ages of 13-19 to attend Karma. Although Younger or Older people may attend birthday parties or other private events booked outside of normal business hours See web site for details.

To the best of my knowledge, information and prices in the "Best Things To Do" list above are current and up to date for 2013. However, prices and information may change without my knowledge, or the venue may close for the season. Please call ahead or check the website for the latest information.

Don't forget - not everything costs money. Free Stuff and Public Parks

Families love all the things to do in Myrtle Beach Night at Broadway at the Beach Lots of things to do at Broadway at the Beach!

Grand Strand Coupons
I've made a list of various links to free coupons and books, along with free things to do in Myrtle Beach. It always helps when you can save a little money on your vacation. Please let me know if you have others to add. Free Coupons and Deals

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