Overview
Thrill Rides
The handful of thrill rides around the Grand Strand are not for the faint of heart, or for those who faint. They’re for a special breed of people — adrenaline junkies, risk-takers, those out to push the limits of things. Whether you want to zoom through the sky, go way up into the air in a small glass box, or ride an old-school rollercoaster than feels like it could come of the tracks at any moment (it won’t), Myrtle Beach has the perfect thing for the thrill-seekers among us. To be clear, these rides cheat death. For some people, life is scary enough as it is and their feet are most comfortable on the ground. But for those who are willing to take the risk, the rewards can make for memories that last a lifetime.
Slingshot Myrtle Beach
Riders go up in pairs on this vertical journey into the air. Strap in, hang on, and prepare to be vaulted 300 feet into the air at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour before coming down and going back up like a bouncy ball. The Slingshot is also sort of controllable, so a team effort can spin the ride around in mid-air, adding to the dizzying effect. And there’s a camera mounted to the ride that shows the people back on Earth the priceless expressions on riders’ faces.
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The Skyscraper
Not your ordinary adrenaline-ride, this giant two-ended propeller takes people around and around and upside down, reaching heights of 160 feet and speeds of 55 miles per hour. Like the Slingshot, a camera is attached to the propeller to capture the whole two minutes on video, which is available for purchase afterward.
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The Swamp Fox at Family Kingdom
This old wooden roller coaster (one of only four in the state) is so famous that it has its own Wikipedia page. Built in 1966, The Swamp Fox is a rougher ride than the coasters currently being built, a 2,400-foot figure-eight-style track that takes riders up and down while reaching speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. Here’s a bit of local knowledge – the track gets faster at night as the old parts loosen up.
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The SkyWheel
This new addition to the skyline is quickly becoming a Myrtle Beach landmark. At 187 feet, this mammoth Ferris Wheel is one of the tallest in the country (third, as of early 2015). Riders will not reach the speeds that they would on the other thrill rides, but this spin is more about the views from inside the glass-windowed gondolas as it ascends and descends in front of the ocean.
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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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