Nightlife in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach nightlife can be found up and down the 60 miles of the Grand Strand. Most of the major Myrtle Beach night clubs are located along Highway 17, the main north south route that parallels the coast, and along the Boardwalk promenade.

Some of the best nightlife in Myrtle Beach SC is actually be found in the town of North Myrtle Beach, about ten miles north of the larger town. There are several Myrtle Beach night clubs and music bars in the Barefoot Landing area, which is set between the Intracoastal Waterway and the main Highway 17 thoroughfare. This makes it convenient if you are using car rentals or if you are actually getting around by boat, as the Landing has its own marina. Here, Myrtle Beach nightlife offers one of the legendary House of Blues venues. There’s another one in the town of Myrtle Beach, but this one is the largest.

More of the best nightlife in Myrtle Beach SC is found along the Boardwalk at the Beach in the main town. Like the Barefoot Landing, this is a new shopping, dining, and entertainment area covering 350 acres and set between Highway 17 and the ocean. There are a score of restaurants, more than 100 shops and boutiques, cinemas, live performance theaters, and an entire district. Additionally, Broadway on the Beach is located only a couple blocks from the Convention Center; both of these venues are locations for numerous festivals and special events. Among the Myrtle Beach night clubs in the Broadway on the Beach area are the House of Blues, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, and a Fat Tuesday (the famous New Orleans Daiquiri club). Most of these and the other night clubs also are dining spots, and the clubs range from a traditional Irish pub (complete with cigar bar) and a rock ‘n roll concert venue to a dueling pianos stage and a karaoke club.

You will also find Myrtle Beach nightlife right along the beaches in oceanfront hotels and resorts as well as separate establishments. A large number of these are clustered along North Ocean Boulevard between the Breakers Resort and the Bay View Resort. There are also some in the same oceanfront areas in both Surfside Beach and Garden City.

The best nightlife in Myrtle Beach SC for those on family vacations might be Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede. Virtually every evening, you can arrive before the show for a stroll by the horse stables to see the show’s stars. The show itself is a dinner show extravaganza in a huge arena covering 35,000 square feet that will delight all members of the family and includes the horses and other animals, pyrotechnics, and much more. Do note that all included beverages are non-alcoholic. There are similar attractions with performances and acts suitable for children, such as the Alabama Theatre and the Family Kingdom Amusement Park. There are also a few teen night clubs for those under 21. This is the long-standing drinking age, although there is movement to lower it to age 18.

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Myrtle Beach Events anfd Festivals

Myrtle Beach events are numerous and occur throughout the year. Since the resort area stretches for miles and all the coastal communities along the 60-mile stretch called the Grand Strand are easily accessible with car rentals or your own vehicle, you will find that you can attend Myrtle Beach festivals or one of the Little River festivals or North Myrtle Beach festivals all during a single vacation period.

Enthusiasts of golf will find many Myrtle Beach events that concentrate on this sport. There are more than 80 excellent golf courses, some of which are listed among the best in the United States, and there are tournaments at one course or another all year long. Many of the tournaments are held around the same period as other Myrtle Beach festivals and many are the kinds of tournaments in which ordinary “duffers” can participate—including family tournaments, youth tournaments, and other amateur competitions. Perhaps the most prestigious of these is the Labor Day World Amateur Handicap Championship, which draws several thousand amateur golfers from all 50 states and more than 20 other countries.

Other Myrtle Beach events focus on the sea and fishing. The local fishermen, both commercial and sport, work throughout the year. The best and most popular season coincides with the high tourist season, and you should make your arrangements as far in advance as possible if you want to go out on one of the many charter boats available. These boats are usually fully booked beginning in the late spring. Some boats that offer party cruises with large numbers of passengers have specific sailings that are dedicated to fishing. One of the North Myrtle Beach festivals that encompasses the northernmost Grand Strand community of Little River all the way south to Georgetown is the Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo that kicks off on April first. You can register and compete for thousands of dollars in prized any time during your vacations from April 1 through the end of October.

Show up any month of the year, and you can enjoy shag dancing—a unique South Carolina dance claimed by many communities along the Grand Strand that combines different forms of the classic swing. But come during January and you can enjoy one of the North Myrtle Beach festivals that celebrate this unique dance form. This is Mid-Winter Shag Classic, followed in March by the National Shagdance Championships.

Other Myrtle Beach festivals include February’s Mardi Gras, patterned after the legendary Mardi Gras celebrations that occur in New Orleans and almost every other southern state. The Rivertown Jazz Festival is held in April in the historic county seat of Conway (about ten miles west of Myrtle Beach). The popular Bike Week is held in May. Also called the Spring Rally, this a week full of events that draws thousands of rumbling motorcycles and bike enthusiasts from all over North America. These are a few of the events held throughout the region. No matter when you decide to visit, you will find numerous festivals and events. Also look for parties, nightlife, fireworks, parades, concerts, and more on national holidays, including St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Christmas, and New Year’s.

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Car Rentals in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach car rentals are available everywhere in the city and along the 60 miles of Grand Strand coastline where tourists normally enjoy their vacations, as well as in many of the primarily residential areas. These Myrtle Beach Airport car rentals are what most people who arrive on flights will use to get around on visits here. All the major national franchises of companies such as Hertz and Avis are located in the main Myrtle Beach airport. Look for their desks and courtesy phones after leaving the baggage claim area. Although the parking lots may not be located right at the airport, these companies do offer airport shuttle service to and from their lots. In addition, you can obtain a cheap Myrtle Beach rental car from some smaller local, regional, and discount companies, a couple of which also have desks at the airport.

Myrtle Beach Airport car rentals can be obtained round-trip, returning them to the airport when you are ready to depart. You can also obtain one as a one-way rental, dropping it off elsewhere. Although you generally pay more for this convenience, it is good for people who are exploring other areas of the state or even out of state. Some people will fly into a place like the capital city of Charleston, and then work their way north to end their vacations on the Grand Strand beaches.

North Myrtle Beach Airport car rentals can also be found at that town’s general aviation facility, including one run by the Ramp 66 company that provides all ground services at the Grand Strand Airport. They even have mini vacation packages available for pilots who are flying in those staying in the golf resorts in the area—they get a free car rental for an hour during refueling.

The best source for a cheap Myrtle Beach rental car might actually be vacation packages, many of which will include Myrtle Beach car rentals along with other features such as accommodations in hotels, dining options, and perhaps even cruises or tickets to concerts and special events. While you may spend almost all of your time at one of the resorts, walking or taking taxis to various places, you may just want a car to visit a particular place or just take a drive. Most of the luxury hotels and better resorts will arrange to have a car delivered right to the hotel—some even have a rental desk in their lobbies. This means you can get a cheap Myrtle Beach rental car for just a few hours or a day.

This is a popular destination for some of the world’s rich and famous, and there are exotic and luxury car rentals available. Even if you are not so rich and famous, but want to splurge a bit to attend one of the special events in style, it may be in your budget to get yourself a flashy Viper or elegant Rolls Royce just to attend a wedding or arrive at the House of Blues along with the headliner appearing there. You will find that Myrtle Beach car rentals provide you with the most convenient form of transportation to visit all the attractions and participate in all the things to do in the resort area that encompasses hundreds of square miles.

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Myrtle Beach Flights

Myrtle Beach flights generally land at the Myrtle Beach International Airport, which is located only a couple miles from the main downtown district and right next to one of the region’s 100 or so golf courses. This facility has the best cheap flights to Myrtle Beach from other parts of the United States. In fact, all of the direct flights to Myrtle Beach from other parts of the country arrive here. Because of how convenient road travel is and because of the proximity of other vacation destinations such as Charleston to the south and the North Carolina coast to the north, many visitors may actually fly into another city, drive here in car rentals, and fly home from Myrtle Beach.

Direct Myrtle Beach flights are available from major cities all over the eastern United States, including Boston, New York City, Washington D.C., Atlanta, and Ft. Lauderdale. Additionally, there are direct cheap flights to Myrtle Beach from several Midwest cities, including Chicago and Detroit. Otherwise, the only direct Myrtle Beach airfare from a city west of the Mississippi River is from Dallas. Myrtle Beach International Airport is located within the city limits, only a couple miles from the main tourist areas like Broadway on the Beach and the coastline with its beautiful sugary white beaches. You can land and be golfing, sunbathing or deep sea fishing within an hour.

The Grand Strand Regional Airport is just as conveniently located next to golf courses and central North Myrtle Beach, but that facility is a general aviation facility primarily serving small private aircraft. However, Myrtle Beach airfare to this facility is sometimes available on air taxis and charter flights usually targeted at those visitors arriving on golf vacations. Many times, those wealthy visitors with private planes and staying at some of the luxury hotels or in one of the deluxe villas, condominiums, or vacation rentals that make up the majority of accommodation options in this region will fly into this facility.

Many visitors will obtain the best cheap flights to Myrtle Beach by booking them as part of vacation packages that can be offered by travel agents, tour operators, and even the airlines. These include not only the flights, but also other features such as accommodations in hotels, car rentals, and perhaps a dining option. If it is part of a golf vacation, even greens fees might be included. Because of the popularity of deep sea fishing in the Grand Strand region, Myrtle Beach airfare is sometimes included in fishing packages.

Myrtle Beach flights during the off season are often less expensive than they are during the most popular peak summer season. Nonetheless, if you are coming for special events like the fishing and golf tournaments, it is best to make the arrangements as far in advance as possible. This is because there are fewer flights during the low season, and they fill up quickly during special events. The Christmas and New Year holidays are also busy and flights are often filled. And this is a popular year round destination because of the mild winter weather.

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Attractions in Myrtle Beach

When considering the attractions in Myrtle Beach, you are likely to first conjure up images of long, sandy beaches and acres of fairways. Sure, the beaches in Myrtle Beach and the expansive selection of Myrtle Beach golf courses account for bringing in scores of visitors each year, but there are plenty of other Myrtle Beach attractions to compliment your round of golf or engage your spirit after a day spent with your feet in the sand. On your next trip to South Carolina, consider these ideas for Myrtle Beach attractions that help to make a vacation here ideal for all. Whether you like to shop, explore nature or find thrills at an amusement park, Myrtle Beach SC attractions have just what you are looking for.

Barefoot Landing

Barefoot Landing is a shopping complex found along the Intracoastal Waterway just off Route 17 where Central and North Myrtle Beach meet. Among the most visited attractions in Myrtle Beach, and all of South Carolina for that matter, Barefoot Landing combines an atmosphere of shops, restaurants and entertainment set among the natural beauty of the coastal lowlands. Browse for toys and clothes or buy a new necklace to compliment your tan at one of Barefoot Landing’s more than 100 retail and specialty shops. Enjoy lunch or dinner as you dine at one of the waterfront restaurants. Barefoot Landing is always hopping, especially in the summer, when weekly fireworks and street entertainers extra flavor to this laid-back locale.

Alligator Adventure

Found at Barefoot Landing, Alligator Adventure is a one of the top North Myrtle Beach attractions for families. Alligator Adventure is the largest reptile park in the world, and as you stroll the park’s boardwalk, keep an eye out below where over 800 alligators make their home in the muddy water. Learn about these archaic creatures, two of which are rare albinos, as you listen to the informative lecture and get a chance to watch as the staff feeds their hungry lot of gators. The experience at Alligator Adventure is akin to that of Gatorland in Florida, and the park is a must for animal lovers. Head to the serpent house where you can see Komodo dragons, snakes, frogs, tortoises and a list of exotic birds. Alligator Adventure’s hours vary with the season, and the cost to enter is $14.95 for adults, $12.95 for seniors, and $9.95 for ages 4-11.

Brookgreen Gardens

Brookgreen Gardens is located just south of Myrtle Beach and north of Georgetown. Founded in 1931 by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, Brookgreen Gardens combines one of the largest and most significant collections of American sculptures in the outdoor Sculpture Garden, with over 9,000 acres of park and refuge set among forest and tidal swamps, salty marshlands and sandy ridges. A National Historic Landmark, and home to the only coastal Carolina zoo recognized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Brookgreen Gardens is a welcome retreat among the attractions in Myrtle Beach. Engage yourself with a variety of tours, daily programs and a host of changing exhibitions and special events. Brookgreen Gardens is open from 9:30 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. from June 20- August 17, and until 5:30 p.m. all other days. Admission is $12 for ages 19-64, $10 for seniors and ages 13-18, $5 for children ages 6-12 and free for children ages 5 and under.

Broadway at the Beach

This mega shopping, dining and entertainment area is more a collection of Myrtle Beach SC attractions than anything else. Set over 350 acres, Broadway at the Beach combines a healthy mix of specialty stores, nightclubs, restaurants, and attractions. When searching for Myrtle Beach hotels, you might consider booking a room at one the three found at Broadway at the Beach. There is always something going on here, and there is even a trolley service to transport visitors around the expansive grounds.

Myrtle Waves Water Park

When the summer heat gets the best of you, head for a fun-filled day at one of the most refreshing attractions in Myrtle Beach. Located near Broadway at the Beach, this amusement park is ideally situated and has been a favorite summer hangout for both locals and visitors alike. The largest water park in South Carolina, Myrtle Waves Water Park has a myriad of rides and pools spread over its 20 acres. The park is open from mid-May to mid-September, with daily operations from June through August. Admission is $27.00 for ages 9-54, $20.00 for ages 3-8 and ages 55 and older, and free for children 2 and under. The price includes admission to all rides and park attractions.

Huntington Beach State Park and Myrtle Beach State Park

Outdoor enthusiasts will find these two parks to be a welcome addition to their list of Myrtle Beach SC attractions. Huntington Beach State Park can be found on Route 17 at Murrells Inlet, and offers excellent coastal hiking, camping, fishing and remote beach access. It is open from 6 a.m.- 10 p.m. daily, and there is an entrance fee of $5 for ages 16 and up and $3 for ages 6-15. Myrtle Beach State Park, at 4401 S. Kings Highway, also offers beach access and camping. Here, you will also find a fishing pier and scenic picnic areas. The hours are the same and park admission is $4 for ages 16 and up, and $1.50 for those between 6 and 15 years old. At both parks, ages 5 and under get in free.

Ripley’s Aquarium

This is one of the hottest Myrtle Beach SC attractions and can be found at Broadway at the Beach. Built at a cost of $40 million, Ripley’s Aquarium will entertain you with its aquatic exhibits spread throughout 87,000 square feet. As you tour the aquarium, take time out to listen in on the regularly scheduled feedings and shows to learn about the creatures you are viewing. This place is ideal for the whole family and offers special events and programs tailored for children. Ripley’s Aquarium is open daily from 9:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m., and is well-priced at $17.99 for ages 12 and up, $9.99 for kids 5-11 and $3.99 for children ages 2-4. If you plan on visiting any of the other Ripley’s attractions in Myrtle Beach, you can save money by purchasing combo tickets.

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Things To Do in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach has established itself as one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States. Located along the northern shore of South Carolina, Myrtle Beach enjoys a fairly temperate climate, meaning you can plan your Myrtle Beach vacation year round. Myrtle Beach welcomes all kinds of travelers, with plenty of romantic options for couples and scores of activities the whole family can enjoy. As with Hilton Head, those seeking fun in the Carolina sun will find it at Myrtle Beach. Here are some ideas for things to do in Myrtle Beach when it’s time to dust the sand off your feet and get into something else.

Tee it Up for a Round of Golf

Every year, thousands of golfers from around the globe come to the Myrtle Beach area where over 100 golf courses await them. In North, Central and South Myrtle Beach, beautiful golf courses mix the beauty of green fairways with the natural environment. As you struggle to reach the green, take in the sights of the local flora and fauna for some peace of mind before your next shot. Whether you plan on hitting the links with a group of friends, are planning a corporate event, or are interested in sponsoring a charity event, Myrtle Beach golf courses present the ideal venue. With designs from top designers, such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman and Robert Trent Jones, it’s no wonder golfing is one of the top things to do in Myrtle Beach SC. When looking for Myrtle Beach hotels, you will find that many offer golf packages with their accommodations.

Join Bodacious Bob’s for a Bicycle Tour to the Silver Coast Winery

Many of the fun things to do in Myrtle Beach involve enjoying the great weather and soaking up the Carolina sunshine. Located near Myrtle Beach in Little River, Bodacious Bob’s offers a wide array of selections for different bicycle tours, and wine aficionados will appreciate the ride to the Silver Coast Winery. On the winery bicycle tour, you begin at the Vereen Memorial Gardens, cruise through the village of Calabash and end up at the Silver Coast Winery. Sample the winery’s products, relax in the shade of trees and have a light meal that includes fresh grapes and bread and cheese to go with your wine. The bicycle ride is approximately 15 miles each way and the tour lasts from 3-4 hours. The cost is $85.00 if you rent a bike and $60 if you have your own.

Savor Local and International Flavors While Dining Out

One of the popular things to do in Myrtle Beach SC involves dining at one of the area’s full-service restaurants. There are over 1,600 in Myrtle Beach, and many of them specialize in serving up the fresh, local seafood. Take your hungry stomach to a beachside deli and enjoy the views of the Ocean as you work on a delicious sandwich. Whether it’s casual dining you are looking for or a romantic candlelight affair, the wide selection of Myrtle Beach restaurants has you covered.

Try Your Luck on One of the Riverboat Casinos

One of the fun things to do in Myrtle Beach while on vacation is to board one of the river boat casinos docked on the waterfront in Little River. It’s not exactly Las Vegas, but you can surely enjoy playing the slots or joining a game of poker as you sail along the intracoastal waterway. At Diamond Casino Cruises, you can book a gaming cruise either during the day or at night. Enjoy free drinks while you play, take in some live entertainment and take a break in-between games for a hot lunch or dinner. If you are lucky, you can make some extra money to apply towards your vacation and other things to do in Myrtle Beach.

Go on a Carolina Safari Jeep Tour

Young or old, you will be happy to add a Carolina Safari Jeep Tour to your list of things to do in Myrtle Beach SC. Carolina Jeep tours allow you to sit back and enjoy a guided tour that mixes history with nature and ecology. Visit a haunted graveyard, see alligators and Bald Eagles and learn a bit about Lowcountry history all in the same tour. Each Jeep seats 12-14 people, features heating for the colder winter days, and is equipped with roll-up sides for warmer days. Carolina Safari Jeep Tours can handle your group, whether large or small. Rates are $32.00 for ages 13 and up, $31.00 for seniors and $17.00 for those 12 and under.

Go Kayaking with a Guide

Fun things to do in Myrtle Beach often involve the water. For a good time exploring local waters by way of kayak, head to the Sail & Ski Connection, where you will find the area’s largest selection of water sports rentals and equipment sales. A kayak tour with Sail & Ski Connection takes you for a trip either out along the coastal marshlands or on the Waccamaw River. Sightseeing highlights include the local wildlife and your tour price includes water and snacks. You can choose the 2 hour paddle tour, which costs about $50, or you can opt for the 4 hour tour, which will cost around $75.00. Before embarking, you will be given time to become comfortable with your kayak and learn the basics to kayaking.

Cruise Area Waters with the Great American Riverboat Company

While considering things to do in North Myrtle Beach, it’s hard to go wrong booking one of the 5 cruises offered by the Great American Riverboat Company. All cruises last from 1 ½ hours to 2 hours and except for the Moonlight Cruise, can be enjoyed by both adults and children. The Moonlight Cruise incorporates fun under a star-filled sky with a full bar and available snacks. Other cruises include the Sightseeing Cruise, the Sunset Cruise, the Dinner Cruise and the Ghost and Pirate Story Cruise. The Dinner Cruise is $36.00 for adults, and $26.00 for children 12 and under, while the other cruises run at approximately $16.00 for adults and $8.00 for youths.

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Myrtle Beach Travel

Myrtle Beach travel can be good throughout the year. Although there are distinct seasons in the Grand Strand region, they are generally mild and pleasant even during the winter. Likewise, the summer heat and humidity is mitigated by the proximity of the ocean and more than 60 miles of beautiful pristine beaches.

The history of Myrtle Beach tourism began in the early twentieth century, when oceanfront hotels and beach resorts started being built and the wealthy from Charleston would come for their summer vacations. Some even found that the best time to go to Myrtle Beach was during the winter when it averages about 60 degrees Fahrenheit at the same time there could be snow in the inland parts of the American Southeast.

With this kind of mild climate and more than 200 days of sunshine per year, the region has also become a prime retirement destination. Since those in the retirement communities often spend their winters in even warmer climes, it means that the best time to go to Myrtle Beach for a wider variety of vacation rentals is during the winter. Because winter is the low season, many hotels and resorts also offer great deal and vacation packages. For the best budget deals, travel from October through February.

There are a couple reasons that most Myrtle Beach tourism occurs during the summer. It is hot and humid, but the 60 miles of beaches and the ocean offer quick and easily accessible relief. Outdoor activities abound to fill all the daylight hours and there is excellent nightlife for those who want to keep playing until the wee hours of the morning. The winter is a prime time for colorful holiday events and shopping. Chief among these is the Night of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens in December.

If the best time to go to Myrtle Beach for you is during the summer, you should make your plans as far in advance as possible to secure your preferred accommodations. Although there are more than 80,000 rooms available in the Grand Strand region, the most desirable resorts and good cheap hotels do fill up. This is especially true during important events like Bike Week, which kicks off the peak Myrtle Beach tourism season in mid-May.

Those who are golf enthusiasts will find that Myrtle Beach travel is excellent during the springtime when it is not so hot and humid, but still warm enough to enjoy the seaside after the golf round is over. Another popular sport here is fishing, whether it’s deep sea fishing or lazy shore angling. Generally, the best time for this is in the summer. The Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo begins on the first of April and last through the end of October. Anyone can enter and register their catch during this period to win one of thousands of dollars in prizes.

One thing to remember while you do your Myrtle Beach travel planning is seasonal closing. Most hotels, shops and attractions will remain open 365 days a year. However, smaller hotels and bed and breakfast inns and some attractions do close. The Myrtle Waves Water Park is an example of an attraction that is open only from mid-May to mid-September. Another thing to remember is to be prepared for rain any time of year.

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