6 Ways to Have the Beach Vacay of Your Dreams in Myrtle Beach

1. Stroll the Boardwalk

From arcade games and ice cream to taking in the views from the SkyWheel, there’s nothing like leisure time at the Boardwalk. Don’t miss the slightly-maddening mirror maze and Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium. When you get hungry, there’s pizza, burgers, seafood, or all of the above. 

2. Go Treasure Hunting

This area may have once been known as a pirate’s cove but it’s not the pieces of eight you’ll be looking for on the beautiful sandy beaches. Spend some time hunting for fossilized sharks' teeth along any of the more than 60-miles of uninterrupted beach. While sharks' teeth tend to wash up during high tide, at low tide go seeking seashells along the seashore. Try the beaches at Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park or the less crowded beaches of Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach or Cherry Grove. Check here for the local tide table. 

3. Get Your Heart Racing

If you're up for some adventure check out Downwind Sails for parasailing, jet ski rentals, or sailboat lessons. Or go for a hilariously fun banana boat with Banana Boat Express or Express Watersports. The boats accommodate up to six people, and they also offer dolphin sightseeing tours.

4. Swim, Lounge, Repeat

Find your perfect beach and set up shop. The beach in the heart of everything is Myrtle Beach, which is actually six different beaches that together make up what locals call the Grand Strand. You’ll find the Boardwalk and plenty of amenities just a stone’s throw from the shore. Centrally located North Myrtle Beach also offers people watching and great activities including kayaking and horseback riding. You’ll also find Barefoot Landing here, a great place to stroll and grab lunch. Looking for a quieter beach? Head to Surfside Beach, a charming town with an excellent beach for families. Surfside prides itself on being family-friendly and has focused on being an autism-friendly travel destination. 

Tip: Get beach safety guidelines including swimming conditions here and bookmark the site before you go. 

5. Hit the Water Park

If you’re craving a place to swim with a little less salt, head to Wild Water & Wheels Water Park. The park includes designated areas and pools for the littles as well as a wave pool, high-speed slides, and more for your older kids. If you plan to spend the day here, we recommend springing for a cabana rental. It’s yours for the day and offers some respite from the sun and lockers to keep your stuff safe so you can roam the park without worrying about losing your keys in the pool.

6. Dining Rooms with a View

With all that uninterrupted coastline, Myrtle Beach boasts dozens of oceanfront and waterfront restaurants with unparalleled views. Visit RipTydz Oceanfront Grille and Rooftop Bar for a view that is almost as good as their crab cakes. Try Sea Captain's House for their award-winning crab soup and the freshest local seafood. Even the antsiest eater will be distracted by the waves while they wait for their food. For a Southern touch on seafood favorites, like gumbo and po'boys, head to LuLu's in North Myrtle Beach. Don't leave without trying the "Holy Guacamole!"