“You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment.” – Henry David Thoreau
So, you’ve already experienced the thrilling Swamp Fox wooden roller coaster at Family Kingdom Amusement Park, caught an electrifying performance from an inspired Elvis impersonator at Legends in Concert, maneuvered your way through, dove with sharks at Ripley’s Aquarium, cheered the Myrtle Beach Pelicans minor league baseball team to victory, enjoyed a delightful meal at Thoroughbreds Chophouse & Seafood Grille on Restaurant Row, taken a spin on SkyWheel Myrtle Beach – and you think you’ve done everything there is to possible pack into your Myrtle Beach itinerary? Think again! Here are 20 free things to do in Myrtle Beach on vacation that will complement your next getaway to the Grand Strand (without draining your wallet in the process!):
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1 | Visit the Beach
Let’s face it, the sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean beckon Myrtle Beach visitors any time of the year! Whether you prefer swimming, surfing, shell collecting, beach volleyball or simply lounging on the beach, the possibilities for free outdoor recreation along the beautiful beaches of Myrtle Beach are simply endless.
WHERE: See Google Map Links Below | WHO: N/A
2 | Broadway at the Beach
Billed as “the most popular tourist destination in the entire Myrtle Beach area,” this 360-acre outdoor entertainment, dining and shopping complex features fun for all ages and you can stroll around free of charge! Highlights of Broadway at the Beach include dozens of eclectic specialty shops and boutiques, along with popular theme restaurants like Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and Hard Rock Café, as well as lively nightclubs and attractions such as Myrtle Waves Water Park, Legends in Concert, Ripley’s Aquarium, WonderWorks and The Simpsons in 4D, among several others.
WHERE: 1325 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 | WHO: (843) 444-3200
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3 | Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
The bustling Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade stretches 1.2 miles and boasts spectacular oceanfront views, along with a multitude of shops, restaurants and not-to-be-missed attractions such as SkyWheel Myrtle Beach, Nightmare Haunted House, Sling Shot Thrill Ride, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!, Myrtle Beach Zipline Adventures and some of the best escape rooms Myrtle Beach has to offer, amongst many others.
WHERE: See Google Map Links Below | WHO: N/A
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4 | Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum
A true hidden gem that is entirely free and housed in a vintage beach cottage, the Grand Strand’s only art museum opened in 1997 and offers 11 art galleries featuring the talents of regional, national and international artists. A gift shop and art education center are also on the premises.
WHERE: 3100 S Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 | WHO: (843) 238-2510
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5 | South Carolina Hall of Fame
Learn all about the luminaries who helped shape South Carolina’s rich heritage such as General Francis “The Swamp Fox” Marion, Robert Mills, Anna Hyatt Huntington, Jasper Johns, Dizzy Gillespie, Cale Yarborough, Mary McLeod Bethune, Pat Conroy and many more at the South Carolina Hall of Fame, which is free of charge and located at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
WHERE: 2101 N Oak St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 | WHO: (843) 626-7444
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6 | Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens
Nestled in the quaint fishing village of Little River (home of the world-famous Blue Crab Festival each May), the free Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens offers a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach with several hiking trails winding through formal gardens and boardwalks overlooking scenic marshes. But beware strolling about at night as many locals tout this as one of Myrtle Beach’s haunted places to visit on any respectable ghost tour!
WHERE: 2250 SC-179, Little River, SC 29566 | WHO: (843) 249-4157
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7 | Pavilion Nostalgia Park
There is no admission fee charged to visit this miniature theme park. Located in the Broadway at the Beach complex, there are classic rides like Herschell-Spillman Carousel, Wave Runner, pirate rides, the famous Teacup Ride, and carnival-style food and drinks just like the old days!
WHERE: 1171 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 | WHO: (843) 913-9400
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8 | The Market Common
With 60 retail and specialty stores, a variety of dining opportunities and plenty of attractions for the entire family to enjoy such as Grand Cinema 14 and 810 Billiards & Bowling, The Market Common is an upscale shopping experience and so much more, so don’t miss the chance to take a free stroll around this lively complex!
WHERE: 4017 Deville St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 | WHO: (843) 839-3500
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9 | New South Brewing Company
Take a free tour of this popular Myrtle Beach brewery, which churns out approximately 3,000 barrels of handcrafted brew annually such as New South White Ale, Nut Brown Ale, India Pale Ale, Dark Star Porter and Dirty Myrtle Double IPA, among others. New South Brewing Company’s slogan is “The Beer from Here” and this friendly Myrtle Brewery has thrived as a local fixture since brewing their first batch way back in 1998.
WHERE: 1109 Campbell St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 | WHO: (843) 916-2337
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10 | Barefoot Landing
A massive shopping, dining and entertainment complex located along the scenic Intracoastal Waterway in North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing offers the perfect laid-back locale to relax, unwind and grab a bite to eat after hanging out at the beach or exploring Myrtle Beach attractions all day. In addition, Barefoot Landing offers several interesting onsite attractions such as Alligator Adventure and T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station (see No. 19). Best of all, it’s free to wander around at your leisure!
WHERE: 4898 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 | WHO: (843) 272-8349
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11 | The Pier at Garden City
Regularly voted as the “Best Fishing Pier” in the Grand Strand, the family-oriented Pier at Garden City lies just 8 miles south of Myrtle Beach in Garden City Beach, stretches 668 feet out over the Atlantic Ocean and features spectacular ocean views, live entertainment on Friday nights, karaoke on weekends, the laid-back Pieradise Cafe and an arcade. Best of all, there is absolutely no charge to stroll along the pier!
WHERE: 110 S Waccamaw Dr, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 | WHO: (843) 651-9700
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12 | Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
Nestled in the heart of Murrells Inlet, a charming fishing village known as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina,” the free, 0.5-mile Murrells Inlet MarshWalk overlooks a scenic natural saltwater estuary and is home to several amazing seafood eateries such as Wahoo’s Fish House, Wicked Tuna, Creek Ratz, Bovine’s, Dead Dog Saloon, The Claw House and Drunken Jack’s.
WHERE: See Google Map Links Below | WHO: N/A
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13 | L.W. Paul Living History Farm
Free, one-hour guided farm tours are available of L.W. Paul Living History Farm, which is operated by the Horry County Museum (see No. 15) and lies just 15 miles northwest of Myrtle Beach in the charming town of Conway. In addition, many fun-filled seasonal events take place at the farm throughout the year.
WHERE: 2279 Harris Short Cut Rd, Conway, SC 29526 | WHO: (843) 365-3596
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14 | Georgetown Harborwalk
Less than an hour south of Myrtle Beach lies the coastal town of Georgetown – founded in 1729 and the third-oldest town in South Carolina behind Beaufort and Charleston. Visitors who stroll along the four-block Georgetown Harborwalk will get a great overview of this historic South Carolina town as they walk along the scenic Sampit River past an array of waterfront parks, seafood restaurants like Castaway’s Bar & Grill and Big Tuna Restaurant & Raw Bar, a variety of specialty shops and fascinating museums such as the Rice Museum and South Carolina Maritime Museum.
WHERE: 525 Front St, Georgetown, SC 29440 | WHO: (843) 546-4250
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15 | Horry County Museum
Featuring “Southern Culture, Heritage & Natural Treasures,” the fascinating Horry County Museum (pronounced “Oh-Ree” by the way) in Conway is housed in the Old Burroughs School, first opened its doors in 1981, boasts a variety of historical exhibits related to Horry County and offers free admission to visitors. By the way, the impressive Freshwater Aquarium at the Museum was featured on Animal Planet’s popular reality TV show Tanked.
WHERE: 805 Main St, Conway, SC 29526 | WHO: (843) 915-5320
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16 | McLean Park
Visitors and locals alike descend upon beautiful McLean Park in North Myrtle Beach for its wide array of free outdoor recreational offerings such as playgrounds, a walking path with fitness trail, tennis courts, picnic shelters, gazebo, ballfield and meditation garden. McLean Park also encompasses a two-acre lake that is usually teeming with ducks and other water birds.
WHERE: 93 Oak Dr, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 | WHO: (843) 280-5584
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17 | Conway Riverwalk
Overlooking the picturesque Waccamaw River, the Conway Riverwalk is a must-see attraction when visiting the small town of Conway just northwest of Myrtle Beach. The free Riverwalk takes you directly underneath the landmark 1937 Waccamaw River Memorial Bridge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Other highlights along the way include Riverfront Park and the Conway City Marina. By the way, the famous blackwater river is a great Instagram-worthy spot that will definitely help liven up your feed in no time!
WHERE: 2nd Ave, Conway, SC 29526 | WHO: (843) 248-1760
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18 | Pawleys Island Nature Park
One of the oldest summer resorts on the East Coast, Pawleys Island still retains the nickname “arrogantly shabby.” In addition to the free Pawleys Island Nature Park, a quiet place of reflection, Pawleys Island area attractions include Brookgreen Gardens (fee), Hopsewee Plantation (fee), Hammocks Shop Village and Huntington Beach State Park (fee), which is home to Atalaya Castle.
WHERE: Pawleys Island, SC 29585 | WHO: N/A – It’s an island! LOL
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19 | T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station
A free wildlife habitat that lies within Barefoot Landing (see No. 10), T.I.G.E.R.S. (The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species) is home to live tiger cubs and other endangered animals. Although the display itself is free of charge, visitors can take photos with some of the smaller animals for a fee. A gift shop is also on the premises. The Barefoot Landing location also provides a preview of the much larger T.I.G.E.R.S. Wild Encounters Preserve that lies approximately 17 miles south of Barefoot Landing and is home to an array of tigers, leopards, wolves, orangutans, chimpanzees and other endangered species.
WHERE: 4898 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 | WHO: (843) 361-4552
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20 | Apollo Moonprints in Cement
A featured selection of Roadside America, the “Apollo Moonprints in Cement” can be viewed for free in front of the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. The moonprints in question belong to none other than Colonel Charles M. Duke Jr., who served as the lunar module pilot for Apollo 16 and became the 10th astronaut to walk on the moon on April 20, 1972. By the way, Duke was the first member inducted into the South Carolina Hall of Fame (see No. 5).
WHERE: 2101 N Oak St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 | WHO: N/A – It’s outside
There’s No Shortage of Fun and Free Activities in Myrtle Beach!
A world-class vacation destination, Myrtle Beach truly has something for everyone – whether you’re seeking the top Myrtle Beach attractions for families, the most popular boardwalk restaurants in Myrtle Beach or the best deals on family resorts in Myrtle Beach.
