Best Summer Things to Do Along the Myrtle Beach Grand Strand

Stretching roughly 60 miles along the South Carolina coast, the Grand Strand runs from Little River near the North Carolina border down through Myrtle Beach to Pawleys Island. This stretch includes classic beach towns, world-class golf, vibrant entertainment districts, and quiet marshes and inlets perfect for nature lovers.

Myrtle Beach remains one of the top summer hot spots in the United States, regularly welcoming more than 17 million visitors annually. Tripadvisor's 2025 Summer Travel Index even ranked Myrtle Beach as the top U.S. beach destination for summer travel and the No. 3 overall U.S. city for summer trips. With that kind of demand, you'll find endless activities—from sunrise walks on the sand to late-night live music under the stars. 

  

Hit the Beach: Sand, Surf, and Sun

Spending time on the sand is the heart of any Grand Strand summer vacation, and every town offers its own unique beach vibe.​

 

Classic Oceanfront Beach Days

Bring your beach chair, umbrella, and cooler, then settle in for:

• Swimming and body surfing in the Atlantic  
• Shell hunting and sunrise strolls
• Sandcastle building with the kids 
• Reading and napping in the sea breeze  

Myrtle Beach State Park offers a more natural stretch of shoreline, with a fishing pier, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and ranger-led programs for families. It's a great choice if you want a quieter, more scenic beach day with easy access to nature trails.

 

Oceanfront Piers and Fishing

Piers are a classic part of the Grand Strand landscape, giving you:

• Elevated ocean views for sunrise and sunset 
• Casual fishing (with rentals often available on-site)
• Small shops and snack bars  

Pair a morning on the pier with an afternoon on the sand, then wrap up with an oceanfront dinner within walking distance.

 

Stroll the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Ride the SkyWheel

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade is a 1.2-mile oceanfront stretch lined with arcades, shops, restaurants, and classic seaside attractions. It's the perfect place for an energetic summer evening—families, couples, and groups all gravitate here once the sun goes down.​

 

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk Highlights

You can easily spend several hours along the Boardwalk:

• Grab ice cream or funnel cakes from a seaside stand  
• Wander through arcades and beach shops 
• Listen to buskers and catch seasonal events and live entertainment in places like Plyler Park​
• Take photos with oceanfront landmarks and murals  

During peak summer, events like "Hot Summer Nights" bring live music, kids' activities, and fireworks to the Boardwalk area, creating a festival-like atmosphere.​

 

Ride the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel

For a bird's-eye view of the coastline, ride the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, a 187-foot-tall observation wheel with glass-enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas. The ride is smooth and family-friendly, making it a favorite for all ages.

Many visitors time their ride for sunset or early evening so they can see the shoreline glow as the lights come on along Ocean Boulevard. It's also a great way to orient yourself at the beginning of your trip, spotting key landmarks along the Grand Strand from above.​

 

Dive into Water Sports and On-the-Water Adventures

If you like your beach days with a side of adrenaline (or a peaceful paddle), the Grand Strand's water activities are a summer highlight.​

High-Energy Water Sports

All along the coast, you'll find outfitters offering:

• Jet skiing 
• Parasailing
• Banana boat rides 
• Boat and pontoon rentals  

Areas like the Grande Dunes Marina and various marinas in North Myrtle Beach are popular launch points for jet ski tours and boat excursions. These trips often take you along the Intracoastal Waterway and out toward the ocean, blending thrills with scenic views.​

 

Calm Paddling and Eco Tours

For a slower pace, head to spots like Murrells Inlet and other marsh-front areas for:

• Paddleboarding on calm waters  
• Kayak tours through salt marsh creeks
• Guided eco tours focused on local wildlife and coastal ecosystems 

Murrells Inlet's calmer water and scenic marsh views create a peaceful setting for paddlers who want scenery and wildlife instead of waves. Guides often point out birds, fish, and plant life as you explore.​

Enjoy Waterparks and Family Kingdom Amusement Park

MYRTLE WAVES and Other Waterparks

Myrtle Waves is one of the best-known area waterparks, featuring more than 30 slides and water attractions. It uses more than 1.2 million gallons of water to power attractions like:​

• Turbo Twisters  
• Riptide Rockets
• Arooba Tooba 
• FlowRider surf experience​  

Other waterparks and splash-focused attractions around the Grand Strand mean you can easily plan a dedicated "water day" away from the beach.​

 

Family Kingdom Amusement Park

Family Kingdom is a seaside amusement park that delivers a blend of retro charm and modern thrills. Highlights include:

• The Swamp Fox wooden roller coaster, a 2,400-foot-long classic ride​  
• Tilt-a-Whirl and other spinning rides
• Log flume water ride 
• Kiddie rides and family-friendly attractions  

The park's oceanfront location means you can hop on rides while still enjoying sea breezes and coastal views. It's a great option for evenings when the temperatures cool down but you still want action.​

Explore Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot Landing, and The Market Common

Beyond the oceanfront, some of the Grand Strand's most popular attractions are large entertainment complexes that combine shopping, dining, and activities in one place.​

BROADWAY AT THE BEACH

Broadway at the Beach is a must-visit, especially for families and groups. Around its central lagoon, you'll find:​

• Big-name attractions like Ripley's Aquarium and WonderWorks​  
• Shops ranging from beachwear to specialty boutiques
• Restaurants, bars, and quick-service eateries 
• Seasonal events, live music, and fireworks shows​  

Ripley's Aquarium regularly updates exhibits and recently added new immersive experiences, making it a fun summer retreat on hot or rainy days.​

 

BAREFOOT LANDING

Set along the Intracoastal Waterway in North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing offers:

• Waterfront boardwalks and scenic views 
• Local and national-brand shops
• Restaurants with outdoor seating and water views 
• Nightly entertainment and seasonal fireworks in summer 

Nearby, Alligator Adventure showcases alligators, reptiles, and other animals, giving kids a memorable wildlife experience just steps away from shops and dining.​

 

The Market Common

The Market Common blends residential neighborhoods with an upscale town-center feel, featuring:

• Tree-lined streets and stylish boutiques  
• Trendy eateries and coffee shops
• Grand Park Athletic Complex and nearby parks with lakes and walking paths​  

It's a great place for an evening stroll, a laid-back meal, or a break from the more touristy areas of the Grand Strand.

Discover Nature: State Parks, Gardens, and Marshwalks

Away from the hustle of the Boardwalk and major attractions, the Grand Strand has a quieter, more natural side.​

 

Myrtle Beach State Park

Located just south of the main Myrtle Beach strip, Myrtle Beach State Park features:

• A long stretch of natural beach  
• Fishing pier with sweeping ocean views
• Picnic shelters and playgrounds 
• Nature trails through maritime forest 
• Ranger-led educational programs for kids and adults  

It's ideal for travelers who want a break from crowds and a closer look at the area's natural beauty.

 

Brookgreen Gardens

South of Myrtle Beach near Murrells Inlet, Brookgreen Gardens combines botanical gardens, sculpture displays, and a lowcountry zoo in a single, expansive property. Visitors can stroll through themed gardens, view American figurative sculpture, and explore the on-site zoo, which highlights native lowcountry animals.​

Summer evenings and special events at Brookgreen often add extra charm with lights, music, and seasonal exhibits.​

Murrells Inlet MarshWalk

The MarshWalk in Murrells Inlet is a wooden boardwalk along the salt marsh lined with restaurants and bars. It's known for:​

• Fresh seafood and waterfront dining  
• Live music in the evenings
• Beautiful marsh and sunset views  

Pair a late-afternoon kayak or paddleboard trip with dinner and live music on the MarshWalk for a classic Grand Strand summer night.​

 

Tee Off: Championship Golf and Mini Golf

The Grand Strand is a golf lover's paradise in summer, with dozens of full-size courses and a staggering number of mini golf layouts.​

Championship Golf Courses

The area is known for its concentration of golf courses that cater to all skill levels, from beginner to low handicap. Many courses incorporate coastal scenery, marsh views, and water features, making a morning round as scenic as it is challenging.​

Summer tee times are popular, so booking ahead—especially for top-name courses—is recommended.​

  

Mini Golf for All Ages

Myrtle Beach is sometimes called the "mini golf capital of the world," with 30-plus miniature golf courses across the Grand Strand. These courses range from pirate-themed to tropical jungles, with waterfalls, caves, and creative obstacles.​

Mini golf is perfect for: 

• Family-friendly evening outings  
• Lighthearted date nights
• A break from the sun during late afternoon  

Many courses stay open after dark with colorful lighting, adding to the fun summer atmosphere.

 

Savor Local Flavors: Seafood, Southern Eats, and Treats

Summer on the Grand Strand tastes like fresh seafood, Lowcountry classics, and every kind of sweet treat you can imagine.​

Fresh Seafood and Lowcountry Cuisine

You'll find everything from casual seafood shacks to upscale waterfront restaurants serving:

• Shrimp and grits 
• Lowcountry boils
• Fried and grilled local fish 
• Calabash-style seafood, known for its light, crispy batter​  

Murrells Inlet, often called the "Seafood Capital of South Carolina," is especially known for its cluster of restaurants along the MarshWalk with views of the marsh and boats.​

 

Oceanfront and Intracoastal Dining

All along the Grand Strand, you can dine with water views—whether it's directly on the ocean or along the Intracoastal Waterway. Many spots feature outdoor decks, live music, and family-friendly menus, making them ideal for laid-back summer evenings.​

 

Sweet Treats and Nighttime Snacks

In true beach-town fashion, you'll also find:

• Ice cream and frozen yogurt shops 
• Candy stores and fudge shops
• Donut stands and bakeries  

An easy evening ritual: after dinner, wander to a local ice cream shop, grab a cone, and stroll the Boardwalk or pier as the sky shifts from pink to deep blue.​

 

Catch Games, Shows, and Live Entertainment

Summer on the Grand Strand isn't just about sun and sand—it's also about shows, sports, and nightlife.​

Myrtle Beach Pelicans Baseball

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, a minor league baseball team, play at Pelicans Ballpark near Broadway at the Beach. A night at the ballpark often includes:​

• Affordable tickets for families  
• Theme nights and promotions
• Fireworks displays on select evenings  

It's a classic summer outing that pairs perfectly with dinner at Broadway at the Beach before or after the game.

Live Shows and Theaters

The Grand Strand is known for its live entertainment venues featuring:

• Music and variety shows 
• Tribute performances
• Family-friendly theater experiences  

Many of these shows run nightly in summer, making them a solid option for non-beach evenings or rainy days.​

Festivals and Summer Events

Seasonal events, from fireworks to music series, pop up throughout the Grand Strand in summer. The area's strong summer tourism season is reflected in hotel and rental occupancy, which averaged around 70 percent in summer 2025, showing how many visitors come for these experiences each year.

 

Practical Tips for a Perfect Grand Strand Summer

A little planning goes a long way in summer, especially during peak travel weeks.

 

Beat the Heat and Crowds

• Hit the beach early for cooler temps and easier parking. 
• Plan indoor attractions like aquariums or shopping for the midday heat.
• Reserve water sports, golf tee times, and popular restaurants in advance.​  

With more than 18 million visitors in recent years and strong summer occupancy, early planning helps you make the most of your time.

 

Mix High-Energy Days with Relaxed Ones

Balance your itinerary with:

• Active days: water sports, amusement parks, mini golf, and shows  
• Relaxed days: beach lounging, state park walks, gardens, and casual waterfront dinners 

This mix keeps everyone energized while still feeling like a vacation, not a race.

 

Explore Beyond the Main Strip

Make time to venture beyond central Myrtle Beach:

• North Myrtle Beach for Barefoot Landing and family-friendly beaches​  
• Murrells Inlet for the MarshWalk and eco tours
• Pawleys Island and Litchfield for a quieter, old-school beach feel​

These side trips reveal just how diverse the Grand Strand really is.

 

Make Your Grand Strand Summer Unforgettable

From record-setting visitor numbers to national rankings as a top summer destination, the Myrtle Beach Grand Strand continues to be one of America's favorite places for warm-weather fun. Whether you're riding the SkyWheel, paddling through marsh creeks, screaming down a water slide, or savoring seafood at sunset, the best summer things to do along the Myrtle Beach Grand Strand create memories that keep visitors coming back year after year. For more tips, local insights, and hand-picked vacation rentals along the Grand Strand, visit Luxury Beach Rentals to start planning your perfect summer getaway.