Top 11 Must-See Attractions in Myrtle Beach

A protected stretch of undeveloped shoreline south of the main tourist strip, with maritime forest trails, a fishing pier, and campground. A quieter alternative to the crowded downtown beach, popular for surf fishing and birdwatching.

The classic central beach stretching alongside the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, with lifeguards in summer, easy access from downtown hotels, and the SkyWheel as a landmark. Busiest and liveliest section of the Grand Strand.

A 1.2-mile oceanfront boardwalk lined with shops, arcades, ice cream stands, and street performers. The social heart of the city, especially lively at sunset and during the nightly Sweet Frog fireworks in summer.

A 187-foot observation wheel on the boardwalk offering panoramic ocean and coastline views from climate-controlled gondolas. Especially striking lit up at night or during sunset.

A sprawling lakefront entertainment complex with shops, restaurants, mini-golf, an aquarium, and a nightlife district — effectively a self-contained resort town within Myrtle Beach.

The undisputed highlight of the Grand Strand's holiday season, this beloved event transforms Brookgreen Gardens in nearby Murrells Inlet into a glowing wonderland with roughly 3,000 hand-lit candles alongside elaborate LED displays woven through the historic live oaks and sculpture gardens. Held on select Thursday through Sunday evenings from mid-November into early January, the event also features live music, warm cider, and s'mores stations scattered along the garden paths. It regularly ranks among the top holiday light shows in the United States, and tickets sell out well in advance, so booking ahead is essential. Arrive at dusk to watch the candles being lit and allow at least two hours to wander the full grounds, which sit about 20 minutes south of Myrtle Beach.

A half-mile boardwalk hugging the salt marsh in nearby Murrells Inlet, the Marshwalk strings together a dozen-plus bars and restaurants with live music, raw bars, and sweeping sunset views over the water. Spots like Drunken Jack's, Dead Dog Saloon, and Wahoo's Fish House keep bands playing well into the night, and the wooden walkway makes bar-hopping easy.

It is especially popular for watching the sun drop behind the marsh grass with a cold drink in hand before the music picks up. Expect classic rock and country cover bands, fresh seafood, and a mix of locals and vacationers. Arrive early for a rail-side table if a big sunset crowd is expected.

Housed in a building that appears to have crash-landed and flipped upside down, WonderWorks is an indoor science museum built around more than 100 hands-on exhibits. Kids can lie on a bed of nails, take on a giant bubble challenge, experience a simulated hurricane, or test their reflexes in the sports arena. The upper level houses a laser tag arena and ropes course for an extra fee, while the main exhibit floor is included with general admission and easily fills two to three hours.

It is fully air-conditioned, making it a reliable backup plan on rainy or scorching afternoons, and the sheer novelty of the upside-down architecture makes for a fun photo before you even step inside. Best suited to kids roughly five and up who can engage with the interactive stations, though toddlers enjoy the bubble and light exhibits too.

South Carolina's largest water park, Myrtle Waves, spreads across 20 acres with slides and pools graded for nearly every age. Younger kids gravitate toward Little Squirt's Cove, a gentle splash zone with mini slides, while older children and teens take on body slides, tube rides, and the wave pool. A lazy river lets the whole family float together at an easy pace.

Lounge chairs and shaded cabanas line the pool decks, and outside food is not permitted, so budget for park concessions or plan to leave and return. It gets crowded on peak summer afternoons, so arriving at opening gives shorter lines on the marquee slides. Note: the park typically operates seasonally from late spring through early fall, so check operating dates before visiting outside peak summer.

Kicking off the summer tourist season, the Sun Fun Summer Concert Series runs weekly from June 5 through August 30, 2026 along the Boardwalk and at Broadway at the Beach. Expect free evening performances from tribute bands, beach music groups, and regional country acts, paired with fireworks on select Fridays. The series traces its roots back to the historic Sun Fun Festival and remains one of the most family-friendly ways to spend a warm evening. Bring a beach chair, grab dinner from a nearby boardwalk vendor, and settle in for sunset shows most weekends. Parking fills quickly near the SkyWheel, so arriving early or walking from a nearby hotel is recommended during peak weeks in July.

Held right on the sand, the Carolina Country Music Fest returns for June 11 to June 14, 2026, drawing major touring country acts to a beachfront stage near the Boardwalk. Multi-day passes grant access to daytime pool parties, autograph sessions, and nighttime headline sets, while local bars host official after-parties throughout downtown. Because the festival draws visitors from across the Southeast, hotel rates spike and rooms sell out months ahead, so early booking is strongly recommended. Between sets, the beach itself becomes an extension of the festival grounds, with fans wading in the ocean during breaks. It is the single biggest music draw of the Myrtle Beach summer and a bucket-list stop for country fans.