From Thrill-Seekers to Foodies: The Grand Strand Has Something for Everyone
Lazy beach days peppered with sunshine and soft serve, this little slice of South Carolina heaven is always a good idea.
While many visitors flock to this family-friendly paradise for Memorial Day or summer break, the Myrtle Beach area offers top-notch tourism year-round. Follow along to discover the top 15 places to visit in the Grand Strand Myrtle Beach SC.
Whether you are a seasoned pro and already know where to seek out the best golf courses and She Crab soup, or are still wondering, ‘What is the Grand Strand?’ Our guide will break down every can’t miss Myrtle Beach Grand Strand place of interest.
From charming amusement parks full of rollercoasters and slingshot drops to the scaly residents of the best Broadway at the Beach aquarium, this coastal city is simply overflowing with adventure.
Ready to uncover the best of the Strand Myrtle Beach? Read on…
What is the Grand Strand in Myrtle Beach?
Still a bit murky on the background of this East Coast vacation enclave? Formerly a breeding ground for fearsome pirates, it wasn’t until the 1900s that Myrtle Beach became a go-to vacation destination.
In fact, the city of Myrtle Beach wasn’t officially incorporated until 1938. Today, these 60 miles of sandy, uninterpreted coastline are what locals and visitors alike lovingly refer to as the Grand Strand.
The Grand Strand Myrtle Beach Hotels
Before you start scouting out beach homes in the Grand Strand let’s lock down your vacation lodgings! Squeeze out every ounce of saltwater-infused fun and spend more time lingering over Boardwalk hot dogs and sunset cocktails when you reserve your accommodations ahead of time.
From oceanfront resorts with lazy rivers and kid’s clubs to budget-friendly inns, we offer Myrtle Beach Hotels for every style and budget.
Got your eye on some more boutique lodgings? The Strand Hotel Myrtle Beach delivers modern condo furnishings with resort amenities. Conveniently located 1 mile from the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel and just 5 miles from the airport, guests can relax and recharge in an ocean-view room.
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Take a break from the sand and sun when you pencil in a tee time, or start your day off with a hearty stack of hotcakes courtesy of their breakfast buffet. Still not convinced? Check out the Strand Myrtle Beach reviews here.
Ready to dive into our recommendations? Keep reading to discover the best Myrtle Beach Grand Strand places to visit.
Broadway at the Beach
1325 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Think you have to make a journey to the Big Apple to soak in the shining lights of Broadway? Prime yourself for hours of world-class entertainment, attractions, and dining when you head to Broadway at the Beach.
Check out the Dangerous Reef and Dive shows of Ripley’s Aquarium, or put the pedal to the metal at the Broadway Grand Prix. Watch the mesmerizing moves of the King, Prince, and the Blues Brothers as you take in a Legends in Concert show.
Then wash it all down with an ice-cold draft from the American Tap House and a healthy helping of mac and cheese and collard greens from Paula Deen’s.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
Want to dive into the very heart of Myrtle Beach? Make a beeline for these 1.2 miles of oceanfront escape. Running from Pier 14 at 14th Avenue North to the 2nd Avenue Pier at 2nd Avenue North.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk serves as a beacon of wholesome festivities. Mosey on over to the Fun Plaza Family Fun Center for arcade games, skeeball, and more. Or, take to the skies with an iconic turn on the Skywheel Myrtle Beach.
This stunning centerpiece of the Boardwalk serves up breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views from the comfort of their glass climate-controlled gondolas.
Family Kingdom Amusement Park
300 S Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Log flumes, Tilt-a-whirls, and yo-yos, oh my! Make sure every member of your pack enjoys their day of theme park excitement at the Family Kingdom Amusement Park.
A treasure trove of beachside thrills, guests of all ages will enjoy wild rides on over 30 rides, amusements, and more.
Hop aboard the iconic Swamp Fox wooden coaster or scream yourself silly on the Sky Hawk. Bounce away on bumper cars, or take a breather as you suck down powder sugar-dusted funnel cake.
Golf Courses
Hole in one! A Myrtle Beach getaway offers the perfect excuse to perfect that par. Indeed, the Grand Strand has the distinction of being one of America’s top golfing destinations. Work on that swing when you reserve a tee time at any of our favorite courses:
The Carolina Opry
8901 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Glitter gowns, high-flying fringe, and some premier tap dancing come together to make any night at the Carolina Opry a real treat. A true Grand Strand landmark, for over 30 years the Carolina Opry has served as a premier entertainment venue.
Outfitted with 40-foot ceilings, a grand piano, and a luxurious lobby, visitors come from all over to witness the classic Carolina Opry variety show. Or time travel to the eras of bell bottoms and teased hair with the Time Warp Show.
Whatever performance you choose, brace yourself for an explosion of pop, rock, Broadway, Gospel, and comedy.
Brookgreen Gardens
Swear you’ve been whisked away to the lush jungles of Pandora when you make a visit to the verdant world of Brookgreen Gardens. Named one of the Top 10 Public Gardens in the US by Coastal Living Magazine. Brookgreen offers a unique perspective on Low Country history and botanicals.
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Stroll past budding Begonias and Marigolds. Or, enjoy a picnic lunch after you snap a selfie under a Southern Magnolia. Considered one of America’s premier gardens, Brookgreen is also a designated National Historic Landmark and home to the Low Country Zoo.
Admire their comprehensive collection of sculptures, including Waccamaw Memories in the Holmes Gallery. Or, swing by the stately Live Oak Allée containing 250-year-old Live Oak trees that were planted in the early 1700s.
Pawleys Island
While not technically in Myrtle Beach, this seaside oasis deserves a slot on any Grand Strand itinerary. Located just 25 miles from Myrtle Beach, Pawley’s Island is ripe with colonial history, opportunities for fishing, and ionic stretches of sand dunes.
Head here for a day of kayaking, crabbing, or swimming before indulging in a feast of uber-fresh seafood. From tangy sweet BBQ platters piled high with brisket and ribs, to traditional Low Country boils there’s no such thing as a bad meal in Pawleys.
Murrells Inlet
Boats, boats, boats! A day in Murrells Inlet means hours of saltwater and sunset cruises. Take to the high seas and explore every nook and cranny of Blackbeard’s former lair, when you book a Murrells Inlet Sunset Cruise.
Set sail for an hour of dreamy catamaran cruising through saltwater marsh estuaries as you soak in the vivid hues of a Grand Strand sunset. Spot local wildlife, and peep at historic home sites all from the comfort of your 54-foot catamaran.
Barefoot Landing
4898 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
A warm, Southern welcome set along the Intracoastal waterway? Enjoy brewery tours, rollicking concerts at the House of Blues, plus a premier retail experience at Barefoot Landing. Sneak in a turn on the charming vintage carousel, or stock up on the souvenirs at the Beach Shack.
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Get wild with a swampy Alligator Adventure, or chow down on some surf and turf courtesy of the LandShark Pub & Grill. Don’t skip out on dessert and order a double scoop of Pina Cow-lada and Red Velvet Cake from the Crafty Cow.
Grand Strand Beaches
Is the ocean calling you? From building sand castles to scouring the beach for seashells, there are endless ways to appreciate Mother Nature’s Myrtle Beach treasures.
Whether you are angling to kayak your way through estuaries. Or want to explore the native flora and fauna of the delicate dune ecosystems, the Grand Strand’s beaches deliver. Head everywhere from Horry County to any of the state’s splendid state parks for your slice of Atlantic Ocean adventure:
Garden City Beach: A close-knit family-friendly community plus an abundance of waves, makes Garden City Beach a go-to locale for surfers and beach bums alike.
Myrtle Beach State Park: Explore the raw beauty of Myrtle Beach South Carolina when you pay a visit to this Heritage Trust Site. Overflowing with opportunities to fish and bird watch. Animal enthusiasts can catch glimpses of nesting loggerhead sea turtles, bald eagles, and least terns. You’ll find the state park at 4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
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North Myrtle Beach: Live music and a bustling Main Street make North Myrtle Beach a hub of after-sun activities. Hightail it here for an ice-cold cocktail at RipTydz. Or savor a kid-friendly lunch or supper at LuLu’s North Myrtle Beach.
Looking for more things to Do on the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach? Check out our entire array of Myrtle Beach attractions and activities here.
When winter’s chill is at your door, nothing sounds more delicious than a Grand Strand vacation.
Treat yourself to days of SUP-ing through Murrells Inlet and exploring the Intracoastal. Or, relish the red, orange, and purple hues of a spectacular Myrtle Beach sunset.
Feel the wind in your hair on a catamaran cruise. Or see if you can lap the competition at the Broadway Grand Prix.
Watch the uber-talented performers of the Carolina Opry belt out classic ballads from the 60s and 70s. Or fuel up on Southern Hospitality and fried green tomatoes at LuLus.
Grand Strand SC FAQs
What is Considered the Grand Strand?
The Grand Strand is considered to be the entire 60-mile stretch of coastline from Little River in the north to Georgetown in the south. This includes all the towns and cities along the coast, as well as the inland areas that are part of Horry and Georgetown counties.
What is the Grand Strand in Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach is the central and most well-known city within the Grand Strand. While Myrtle Beach is often used interchangeably with the Grand Strand, the Grand Strand encompasses a much larger area than just Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach is the heart of the Grand Strand, offering a wide range of attractions, accommodations, and entertainment options for visitors.
Ready to Take on Your Own Tour of Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand?
Don’t wait, get started on the best places to visit in Myrtle Beach today!
