Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on the east coast of the USA runs along the Grand Strand Beach. This is a seaside vacation city with attractions, parks, and amusements geared towards sun-loving visitors. Its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and great amenities make it one of America’s leading travel destinations. The city is essentially a man-made island separated from the mainland by the intercoastal waterway. Beautiful sand dunes covered with seagrasses separate the city from the beach. Among the attractions which bring in 4.6 million visitors a year are the Carolina Opry variety show, an IMAX theatre, water parks, shopping centers, golf courses, and the numerous annual events and conferences hosted by the city.
Myrtle Beach Must-Sees!
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
The beachside boardwalk which runs along the shoreline in downtown Myrtle Beach is full of attractions and is great for a stroll day or night. One of the biggest attractions along the boardwalk is the 57.9-meter high SkyWheel which is the largest on the East coast. The 1.9km long wooden walkway which runs past the wheel is lined with sidewalk cafes and stores. After being in a slump for a while the boardwalk was renovated and reopened in 2010. Follow the boardwalk from 2nd Avenue Pier to 14th Avenue Pier, the walkway twists and winds its way in 3 sections – a raised deck surrounded by plants and sand dunes; a lively carnival atmosphere section with arcades, stores, and cafes and the final section is surrounded by a park and recreational areas.
Brookgreen Gardens
This is an outdoor museum established in 1931 it is full of oak trees, over 1400 sculptures, walking trails, a zoo where the animals are kept in their natural habitat, and beautifully landscaped gardens covering 37km². It is listed as one of the US best public gardens, it is acclaimed by both the American Association of Museums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is a National Historic Landmark. You can take a tour of the gardens or wander around by yourself. The gardens were created on 4 former plantations. You can take boat tours to Sandy Island, visit the Huntington Beach State Park and follow trails along the river. Tickets gain you admission for 7 consecutive days. Admission costs $14 for adults and $7 for kids aged 4-12 years. The gardens are located at 1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet.
Myrtle Water Parks
Myrtle Waves Water Park is located at 3000 10th Avenue North, they are open from mid-May to mid-September from 10 am to 5 pm. This is the state’s largest water park and it has over 30 rides spread out on 20 acres of park. The attractions include a wave pool, water slides, water towers, and a lazy river ride. Check out their website for the many special offers like the $12 entry after 6 pm in the summer. Tickets are $29.99 plus tax for adults and about $5 cheaper when booked online.
The Family Kingdom is listed as the city’s only seaside amusement park, it includes an amusement park and the Oceanfront Water Park which is now called Splashes. The park has a traditional feel with over 30 rides including both new and old ones. There are a steel roller coaster and a traditional wooden roller coaster plus rides that plummet you into water. Also in the park are bumper cars, a go-kart track, and a picnic area. You have the option of buying a wristband which gives you access to all the rides or you can buy individual tickets for each ride. There are also combo tickets for both the Splashes Water Park and the Family Kingdom Amusement Park. The park is located at 300 South Ocean Blvd.
Myrtle Beach Must-Eats!
Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse
This restaurant is the top of the Urbanspoon’s list of Myrtle Beach restaurants. The restaurant is located at 2920 Hollywood Drive and is open daily for dinner. There is an extensive salad bar which includes seafood and sushi. More than 15 prime cuts of meat are served to your table Gaucho style. The meats include beef, chicken, pork, and lamb. There are a full bar service and dinner, which begins at 4 pm and offers unlimited servings. The dinner buffet costs $36.5 for adults and if you’re having just the salad buffet then it’s $21.95. Kids 7-12 years pay $17.95 and under 6-year-olds eat free! The prices don’t include drinks or desserts.
Flying Fish Public Market & Grill
This restaurant in North Myrtle Beach at 4744 Highway 17 South (Barefoot Landing) offers seafood, American favorites, and sushi. There are gluten-free and kid-friendly options as well as a happy hour. There is outdoor seating and the restaurant is on the waterfront. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. Try the coconut cream martini, the fried shrimps, crab legs, or the hush puppies and cinnamon. There is a “live bar” with lots of steamed fish and sushi. There are brilliant views and the atmosphere is laid back and friendly.
Mr. Fish Seafood Restaurant ad Market
This is both a fish market and a restaurant and they can prepare any seafood you want in any way you want! The restaurant has gluten-free and kid-friendly options, there are live music, free WiFi, and a happy hour. The atmosphere is unique and on the walls is an artwork by local artists. The restaurant is located at 6401 N. Kings Highway and they are open daily until 9 pm in the winter and until 10 pm in the summer. Some of the favorites include hot cheesy crab dip, shrimp and grit appetizer, she-crab soup, a sample platter, and seafood gumbo.
Jimmyz Original Hibachi House
Located at 6108 North Kings Highway this restaurant serves Japanese and Asian cuisine including sushi. There are kid-friendly options, WiFi, BYOB, and outdoor dining. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. Although it is an Asian restaurant they also serve premium beef. There are some very reasonably priced specials like the chicken Hibachi wrap lunch for $5.5 and the Korean beef dinner for $8.5. The seating and décor are very basic but there are large windows to let in lots of light and give you something to look at. Portions are generous, food can be prepared to order and they use only the freshest ingredients.
