Where locals go in Myrtle Beach to Shop, Dine, & Explore

Myrtle Beach has so many attractions, restaurants, shopping centers & things to do for tourists — you may wonder where locals go in Myrtle Beach? Here are all of the locally-owned, cool spots to shop & dine – plus things to do you probably won’t see on a billboard.

Shop & dine like a local

Dine like a local

Where locals go in Myrtle Beach: Restaurants

If there’s one advantage to living in a tourist town, it’s definitely the dining options! There are so many locally-owned restaurants in and around Myrtle Beach with great wine lists, exceptional menus, pretty views & fun atmospheres.

📸: Hook & Barrel

Locally-Owned Restaurants in + around Myrtle Beach

For exceptional views

Joe’s Bar & Grill (view: Raccoon Runway)
Drunken Jack’s (view: Goat Island)
Sea Captain’s House (view: the Ocean)
Harvest (view: Brookgreen Gardens)

For the best tacos + margaritas

Fiesta Mexicana
El Cerro
Sol y Luna
Margarita’s in North Myrtle Beach
LUNA Mexican Bar & Grill
Nacho Hippo
Bonfire – a Smoking Taqueria

For sushi

Co Sushi
Fortune Asian Bistro

For a fancy night out

Hook & Barrel
Frank’s & Frank’s Outback
The Library
Bistro 90
SeaBlue

Brunch & Lunch

Croissants Bistro & Bakery
Bistro 217
Rustic Table
Rivertown Bistro
more restaurants in Myrtle Beach for a day date

For beers with friends

Quigly’s
Atlas Tap House
Anchor Café
Strong Waters Craft Cocktails & Kitchen
Fire & Smoke GastroPub
New South Brewing
Tidal Creek Brewhouse

For the best comfort food

Magnolia’s
Snack Shak

For a great, cheap breakfast

Eggs Up Grille
Hot Stacks Café
Pan American Pancake House
Johnny D’s Waffles & Fries

For the best slice of Pizza

Ultimate California Pizza
Michael’s Pizza
AJ’s Pizza
Scatori’s
Crave Italian Oven & Bar

For an Italian feast

Romando’s
Gio’s Italian Kitchen
Villa Romana
Crave Italian Oven & Bar
Chianti South

Want more restaurant ideas + reviews? Read our top 20 must-try restaurants in the Myrtle Beach area.

Shop like a local

Where locals go in Myrtle Beach: Shops

Skip the outlets, and shop these exceptional locally-owned boutiques instead!

📸: Centro Shoes

Locally-owned shops

For a gift

Ooh La La
Studio 77 Gifts & Accessories
Barbara’s Fine Gifts
Sara and Beth Gifts
Stox & Co.

For Invitations & Stationery

Ooh La La

For something pretty to wear

Socialite Boutique
Mimi Seabrook
The Pink Cabana
Bijuju

For great shoes

Centro Shoes
Mimi Seabrook
Ooh La La

If you have a baby

The Kangaroo Pouch
Miss Masters
Hannah B’s
The Pink Cabana
Joggling Board

For fabric + home decor

Rose Arbor
Knotting Hill Interiors
Hucks & Washington

See + Do

Where locals go in Myrtle Beach: Things to do

You’ve probably seen billboards for all of the attractions around town… those didn’t make the list. Here are some cool things to do that are off the beaten tourist past.

📸: Huntington Beach State Park

Off the beaten tourist path in Myrtle Beach

Scenic Walks

Myrtle Beach State Park
Huntington Beach State Park
Brookgreen Gardens
more scenic walks in Myrtle Beach

Outdoor Adventures

Captain Smiley’s Fishing Excursion
Kayaking in North Myrtle Beach
Pier Fishing at Myrtle Beach State Park

Best spots for Instagram shots

Hook & Barrel
Atalaya Castle
Brookgreen Gardens

By Season

Myrtle Beach in Winter
Fall Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes in and around Myrtle Beach
Christmas Tree Farms in the Myrtle Beach Area
Myrtle Beach in October
Myrtle Beach in November

Where locals go in Myrtle Beach: - Seven seas seafood

Seafood Market

Where locals go in Myrtle Beach: Seafood

Best spot for a local fresh catch: If you’re looking for local seafood in Myrtle Beach, drive straight to Seven Seas Seafood! They give great recommendations and will put it on ice for your drive home.

📸: Seven Seas Seafood in Murrells Inlet

Find a place to stay

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