If you're unfamiliar with Myrtle Beach, it helps to think of it as one giant, sandy playground for all ages, whether you love art and history or an up close and personal experience with local wildlife.
Either way, we all know why Myrtle Beach should be at the top of your list for a vacation (or a long-term stay).
Got an adventurous spirit? You'll love Myrtle Beach. Check out these 16 outdoor activities in Myrtle Beach you won't want to miss.
1. Visit Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum
Well this one may not be outdoors... but it is top rated! This is one of the most fun museums you'll ever visit. Step back in time and play the games of your youth or introduce this American pastime to your kids. You'll enjoy playing over 25 machines and the admission is only $12 and hour. Voted as on of the top cheap things to do in Myrtle Beach and Trip Advisors number one attraction in Myrtle Beach.
2. Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens is a favorite of Myrtle Beach residents, especially during the holiday season when they put on their Nights of a Thousand Candles.
It's the floral jewel of coastal South Carolina, a 9,100-acre nature and wildlife preserve that's part of the Register of National Historic Places.
It was built on four former rice plantations and was created in 1934 by Archer and Anna Huntington to feature Anna's sculptures, as well as the work of other local artists. Today, it contains the largest and most comprehensive collection of American figurative sculpture in the United States.
You can walk the Lowcountry trail to experience local history while taking in the local wildlife at the zoo.
3. Kayak and Stroll in Murrells Inlet
If you like a more active daily adventure, we recommend a visit to Murrells Inlet, better known among South Carolinians as the Seafood Capital of the South!
Murrells Inlet is a quaint, colorful fishing village 10 miles south of the hustle and bustle of downtown Myrtle Beach. In fact, locals say it was once the lair of the infamous pirate Blackbeard. Today, though, Murrells Inlet is a peaceful town (with a taste for adventure).
A half-mile stroll along the Marsh Walk gives you a stunning view and a chance to watch fishing boats bring in the daily haul. If you prefer to get up close and personal with the inlet's saltwater ecosystem, rent a kayak from Express Watersports and paddle through the marshes.
And when you're done, don't forget to have dinner made from the fresh local catch. Murrells Inlet is famous for their fried seafood platters and hushpuppies, but don't miss out on other favorites like blue crabs, flounder, oysters, grouper, and shrimp. Make sure to dine waterfront for the full experience!
4. Visit Myrtle Beach State Park
Myrtle Beach State Park is one of the best things you can do in Myrtle Beach, bar none.
You wouldn't expect a 312-acre oceanfront state park to be smack in the middle of a coastal tourist destination, but that's exactly what Myrtle Beach State Parkoffers.
It was donated in 1934 by Myrtle Beach Farms, and the area has been grateful for it ever since. The park has an ocean fishing pier, nature trails, bike paths, equestrian trails, and a campground just 300 yards from the beach.
Plus, there are all kinds of educational programs based around the park's natural resources--great for the kids to learn something new while having fun.
5. Explore Atalaya Castle in the Sand
Then, there's Huntington Beach State Park, another massive state treasure measuring around 2,500 acres with gorgeous beaches and some of the best bird watching on the East Coast.
It's also home to Atalaya Castle in the Sand, the stately former home of Archer and Anna Huntington, for whom the park is named.
It was built in the style of the Moorish fort of the same name. Take yourself on a self-guided tour through brick-lined halls and a courtyard of blossoming wildflowers and palmetto trees (free of charge with park admission!)
It's only a short walk from the beach, so you can get your surf on before lunch and get a taste of history with a pleasant stroll in between.
6. Shelling and Lighthouse Cruise
If you want a combination of South Carolina's best sights with the water, make sure to check out the Shelling and Lighthouse Cruise.
On this cruise, the Carolina Rover takes you on a three to four-hour tour along where the Atlantic meets the Winyah Bay. It's a birdwatcher's paradise, so make sure to bring your binoculars and your camera.
You'll also pass the Georgetown Light 1811, South Carolina's oldest lighthouse, proudly lighting seafarer's way home for two centuries.
Once the cruise portion is finished, you'll be free to comb the beach for an ever-changing array of shells. And don't forget to keep an eye out for bald eagles, dolphins, alligators, and sturgeon.
7. Soar + Explore
Maybe you like your adventures to have a bit of altitude and speed. For that, we recommend Soar + Explore, a zip lining and ropes course.
The zip line takes participants 50 feet in the air, soaring on a course that travels 1,000 feet between towers. The ropes course is tropical-themed, standing at 40-feet tall. You'll navigate 33 challenge levels designed with more than 3,000 ropes and cables.
The challenges become progressively more difficult, so you can turn it into a full-day adventure for the whole family to enjoy.
8. Visit Little River's Vereen Memorial Gardens
If you find yourself in the North Strand, make sure to visit Vereen Memorial Gardens. It's one of those hidden gems that you always hear about but aren't sure if it lives up to the hype (hint: it definitely does).
It was once part of a 400-acre plantation owned by the Vereen family. Today, it's 114 acres of woodland and salt marsh that are popular among nature lovers, especially bird watchers. Keep your eye on the interpretive signs to see where the most interesting flora and fauna are.
If you feel like bringing lunch, there are even picnic areas where you can relax.
9. Reel in a Big Catch
With all the water around Myrtle Beach, one of the most popular outdoor activities for tourists and locals alike is fishing.
Whatever your fishing style--dangling a line off a pier, crabbing, or reeling in a big one off a deep-sea fishing boat--you can find it in Myrtle Beach. The piers are bustling fishing hubs with cleaning stations and seats for leisurely fishing that will bring in the whole family.
Many of them also have cafes and live music venues on top of the bait and gear rental, so you can relax after a long day of fishing with a good dinner and a great view.
10. Go on a Dolphin Watch and Sightseeing Cruise
Myrtle Beach has over 60 miles of coastline, giving you plenty of space to see and experience the local wildlife.
We recommend taking a cruise on the Atlantic--there's a good chance you'll see dolphins, sea turtles, and other sea life.
If you want a dolphin cruise specifically, check out the Sea Screamer, which cruises around several uninhabited islands to look for schools of dolphins. Don't forget to bring your camera so you can share the sights with your loved ones when you get back.
11. Horseback Riding on the Beach
What better way to take in the benefits of the ocean than a horseback ride on the beach?
Horseback rides on white sand are the stuff of romance novels for a reason, but you don't need to be with your Valentine to enjoy a ride.
Check out Inlet Point Plantation, which uses all 1,380 acres of Waites Island for year-round horseback tours. Experienced guides offer basic instruction in riding so that even the greenest rider can enjoy these tours.
They depart from the stables and follow the beach trail, the Intracoastal Waterway ride, or the plantation tour. For something more romantic, you can book a sunset or sunrise tour, as well as extended trip options so you have more time to enjoy Waites Island.
12. On Par at the Golf Courses
Everybody knows that if you want a great golfing experience, you should come to South Carolina. And if you want some of the best golf courses, why go anywhere but Myrtle Beach?
For a truly unique experience, we recommend Tidewater Golf Club, which combines a scenic design with a well-crafted golfing experience. Make sure to enjoy the view at the 13th hole, which gives you a stunning panorama of the Atlantic Ocean and Cherry Grove Beach Inlet.
In fact, Golf Digest named it one of the top public golf courses in America.
13. Alligator Adventure
As the name implies, Alligator Adventure does feature the many alligators native to Myrtle Beach, but there's something for all animal lovers here as well.
If anything, it's as much a zoo as an alligator park, with animals from the local area (otters) to far-flung corners of the world (tigers).
If you want a good show, don't forget to see the live alligator feedings and lessons in alligator handling.
Oh, and there are quite a lot of different alligators to see here, ranging from common American alligators to Chinese and albino alligators--even a few crocodiles! Just don't confuse the two.
14. Campground Capital of the World
Myrtle Beach is known as the campground capital of the world. And with close to a dozen campgrounds hosting more than 7,000 campsites, we've definitely earned the title.
The good news for campers is that you'll have plenty of options when planning your next night under the stars.
And really, when you can sleep just a few minutes away from the sandy turf, does it get much better than that?
15. Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade
Your outdoor activities don't need to be in the far-flung marshes or in the woods. You can experience great adventures within downtown Myrtle Beach.
In particular, we love the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, which has brought tons of fun activities to downtown. The Skywheel, the largest Ferris wheel on the East Coast, offers scenic views of the Atlantic and the Grand Strand.
But don't neglect the rest of the boardwalk, because it's full of open-air cafes and shops facing the beachfront.
16. Wrightsville Beach Municipal Complex
Wrightsville Beach is a smooth, soothing stretch of clean sand just east of Wilmington.
It's great for enjoying the view by day or sunset, but you can also go for one of their family-friendly activities like treasure hunts and surfing lessons. If you like your beach day with a bit of history, make sure to visit the small history museum located in a restored beach cottage nearby.
When the sun goes down, make sure to do the rounds at one of the many restaurants and taverns in the area (the seafood is always a great idea).
17. La Belle Amie Vineyard
If you're in the Little River area and looking for an adults-only excursion, we recommend checking out La Belle Amie Vineyard.
La Belle Amie specializes in traditional Southern muscadine wines for a true taste of the Southern life. But if muscadine isn't your thing, they also import wines from family-run wineries in France.
Check out any of their many events throughout the year, from music festivals to charity functions.
If you're just in town for the wine, the tasting room offers five samples for $5, which includes a souvenir wine glass (which should also help you decide what to purchase in the gift shop before you leave).
Want to Experience Activities in Myrtle Beach?
After you've tried all of these activities in Myrtle Beach, we could hardly blame you if you decided you wanted to move here for good.
If you do decide to become a local, we're here to help you make that transition as fun and exciting as your day at the beach.
If you're in the market for Myrtle Beach real estate, check out our available property listings to see if your dream home is waiting for you. We've got everything from single-family homes to luxurious beachfront properties to condos, so we're confident we can meet whatever your needs are.
And if you have any questions (or just can't wait to get started) make sure to get in touch with us today.
You have questions...we have answers! Give us a call.
Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts
604 N 27th Ave
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-839-9870