Six Great Reasons to Visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The Pavilion may be gone (although you can relive somewhat of the experience at The Pavilion Nostalgia Park), but the jewel of the Strand is still Grand. Here are six reasons to visit this slice of paradise, known as Myrtle Beach, on South Carolina’s Highway 17 to discover why it remains as one of America’s Favorite Vacation Destinations.
1. Miles and Miles of Sand and Water
Myrtle Beach offers 60 miles of beaches, and a plethora of things to do on them. Whether you are looking to have fun in the water, or just sit back and relax, you are sure to find the perfect spot along the beaches.
Aerial of Grand Strand/courtesy of South Carolina Tourism
2. Tee It Up
So many courses, so little time in Golftown USA, aka Golf City USA and
the Golfing Capital of the World. From challenging to friendly to awe-inspiring – you are sure to find a playable course or two among the over 100 golf courses in the city.
Caledonia #5/photo courtesy of Brandon Advertising
3. Shopping, Dining and More
Broadway at the Beach is somewhat of an all-inclusive shopping, dining, and entertainment center. Here you will find Ripley’s Aquarium, where you can pet stingrays at the Ray Bay, or watch as sharks swim overhead in the Dangerous Reef, a 750,000 gallon tank; and MagiQuest, where kids of all ages can turn into a Magi and participate in interactive games. The somewhat similar Barefoot Landing features Alligator Adventure, filled with alligators, crocodiles and snakes; and T.I.G.E.R.S, where you can get up close to a tiger or cub. If you have little ones, they will enjoy a spin on the carousel. End the evening with the Ghost and Legends show.
4. Amusement and Theme Parks for All
Perhaps the biggest news for the area is the Hard Rock Park. Currently holding “sound checks” (soft openings) for the ne
xt couple of weekends, the 55-acre, over 50 attractions theme park’s grand opening is scheduled for June 2. This is the brand’s first theme park in the world. If roller coasters are your thing, don’t miss Led Zeppelin -The Ride. Photo courtesy of Hard Rock Park
At the Family Kingdom Amusement Park you can ride the Swamp Fox wooden roller coaster. If that is too tame for you, then try the new Sling Shot Drop Zone, a 110-foot free fall. Cool off at Myrtle Waves, the state’s largest waterpark, or fulfill your need for speed at the NASCAR Speed Park.
5. Become One with Nature
Choose from visiting the two state parks, Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach Stat Park to exploring Brookgreen Gardens. The garden is located between Murrells Inlet and Pawley’s Island. The National Historic Landmark was once a plantation, and today it is broken down into two sections: a sculpture garden and a wildlife preserve. Huntington Sculpture Garden features over 900 works, including some from the original owner. The Lowcountry History and Wildlife Preserve allow you to view animals in their natural habitat. Take an ATV tour, a creek excursion, or hike the trails to learn more about the garden and its surroundings.
6. Take a Short Road Trip
Enjoy a breather from the hustle of Myrtle Beach and head about 10 miles south to Murrells Inlet, known as the Seafood Capital of South Carolina. Enjoy the 1,400-foot marsh walk that takes you through the wetlands for a closer view of the wildlife. You can further enjoy the outdoors with an adventure through Captain Dick’s, which offers deep-sea fishing, dolphin watching and exploring saltwater marshes charters.
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