Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant entertainment options, and family-friendly attractions. Whether you’re looking to relax by the ocean, enjoy thrilling activities, explore nature, or indulge in delicious seafood, Myrtle Beach has something for everyone. Here are some of the best places and things to do in Myrtle Beach:
Located on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, the SkyWheel stands tall at a height of 187 feet (approximately 57 meters). It is a Ferris wheel with spacious, climate-controlled gondolas that provide a comfortable ride for visitors of all ages. Each gondola features glass windows, allowing for unobstructed panoramic views of the stunning coastline, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding cityscape.
Located at Broadway at the Beach, Ripley’s Aquarium showcases a fascinating array of marine life from around the world. The aquarium features a variety of interactive exhibits and displays that allow visitors to get up close and personal with marine creatures in a safe and engaging environment. Another popular exhibit is the Rainbow Rock, which showcases vibrant and colorful tropical fish species, as well as delicate coral formations. It’s a visually stunning display that gives you a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of underwater ecosystems.
For a break from the crowds, head to Myrtle Beach State Park. This picturesque park offers miles of pristine coastline, nature trails, camping facilities, and picnic areas. It’s an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, birdwatching, and exploring the diverse coastal ecosystem.
The museum showcases a vast collection of meticulously crafted wax figures of famous actors, musicians, athletes, and other notable personalities. As you explore the museum, you’ll encounter an impressive lineup of celebrities from different eras and genres, including Hollywood stars, pop icons, superheroes, and more. Unlike traditional museums, the Hollywood Wax Museum encourages visitors to interact with the figures and take photos alongside their favorite celebrities. You can strike a pose, give high-fives, and even hug the wax figures, creating fun and memorable moments.
Family Kingdom features a variety of rides that cater to different age groups and levels of thrill-seeking. From exhilarating roller coasters like the Swamp Fox and the Twist ‘n Shout to classic attractions like the Carousel and Bumper Cars, there is something for everyone. Younger visitors can enjoy a range of kid-friendly rides, such as the Tea Cups and the Kiddie Coaster. Adjacent to the amusement park, Family Kingdom Water Park offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat. The water park features water slides, lazy rivers, splash pools, and a wave pool, providing hours of fun and relaxation for the whole family.
6. Franklin G. Burroughs – Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum
The museum hosts a rotating schedule of exhibitions that feature a diverse range of contemporary art, traditional art, and cultural works. From paintings and sculptures to photography and mixed media installations, the exhibitions offer a rich and varied artistic experience. The museum often features the work of both local and regional artists, as well as nationally recognized and internationally acclaimed artists.
The museum boasts a stunning array of meticulously restored vehicles from various eras. You’ll find an impressive selection of American muscle cars, including iconic models like Ford Mustangs, Chevrolet Camaros, Dodge Chargers, and Plymouth Barracudas. Additionally, the collection includes classic automobiles from the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s, such as Chevrolet Bel Airs, Cadillac Eldorados, and Pontiac GTOs. Each car is meticulously maintained and presented, allowing visitors to admire the timeless beauty and craftsmanship of these vintage vehicles.
The museum features a vast collection of fully operational pinball machines from different eras. You’ll find classic machines from the 1960s and ’70s, as well as modern machines with cutting-edge technology. The collection includes a diverse range of themes, designs, and gameplay styles, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Unlike traditional museums, the Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum encourages visitors to play the machines to their heart’s content. The admission fee grants you unlimited access to the pinball machines, allowing you to relive the excitement and challenge of these vintage games. It’s a hands-on experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and fast-paced action of pinball.
One of the main highlights of Springmaid Pier is the breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and coastline. As you stroll along the pier, you can enjoy stunning vistas of the Atlantic, with its azure waters and rolling waves. The sight of the coastline stretching in both directions is a memorable experience.
Located at Broadway at the Beach, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is a unique museum featuring oddities, illusions, and interactive exhibits. Explore bizarre artifacts from around the world and indulge your curiosity in this quirky and entertaining attraction.
The highlight of Warbird Park is the collection of military aircraft on display. These include several decommissioned warplanes, such as an A-10 Thunderbolt II, an F-100 Super Sabre, and an F-104 Starfighter. These aircraft represent different eras and provide a tangible connection to the history of military aviation. Alongside the aircraft, you’ll find several memorials paying tribute to the various branches of the U.S. military. These include plaques, statues, and flags representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. The memorials serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by servicemen and women throughout history.
Myrtle Beach is a paradise for water enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. You can indulge in various watersports such as jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Additionally, there are several amusement parks and water parks, including Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Myrtle Waves Water Park, offering thrilling rides and water slides for a fun-filled day.
These are just a few of the many attractions and activities that await you in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or entertainment, this coastal city has everything you need for a memorable vacation.
