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17 Free Things to Do in Myrtle Beach

Your upcoming beach trip doesn’t have to break the bank. Once you’ve taken advantage of our resort specials and have booked your vacation rental for a great place to stay at a discounted rate, it’s time to let that savings mentality stretch throughout your entire vacation.

With so many free things to do in Myrtle Beach, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from along the Grand Strand. For a family-friendly vacation, romantic getaway, or trip with your friends, we’re certain you can have an incredible trip without blowing your budget.

The following suggestions are sure to satisfy everyone in the family, including nightlife enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, history buffs, and art aficionados, just to name a few.

Let’s dive into these free things to do in the Myrtle Beach area.

The Beach

No surprise here! Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand are famous for its 60-mile stretch of stunning beachfront, so there’s plenty of space to stretch, lay back, and enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.

Beachgoers can swim, exercise, build sandcastles, search for shells and shark teeth, play beach games, or just relax. This is certainly something the whole family will love and most likely is what brought you all to Myrtle Beach to begin with.

If you plan your vacation at one of these oceanfront Myrtle Beach resorts, you’ll have quick and easy access to the beautiful beach every day of your stay!

Visit a Farmers’ Markets

Browse locally sourced goods, produce, and hand-crafted products from regional vendors at a local farmers’ market. The Grand Strand is home to several farmers’ markets that run from the spring to the fall.

While the goods you’ll find at the farmers markets won’t be free, walking around and enjoying the sights, smells, and people-watching certainly are.

Visit the following farmers markets:

• North Myrtle Beach → 925 1st Avenue South, North Myrtle Beach
• Plaza City Market → 819 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach
• Valor Park at the Market Common → 1120 Farrow Parkway, Myrtle Beach

For more information and farmers’ market times, call (843) 839-4488.

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

Address: From Pier 14 to 2nd Avenue Pier in Myrtle Beach

Walk, run, or bike along this 1.2 mile long oceanfront boardwalk that boasts beautiful vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is home to several oceanfront dining options, attractions, and shopping destinations, making it a popular spot to visit and enjoy the sights and sounds.

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk also has several beach access points so you’re never too far from a walk along the beach.

This is a great place to get some exercise in while soaking up the heart of Myrtle Beach. Even without spending a dollar here, we’re certain you’ll have a lot of fun.

Myrtle Beach Playgrounds

If you’re looking for something to do with the kids, Myrtle Beach features several playgrounds. With so many options to choose from, there’s sure to be a great playground nearby your accommodation.

Savannah’s Playground

Located at The Market Common, Savannah’s Playground features ADA-approved playground equipment, including swings, slides, a musical park, a challenge ropes course, and more.

Chapin Memorial Park

Located in the heart of Myrtle Beach, is home to a children’s playground, a walking path, and hosts several free events throughout the year.

Gardens by the Sea

If you’re looking for something oceanfront, Gardens by the Sea is the place. Located at 55th Avenue North in Myrtle Beach, this oceanfront park boasts a playground and its own beach access point.

Broadway at the Beach

Address: 1325 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach

With dozens of shops, restaurants, and attractions, Broadway at the Beach is a hub for family fun. While you will need to pay to enjoy the top attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium or the nearby Myrtle Waves Water Park, admission is not required to walk around the entertainment complex and enjoy the sights.

Visit one of Broadway’s two Pavilion Park locations, home to classic amusement rides, watch the Beach Rider Jet Boat carry passengers along Lake Broadway, and keep your eyes and ears open for seasonal live entertainment.

During the summer, Broadway at the Beach hosts a nightly summer series that includes strolling entertainment, character appearances, and games and activities for kids, all for free!

To cap it all off, Broadway also hosts free fireworks shows on select nights throughout the summer, and select nights during the holiday season.

For more information, call (843) 444-3200.

Barefoot Landing

Address: 4898 HWY 17 South, North Myrtle Beach

Located in North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing is home to its own assortment of specialty shops and one-of-a-kind restaurants. Just like Broadway at the Beach, there’s no admission fee to browse and walk around this outdoor entertainment center.

Meander your way to Dockside Village, a waterfront boardwalk where visitors can enjoy live entertainment with a gorgeous backdrop of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Barefoot Landing hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, free for visitors to enjoy. During the summer, catch Barefoot Landing’s SummerFest! for live entertainment, music, and activities nightly.

On select nights, visitors will also get to enjoy a free fireworks show.

Contact (843) 272-8349 for more information.

The Market Common

Address: 3100 South Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach

The Market Common features several events throughout the year that are free for all to enjoy.

On select days, peruse local goods, gifts, and produce at the farmers’ market, catch a free flick during the Movies Under the Stars summer series in Valor Park, take a complimentary carriage ride, or enjoy live music at the bars and restaurants.

The Market Common’s walkable downtown feel makes it a great place to window shop or just enjoy a beautiful day walking around the shops, restaurants, and nearby parks.

Murrells Inlet MarshWalk

Address: 4025 Highway 17 Business, Murrells Inlet

The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk offers a different view compared to your typical Myrtle Beach boardwalks and piers.

This ½ mile wooden boardwalk is located along a natural saltwater estuary, home to many low country critters, plants, and gorgeous views of the salt marsh. There’s no admission to enjoy the views and walk along the boardwalk.

The MarshWalk is known for its waterfront dining and nightlife, as well as seasonal events hosted along the boardwalk. Visit the MarshWalk on select nights for free live music.

L.W. Paul Living History Farm

Address: 2279 Harris Short Cut Road, Conway

Step back in time at the L.W. Paul Living History Farm where visitors will get to sample the everyday life of a Horry County farm family during the early 1900s.

Visitors will get to observe demonstrations and traditional activities that would have been common on a “One Horse Family Farm” during this era. Guided farm tours are free for all visitors.

For more information, call (843) 915-5320.

Horry County Museum

Address: 805 Main Street, Conway

After your trip to L.W. Paul Living History Farm, head to historic downtown Conway and visit the Horry County Museum.

The museum uses various exhibits to highlight the history of Horry County, including the area’s natural history with wildlife displays, military exhibits that include wartime artifacts, and a collection of items highlighting the beaches of the Grand Strand.

The Horry County Museum is free for all to enjoy. For more information, call (843) 915-5320.

Conway Riverwalk

Address: 2nd Avenue, Conway

The Conway Riverwalk is a popular waterfront boardwalk and paved trail that winds its way along the Waccamaw River. Along the way, visitors will find plenty of photo opportunities to make vacation memories.

You can either start at Riverfront Park at the Conway Marina where you’ll find a children’s playground or at the boardwalk section of the trail with picturesque views of the Waccamaw River.

After strolling the Riverwalk, take a short walk into historic downtown Conway for window shopping at the mom and pop shops or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants.

T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station

Address: 4898 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach at Barefoot Landing

Head to T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station at Barefoot Landing for a chance to go eye to eye with a full-grown tiger at no cost to you! You may even get to see a tiger cub or swinging monkeys at this exotic attraction.

You can even get a pic (and a snuggle!) with a tiger cub for an additional fee.

For more information, call (843) 361-4552.

Myrtle Beach State Park

Address: 4401 South Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach

Visit Myrtle Beach State Park for more than a typical beach day. While there is an admission fee for adults, kids ages 5 and younger are free, making it a cost effective family-friendly activity.

Aside from the one mile of undeveloped beachfront, the park is also home to several nature trails, bike trails, bird watching areas, picnic shelters, and a children’s playground. This is the perfect addition to your Myrtle Beach vacation if you’re dreaming of an untouched sandy beach where you can truly feel far away from daily stresses.

Contact (843) 238-5325 for more information.

South Carolina Hall of Fame

Address: 2101 North Oak Street, Myrtle Beach

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 to athletes, and military veterans to civil rights leaders and activists.

For more information, call (843) 626-7444.

Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum

Address: 3100 S Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach

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 anyone who’d like to enter. 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, lecture, or a special workshop for adults or children.

For more information, call (843) 238-2510.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans Baseball

Address: 1251 21st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach

With the purchase of a general admission ticket, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans offer free activities and many promotions throughout the season, including BOGO hot dogs and family nights that include free activities for kids with a Backpack Buddies approved donation.

Plus, Fridays are fireworks nights, so be sure to stay after the game for a fireworks extravaganza!

For tickets and additional information, call (843) 918-6000.

The Pier at Garden City Beach

Address: 110 S Waccamaw Dr, Murrells Inlet

At first glance, The Pier at Garden City Beach might just seem like any other fishing pier on the Grand Strand but look again and you’ll see this pier hosts an arcade, two bars, and plenty of nearby restaurants.

For a free night out though, you and your family or friends can stroll along the pier for free and enjoy the live music or karaoke coming from the bars. This will give you a free taste of Myrtle Beach nightlife and a chance to listen to some great beach music as the waves crash below you.

Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens

Address: 2250 SC-179, Little River

For a day out in nature yet away from the sand, hit the hiking trails at Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens. These dog-friendly trails are relatively easy yet incredibly scenic. For an up-close look at the woodlands and salt marshes in this area, you’ll love your visit here.

Plus, since most of the trails are short, this is a quick activity you can do before your day at the beach or as an alternative place to get some fresh air.

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.

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