8 Hidden Gems and Under-the-Radar Activities in and Around Myrtle Beach to Add to Your Bucket List
Posted by: Awayday
Wine tasting, brewery tours, untouched islands and beaches, and quaint towns just a short drive away: these are just a few under-the-radar attractions you won’t want to miss while visiting Myrtle Beach.
Who doesn’t love a hidden gem while traveling? From the alpine charm of the Rockies to the stunning beaches of South Carolina, finding those spots only the locals know about can take your trip to the next level.
Heading to Myrtle Beach soon? You’re in the right spot.
Below, I’ve pulled together 8 hidden gems and under-the-radar activities to help you experience Myrtle Beach more like a local and less like a tourist.
Just a taste of what’s ahead:
Huntington Beach State Park: Quiet nature escape with trails, gators, and a beautiful castle.
Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens: Shady strolls and secret boardwalks just over the state line.
Boat Trip to Bird Island: Remote beach only accessible by water.
Murrells Inlet MarshWalk: Boardwalk with big flavor and laid-back vibes.
La Belle Amie Winery: Pine-lined vineyard with wine tastings and live tunes.
Hop On Adventures Brewery Tours: Craft beer crawl without the hassle of driving.
GTS Theatre: Small venue with big heart and vintage flair.
Frank's Restaurant in Pawleys Island: Lowcountry dining hidden in garden magic.
At Luxury Beach Rentals, we’re all about sunshine, ocean breezes, and premier oceanfront vacation rentals that put you right where the fun is. We know Myrtle Beach like the back of our sun-kissed hands (no bragging, really). Head over to our destination blog for insider tips and local favorites that’ll take your vacation from good to unforgettable.
Ready? Let’s dig into the local favorites you won’t find in every guidebook.
1. Huntington Beach State Park
A little south of Myrtle Beach, you’ll find Huntington Beach State Park. This is where the ocean and unspoiled nature come together. If you're craving a quiet, scenic escape filled with salt marshes, nature trails, and surprise wildlife sightings, this hidden gem deserves a top spot on your bucket list.
Why It's an Off-the-Beaten-Path Spot
Most beachgoers stick to the boardwalk and shopping strips, but just a short drive away, this park gives you something totally different: peace, birds, gators, and even a castle. It feels like stepping into a nature documentary… minus the crowds.
Highlights
Pristine Beachfront: No hotels, no noise, just wide open sand and surf.
Alligator Spotting: Walk the causeway and you might spot a gator or two sunbathing.
Birdwatching Paradise: One of the top spots on the East Coast for birding.
Nature Trails: Flat, easy loops through maritime forests and marshes.
Atalaya Castle: Explore this hauntingly beautiful Moorish-style mansion with a rich artist backstory.
Great Picnic Spots: Shaded tables near the beach make for the perfect laid-back lunch.
Less Crowded: Even in peak season, it feels relaxed and uncrowded.
2. Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens
Just over the state line in Little River, about 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach, this quiet spot is a breath of fresh air. Expect shady boardwalks, sweeping salt marsh views, and a little bit of local history, all rolled into one easygoing stroll.
Why It's an Off-the-Beaten-Path Spot
Most folks have never heard of it, and that’s part of the charm. It’s free, uncrowded, and feels like your own secret garden tucked into the Grand Strand’s northern edge.
Highlights
Scenic Boardwalks: Wooden walkways over creeks and marshes, perfect for peaceful walks.
Birdwatching: Spot egrets, herons, and the occasional osprey.
Old Cemeteries: Tiny historic graveyards add a layer of intrigue.
Nature Trails: Easy, shaded paths with spots to sit and soak it all in.
Picnic-Friendly: Pack a lunch and enjoy it under the trees with a water view.
Dog-Friendly: Bring your pup along for the adventure.
3. Rent a Boat and Go to Bird Island
Tucked near the North Carolina border, Bird Island is a quiet, undeveloped barrier island that you can only reach by boat. It’s one of those rare spots where it feels like you’ve got the whole beach to yourself.
Why It’s an Off-the-Beaten-Path Activity
Most visitors don’t make it this far north or think to hop on a boat to explore. But if you rent a small boat or join a local tour, you’ll be cruising into a whole different vibe. Southern Shores Cruises is a top-rated provider that runs trips to Bird Island and other fun water adventures around Myrtle Beach.
Highlights
Untouched Beaches: No buildings, no crowds, just soft sand and sea oats.
The Kindred Spirit Mailbox: Leave a note or read what others have shared in this iconic, anonymously kept mailbox.
Wildlife Watching: Look out for dolphins, sea turtles, and all kinds of shorebirds.
Great for Kayaks Too: Not up for a motorboat? Paddle over instead and enjoy the calm waters.
Sunset Cruise Vibes: Time it right, and the golden hour here is absolutely unreal.
4. Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
Just 20 minutes south of Myrtle Beach, the Marsh Walk is a laid-back boardwalk that hugs the edge of a quiet saltwater estuary. It's the perfect mix of local flavor, waterfront views, and small-town charm.
Why It's an Off-the-Beaten-Path Spot
The town of Murrells Inlet is a hidden gem in itself. A day trip to explore its dining scene and coastal attractions is totally worth it. It’s less flashy, more local, and packed with fun things to do.
Highlights
Fresh Seafood Spots: Grab a table at a dockside restaurant and dig into shrimp and grits, oysters, or the day’s catch.
Water Views All Around: The boardwalk winds past fishing boats, marsh grasses, and open water.
Live Music and Cold Drinks: Many spots have outdoor patios with live bands and breezy vibes.
Family-Friendly and Walkable: Easy to explore with kids, a stroller, or just a drink in hand.
Easy Access to Boat Tours: Book a dolphin cruise, fishing charter, or kayak trip right from the marina.
5. La Belle Amie Winery & Vineyard
Just a short drive inland from North Myrtle Beach, La Belle Amie Vineyard is a family-owned winery tucked among beautiful pines. It’s a peaceful, charming spot that makes a perfect outing for wine lovers vacationing in Myrtle Beach.
Why It's an Off-the-Beaten-Path Spot
This isn’t your typical beach town activity, so a lot of people don’t realize there’s a chance to enjoy wine tasting while visiting the Grand Strand. Part tasting room, part live music hangout, it offers a different experience from the usual Myrtle Beach scene.
Highlights
Wine Tastings: Sample Southern-style wines made right on the property.
Live Music Events: Chill under the trees with a glass in hand while local bands play.
Scenic Setting: Rolling vines, big shade trees, and a front porch built for slow afternoons.
Frequent Festivals: Seasonal events with food trucks, music, and dancing on the lawn.
6. Hop on Adventures Brewery Tours
This one is for the beer enthusiasts! Want to sip your way through the Grand Strand’s craft beer scene without the hassle of driving? Hop On Adventures has you covered with brewery tours that are fun, social, and packed with local flavor.
Why It's an Off-the-Beaten-Path Activity
Like wineries, Myrtle Beach isn’t usually known for its breweries. I took this tour once, and it completely changed my mind. It’s a great way to discover and explore smaller, local breweries. The best of it all? You have someone else handling the planning and the driving.
Highlights
Multiple Breweries in One Trip: Hit 3–4 local spots in one fun afternoon.
Behind-the-Scenes Access: Learn how the beer gets made, meet the brewers, and taste the good stuff fresh.
Great for Groups: Perfect outing for couples, friends, or bachelorette/bachelor crews.
Local Flavor: Taste craft brews that range from light and citrusy to dark and bold, many of them unique to the area.
Fun Guides: Hosts keep things light and lively with trivia, stories, and beer recommendations.
7. Catch a Show at the GTS Theater
GTS Theatre serves up intimate, high-energy shows with a ton of heart. This family-friendly, cabaret-style venue has a charming 1920s flair and features a unique lineup of performances. With fewer seats and a front-row feel no matter where you sit, the experience is more personal. If you're into culture, this spot is an absolute must!
Why It's an Off-the-Beaten-Path Spot
I'm honestly surprised GTS Theatre doesn’t show up more often in Myrtle Beach guides and recommendations, considering the quality of its shows. I guess that’s exactly why so many visitors miss it.
Highlights
Motown Tribute Show: A crowd favorite packed with soul, energy, and smooth dance moves.
Elton John Tribute Show: A spot-on performance that’ll have you thinking the Rocket Man himself just took the stage.
Comedy and Variety Acts: Smaller shows with big laughs and audience interaction.
BYOB Friendly: Bring your favorite drink and settle in for the show.
Local Vibe: Run by passionate folks who love putting on a good time.
8. Frank's Restaurant in Pawleys island
Frank’s is a local favorite that mixes Lowcountry charm with seriously good food. It’s classy without being stuffy, and absolutely worth the drive from Myrtle Beach.
Why It's an Off-the-Beaten-Path Spot
Beyond the fact that most visitors don’t make it this far south, from the road it might look like just another local spot, but don’t let that fool you. Step inside and you’ll find a hidden world of garden patios, trickling water features, and cozy fireplaces. It’s seriously stunning.
Pro tip: ask to sit in the “way back” for the full magic.
Highlights
Two Dining Experiences: Choose between Frank’s (fine dining) or Frank’s Outback (laid-back garden patio).
Creative Southern Cuisine: Think shrimp and grits, crab-stuffed grouper, and perfectly seared steaks.
Lush Outdoor Setting: Twinkle lights, trees, and fire pits make the Outback patio magical.
Award-Winning Wine List: Great pairings and helpful staff to guide you.
Romantic Yet Relaxed: Ideal for a date night or a special group dinner.
Bonus: 5 Off-the-Radar Beach Access Spots Around the Grand Strand
Litchfield Beach: Nestled between busier beach towns, Litchfield feels like a quiet little escape. It’s mostly residential, so the vibe is super chill. It's perfect for long barefoot walks, collecting shells, and enjoying the soft, easy surf.
Garden City Point: Way down at the far end of Garden City Beach, past the jetties, there’s a stretch you can only reach on foot. It’s narrow, wild, and peaceful. This is a great spot for bird watching, casting a line, or just soaking up the views of the inlet without a soul in sight.
Sandy Island: To get here, you’ll need a boat, but it’s totally worth the trip. Sandy Island is a unique spot, home to a small Gullah community and surrounded by untouched marshland and sandy shores. It feels like another world in the best way.
Cherry Grove Point: No roads lead all the way here, so it stays quiet and untouched. Where the inlet meets the ocean, you’ll find tidal pools, shifting dunes, and some of the best sunset views around.
Beach Drive (Myrtle Beach): Running just behind the oceanfront, this residential street is like stepping back in time. It’s away from the big resorts, with laid-back beach accesses and that old-school Myrtle Beach charm. Plenty of space to stretch out and relax.
Experience Myrtle Beach Like Never Before!
Soak up the best of coastal living with a stay in one of our stellar vacation rentals. From beach houses to condos, all of our properties are nestled along the Grand Strand including Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach and North Myrtle Beach, just a short drive from top attractions.
At Luxury Beach Rentals, we offer a well-curated collection of top-tier stays to help you find that perfect home away from home for a vacation you’ll be talking about long after the suntan fades.
Posted in Things to Do # Local Tips
