Romance is in the air year-round along the Grand Strand. Couples visiting the area will find many romantic things to do including wine tastings, fine dining, and attractions to visit together.
Whether you’re looking for a quaint date night enjoying some of the best dining Myrtle Beach has to offer or you want to surprise your sweetheart with a getaway to a Myrtle Beach resort, we have something for any intimate occasion. Although most visitors instantly think of strolling along our 1.2 mile Boardwalk and Promenade and lounging on our sandy beaches, there’s a lot more to Myrtle Beach than you might realize.
Get ready to impress your loved one with one of these romantic things to do in Myrtle Beach!
1. Visit Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens, located south of Myrtle Beach in Murrells Inlet, boasts many walking paths, foliage, sculptures, and picture-perfect spots to heighten the romantic mood.
Designated as a National Historic Landmark, Brookgreen Gardens is home to several attractions including the Botanical Gardens and the popular Lowcountry Zoo. Consisting of 250-year-old oak trees, a butterfly garden, stunning sculptures, and bold, vibrant flowers and plants, the Botanical Gardens offers plenty of photogenic spots and places to enjoy one another’s company.
The Lowcountry Zoo is home to animals native to the South Carolina Lowcountry including otters, gray foxes, alligators, bald eagles, and white-tailed deer.
If you’re visiting Myrtle Beach in December, Brookgreen Gardens becomes even more romantic thanks to their Christmas show, Nights of a Thousand Candles. We might be biased but we think it’s one of the best light displays in America.
A day spent at Brookgreen Gardens is ideal for couples who love spending time in nature but want to get away from the beach for a few hours.
2. Spend Time Exploring a State Park
While we’re on the outdoor adventures, if you and your significant other enjoyed Brookgreen Gardens, you’ll love the state parks you have to choose from in the Myrtle Beach area.
The best reasons to visit a state park are the richness and diversity of wildlife and the smaller crowds, giving way to a typically quieter and more intimate setting.
Huntington Beach State Park is the total package for any outdoor enthusiast or nature lover. Also located in Murrells Inlet, this state park offers miles of coastline for swimming, fishing, and relaxing, with plenty of walking trails, a boardwalk, and the popular Atalaya Castle.
Nestled along the south end of Myrtle Beach is Myrtle Beach State Park. This quiet escape provides a nature trail, plenty of stunning ocean views, and its own pier for fishing and sightseeing.
3. Share a Meal at an Upscale Restaurant
Enjoy dinner with an ocean view or grab lunch at a quaint rustic restaurant; Myrtle Beach has several great restaurants perfect for couples. It doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day to enjoy a romantic meal for two.
A few of our favorite spots to add some romance to the typical nightlife include:
- Fire & Smoke, located on the north end of Myrtle Beach, is a popular gastropub that specializes in American fare with a twist, including a large selection of cocktails.
- Pier 14 Restaurant & Lounge is a great in-season option, as the restaurant is located on the 14th Avenue Pier at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. This restaurant offers fresh seafood and mouth-watering steaks with oceanfront views.
- Head inland to Rivertown Bistro, located in historic Downtown Conway. Rivertown Bistro serves up innovative southern classics and sushi for lunch and dinner in a contemporary setting.
4. Ride the SkyWheel
The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is a must-visit for couples as this seaside attraction offers the ultimate scenic experience along the East Coast. The SkyWheel is the 2nd tallest of its kind in the country and soars to 20 stories above ground, so incredible vistas of the beachfront and Myrtle Beach skyline are all but guaranteed on a clear day or evening.
Each gondola is climate controlled, so you won’t have to worry about being too cold or too hot during your ride. The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel has several specials including VIP Flights. And if you’re ready to pop the question to your sweetheart, the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel even has a special to help you make the moment unforgettable.
5. Enjoy the Best in Live Entertainment
Take your pick from a plethora of dazzling performances and award-winning shows during your next romantic getaway to Myrtle Beach.
A few of our favorite live music venues include:
- The Carolina Opry boasts high-energy spectacles of dance, music, and comedy with shows like Time Warp, Pure Magic, and the self-titled The Carolina Opry show.
- Visit the Alabama Theatre at Barefoot Landing for amazing performances, costuming, and visual effects. Catch their show ICONIC, which takes you through a musical journey of hits past and present.
- Head over to Legends in Concert to see world-class tribute artists portray some of the most popular performers in music including Elton John, Lady Gaga, Bob Marley, and Elvis Presley.
Want to combine dinner with live entertainment? Myrtle Beach is also home to a number of unique dinner shows. From murder mysteries to comedy shows and Polynesian fire luaus to sunset cruises, there’s a lot to choose from for an extra special night.
6. Sample Local Wines
Usually an unexpected surprise for many first time visitors, the Grand Strand has several wineries that offer tastings and special events that are a unique option for couples to enjoy.
For a perfect romantic day, start your day on the beach in the sun and end it watching the sunset from one of these nearby wineries:
- Duplin Winery in North Myrtle Beach produces their own red, white, blush, and specialty wines. Wine tastings at Duplin Winery allow 10 samplings and wine can be purchased by the glass and enjoyed on the patio, often with live music offered on select dates.
- Head further north to La Belle Amie Vineyard in Little River for wine tastings Tuesdays through Fridays, and most Saturdays. La Belle Amie Vineyard is well-known for its weekly events that include live music, food, and good times.
- Coastal Carolina Winery at Broadway at the Beach offers seven wine samplings including red, white, and fruit wines.
7. Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is well-known for its panoramic views, fantastic waterfront dining, and seasonal events. Situated along a natural saltwater estuary, the Marshwalk features a ½ mile wooden boardwalk lined with restaurants and attractions.
Many of the restaurants specialize in low country delicacies, fresh seafood, and delicious steaks, along with nightly entertainment.
Other services available include water sport rentals like jet skis, charter fishing tours, kayaking, and sightseeing tours that take you into the estuary to explore the area’s rich animal and plant life.
8. Play a Round of Golf
Myrtle Beach and golfing go hand-in-hand. From professional grade courses to quirky mini-golf, there’s something for every type of player in Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach offers nearly 80 golf courses for you to choose from so if you and your partner want to enjoy a day on the greens, our beachfront city won’t disappoint.
Mini-golf is usually seen as a family-friendly activity but why not let your inner child out for a night of fun? Choose between wacky mini-golf courses and immerse yourself in the story or, for a more serious night, visit PopStroke, a new 18-hole course complete with a bar and restaurant.
Add a Dash of Romance to Your Myrtle Beach Getaway
Even if the majority of your beach trip consists of swimming in the Atlantic and digging your toes in the sand with a good book in your hands, it’s always fun to add a dash of romance to your getaways.
Along with the 8 romantic things to do above, pick from these Myrtle Beach resort deals for a romantic rendezvous to remember that won’t break the bank.