29 things to do in Myrtle Beach this summer

When I moved to Myrtle Beach, I had high hopes of daily walks on the beach, seafood dinners, and living my best beach life. Then, I became a local. I drive right past the ocean waves and on to the grocery store and to an appointment and to the next boring thing. We forget to try all of the things to do in Myrtle Beach for tourists!! So sad, I know. And a situation which needs rectified.

Here’s a fun Myrtle Beach summer to do list whether you’re a visitor or a local who needs to play tourist – and I would LOVE for you to add to it! Comment at the bottom with your best recommendations!!

Fun things to do in Myrtle Beach

1. Try the grilled catch of the day at Myrtle Beach’s best seafood restaurant, Hook & Barrel

2. The new Can’t You Sea? Ocean Plastic ARTifacts exhibit at the Franklin G. Burroughs Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum looks incredible

3. You’ll be shocked driving back into the privacy of Myrtle Beach State Park which includes gorgeous walking trails, playgrounds, plenty of parking, a fishing pier, and stretches of beaches away from the hotels and the buzz of Myrtle Beach

4. A lot of the attractions are for older kids, but you can read my top 7 myrtle beach toddler activities 

5. Head south and take a day trip to Pawleys Island to explore incredible lowcountry restaurants, locally owned boutiques, and the incredible Brookgreen Gardens

6. For water that will stay cold all day in the hot sun, put ice and water in a Hydro Flask, it’s a fete of science

7. Wear long-sleeve rashgaurds if you’re going to be in the sun all day (and the best things to pack for a day at the beach with kids)

8. For burgers, fries, and great beer, Gordon Biersch at The Market Common is our favorite

9. The best ceviche in Myrtle Beach can be found at an unlikely (or maybe it’s obvious?) spot – Fiesta Mexicana (if you love Mexican, you will not be disappointed!)

10. Both Myrtle Waves and Wild, Water & Wheels have great water slides and splash parks. Word among the moms is Wild, Water & Wheels has more for little ones

11. Between the two outlets shopping centers, the North Myrtle Beach Tanger is my favorite – Kate Spade and Vineyard Vines. Enough said?

12. There is an Anthropologie. Walk straight towards the back of the store, turn left around the cash register section, and you’ll discover the sale room. It’s glorious. Kids can play in the little playground in the middle of Market Common with dad while you shop.

13. Local pizza spot Ultimate California Pizza is the place to take the fam – or call, they deliver to hotels! (Club Med with feta cheese and artichokes is my favorite)

14. Dinner + kids entertained while you eat dinner = ultimate california pizza game zone

15. Rockin’ Jump when it rains or you don’t feel like being in the sun

16. The Kangaroo Pouch for all things baby  – if you have a baby, shop here – the knowledgeable staff will help you find everything you need (and all the things you didn’t know you needed!)

17. Publix fried chicken and champagne is better than splurging on a fine dining restaurant.

18. Don’t miss Brookgreen Gardens, the prettiest place you’ll ever walk.

19. Moms, treat yourself to a $17 blowout while your child gets their hair cut in a car or firetruck at the cool kid’s salon, Pigtails and Crewcuts.

20. We are dying to try the Shark Wake Park in North Myrtle Beach, a gigantic floating water park on a lake. 

21. For kids that love the fast lane, Broadway Grand Prix has a race track for kids, bumper cars, and plenty of games.

22. During the summer, see a free movie at the best movie theater in Myrtle Beach, Grand 14 Cinema, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in the morning

23. Try the cucumber, jalapeño, and sour cocktail to kick off your dinner at the new southern pub, 44 & King (only if you like spice!)

24. Older kids will love to play in Wonderworks, the upside building at Broadway at the Beach. 

25. Sign up for the Cinemark movie club for $9/month, which pays for itself with a free movie ticket every month plus 20% off everything else. You can reserve your tickets on the app for free. If you don’t want to join the club, you’ll still get a free popcorn (large!) when you download the app.

26. Visit the largest playground in Myrtle Beach, Savannah’s Playground, located close to The Market Common shopping center. Other favorite playgrounds include McLean Park in North Myrtle Beach, and the Carolina Forest Playground

27. Get a sitter and go on a fun day date at one of our top favorite spots in the Grand Strand

28. Take your camera and head to Huntington Beach State Park for a day capturing the breathtaking beauty of this hidden gem

29 .Play a round (or a million) of Putt Putt, DUH. Because there are more than 50 courses in the Miniature Golf Capital of the World

Alright, Myrtle Beach locals and friends…what would you add to this list??