Sixty miles of beach, over 80 golf courses, year-round shows, and prices that won’t break the bank. Fly into MYR, drop your bags, and you’re five minutes from the surf. Peak months run from June through August. Shoulder months are April, May, September, and October. Winter brings cheaper rooms, smaller crowds, and plenty of open attractions.
Here’s the deal. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, pulls 18.2 million annual visitors with good reason. Who loves it? Families, golfers, retirees, bachelorette groups, and college spring breakers. The hook is simple: everything is drivable within 30 minutes. Sand to shows without traffic headaches.
I’ve been here multiple times. It always delivers. Let’s get into what actually matters.
Beach & Water Thrills
Grand Strand Beaches: Free, 60-Mile Playground
Pack a chair, walk to any boardwalk access, and you’re in. Lifeguards work May through September. Parking meters along Ocean Blvd run $2 per hour. Simple as that.
Pro tip: Hit 2nd Ave Pier at sunrise for empty photo opportunities and zero parking fees before 9 a.m. Trust me on this one.
Parasailing
This is where you get the postcard views. Ten to fifteen minutes floating above the Atlantic, seeing the entire coastline laid out beneath you.
- Cost: $50-$150 per person
- Season: April-October
- Operators: Ocean Watersports, New Wave Watersports
Try tandem if you’re nervous. Photos cost extra, so skip them and use a waterproof phone pouch. You’ll thank me later.
Jet Ski Rentals
Want to rip across the water? Here’s what you need to know.
- Cost: $100-$150 per hour
- Must-know: Drivers 16-17 need a boating safety card
- Best route: Intracoastal Waterway for fewer waves and more dolphins
I’ve done both ocean and waterway. Waterway wins every time. Calmer water, better wildlife spotting, and less chance of getting tossed around.
Banana Boat Rides
Ten minutes of pure chaos and fun. Kids 6 and up ride free with a parent holding on. Early-bird slots at 10 a.m. save you $5. Small money, same thrills.
Surf Lessons
Myrtle Beach waves are perfect for beginners with gentle rollers and forgiving breaks.
- Price: $65 for a two-hour group lesson
- Best break: 8th Ave North for gentle rollers
Book the morning session. Water’s calmer and instructors are less rushed. Worth it.
Beach Volleyball Courts
Find courts near Boardwalk and Plyler Park. Bring your own ball or rent for $5 from the beach services hut. Courts are free and first come, first served.
Pier Fishing & Strolls
Multiple piers dot the coastline, each with its own vibe.
- Walk-on fees: $0-$3 depending on pier
- Fishing pass: $10; rod rental bundle $25
- Open: March-November (check closures after storms)
Garden City Pier is totally free to walk. Second Avenue Pier charges $2 but has the best sunrise views. Pick your fighter.
Family Attractions & Theme Parks
Family Kingdom Amusement Park
Old-school seaside park that hits different. The Swamp Fox wooden coaster runs right along the ocean. Can’t beat that view.
- All-day wristband: $45 (book online for $5 off)
- Season: March-November
Pro tip: Arrive within the first hour after opening and the wristband drops to $30. That’s a $15 savings for being an early bird.
Myrtle Beach SkyWheel
The nearly 200-foot Ferris wheel dominates the skyline. Climate-controlled gondolas mean you’re comfortable year-round.
- Price: $21 adult, $18 child
- Best ride: Sunset for city lights and Atlantic glow
Four rotations, about 15 minutes total. Perfect length. Not too short, not dragging on.
Ripley’s Aquarium
The 330-foot shark tunnel is the money shot. You walk through while sharks, rays, and sea turtles glide overhead. Kids lose their minds.
Buy timed entry online and skip the ticket line. Plan 2 hours max. That’s enough to see everything without rushing.
WonderWorks (Upside-Down House)
Looks gimmicky from outside. Inside? Over 100 hands-on exhibits that actually engage kids.
- General Admission: $23 adult, $19 child
- Add-ons: Indoor ropes course for an extra $10
The hurricane simulator and bubble lab are winners. The ropes course is worth the extra if your kids have energy to burn.
Broadway at the Beach
350 acres of shops, mini-golf, arcades, and restaurants. Free entry, and you pay as you play. This is your one-stop entertainment zone.
Wednesday night fireworks in summer at 9 p.m. are free. Grab dinner, catch the fireworks, and call it a night.
Golf Capital Highlights
Myrtle Beach earned the “Golf Capital” title fair and square. Over 80 courses designed by legends. Nicklaus, Dye, and Palmer all have their signatures here.
- Course count: 80+
- Green fees: $30 par-3 to $150 championship weekend
- Kids Play Free: Many courses offer this May-August (call ahead)
- Book early: 8 a.m. tee times fill up 60 days out for June
I’ve played about a dozen courses here. The variety is unreal, from oceanfront links to pine-lined parkland courses. Something for every skill level.
Pro move: Stay at a golf resort. Packages include rounds and sometimes breakfast. Saves money and hassle.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Carolina Opry & Time Warp
These aren’t your typical cheesy tourist shows. High-energy performances with legitimate talent.
- Tickets: $31-$66
- Hack: Buy two shows and the second drops to $15 at the same checkout
Book the Opry first, add Time Warp for basically nothing. Both shows deliver.
Dinner Shows: Pirates Voyage
Acrobats over water with a four-course feast. It’s dinner theater on steroids.
Average cost is $70. Vegetarian option available if you call 24 hours ahead. Kids eat this up, literally and figuratively.
Legends in Concert
Elvis, Tina, and Freddie tribute acts rotate through. Quality varies by performer, but the good ones are impressively accurate. Check matinees for a $10 discount.
Oceanfront Bars & Clubs
The scene changes block by block. Here’s what matters:
- Hot spots: The Bowery (live country), Tin Roof (rooftop DJ), Crooked Hammock (craft beer lawn games)
- Cover: Mostly free before 9 p.m.
Start at Crooked Hammock for sunset beers and cornhole. End at Tin Roof when the DJ kicks in. Perfect progression.
Nature & Outdoor Escapes
Myrtle Beach State Park
This is your nature reset button. Maritime forest, beach access, and fishing pier all in one spot.
- Admission: $8 adult, $5 youth
- Must-do: Sculptured Oak Nature Trail, a 30-minute loop
Morning visits beat the heat. Afternoons get crowded. Trust me.
Huntington Beach State Park & Atalaya Castle
Quieter than Myrtle Beach State Park. Better for wildlife watching.
- Admission: $8 adult; Atalaya Castle tour adds $2
- Bring binoculars: Roseate spoonbills appear in spring and fall
The castle tour is worth the extra $2. Moorish architecture on the beach doesn’t get more unique.
Brookgreen Gardens
America’s first public sculpture garden. Sounds stuffy. It’s not.
Your $25 ticket is good for seven consecutive days. Use it twice if rain ruins day one and you need some rainy day activities. Smart system.
Kayak & Dolphin Tours
Two ways to see dolphins. Both deliver.
- Kayak: $45 for a two-hour guided Murrells Inlet marsh tour
- Dolphin cruise: $30 adult for 90 minutes on Sea Racer
Kayaking puts you at water level with wildlife. The cruise covers more ground. Pick based on your energy level.
Shopping & Dining
Retail Runs
Three main shopping zones, each with different vibes:
- Coastal Grand Mall: 140+ stores, air-conditioned salvation in July
- Tanger Outlets Hwy 17: Nike, Coach, Adidas. Sign up for a coupon book at the info desk
- The Market Common: Upscale vibes, IMAX theater, Saturday farmers market
The Tanger Outlets info desk coupon book saves 10-20% on top of outlet prices. Always grab one.
Seafood Staples
You’re at the beach. Eat like it.
- Sea Captain’s House: Oceanfront shrimp and grits. Go for breakfast when it’s cheaper
- Flying Fish Public Market: Fish tacos and river view patio
Low-cost hack: Pick up a “Monster Coupon” booklet at the visitor center for 10% off most menus. Those savings add up fast.
Best Itineraries for Every Traveler
Families with Young Kids – 3-Day Plan
- Day 1: Ripley’s Aquarium and SkyWheel at sunset
- Day 2: Morning beach, afternoon WonderWorks, evening Pirates Voyage
- Day 3: Family Kingdom rides and mini-golf nightcap
This hits all the kid favorites without overdoing it. Pace matters with little ones.
Couples – Weekend Escape
- Friday: Check-in, sunset dolphin cruise, waterfront dinner at Sea Captain’s
- Saturday: Golf at Tidewater, spa afternoon, rooftop drinks at Tin Roof
- Sunday: Brookgreen Gardens stroll and departure
Romance without the cheese. You’re welcome.
Teens & Young Adults – Adrenaline Circuit
Parasail in the morning, jet ski at midday. Broadway Grand Prix go-karts, night at The Bowery with a live band. Repeat as needed.
Retirees & Seniors – Easy Pace
Early tee time at Myrtlewood. Brookgreen Gardens tram tour. Matinee at Carolina Opry, beachfront dinner, early bed. Perfect speed.
Smart Money-Saving Hacks & Seasonal Tips
Here’s how to stretch your dollars without missing out:
- Coupon books: Grab “Myrtle Beach Bucks” at airport baggage claim for 2-for-1 mini-golf and kids-eat-free deals
- Multi-attraction passes: Ripley’s and SkyWheel bundle saves around 20% online
- Shoulder season: Late September brings ocean temps still at 80°F with hotel rates dropping 30%. It’s one of the best times to visit Myrtle Beach.
- Free fireworks: Broadway at the Beach Wednesdays at 9 p.m. in summer
- Parking hack: Use free lots at Market Common, then ride the HOP shuttle to the Boardwalk
September is the sweet spot. Warm ocean, fewer crowds, better prices. Book it.
Plan Your Perfect Myrtle Beach Getaway
Ready to make this trip happen? Book your stay with Travly.com to find the best hotel deals and create your perfect Myrtle Beach vacation. Whether you’re looking for beachfront resorts, family-friendly accommodations, or golf packages, Travly makes it easy to compare options and lock in the best rates for your trip.
