Myrtle Beach Leisure

Visitors to Myrtle Beach will not be short of leisure and sporting opportunities, with its coastal location ensuring an abundance of beachside activities and water sports. Fishing ranks highly here, while most tourists are also content to take some time out from the frenetic tourist hotspots and indulge in some nature-spotting and hiking, with some fantastic state parks close at hand.

Fishing

Fishing is big business at Myrtle Beach and in surrounding areas, with favourite spots including Cherry Grove Fishing Pier. Here you can dip your rod into the Atlantic and fish for tiger sharks, with the pier famously being the site where the biggest tiger shark ever was caught. Myrtle Beach State Park Pier is another popular fishing haven, where fishermen gather to enjoy the scenic surroundings and birdlife while they wait for a catch.

Wildlife-spotting

In an area that is renown for its abundant wildlife, it is no surprise that nature lovers flock here to indulge in wildlife-spotting. Barefoot Landing is home to the biggest reptile park in the world, where you can see everything from tortoises, exotic birds, komodo dragons, snakes and frogs. Meanwhile, jeep safari tours are available, giving visitors a chance to get informed about the local nature and see the nearby salt mashes and plantation’s wildlife up close.

Parks and gardens

If the frenetic pace of Myrtle Beach and its fun-filled atmosphere overwhelms you, take time out and head for the local parks and gardens for some well-earned relaxation time. Brookgreen Gardens on Pawleys Island was a former rice and indigo plantation, now converted into a sculpture park and landscaped gardens, while Huntington Beach State Park at Murrells Inlet includes the best-kept beach on the Grand Strand’s 60-mile long coastline. Myrtle Beach State Park is another popular nature reserve, offering camping, a nature centre and some nice hiking trails.

Shopping

Myrtle Beach offers excellent shopping facilities for holidaymakers, with the large complex known as Barefoot Landing being one of the most visited shopping hotspots among visitors. Here you will find over 100 outlets set in a picturesque boardwalk setting. Broadway at the Beach also offers a good selection, with everything from children’s wear and sporting good available alongside various entertainment venues. Coastal Grand Mall and Colonial Mall offer indoor, air-conditioned alternatives for those who like to find everything on their shopping list under one roof.