Nestled on the sandy shore of northeastern South Carolina, along an 80-kilometre coastal stretch known as the Grand Strand, the city of is an ideal vacation spot for families and those looking for a getaway on the green.
For starters, this is a city of superlatives; it is the seafood capital of the state and the golfing capital of the United States. Add to that delicious restaurants, amusement centres and waterparks, cultural attractions and outdoor adventures, and it is easy to understand why Myrtle Beach has been attracting visitors for more than a century. Here are 10 reasons why it should be your next vacation destination.
With around within the Myrtle Beach region, it’s obvious why a vacation here is on more than one golfer’s bucket list. While the offerings range from family-owned greens to those designed by some of the greatest course architecture, one holds a special place in the hearts of locals, Pine Lakes Country Club. Originally built in 1927 and restored in 2009, it is known as the granddaddy because it is the oldest golf course in Myrtle Beach. Others you should consider teeing-off at include The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, the three courses at Myrtle Beach National — all designed by Arnold Palmer — and the 27-hole Arrowhead Country Club. For more golf offerings, visit .
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2. Miniature golf is big fun
Believe it or not, also has a strong presence in Myrtle Beach. The city has around four dozen different courses that visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy. Best of all, several feature interesting themes, from Mayan temples and a 鈥渨orking鈥 volcano (at the aptly named Molten Mountain Miniature Golf), to dinosaurs and pirate ships.
3. Ahoy mateys
Speaking of pirates, being next to the ocean on a coast that was once frequented by buccaneers, there are several pirate-themed attractions that children of all ages will enjoy while visiting Myrtle Beach. You can sail on a replica pirate ship at Blackbeard’s Pirate Cruise at Fantasy Harbor for an hour-long interactive experience or get aboard the Sea Gypsy and help defeat Pirate Pete at Pirate Adventures in Murrells Inlet. For a unique dining experience, head to Pirates Voyage in Myrtle Beach, a dinner and show spectacular set around an indoor lagoon where buccaneers compete for treasure.
4. Seafood and southern bites
Food lovers will find no lack of options when it comes to dining along the Grand Strand, with more than to choose from. No trip to South Carolina would be complete without trying the two types of cuisine the area is famous for 鈥 southern fare and seafood. From slabs of ribs to grits and buttermilk fried chicken, popular spots for southern fare include Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Tupelo Honey, Little Pigs and Simply Southern Smokehouse. For the best freshly caught seafood, try a few of the time-tested local favourites, such as six decade鈥檚 old Lee’s Inlet Kitchen, Capt. Juel’s Hurricane Restaurant, which has been serving food for 70 years, and popular Sunday brunch spot Hook & Barrel.
5. Experience some natural thrills
Along with the inviting sandy beach along the Grand Strand, the Myrtle Beach area is also blessed with several other areas of natural beauty. Black River Outdoors in takes visitors on guided kayaking tours of local waterways, including salt marshes and cypress swamps that are home to several different varieties of birds and marine animals. There are also several in Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park 鈥 just keep an eye out for 鈥檊ators.
The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel offers soaring panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
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6. And human-made thrills, too
Energy junkies will be spoiled for choice during their Myrtle Beach vacation, with several to try. You can go family-friendly go-kart racing at Broadway Grand Prix, enjoy the ocean views from 60 metres above the ground while riding the SkyWheel observation wheel, shuttle down one of the 22 slides at the state鈥檚 biggest water park, Myrtle Waves, or try the floating obstacle course with slides and climbing towers at Shark Park 843. Finally, are a couple amusement parks, the 37 ride Family Kingdom that features a classic wooden roller coaster, and The Pavilion at Broadway at the Beach, home to several much-loved retro amusement rides.
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7. Get your culture fix
No trip to Myrtle Beach would be complete without taking in a few of its numerous , starting with Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum. Featuring 11 galleries, it houses works by renowned artists, including Ansel Adams, Norman Rockwell, John James Audubon and Jasper Johns. Be sure to also visit the Brookgreen Gardens, which is a National Historic Landmark that features an outdoor gallery and is home to more than 1,400 works of art from more than 350 sculptors.
8. Learn about the past
Discover the city and South Carolina鈥檚 rich history during a visit to the North Myrtle Beach Area Historical Museum. It includes exhibits about the Indigenous people who live along this stretch of the Atlantic coast, the first European settlers and the state鈥檚 role in the Civil War. You can even learn all about the Shag, the state鈥檚 official dance. History in this city isn鈥檛 limited to museums. Be sure to go on a guided tour to learn more about architecture and life within the walls of the area鈥檚 still-standing Antebellum homes, including the Kaminski House Museum and Stewart Parker House in nearby .
Walk on the beach at sunset.聽
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9. Just have fun
The best part about a vacation in Myrtle Beach? There is no end to ways you can just chill out, relax and have fun. Head to Ripley鈥檚 Aquarium to see the penguins and stingrays, get up close and personal with the wax version of the famous and infamous at the Hollywood Wax Museum, or admire some of the more than 50 classic cars at the automotive-filled museum, Wheels of Yesteryear.
10. And, shop 鈥檛il you drop
Did we mention outlet stores? For those looking for deals, Myrtle Beach is home to two Tanger Outlets, one on Highway 501 and the other where highways 17 and 22 meet. But that is just the beginning of the great deals you can find. The area is also known for its flea markets, where you can pick up . Among them are Hudson’s Surfside Flea Market, Everything Under the Sun Flea Market and Grand Strand Flea Market. There are also several indoor and outdoor malls along the Grand Strand that house local, national and international brands.
For more ideas on what to see and do in the Myrtle Beach area, visit .
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