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Condé Nast Traveler

The Best Things to Do in Myrtle Beach: South Carolina's Historic Vacation Enclave

For some, the best things to do in Myrtle Beach may conjure images of rowdy spring breakers and souvenir shops—but look a little closer and you'll find a coastal escape with far more dimension and charm. Stretching along South Carolina's Grand Strand coastline, this 60-mile span of picturesque Atlantic shoreline has been a vacation haven since the early 1900s, and these days is quietly evolving into a destination where elevated cuisine, design-focused hotels, and outdoor adventure take center stage. It's where you can start your morning kayaking through marshy inlets, spend the afternoon touring sculpture gardens or sipping craft beer on the beach, and cap off the evening with a sunset view of the ocean over oysters, rosé, and live music. Whether you're a first-timer drawn to the bustle of the boardwalk, a family looking for a place that boasts ample activities for kids and adults alike, or a return traveler looking off the beaten path for more local gems beyond the surf shops, Myrtle Beach is full of surprises. Here's our guide to this highly misunderstood Southern beach town. Explore the vintage-looking boardwalk means following the smells of fried shrimp and cotton candy to one of the many beach bars lining the promenade. MUSE Getting here (and around) Myrtle Beach is easily accessible whether you're flying into Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) or driving via scenic highways like U.S. Route 17 (the Coastal Highway) and South Carolina Highways 22 and 31 (Veterans Highway and Carolina Bays Parkway). It's also easy to Uber, Lyft, or taxi around town. For a more budget option, you can hop on and off the Coast RTA's comprehensive bus system, which offers 10 Grand Strand area routes, including free shuttles to popular spots. For a more relaxed pace, renting a golf cart or bike at Boardwalk Bikes lets you explore coastal roads and charming neighborhoods at your leisure. Things to do in Myrtle Beach The best way to soak up the morning light and get your bearings on the boardwalk is with a ride on the SkyWheel, where the Atlantic stretches endlessly in every direction from over 187 feet. From inside a climate-controlled gondola (helpful in the hot summer months), the city's famed boardwalk looks more like a vintage postcard from above: pastel-colored arcades, rolled ice cream stands, and the vast, glimmering stretch of Grand Strand beach on the horizon. Open from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, this family-friendly attraction books up quickly during peak season. Afterwards, explore the boardwalk, following the smells of fried shrimp and cotton candy to one of the many beach bars lining the promenade. Start with a local brew at New South Brewing, like the quirky Fruit Loops wheat beer or Dirty Myrtle double IPA. If another drink calls you, grab a mixed cocktail at 8th Avenue Tiki Bar before catching some live music (starting at 4 pm) at Tin Roof, where the rooftop views compete only with the people-watching below. If gaming is more your speed, stop into the Fun Plaza Arcade to try your hand at a mix of both vintage and retro games, as well as some new ones. Stretching along 60 miles of South Carolina's Grand Strand coastline, Myrtle Beach has been a vacation haven since the 1920s when it exploded with golf courses and resorts. Getty Images Brookgreen Gardens, a short drive south to Murrells Inlet, is set on a former rice plantation. The 9,100-acre property is part botanical garden, open-air art museum, and zoo. But Myrtle Beach is more than the constant buzz. For a quieter, more local stretch of sand, drive north to Cherry Grove Beach, a peaceful haven where families gather for picnics and locals cast fishing lines off the iconic Cherry Grove Pier. The pace is slower here, and you'll find more locals than tourists. Just inland, the salt marshes begin to weave through the landscape, creating an entirely different portrait of the varied South Carolina landscape. Enjoy the marshland up close with a Great Escapes Kayak Tour. Offering guided paddleboard and kayak tours, these explorations introduce you to the many tidal creeks of Waties Island, offering a front-row seat to a part of Myrtle Beach few tourists ever see. Ensure your camera or phone is handy to capture the blue herons nesting in the reeds or the cute fiddler crabs darting across the mud flats. Carve out a few hours for Brookgreen Gardens, a short drive south to Murrells Inlet. Set on a former rice plantation, this 9,100-acre property is part botanical garden, open-air art museum, and zoo. Between the water lilies, adorable sea lions, and bronze sculptures, it's a quiet counterpoint and true natural oasis to the more touristy side of town. In summer, the gardens stay open later for their Summer Light Series, where curated installations illuminate against thousands of twinkling lights throughout the property. The gardens will feature famed glassblower Craig Mitchell Smith, who donated over 25 glass sculptures to the exhibit this summer. Sunset drinks at The Hangout feel more like an outdoor party than a restaurant. Go for the world-famous Shark Attack or a Southern Mai Tai. Unsplash Bimini's Oyster Bar & Seafood Market is a must for fresh oysters on the half shell, crispy fried seafood, and spicy Cajun crab cakes. Where to eat Come golden hour, you'd be remiss not to grab a drink at The Hangout, which feels more like a block party than a restaurant. Flanking their dining room is an expansive courtyard home to sand and foam pits, yard games, retail shopping, and live music stages. To eat, their signature Hangout Nachos, layered with melted cheddar, fresh pico de gallo, and jalapeños, are a crowd favorite, as is the Hangout Burger—a juicy patty topped with cheddar and crispy onion rings. Order the seafood gumbo with shrimp and smoked sausage to get an authentic taste of the Carolinas.