Ever since the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk opened in 2011, travelers visiting the Myrtle Beach area have flocked to this iconic landmark for its dining, entertainment, shopping, and spectacular ocean views. With so much to see and do here, you’ll definitely want to spend some time here during your South Carolina getaway.

Located parallel to North Ocean Boulevard, the boardwalk and promenade stretches 1.2 miles near Downtown Myrtle Beach. Along this stretch of beachfront property, we’re certain you’ll be entertained. So, once you’ve settled into your Myrtle Beach resort, it’s time to hit the town!

Not only will you get to eat some fresh seafood and listen to local live music, if you’re taking a first-time trip to Myrtle Beach, be sure to visit the best Myrtle Beach Boardwalk attractions before returning home.

These are our 9 must-see Myrtle Beach Boardwalk attractions:

1. Myrtle Beach SkyWheel

Phone: (843) 839-9200

Without a doubt, the most prominent attraction on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is Myrtle Beach SkyWheel. Standing 187-feet above the ocean waves with far-stretching views along the coastline, the SkyWheel is an iconic attraction that all ages will love.

Each gondola is enclosed and air-conditioned, and riders will always only ride with their own company on this oceanfront attraction. Plus, the SkyWheel is one of the tallest observation wheels on the East Coast, so it’s not an experience you’ll want to miss!

2. Gay Dolphin Gift Cove

Phone: (843) 448-6550

The Gay Dolphin Gift Cove is a multi-story gift shop with more souvenirs and sights than your typical Myrtle Beach gift shop. Here, you’ll discover unique souvenirs and gifts from Christmas ornaments and pet gifts, shark teeth and jewelry, and a life-size Yeti!

If you need a souvenir for yourself or someone back home, chances are you’ll find something extra special at Gay Dolphin Gift Cove!

3. Arcades on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

Take your pick from these Myrtle Beach Boardwalk arcades where the more you win, the bigger the prizes! We suggest playing some games at:

Boardwalk Arcade

Phone: (843) 448-6550

Home to a mix of classic and modern arcade games, and a ticket redemption booth with all kinds of unique prizes.

Fun Plaza Arcade

Phone: (843) 448-5141

Skee-ball, hot hoops, air hockey, claw-drop machines, vintage baseball games, and a prize booth are just some games you’ll find at Fun Plaza Arcade.

Ripley’s Super Fun Zone Arcade

Phone: (843) 916-0888

Enjoy tons of modern arcade games, and older arcade games with a modern spin, after exiting Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Odditorium, or just stroll in from Ocean Boulevard.

4. More Ripley’s Attractions

Why stop at just the arcade? With plenty of other Ripley’s attractions gracing the shores of the Grand Strand, there’s plenty more fun for the whole family to soak up. Visiting one or many of these attractions is one of our top recommendations for things to do with kids in Myrtle Beach.

Keep in mind that if you’d also like to visit Ripley’s Aquarium, that’s farther north at Broadway at the Beach.

Ripley’s Haunted Adventure

Phone: (843) 916-0888

Regardless of what time of the year it is, this haunted house is always a lot of fun! Recommended for those older than 8 years old, guests will face live actors that add an extra element of surprise. While not located directly on the promenade, it’s just one block away.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not

Phone: (843) 916-0888

You won’t believe it until you see it at Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Ideal for the whole family, you’ll enjoy interactive exhibits, wild stories, and unique oddities like shrunken heads and skeletons.

This is sure to spark your children’s curiosity and leave them chatting about what they saw the rest of their beach vacation. Like the Haunted Adventure, this museum is located just one block from the boardwalk and promenade.

Ripley’s Mirror Maze

Phone: (843) 916-0888

Another of Ripley’s fun, family-friendly attractions is the Mirror Maze. Just as the name suggests, this is a maze created out of mirror walls and unique lighting. The goal is to find your way out of the maze but most of the fun is the silly confusion created while inside of it.

You’ll face optical illusions, LED lights, and will get your sense of direction and perception challenged!

This is a great choice for a rainy day activity in Myrtle Beach.

5. Slingshot Thrill Ride

Phone: (843) 444-8255

The Slingshot may be the most stomach-churning, heart-racing, hair-standing-on-the-back-of-your-neck thrill ride in all of Myrtle Beach and even North Myrtle Beach.

Located just across the street from the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, you and a family member or friend will soar 300 feet above the ground at the ride’s apex, and pull straight back down to reach maximum altitude all over again. The ride’s mounted video camera shows onlookers real-time reactions and these hilarious videos are available for purchase after the ride.

6. 2nd Avenue Pier

Phone: (843) 712-2430

At the south end of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is 2nd Avenue Pier. Reaching 900 feet out into the Atlantic Ocean, 2nd Avenue Pier is a popular spot for sightseeing, sea fishing, and oceanfront dining.

The on-site tackle shop provides anglers with all they need for a day of fishing. Enjoy some of the best seafood in town at The Wicked Tuna, where seafood is served amidst incredible ocean views. Or visit the upstairs open-air bar for a drink and some ocean air.

7. Family Kingdom Amusement Park

Phone: (843) 626-3447

If you’ve made it down past the 2nd Ave Pier, walk just a little bit farther down to the Family Kingdom Amusement Park. This seaside amusement park will keep you and your family entertained for hours.

Take a ride on the Ferris Wheel or get your adrenaline pumping with the thrill rides. They also offer live entertainment and plenty of other family-friendly activities.

8. Plyler Park

This small green space is located in the heart of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, right next to the SkyWheel and many of the Ripley’s attractions. Although there isn’t much going on in the park on a day-to-day basis, they do host free live music concerts in the summer and family-friendly events throughout the year.

Since it’s well within walking distance from most of the other attractions, we recommend scoping it out to see if your Myrtle Beach vacation overlaps with any of their events.

9. Oceanfront Restaurants

Although not technically attractions, these restaurants are well-positioned to either let you people watch those on the Boardwalk or face the Atlantic and enjoy soothing views. Plus, after walking all day and enjoying the sights, we’re sure you’ve worked up quite the appetite!

A few of our favorites include:

• RipTydz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar
• Pier 14 Restaurant & Lounge
• Wicked Tuna
• The Bowery

Soak Up the Fun at these Boardwalk Attractions

Did you know that when you stay at select Myrtle Beach resorts, you’re eligible to receive discounts at dozens of Myrtle Beach attractions? Learn more about this exclusive Myrtle Beach discount card to make your vacation even sweeter.

We’re sure you’re in for a great time exploring the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade. Whether you’re in town with a group of friends or your family, there’s plenty of attractions suited for a wide variety of ages that’ll leave a smile on all of your happy faces!