Overview
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
Few oceanfront sights are as well-loved as a Boardwalk teeming with families, food, 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.
Since May 2010, the Boardwalk and Promenade has been that iconic spot for Myrtle Beach. The award-winning Boardwalk stretches from just south of 2nd Avenue Pier to just north of the 14th Ave Pier. Along the 1.2-mile oceanfront boardwalk are hotels, attractions, shops and food.
The Myrtle Beach Skywheel is a highlight of the boardwalk, reaching nearly 200 feet into the air and offering panoramic views of Myrtle Beach. The Skywheel recently added sunrise flights where early birds are rewarded for their up-and-at-’em attitude with breathtaking views. Night owls will enjoy the nightly light show as the wheel illuminates the Boardwalk, often honoring a cause or even a gender reveal with its LED lights.
Hungry visitors will love the food and views from Wicked Tuna at Second Avenue Pier. The oceanfront eatery is known for seafood and sushi but offers plenty of “land” food options as well. Enjoy a cold cocktail with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Boardwalk.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk offers family-friendly entertainment throughout the year, including a New Year’s Eve bash, summer concerts and street performers, and more. In 2022, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is getting a face-lift as, section by section, boards are replaced with more durable materials.
Around the Boardwalk
Visitors looking for a thrill can stop by Myrtle Beach Thrill Rides across from the Boardwalk on the Boulevard. Thrill Ride Park features the Myrtle Beach Slingshot, which launches riders up to 300 feet into the air at 100 mph; the Skyscraper, which spins riders 170 feet in the air at speeds up to 60 miles per hour; and the Air Strike, which spins riders up to 62 miles per hour.
Several Ripley’s attractions are located on Ocean Boulevard just across from the Boardwalk. The Believe It or Not Museum is a celebration of all things bizarre with tons of eye-popping exhibits and illusions. Ripley’s 5D Movie Theater and Ripley’s Haunted Adventure are also located on the Boulevard.
Places to Eat
When the new Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade were announced, many of the existing businesses, 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.
Myrtle Beach Skywheel
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.
More Info Visit Website
Gay Dolphin Gift Cove
If you can’t find it on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, you don’t need it! Besides dozens of restaurants, you’ll find souvenir 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!
More Info Visit Website
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odd-itorium
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odd-itorium is a family-friendly museum that is home to tons of cool oddities from around the world, ranging from shrunken heads and a 6-legged cow to scale models of the world’s tallest and shortest humans. This Boardwalk attraction is worth checking out while you’re in Myrtle Beach!
More Info Visit Website
Ripley’s Haunted Adventure
Get your adrenaline pumping at Ripley’s Haunted Adventure in downtown Myrtle Beach! This fun attraction is currently Ripley’s Haunted Adventure – Laser Strike, where guests must get suited up and take down zombies which have infested the building. Each guest will receive a laser gun to help them make it out alive. This attraction is for ages 8 and up.
More Info Visit Website
Ripley’s Moving Theater
Ripley’s Moving Theater provides visitors with an unforgettable 5-D virtual reality experience with a state-of-the-art Motion Master system! Sit down, strap into your seat, and get ready for an adventure at this unique movie theater!
More Info Visit Website
Fun Plaza Arcade
If you’re strolling along the Boardwalk and find yourself looking for some games to play, look no further than the Fun Plaza Arcade! This family-friendly arcade features a variety of new and old-school arcade games that are great for all ages. Win some tickets and turn them in for a cool prize from the prize booth!
More Info
Myrtle Beach Thrill Rides
Myrtle Beach Thrill Rides is home to the SlingShot, located across from the iconic SkyWheel. Along with this scary ride, Myrtle Beach Thrill Rides also boasts The Skyscraper, The Air Strike, The Shooting Star, the Sun Dance, and the Sky Bounce.
More InfoMore Things To Do
You Might Also Enjoy...
Check out these related entries from our 102 Things To Do in Myrtle Beach guide:
11. Take a Day Trip to Charleston
Myrtle Beach is a popular year-round beach destination with plenty to see and do. Most visitors stick close to their hotel and explore within the 60 miles of coastline known as the Grand Strand. For those who want to venture a little further, another u …
Read more
68. Historic Georgetown
The third-oldest city in South Carolina, Georgetown offers a glimpse of the state’s history along with great shopping, dining and scenery. Georgetown is located halfway between Myrtle Beach and Charleston along the Sampit River. The city embraces the …
Read more
73. Golf Stores
Known as the Golf Capital of the U.S., Myrtle Beach is home to more than 100 golf courses. It’s no surprise that USA Today Travel readers named Myrtle Beach the top golf destination for 2014. Golfers can do more than hit the links when they’re in t …
Read more
62. Barefoot Landing
Barefoot Landing is a huge shopping, dining and entertainment complex located in North Myrtle Beach. The area is filled with things to do and is home to a pair of the top entertainment venues in Myrtle Beach. There’s the House of Blues, a large l …
Read more
16. Bowling
A classic diversion for both young and old, bowling has long been part of American culture. With a number of bowling alleys in the area, the Grand Strand offers families, friends and couples a wide variety of bowling and entertainment options. Everythi …
Read more
04. Jet Ski Rentals
Since the first Jet Skis rolled off the assembly lines in the late 1960s and into America’s lakes, rivers and oceans, watersports got a whole lot more fun. Like motorcycles on the water, jet skis, also called PWC (Personal Water Craft), are fast, fun …
Read more
29. Arcades
As old as seaside vacations themselves, arcades, originally called “penny arcades,” have a long-standing tradition of entertaining crowds of all ages. Along the Grand Strand you’ll find games of chance, games of skill, and the unique sights and s …
Read more
49. Comedy Clubs & Shows
Stand-up comedy is funny on television, but being there is a completely different experience. And there aren’t many better ways to relax at night than checking out a few comedians at a Myrtle Beach comedy club — you’ll completely forget t …
Read more
02. Parasailing
“Fly through the air with the greatest of ease!” Myrtle Beach parasailing captains have made it easy to soar like a bird. And on a beautiful Grand Strand day, the views are out of this world! Let area boat captains and crews launch you slowly, and …
Read more
71. Candy Shops
Sometimes life at the beach just isn’t sweet enough — you need a sugar kick that can only come from candy! Luckily candy stores are becoming more and more popular, and they’re popping up all over town. When your sweet tooth starts aching, check o …
Read more
09. Boat Cruises
With the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west, the numerous boat tours in Myrtle Beach provide a range of entertainment and sightseeing alternatives. From quiet Waterway dinner cruises to exciting casino boat experience …
Read more
69. Flea Markets
Bargain hunters and collectors know that there are treasures to be found at flea markets. The main perk of flea market shopping is the variety — hundreds of vendors gather in one place selling a wide array of wares. Whether you’re looking to buy or …
Read more
