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!
More Things To Do
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Check out these related entries from our 102 Things To Do in Myrtle Beach guide:
12. Exploring State Parks
Some Myrtle Beach visitors — and even many locals — never make it to our two State Parks. There are plenty of distractions here at the beach, no denying. But those who don’t visit are missing out on two of the jewels of our region, both offering ver …
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67. Downtown Conway
Just miles away from the beach is a whole different world in the historic city of Conway. The city is full of history and Southern charm with lots of shops and restaurants for visitors to check out. Most Myrtle Beach visitors see Conway as a town to pass …
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72. Beachwear Stores
The sun and sand are free, but you need some supplies before you hit the beach. The beach stores dotting corners and roads throughout the Grand Strand have become just as much a part of the vacation experience as the ocean itself. Whether you’re looking …
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75. Tattoos & Piercings
Gift shops are great, but maybe you’re looking for a more permanent memento of your trip to Myrtle beach. Limited by law to a small strip off the beaten path in Myrtle Beach, most area tattoo parlors call Seaboard Street home. Anyone wanting a tattoo or …
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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. Everything …
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05. 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, a …
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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 soun …
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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 the …
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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 saf …
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52. Go-Karts
Take a break from the water and test your need for speed on land at a fun go-kart attraction! Those brave enough to take on the cool watersports on our list of 102 Things to Do will also love the feeling of salt air whipping through their hair as they tak …
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10. 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 experiences, …
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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 Ma …
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