South Carolina is one of the top three states for retirees. The state sees a net increase of over 8,000 retirees moving to the state each year.
Myrtle Beach's warm climate and friendly tax laws for seniors make it one of the fastest growing retirement communities. Myrtle Beach activities provide retirees with world-class dining and entertainment.
Relaxing at the beach is fantastic! You don't need to go lay out at peak hours to enjoy the beach. An invigorating sunrise walk on the beach is one of the best free things to do in Myrtle Beach.
If you are not an early riser you can take an evening stroll as the sun goes down. Myrtle Beach has 60 miles of brown sugar sandy beaches for you to enjoy.
Expect the beaches to be crowded during peak times. June, July, and August are the busiest times of the year.
Considering relocating or vacationing in South Carolina? Let us help you discover all that Myrtle Beach has to offer.
1. Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum
If you like retro things to do, your going to love this place. It will take you right back to a time of your youth. This museum is a fun hands on museum where you actually get to play your favorite games. Its also one of the most affordable things to do in Myrtle Beach! Located at 607 N 27th Ave, Myrtle Beach SAC 29577 you will find games from the 1970's, 80's 90's and today.
2. Watch a Minor League Baseball Game
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are the resident minor league team. They are a Single-A affiliate to the Chicago Cubs.
The park they play at is seniors friendly. Games tend to be quieter as there is less capacity then professional teams.
You can catch their games from April to August. During this time there are games almost every day so you are sure to find one that fits your schedule.
Promotions
Every night of the week there is a different promotion to take advantage of. Mondays you can get half off your ticket with a backpack buddies donation.
Celebrate Taco Tuesday with $2 tacos. Wednesday you can buy BOGO hot dogs. Thursdays are $1 draft beer and half off wine.
Friday is the ultimate in deals with $2 craft beer drafts and BOGO sausages. If you have a first responder ID you will also get 1/2 off your tickets on Friday.
3. Boat Cruises
There are plenty of intercoastal waterways for you to cruise. All you need to do is decide what style of cruising you want to do.
You could plan a romantic dinner cruise for you and your partner. For more of a party take a trip on the Big M Casino Boat.
Once on board, you can enjoy the buffets, live entertainment, and Vegas-style gambling. If you are looking for more adventure consider a cruise that takes you out into the Atlantic.
There are many tours that offer dolphin watching excursions. If you prefer to bring your sea life home with you, take one of the fishing charters.
4. Fish From the Piers
Love to fish but prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? Fish from one of the piers that line Myrtle Beach's coast.
These areas have some of the longest piers on the entire East Coast. The Apache, Cherry Grove, and Surfside offer clean and senior friendly facilities.
The Myrtle Beach State Park is another place you can go fishing. Know that fishing is popular and you will share the pier with other fishing enthusiasts.
Pier fishing is one of the best fun free things to do in Myrtle Beach. All you need to bring is some bait and your pole.
Apache Pier
Be sure to visit the longest wooden pier on the East Coast. It's open year-round for use.
During the day there is a bait and tackle shop open for all of your fishing needs. When it's time for a lunch break stop by Croakers.
They offer a selection of locally caught fish and shrimp. If meat is more your thing they also offer burgers and hot dogs.
When the sun goes down stick around for the nightly entertainment during the summer months. Award-winning bands come out to play your favorites.
5. Golf Outings
Myrtle Beach is known for some of the top golf courses around. There are over 100 different courses in the area to choose from.
Courses at every skill level can be found, so you're sure to find the right challenge for your game. Be sure to check out the Dune golf and Beach Resort or Caledonia Golf Course.
Caledonia
The course at Calendonia is a Mike Strantz design that has a layout worthy of admiration. Golf enthusiasts refer to Strantz as an artist with a bulldozer.
You will find 6,526 yards on 125 acres of land. Decades-old live oaks line the fairways as Spanish moss hangs from their limbs.
If you want to make a weekend out of your visit be sure to check out their stay and play packages. There is even an option to buy a combo ticket for the True Blood course across the street.
6. Experience the Art Museum
Sunny warm afternoons are the perfect time to cool off in the Art Museum of Myrtle Beach. This award-winning museum is a three-story house on the outside.
Inside though you're struck by pure sophistication. National exhibits are regularly featured.
Artists such as Frank Lloyd Wright have exhibits. Smaller regional artists also have exhibits of their southern influenced art and photography.
Admission to the museum is free for everyone. If you'd like to attend one of their many talks, events, or classes you will need to buy tickets.
7. Ripley's Aquarium
Need a place that is perfect for the young and old? Ripley's Aquarium is one of the best family activities in Myrtle Beach.
The aquarium offers a variety of activities depending on how close to the sea life you want to get. If you want to get up close and personal you could go swimming with the sharks.
If swimming is too close, you could have a sleepover with the sharks, outside the tank of course. Whatever you choose to do, the employees are ready to answer all your questions.
Everyone working at the aquarium is well equipped with knowledge of the marine life. Look for their senior discounts for cheap tickets.
For an even better deal, look for their partnership tickets. You can get tickets to the aquarium and pelicans baseball games.
8. Wheels of Yesteryear
Get ready to see some of the coolest vintage cars around. This car museum opened in 2009 with 100 cars.
A private collector owned the collection and decided he wanted to share it with the public. Visiting this museum gives you an up close and personal look at some rare vintage and muscle cars.
Over the last 45 years, Paul and Carol Cummings have lovingly restored each of the cars. They took care to preserve all VIN numbers to keep the original spirit of the car.
They rotate the cars every year in January. This ensures you'll get a new delight every year you visit.
Notable Cars
The collection includes a 1971 Plymouth "Hemi" Cuda convertible. It has an automatic transmission. It also has the E-body which was only offered in 1970 and 1971.
The Corvette is one of the most recognizable and loved cars in American car culture. Now is your chance to see a 1962 Stingray.
This particular car has knock off wheels and 327 cubic inch V-8. There are very few of these cars left in existence today.
For those who are into trucks, there is a 1955 Dodge Stepside Pickup. The V-8 first appeared on models from this year. It also has the rare feature of a large back window.
9. The Carolina Opry
Spend two hours enjoying the show that has received accolades from the likes of USA Today and CNBC. The Carolina Opry combines dance, comedy, and music to create a thrilling show.
The cast of 35 performers rotates throughout the year to provide an ever-changing show. You'll relax in the luxurious theater as you take in the world-class talent and elaborate costumes.
Time Warp
If a variety show doesn't pique your interest, consider the Time Warp series. You'll see the same world-class artists from the Opry performing the songs from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
Musical performances get a modern enhancement with multimedia screens and special effects. This high energy show will take you back through the times by way of America's most popular songs.
10. Legends in Concert
See your favorite artists in concert again with the Legends in Concert tribute show. Each performer looks like their legendary artist counterpart.
Talent abounds though as they also sing live as the pay homage to the icon they portray. You'll find artists from throughout the ages ranging from Adam Levine to Louis Armstrong.
You'll want to keep going back as new artists are featured every four months. Some of the performers to visit Myrtle Beach include Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and Lionel Richie.
11. Brookgreen Gardens
Spend the day at Brookgreen Gardens enjoying the outdoor mix of nature, art, and history. These beautiful botanical gardens were founded in 1931 and are a National Historic Landmark.
Botanical Gardens
The gardens offer 9,127 acres of preserved and cultivated landscape for enjoyment. Check their website to find out what is in bloom in the butterfly garden.
Be sure to see the Live Oak Allee. You'll see 250-year-old Live Oak trees from the 1700s when the property was rice plantations.
Sculptures
While strolling the many gardens you will notice large sculptures displayed among the blooms. This is the largest collection of American figure sculptures in the country.
There are also three galleries that house the rest of the collection. It will take you more than one visit to see the entire 2,000 piece collection from 425 artists.
Food
If you get hungry while roaming the grounds you have two options. You can either visit the onsite restaurant or bring your own picnic.
Excursions
As we mentioned the grounds include over 9,000 acres, this is way more property than what you want to walk. You can still enjoy the property with one of the excursions offered.
Choose either the boat or overland vehicle tour to enjoy a look deep into the property. The boat excursion is on a spacious 48-foot pontoon boat.
You'll cruise the waterways of the old rice plantations now home to South Carolina wildlife. If water isn't your interest try the Trekker land tour up the highest bluffs on the property.
You'll appreciate the sweeping views of the landscape. Be aware that this excursion is bumpy and will justle you make the trip.
12. The Market Common
If you are looking for an escape from the beach tourist chaos venture to the Market Common. It's located on the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base as a live-work dining and shopping complex.
Food
You'll find a selection of restaurants offering Chinese, American, and Italian cuisine. There is also lighter fair to satisfy your sweet tooth with doughnuts or ice cream.
Shopping
Stroll along the beautifully manicured walkways as you peruse the selection of shops. You'll find national brands such as Orvis, Pottery Barn, and Southern Living.
Farmers Market
From May through September a farmers market takes over the common on Saturdays. You'll be able to buy locally handmade items, baked goods, and produce.
Grand Strand Senior Center
The Grand Strand offers daily activities and classes specially designed for seniors. Fill your day with your favorite activities or learn something new.
Some of the classes offered include quilting, oil painting, line dancing, and music. If you are looking for a card game bridge, canasta, bunco, and bingo are all offered.
Myrtle Beach Activities Are Waiting for You
If you are looking for things to do in myrtle beach this weekend, try out one of these suggestions. Before you know it you'll be meeting people, making new friends, and settling in.
Your Myrtle Beach activities don't have to cost a fortune. You just need to know where to look to find a great deal. Some great free activities are the museum and pier fishing.
The aquarium and minor league baseball games offer cheap things to do. Look for the senior days and special discounts.
While not cheap, the golfing opportunities are some of the best in the country. The same is true for the cruising charters, you'll spend some money, but get breathtaking views of the water.
Let us help you find the perfect retirement condo in Myrtle Beach with these tips.