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:
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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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. Everythi …
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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 …
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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 s …
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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 t …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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