Your Myrtle Beach vacation doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Once you’ve booked your stay at one of our oceanfront resorts, it’s time to stretch that savings mentality across your entire trip.
From wide open beaches and hidden nature trails to local festivals, fireworks, and family-friendly attractions, Myrtle Beach proves that some of the best moments on vacation don’t cost a thing.
Here are 17 free things to do in Myrtle Beach that are actually worth your time.
1. Hit the Beach
No surprise here. The beach is the star of any Myrtle Beach vacation, and best of all, it’s completely free. The Grand Strand stretches 60 miles along the South Carolina coast, giving families, couples, and solo travelers plenty of room to swim, play, and unwind.
Build sandcastles with the kids, hunt for shells and shark teeth, toss a frisbee, or simply plant your beach chairs and soak up the sun. Staying at one of our oceanfront resorts puts you steps from the water every single day of your trip.
2. Visit a Farmers’ Market
Browsing a local farmers’ market is one of those simple pleasures that costs nothing and delivers plenty. The Grand Strand hosts several markets from spring through fall, including locations in North Myrtle Beach, at The Market Common’s Valor Park, and along Mr. Joe White in Myrtle Beach.
The goods themselves aren’t free, but the sights, smells, and people-watching absolutely are. It’s a great way to connect with local businesses and get a feel for the community beyond the beach.
3. Stroll the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
The 1.2-mile Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is one of the most iconic free attractions on the Grand Strand. Walk, jog, or stroll along the oceanfront and take in views of the Atlantic, the SkyWheel, and the lively energy of Ocean Boulevard all around you.
Plyler Park sits at the heart of the Boardwalk and serves as a hub for free live entertainment, seasonal festivals, and community events throughout the year. With multiple beach access points along the way, you’re never far from the sand.
4. Let the Kids Play at Myrtle Beach Playgrounds
Myrtle Beach has no shortage of playgrounds that are perfect for families with young kids. Savannah’s Playground at The Market Common features ADA-accessible equipment, swings, slides, a musical park, and a challenge ropes course.
Chapin Memorial Park in the heart of Myrtle Beach offers a playground and walking path, and hosts free events throughout the year. For something right on the water, Gardens by the Sea at 55th Avenue North combines a playground with direct beach access — a perfect place for family fun.
5. Spend Some Time at Broadway at the Beach
Broadway at the Beach is one of the most visited entertainment destinations in the Myrtle Beach area, and you don’t need to spend a thing to enjoy it. Stroll the shopping complex, take in the lake views, and catch free live music and roaming entertainment during the summer season.
Broadway’s Summer Nights series brings stilt walkers, musicians, and character appearances to the complex nightly at no charge.
6. Do the Same at Barefoot Landing
Just up the coast in North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing is another open-air shopping and entertainment destination that’s free to explore. Wander through its unique local shops, grab a bite at one of its waterfront restaurants, and enjoy the scenic views of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Barefoot Landing’s Dockside Village hosts free live music throughout the summer. SummerFest brings nightly entertainment to the complex all season long.
7. Catch Free Live Music Around the Grand Strand
The Grand Strand has a thriving live music scene, and much of it won’t cost you a dime. In North Myrtle Beach, Music on Main and the Sounds of Summer concert series at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex draw crowds all summer long with free outdoor performances.
The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk also hosts free live music on select nights. Keep an eye on local event calendars so you don’t miss out on the free entertainment near you.
8. Enjoy the Events at The Market Common
The Market Common’s walkable, village-style layout makes it one of the most enjoyable free spots in Myrtle Beach to spend an afternoon. Window shop along the tree-lined streets, relax in one of the parks, or grab a coffee and people-watch at the outdoor seating areas.
Free events run throughout the year at Valor Park, including Movies Under the Stars, live music, and seasonal festivals. The Market Common farmers’ market also sets up shop here, offering a fun, free browse of local vendors and fresh produce.
9. Hang Outside at Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
Just south of Myrtle Beach, the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk offers a completely different kind of boardwalk experience. This half-mile wooden walkway winds along a natural saltwater estuary, where you can take in stunning views of the salt marsh and keep an eye out for local wildlife.
There’s no entry fee to walk the MarshWalk. With waterfront restaurants lining the boardwalk and free live music on select nights, it’s one of the most scenic and entertaining free outings in the Myrtle Beach area.
10. Step Back in Time at L.W. Paul Living History Farm
Step back in time at the L.W. Paul Living History Farm, where visitors will get to experience the everyday life of a Horry County farm family during the early 1900s.
This working farm, located in Conway, brings the past to life with live demonstrations, farm animals, and original buildings that show what daily life looked like before modern technology. It’s a surprisingly fun and educational stop for families, history buffs, and curious kids alike.
11. Learn at the Horry County Museum
The Horry County Museum in historic downtown Conway is free for all visitors and a great activity any time of year. Exhibits cover the natural history of Horry County, military artifacts from various conflicts, and the rich coastal heritage of the Grand Strand.
It’s a fascinating stop for history lovers of all ages and a worthwhile addition to any day trip to Conway.
12. Walk the Conway Riverwalk
The Conway Riverwalk is a scenic waterfront trail that winds along the picturesque Waccamaw River, offering plenty of photo opportunities and peaceful views. Start at Riverfront Park near the Conway Marina, where you’ll also find a children’s playground, or begin at the boardwalk section for the best river views.
After your walk, head into historic downtown Conway to window shop at the local shops and grab a meal at one of the town’s many restaurants.
13. Admire the South Carolina Hall of Fame
A perfect option for the history buff in the family, learn about some of the greatest South Carolinians in history at the South Carolina Hall of Fame.
Located at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, the South Carolina Hall of Fame honors citizens for their contributions to the Palmetto State’s history and future. Inductees range from entertainers and athletes to military veterans and civil rights leaders and activists.
14. See Art at Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum
For anyone who appreciates art, a visit to the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum is well worth it. Admission is free for children ages 18 and younger and for full-time students with a valid ID. There is a nominal admission fee for adults.
The galleries change nearly monthly, so even if you’ve visited before, chances are you’ll catch a new exhibition each time you’re in town.
Depending on the time you visit, you might also catch an art show, a lecture, or a special workshop for adults or children.
15. Walk the Pier at Garden City Beach
The fishing pier at Garden City Beach is free to stroll and offers a laid-back taste of Grand Strand nightlife. Walk out over the ocean, enjoy the fresh air, and take in the live music and entertainment coming from the bars at the end of the pier.
It’s one of the more relaxed free things to do in the Myrtle Beach area, and the ocean views from the pier are hard to beat at any price.
16. Walk the Pier at Cherry Grove Beach
The Cherry Grove Pier in North Myrtle Beach is a beloved local landmark with ocean views that stretch for miles. It’s free to walk out on the pier, where you can watch anglers cast their lines, take in the horizon, and breathe in some serious fresh air.
This is a quieter, more low-key alternative to the busier stretches of the Grand Strand and a perfect place to start or end a beach day.
17. Walk the Trails at Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens
On the north end of the Grand Strand near Little River, Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens offers free access to 115 acres of scenic woodland and salt marsh trails. The paths are easy to navigate and offer beautiful up-close views of the natural coastal landscape.
It’s a perfect detour for nature lovers looking for fresh air away from the sand, and a great option as it doesn’t charge admission.
Enjoy Your Budget-Friendly Trip to Myrtle Beach
With so many great free things to do in Myrtle Beach, we’re certain you’ll have a fantastic beach trip without needing to break the bank. Make your budget and stick with it by taking advantage of these 17 free things to do on the Grand Strand.
Want even more? Book your stay at one of our Myrtle Beach resorts, and you and your family can enjoy extra amenities like a waterpark, lazy river, and swimming pools at no extra cost to you!