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Must-See Places in Myrtle Beach While on Vacation

By Julia Diem Wednesday, February 21st, 2024

While famous for our massive stretch of sandy beach along the Atlantic Coast, there’s more to Myrtle Beach than just our fantastic beach.

Of course we recommend you spend a fair share of your vacation on the beach, there’s still plenty more to see and do while in Myrtle Beach. Whether it’s for the views, the history, or the thrills, these must-see places in Myrtle Beach are essential for vacationers.

Once you settle into your Myrtle Beach resort, it’s time to hit the town!

These are our top must-see places in Myrtle Beach that you won’t want to miss out on.

Views from the SkyWheel Myrtle Beach

Address: 1110 North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach

One of the largest observation wheels on the East Coast, SkyWheel Myrtle Beach takes riders nearly 200 feet above sea-level for sweeping oceanfront views both day and night. Like an upgraded Ferris wheel, instead of open air seats, riders enjoy complete comfort in the air-conditioned gondolas. Each gondola can hold a maximum of six adults and is fully accessible.

Eager to enjoy some sightseeing? The view from here is easily the best.

Get a true sense of just how expansive Myrtle Beach’s coastline really is. It offers breathtaking views of the coastline and city skyline. The view from the SkyWheel is a definite must-see, especially during sunset or at night when the city lights illuminate the skyline.

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade

Address: 812 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade stretches along the Atlantic Ocean, offering scenic views, shops, restaurants, and attractions, like our SkyWheel. It's a lively and iconic area that captures the essence of Myrtle Beach.

You could make an entire day out of enjoying the Boardwalk or just pop over there for an hour or so to enjoy the sights, sounds, and great people watching. Regardless, we do recommend you pop into one of the must-see spots in Myrtle Beach, Gay Dolphin Gift Cove.

Located on the famous Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Gay Dolphin Gift Cove has served vacationers for decades. As Myrtle Beach’s oldest and largest gift shop, the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove has also become one of the area’s most visited attractions. From an eclectic selection of souvenirs and gifts to photo opportunities with Elvis and a Yeti, this beachfront gift shop is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

If you get hungry, enjoy a meal at one of the best oceanfront restaurants in the Myrtle Beach area.

Broadway at the Beach

Address: 1325 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Broadway at the Beach is a popular entertainment complex featuring shops, restaurants, attractions, and entertainment venues. Visitors can explore unique shops, dine at a variety of restaurants, enjoy a variety of attractions, and experience nightlife options.

It's a vibrant hub of activity and is a fun place for not just family-friendly entertainment but also an adult’s night out. There’s usually live entertainment.

A few of the must-see attractions at and around Broadway at the Beach include:

Hollywood Wax Museum
Ripley’s Aquarium
WonderWorks
Myrtle Waves Water Park
Legends in Concert

Whether you’re staying at one of the resorts near Broadway at the Beach or not, we highly recommend you spend at least one evening walking around this complex.

Murrells Inlet MarshWalk

Address: 4025 Highway 17 Business, Murrells Inlet

Visit for the views but stay for the party at the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk. During the day, the MarshWalk is home to some of the best views on the Grand Strand. The ½ mile long boardwalk overlooks a serene marsh where visitors will catch plenty of photo ops and native wildlife.

At night, the MarshWalk is one of the most popular nightlife scenes on the Grand Strand. Enjoy indoor and outdoor live music venues, libations, and great low country fare at one of the many restaurants that line the MarshWalk.

Brookgreen Gardens

Address: 1931 Brookgreen Garden Drive, Murrells Inlet

Historically significant and home to a collection of vibrant gardens and stunning outdoor sculptures, you’ll love roaming around Brookgreen Gardens when you visit Myrtle Beach. Located in Murrells Inlet off of Highway 17, this sculpture garden won’t disappoint.

Learn about Gullah culture, explore the lush low country landscape, and smell the flowers in the botanical gardens. Visitors can explore walking trails, admire art installations, and learn about the region's cultural and natural history.

During the holidays, Brookgreen Gardens hosts their annual Nights of a Thousand Candles event, an impressive display of the gardens and sculptures by candlelight.

Myrtle Beach State Park

Address: 4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575

Need a quiet retreat? Myrtle Beach State Park offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Visitors can explore nature trails, go fishing, enjoy birdwatching, or relax on the pristine beach. The park is home to diverse ecosystems, including maritime forests, marshes, and beaches, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing.

Myrtle Beach State Park also features a family-friendly environment with amenities like picnic areas and playgrounds, making it an ideal destination for families looking to connect with nature and enjoy a peaceful retreat along the South Carolina coastline.

Historic Conway Riverfront

Address: About 14 miles inland from Myrtle Beach in Downtown Conway

Situated along the Waccamaw River, Conway is a charming inland city known for its eclectic downtown dining, shopping, and historic riverfront. Visitors can take in the sights of the serene Waccamaw River with a stroll along the popular Conway Riverwalk.

Shops and restaurants line the streets of historic downtown Conway, and the old brick buildings and live oaks offer a glimpse into the past of this historic corner of South Carolina.

Atalaya Castle at Huntington Beach State Park

Address: 16148 Ocean Highway, Murrells Inlet

Originally built in 1931, Atalaya Castle has drawn visitors for decades. The former winter home of Archer M. and Anna Hyatt Huntington, Atalaya Castle is unique in that the home draws architectural influences from Spanish and Mediterranean styles, making this castle-like structure a truly unique landmark.

Atalaya Castle is located at Huntington Beach State Park and offers self-guided tours. An additional fee is required to enter the castle, but children ages 5 and under are free.

Apache Pier

Address: Northernmost side of the city, on the way to North Myrtle Beach

Apache Pier is the East Coast’s longest wooden fishing pier. From the amazing ocean views to the on-site arcade, fishing opportunities, and restaurant, Apache Pier offers enough for a full day of fun by the sea.

Rod rental packages are available for anglers, including discounted rates for kids. Stop by Groupers at the Pier for fresh seafood, burgers, hot dogs, and cold drinks.

Myrtle Beach Art Museum

Address: 3100 South Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach

The Myrtle Beach Art Museum is Myrtle Beach’s only dedicated art museum. The museum itself was originally a beach home first built in 1924. Since 1997, the building has been home to the Myrtle Beach Art Museum.

The museum is home to a collection of artwork created by local, regional, and national artists that specialize in many different creative mediums. Best of all, admission is free.

Family Kingdom Amusement Park

Address: 300 Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach

Family Kingdom Amusement Park is Myrtle Beach’s only seaside amusement park. There’s something for thrill seekers and family riders. Family Kingdom is home to the famous Swamp Fox coaster, the only operating wooden roller coaster in the state.

The park also includes an arcade, classic carnival games, family rides, kiddie rides, go karts, strolling entertainment, and classic thrill rides. A visit here will easily be one of the most fun things you do with your kids while in Myrtle Beach.

Do keep in mind though that this amusement park isn’t open year-round and only open seasonally so double check before you plan your visit.

Peaches Corner

Address: 900 North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach

As a cornerstone of the Myrtle Beach oceanfront for decades, Peaches Corner serves beach bites for lunch and dinner. Belly up to the bar for a burger, hot dog, fries, and an ice cream cone.

Peaches Corner is easy to find, just look for the giant peach a block off the Boardwalk.

Enjoy These Must-See Places in Myrtle Beach

With so much to see and do in Myrtle Beach, we’re certain your vacation to the Grand Strand will be anything but dull! And this list doesn’t even begin to mention the outlandish mini golf courses or over-the-top dinner shows we have.

A visit here is certain to please the whole family! Alongside plenty of time spent on the sand and splashing in the waves, these are Myrtle Beach attractions you won’t want to miss during your next beach vacation.