Things to do in Myrtle Beach

With the town ranking as one of South Carolina’s premier beach resorts, visitors will find that Myrtle Beach’s attractions are in line with its status as a tourist heaven. Glitzy man-made attractions combined with endless leisure activities and miles of golden beaches are the town’s main appeal, while the quieter suburbs offer a slower pace of life away from the frenetic nightlife at North Myrtle Beach.

IMAX Discovery Theater

Come and get blown away by this stunning theatre and screenings of adrenalin-pumping flights and journeys through scenic wonders. All seats offer equally good views of the screen, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the adventure. The films that are shown change frequently, making it possible to come back more than once. Phone: +1 843 448 4629.

Myrtle Waves Water Park

If the Southern heat gets to you, why not head for this cooling retreat-cum-adventure park. Expect hair-raising slides including the 10-storey Turbo-Twister, a wave pool and lazy river. While the park is a big winner among kids, adults will equally enjoy chilling out while their young ones are minded by the on-site life guards. Phone: +1 843 448 1026.

NASCAR SpeedPark

Whether its racing, arcades, miniature golf or rock climbing you’re looking for, this 26 acre park has it all. Largely appealing to families and adventure fiends, the racing tracks here allow you to compete against friends and family, with courses open to all levels of ability, from beginners to experts. Phone: +1 843 918 8725.

Pavilion Amusement Park

This action-packed adventure park offers rides that are suitable for all generations, so whether you’re keen to take a ride on the 110-foot high rollercoaster or you just want to relax on the carousel, there will be something for you at Pavilion Amusement Park. To complement the thrilling selection of rides are dozens of food stalls, meaning that you can spend the day without ever having to go far to satisfy your hunger. Phone: +1 843 448 6456.

Ripleys attractions

Myrtle Beach boasts two Ripley’s attractions, both of which are hugely popular among visitors. Ripley’s Aquarium offers people of all generations the chance to get up close with creatures of the deep, with the walk-through tunnel offering terrifying glimpses of sharks. Perhaps more heart-stopping is the Ripley’s Motion Moving Theater, where you can experience 3D films that will leave you feeling dizzy. Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum Phone: +1 800 734 8888 (Ripley’s Aquarium); +1 843 626 0069 (Ripley’s Motion Moving Theater); +1 843 448 2261 (Ripley’s Believe It or Not).

Hampton Plantation

This State Historic Site is not to be missed by anyone with an interest in the South’s turbulent history. Built when slavery was thriving in the Southern states, this rice plantation is a Georgian-style manor, set amid lovely gardens and oak trees. Tours of the house are available, and provide a history of the plantation as well as Low Country rice culture. Phone: +1 843 546 9361.

Childrens Museum of South Carolina

Those visiting Myrtle Beach with children would do well to stop off at this educational museum, designed especially for children. Exploring the world we live in with fun and interactive exhibits and hands-on features, children have the opportunity to learn more about the world we live in. Phone: +1 843 946 9469.

South Carolina Hall of Fame

Here visitors can see the characters that have had the most impact on the history, heritage and development of Myrtle Beach. Including not only those who were born here, but also those who adopted Myrtle Beach as their home, the hall features exhibits on painter Jasper Johns, President Andrew Jackson, jazz musician Dizzy Gillespie and Senator J. Strom Thurmond. Phone: +1 843 918 1225 (ext. 1252).

Museums

Primarily a holiday beach resort, Myrtle Beach is not primarily known for its museums. Those museums that do dot the cityscape tend to be of the fun-filled variety such as the Ripley’s attractions on offer and the Myrtle Beach National Wax Museum (tel: +1 843 448 9921), with its celebrities and historical figures. Those willing to search a bit harder will find a small but exciting collection of art galleries including: Mills Studio Gallery (tel: +1 843 213 0770), where Charlie Mills exhibits his famous portraits of religious guru Meher Baba; and the Franklin G Burroughs, Simeon B Chapin Art Museum (tel: +1 843 238 2510), which is a public gallery displaying a permanent collection alongside frequently changing exhibits.