When you’re researching things to do on vacation to Myrtle Beach, you’re searching for the best restaurants and attractions in the area. While there are plenty of new places to venture to, you’ll want to make sure to check out some of those classic spots that have been around for generations. Here is a list of the top iconic attractions in Myrtle Beach, some old and a few new, that you should visit while you’re staying with Brittain Resorts & Hotels.
The Beach
Of all the attractions people visit when they vacation in Myrtle Beach, the most popular is of course – the beach. Miles of flat, pristine sandy beach stretch from the northern tip of Cherry Grove all the way south to Murrells Inlet. With it’s natural sand dunes covered in sea oats to the soft sand that leads to the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the beach is a tranquil place to relax and unwind. It has so much to offer including strolling along the shore, searching for shells, building sand castles, surfing and splashing in the waves to simply reading a book in a beach chair. Regardless of the other sites and sounds that come and go in the area, people will always be drawn to Myrtle Beach for one simple factor – to enjoy the actual beach.
Myrtle Beach SkyWheel
Though it may be one of the newer attractions built in Myrtle Beach, it has quickly become one of the most iconic features along the Grand Strand shoreline. Towering 200 feet above the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel has 42 glass-enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas that revolve around “Ferris wheel style”. The flight is a unique experience that gives riders a breathtaking panoramic view of the Grand Strand.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk was completed in 2010 and is a 1.2-mile-long wooden platform in the heart of Myrtle Beach. Located oceanfront, people can enjoy walking or running along the boardwalk with stunning views of the Atlantic. Stretching 16 avenues, it’s separated into three sections with Pier 14 serving as the northernmost tip and 2nd Avenue Pier as the southernmost point. Not only is it surrounded by numerous stores, restaurants, and attractions – but it’s home to various local events including Ocean Boulevard’s Hot Summer Nights at Plyler Park, a summer-long event full of live concerts, fireworks, and entertainment for the whole family!
2nd Ave Pier
The longest pier in Myrtle Beach, the 2nd Avenue Pier is a beloved landmark of the Grand Strand area. It is also the southern anchor of another major iconic attraction, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. An ideal spot to cast a line, everything from flounder and trout to Spanish and king mackerel have been caught off of the pier. Not only is it an ideal spot to fish, but it offers a quaint place to dine as well. The Pier House Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It features one of the best views of the beach as well as an open-air bar.
Broadway at the Beach
Opening in 1995, Broadway at the Beach is a complex that is a one-stop-shop when it comes to family fun and entertainment. Popular for both locals and tourists alike, it features a miniature golf course, two movie theaters, over twenty restaurants, a nightlife scene, and several huge attractions including Ripley’s Aquarium and WonderWorks. Broadway at the Beach also offers three sections of amusement rides, a go-kart track, and helicopter rides. In 2017 a major renovation took place where Celebrity Square was converted to The Avenue, the infamous Hard Rock Cafe was moved, and the complex added three major restaurants – Wahlburgers, Dave & Buster’s, and Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen.
Brookgreen Gardens
Founded in 1931 by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, Brookgreen Gardens is composed of 9,100 acres of stunning gardens filled with fountains and sculptures. It is also home to a zoo and a butterfly garden. Brookgreen Gardens features traveling art and sculpture exhibits year-round and every year hosts an annual event known as Nights of a Thousand Candles. It is quite the site, with the garden decorated with over 5,500 twinkling lights. Having won numerous awards, this natural beauty is cherished by locals and a must-see by those visiting the area.
The Carolina Opry
The Carolina Opry has been recognized as the “Most Outstanding Attraction” by the State of South Carolina. This theater offers a wide variety of entertainment, featuring hits from the ’70s, 80’s, and more, as well as comedy, dance, and magic shows! Calvin Gilmore, the man behind the Opry, is driven by his desire to supply first-rate entertainment, which has proven to be successful as the Carolina Opry continues to be the longest-running show on Broadway. It also won the state’s highest tourism award, The Governor’s Cup. At Christmas time you can find the theatre decorated with over 35 Christmas trees and twinkling lights, showcasing one of the most spectacular holiday shows.
Barefoot Landing
Built in 1998, Barefoot Landing is a collection of over 50 stores and 25 restaurants that offers a unique shopping and dining experience. It is located on the Intracoastal Waterway and there is a lake in the center, with wooden bridges connecting the different areas of the complex. There is plenty of coastal wildlife to be found and you may spot turtles, herons, and even an alligator or two. From hosting year-round events and evening firework shows to wine tastings and specialty shops, there is plenty to explore and enjoy at Barefoot Landing.
Hawaiian Rumble
Myrtle Beach is the “Miniature Golf Capital of the World” and home to over 50 putt courses. From dragon lairs and elephants to Jurassic dinosaurs and Captain Hook – each of these courses has its own theme that takes players into another world. Hawaiian Rumble is rated the #1 Mini Golf course in the World and is home to the Masters every October. The 18-hole course is designed to replicate the lush and beautiful gardens of the Hawaiian islands and even has a 40-foot volcano in the center. You can enjoy putting amidst the tranquil sounds of Hawaiian melodies, but beware – the volcano erratically erupts in flames!
Family Kingdom
Having been in operation for over 50 years, Family Kingdom is Myrtle Beach’s only seaside amusement park. A favorite of both tourists and locals, it features over 35 thrilling rides and an arcade. One of their rides, the infamous Swamp Fox rollercoaster, is the only wooden roller coaster in South Carolina and one of only 122 still operating in North America. Across the street from the amusement park is Splashes Oceanfront Water Park. This water park is complete with plenty of speed slides, a lazy river, water flumes and a children’s area. There isn’t a shortage of excitement between these two parks!