Overview
The Beach
Ahh, the Grand Strand. So named by a newspaperman of the 1940s, the name has stuck, and it describes some 60 miles of wide, safe, beautiful, sandy beaches. With all there is to do along the Grand Strand, visitors regularly report that the #1 reason they visit Myrtle Beach is for the beach itself. With more than 14 million visitors coming annually, it’s a good thing Myrtle Beach beaches remain friendly and safe, clean and inviting. Early-morning beach walkers enjoy year-round quiet times as the sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean, and late-night strollers, flashlights in hand, marvel at the spectacular moonrises and the haunting effect of a nighttime visit. Mid-day, especially in the summer months, the beach takes on a new energy while families and singles, young and old, relish in America’s favorite pastime. Here’s a look at some of our favorite things to do on the beach in the Myrtle Beach area:

Beach Games
Little has changed since visitors first began to vacation at the beach. The bathing suits have become a bit more revealing, but fun in the sun has always meant playtime. Frisbee, Volleyball, Bocce Ball, and playing catch with a football or baseball remain tops in beach gaming, but a few new kids on the block may be here to stay: Ladderball, Frisbee Golf, Cornhole and new favorites show up each summer. Enjoy!

Bodyboarding/Surfing
Catch a wave and you’re sitting on top of the world!” The Beach Boys first sang that line in the 1960s as America’s surfing craze kicked into high gear. No surfboard? No problem. You can get much the same experience by grabbing a bodyboard at the closest beachwear store for $5-10 and good swimmers can even master the art of body surfing — using your body to surf the front of a wave. Myrtle Beach’s waves can be perfect for beginners or daredevils.

Building a Sandcastle
Large or small, simple or complex, few activities can surpass the simple joy of building a sandcastle in Myrtle Beach. Though the art of building sandcastles is often lost on adults, occasionally some big kid,” will be seen working on a monster. Professional sandcastle builders visit the Grand Strand for competitions and amaze with artistic and engineering skills. Try building one yourself, you know you want to, and it’s free!

Shelling
Beachcombers have long scoured the sand for that one perfect shell, but along the Grand Strand it can be tricky; it’s all in timing. Go early before all the best shells are gone, and at low tide you’ll have more sand to sift through. After storms and during full moons, when tides are stronger, the shelling may be better. Keep your eye peeled for the not so rare, but hard to spot, shark’s teeth. Check out this guide for shells you can find in Myrtle Beach!

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More Things To Do
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Check out these related entries from our 102 Things To Do in Myrtle Beach guide:

01. The Beach
Ahh, the Grand Strand. So named by a newspaperman of the 1940s, the name has stuck, and it describes some 60 miles of wide, safe, beautiful, sandy beaches. With all there is to do along the Grand Strand, visitors regularly report that the #1 reason the …
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27. Parks and Playgrounds in Myrtle Beach
Come enjoy the best parks and playgrounds in Myrtle Beach with your family, at destinations chosen and rated by our local experts—plan your visit to the parks, playgrounds, and more with MyrtleBeach.com. Sprawling outdoor spaces in Myrtle Beach p …
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34. The Best Zip Lines in Myrtle Beach
Come check out the best zip lines in Myrtle Beach for your family to enjoy, as chosen and rated by our local experts, and get ready for an exhilarating vacation. If soaring through the air from 50 or more feet isn’t thrilling enough, the beautifu …
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56. Best Karaoke Bars in Myrtle Beach
Visiting Myrtle Beach karaoke bars as a singer or spectator tops the list of ways to let loose, forget your worries, and have a blast while on vacation. Grab the mic and choose a song at any karaoke bar in Myrtle Beach karaoke to join in the party and …
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05. Kayaking
With a sturdy, unsinkable Kayak you have the choice to experience the wildlife and relaxation of the marsh, creeks, and rivers of the South Carolina Lowcountry, or get your blood pumping with the adrenaline-filled rush of navigating the breakers in the …
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30. Haunted Houses & Attractions
Who doesn’t like a little spooktacular scare once in a while? Vacationers to the Grand Strand flock to our interactive haunted houses and spook zones in large numbers all year long. These brave souls are seemingly eager to test their courage in the f …
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26. Gardens
Amid all the hustle and bustle of the Grand Strand, there are a few places where you can truly relax, away from the crowds, away from the neon, and indulge yourself in nature. These rare and special places are on extreme ends of the Grand Strand; one, …
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63. Broadway at the Beach
A hotspot among Myrtle Beach visitors, Broadway at the Beach offers a mix of shopping, dining and entertainment in the heart of Myrtle Beach. From specialty shops and eateries to speed-boat rides and ziplines, Broadway at the Beach truly has something …
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18. Golf
The modern-day game of golf has its origins in 15th century Scotland. A game of both physical precision and mental toughness, golf is one of the most challenging and popular recreational pastimes. The Grand Strand area, with its favorable weather and g …
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72. Beachwear Stores
Visit the beachwear stores throughout Myrtle Beach to enjoy one-stop shopping for souvenirs, plus clothing, toys, and gear for enjoying the surf and sand. Whether you’re trying to embrace the local culture and dress the part, or you left somethin …
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12. Camping
Ahh, the great outdoors. Don’t let your daytrips to the beach and a little mini golf be the only time you spend outside while visiting the Grand Strand. Consider the joys and family bonding of camping at the many fine parks or Myrtle Beach campground …
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50. Movie Theaters
Movie theaters in Myrtle Beach are ideal for date nights or for parents who want to relax in the cool air-conditioning while kids stay quiet and entertained. Plus, seeing movies is a fun Read more