25. Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
Few oceanfront sights are as well loved as a Boardwalk teaming with families, cotton candy, hot dogs, and amusement park rides.
Nothing says “summer” quite like a visit to an iconic seaside boardwalk; in fact, great songs have been written in its honor. For many years, Myrtle Beach’s boardwalk was not up to the standards a world-class vacation destination such as Myrtle Beach deserved. All that changed in 2008 when the city of Myrtle Beach announced plans to develop what is now more than a mile of
For many years, Myrtle Beach’s boardwalk was not up to the standards a world-class vacation destination such as Myrtle Beach deserved. All that changed in 2008 when the city of Myrtle Beach announced plans to develop what is now more than a mile of oceanfront boardwalk.
In May, 2010, the Boardwalk and Promenade opened to great public fanfare. It was again expanded northward in 2013, and is part of an ongoing revitalization of the downtown Myrtle beach oceanfront.
The award-winning Boardwalk stretches from just south of 2nd Avenue Pier to just north of the 14th Ave Pier.
When the new Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade was announced, many of the existing business, some on the oceanfront for a half century, announced plans to upgrade. Many more took vacant or failing oceanfront locations and opened brand new restaurants and snack shops. Strolling down the Boardwalk without an ice cream cone, hot dog, slice of pizza, fish sandwich, or a cold soda pop is almost unthinkable.
Dominating the skyline in downtown Myrtle Beach since 2011, the 187-foot tall SkyWheel, was, at the time of its completion, the second tallest observation Ferris Wheel in the United States. Visible for miles, especially at night with its elaborate light show, the SkyWheel places riders, up to six at a time, in climate-controlled glass pods, called gondolas,” for a slow, spectacular, spin over the Boardwalk on the oceanfront.
If you can’t find it on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, you don’t need it! Besides dozens of restaurants, you’ll find souvenier shops, beachwear stores and more, all conveniently located somewhere along the 1.2-mile Boardwalk. The undisputed heart & soul of Boardwalk stores is the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove, family owned and operated at the same location since 1946. Don’t miss it!
The SkyWheel holds command over the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk as the dominant amusement ride, but just across Ocean Boulevard, the Slingshot sits waiting for the truly adventurous. Other amusements on or near the Boardwalk include: Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum, Ripley’s 5-D Moving Theater, and Ripley’s Haunted Adventure.
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