If you’ve been traveling to Myrtle Beach since you were a child or if Myrtle Beach is your top vacation destination each year, there’s a chance you’ve seen all the hot spots along the Grand Strand. From shopping at Broadway at the Beach and hitting the links at Pine Lake Golf Course to dining oceanfront at Sea Captain’s House, you probably have your share of traditions and ‘must-dos’ each time you visit. But chances are, there are still a few places – hidden gems – around the Grand Strand you haven’t ventured to yet, or may not even know about! Want to know where one of the top places to find shells is in Myrtle Beach? How about a spot where you can blow your own glass Christmas ornament? Check out our list of “Top 10 Hidden Gems” – including places and restaurants – around Myrtle Beach and make sure to see them next time you vacation with Brittain Resorts & Hotels.
10. Waites Island
Waites Island is an undeveloped barrier island located just north of Cherry Grove Beach and south of Sunset Beach. It’s one of the few remaining undeveloped islands left along the Atlantic Coast and the only way to visit this island is by boat. But don’t fret – the distance from Cherry Grove to Waites Island is a short trek that can be made via kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Experience a paid tour with Glass Bottom Kayak Tours, Kokopelli Surf Camp, or J & L Kayaking and learn all about the history and best way way to venture to and around Waites Island. It’s a fun day trip where you can escape from the crowded beaches and search for shells and try to spot loggerhead sea turtles, dolphins, osprey, blue herons, and more!
9. La Belle Amie Vineyard
Home of Twisted Sisters Wines, La Belle Amie Vineyard is located just a short drive from North Myrtle Beach, in Little River. It’s an operational vineyard that grows Muscadine wines. They host tons of festivals – such as Blues & Jazz Fest, Key West Fest, and Oldies Saturday. During the week they feature events such as Wine Wednesday, Throwback Thursday, and Wine Down Friday, where you can munch on burgers, beer brats, hot dogs, subs, chicken salads, fruit, and cheese trays while you sip on wine and listen to live entertainment. If you’re interested in wine sampling, you can try a wine tasting any day they’re open between 10 am and 5 pm. Imagine sipping wine under the oak trees right here in Myrtle Beach!
8. New South Brewing
Tucked away off the beaten path in the heart of Myrtle Beach – on Mr. Joe White Ave to be exact – is the only craft microbrewery in the Grand Strand area, New South Brewing. They’re a 20-barrel brewhouse and are known for their fresh ales and lagers. You can take a tour every Wednesday from 3 pm to 4 pm and learn about how they handcraft their brew, can every beer by hand, and see for yourself the passion that’s poured into every pint. If you’re into working out a bit while on vacation, you can ‘Namaste for a Beer and combine your love of yoga and craft beer every Sunday. Stop by to try out one of their flagship beers – White Ale or Nut Brown Ale – that are always on tap or one of their many seasonal selections.
7. Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens
If you’re trying to find a place to explore that’s dog-friendly, check out Vereen Memorial Gardens. Nestled on the waterfront in Little River, it features hiking trails and wooden boardwalks that cross beautiful salt marshes and small islands and has a quaint gazebo that overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway. You’ll definitely have an enjoyable afternoon strolling around and exploring all there is to see around Vereen Botanical Gardens.
6. Conway Glass
Interested in watching a glass-blowing demonstration? Or better yet – blowing your own glass ornament? Located just a short drive from Myrtle Beach is Conway Glass, a stained glass studio, glass-blowing studio, and gallery – all in one. On the First Saturday of every month from October – May, you can watch in awe as Ed Streeter creates one-of-a-kind glass vases. And if you’re more into hands-on activities, you can take a class and work with the instructor to blow your own ornament, paperweight, glass bowl, and wine glasses, to name a few. No matter what you make, you’re just to take home a unique souvenir that you’ll cherish forever.
5. Franklin G Burroughs – Simeon B Chapin Art Museum
Not every activity in Myrtle Beach has to break the bank, in fact, there are plenty of activities that a free. The Art Museum of Myrtle Beach is known as one of the finest visual art museums in the Carolinas and is free to the general public. They have four distinct collections of art as well as they’re always featuring new exhibitions of works that include paintings, textiles, sculptures, video, ceramics, photography and more. There’s a pottery studio where you can sign up for pottery classes and even a tea room, where you can sip herbal tea while enjoying breathtaking views of the ocean.
4. Soho Cafe & Bar
Soho Myrtle Beach features an eclectic menu and their menu is known to take you on a culinary adventure around the world in one meal! They offer fresh seafood, steaks, hibachi, and sushi. While you’ll find yourself in a cosmopolitan-style restaurant downstairs, upstairs is a whole other experience! Rooftop 21 is the only open-air rooftop bar and lounge in Myrtle Beach. The menu offered upstairs takes a more ‘ farm-to-table approach and is filled with natural ingredients like grass-fed beef and wild-caught seafood. They host live music in the warmer months and is the perfect spot to gather for cocktails with friends!
3. Atlas Tap House
If you’re searching for a local’s bar filled with an eclectic collection of craft beer, look no further than Atlas Tap House. Tucked away, right off Ocean Blvd and Mr. Joe White Ave is a little shack that’s known for craft beer, bourbon, and BBQ. It’s a great place to relax with friends with a laid-back vibe, picnic tables outside, a corn hole, and a giant Jenga. On Sundays, they offer a brunch called ‘Sunday Recovery’ which features items like Shrimp & Grits and Huevos Tamale, which are perfect to help you refuel before exploring the Grand Strand.
2. Sun City Cafe
A little hole-in-the-wall located right off of Main Street in Myrtle Beach, Sun City Cafe is local’s favorite for fresh Tex-Mex cuisine. Its’ funky decor (yes there are flowers and ribbons hanging from the ceiling), bright turquoise walls, and eclectic collection of artwork – make you forget you’re in Myrtle Beach. They serve complimentary chips and homemade salsa and their menu of giant burritos, fish tacos, and quesadillas are written on a chalkboard hanging on the wall. Plus their pitchers of freshly made margaritas are perfect for sharing! Do your tastebuds a favor and check out Sun City Cafe next time you’re in town.
1. Strong Waters Craft Cocktails & Kitchen
The only speakeasy in Myrtle Beach, Strong Waters Bar is located right across the street from Breakers Resort on 21 and Ocean. They’re known for their ‘farm to shaker’ approach to handcrafted cocktails and serving up Lowcountry-style cuisine with a twist. And every Sunday, they brunch, with a menu that includes everything from Chicken & Pancakes to Lobster Egg Rolls. Visit them on the weekends for live music and make sure to use their Monthly Speakeasy Password for ½ off a signature cocktail.