7 Charming Ways to Explore Beyond the Shore in Myrtle Beach

Stretching over 60 miles from Cherry Grove to Pawley’s Island, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is renowned for its stunning beaches—and for good reason. However, while it’s tempting to relax on the soft white sand and simply gaze at the Atlantic, the Grand Strand offers a wealth of opportunities to experience local culture and the great outdoors.

With its renowned golf courses, vast state parks, quaint fishing villages, art galleries, and waterfront restaurants ideal for sunset views, Myrtle Beach features a remarkable variety of attractions to suit every type of traveler. Read on for seven reasons to complement your beach time with exploring another aspect of Myrtle Beach.

Discover the Culinary Scene

This area is celebrated as the seafood capital of South Carolina, yet the local dining scene offers a multitude of choices. With over 2,000 restaurants, you can savor everything from tacos and tapas to fine dining and soul food. For an upscale evening with white tablecloths, visit Aspen Grill for its acclaimed Lowcountry dishes. If you're in the mood for something more relaxed, River City Cafe features a creative burger menu, including the Nacho Burger topped with jalapenos and Doritos. For brats and beer, check out Cafe Vienna, a Bavarian-themed beer garden on Kings Highway.

If you're craving fresh, local seafood, the fishing village of Murrells Inlet is a seafood lover's paradise, boasting eight restaurants along the beautiful MarshWalk. The Claw House is a favorite among beer aficionados, offering a laid-back atmosphere with over 90 beers on tap, while Wicked Tuna specializes in expertly prepared seafood straight off the boat. Sea Captain’s House, recognized as Southern Living’s Best Seafood Restaurant for four consecutive years, provides a beachfront dining experience for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For diners who can't decide, Captain Benjamin’s Cala Seafood Buffet has something for everyone.

Time to Have Fun

From amusement parks to the expansive mile-long oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade, the city is brimming with entertainment options for all ages. Enjoy arcades, go-kart tracks, trampoline parks, and over 50 mini-golf courses. Each course boasts creatively themed environments ranging from pirates and dinosaurs to volcanoes and Mayan temples, contributing to Myrtle Beach's reputation as one of the golf capitals of the world.

Explore the Strand

Myrtle Beach offers a shopping experience for everyone, featuring beach shops, flea markets, outlet malls, and upscale boutiques. Outlet enthusiasts will appreciate two Tanger Outlets nearby, while Hudson’s Flea Market in Surfside Beach is a favored destination for treasure hunters. The Hammock Shops Village, a staple of Pawleys Island since 1938, is perfect for picking up locally crafted hammocks, baskets, or shoes as souvenirs. In North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing is home to over 75 specialty shops, along with the Alabama Theatre and Duplin Winery.

Travel Back in Time

While contemporary Myrtle Beach dazzles, the area has a deep heritage stretching back over a century. History enthusiasts can explore sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, such as the Myrtle Heights-Oak Park Historic District and the William F. Simmons House. Trolley tours provide a fun and easy way to learn about ghost stories and pirate legends or local films and music. Some shops carry decades of history to share, like the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove.

Discover the Myrtle Beach Arts & Gallery Trail

Uncover the artistic essence of Myrtle Beach through the Arts & Gallery Trail, which includes over 100 locations along the Strand. Notable spots feature the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, regarded as one of the top visual art museums in the Carolinas, and Brookgreen Gardens, home to the largest collection of figurative sculptures in the United States. You’ll encounter oceanfront sculptures, vibrant murals, and galleries throughout the area. Don’t forget to track your journey with the Trail’s mobile passport to earn points redeemable at the Myrtle Beach Art Museum.

Check the schedule for special events

Embracing the relaxed lifestyle of Myrtle Beach also offers opportunities for cultural experiences. Stay updated with the city’s events calendar for a variety of activities, including bike festivals, food festivals, Pride celebrations, and the Sun Fun Fest. Venues like the Carolina Opry, Medieval Times, Alabama Theatre, and Broadway Theatre host performances every night. Baseball enthusiasts can enjoy a game with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans at the modern John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center.

Experience the beauty of Lowcountry landscapes in the great outdoors

The natural beauty of South Carolina’s Lowcountry is renowned—not just for its breathtaking beaches. From serene tidal marshes to parks adorned with ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss, the landscapes of Myrtle Beach are truly captivating. Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park provide opportunities for hiking, biking, and birdwatching, and are favorites among shell collectors and shark tooth seekers. Dedicate at least half a day to explore the stunning Brookgreen Gardens or embark on a kayak tour. With 215 sunny days each year, Myrtle Beach is an idyllic destination for outdoor adventures.