Things To Do
Terry’s Top 10: Things to do with friends and family in Myrtle Beach

No trip to Myrtle Beach would be complete without a trip to the Gay Dolphin, the king of beachwear stores and souvenir shops! Such places may seem pointless to locals (What Myrtle Beach resident wants to wear a Myrtle Beach t-shirt?) but visitors eat it up for the cheap keepsakes and gifts for those back home.

It’s an all-day trip, but there’s no other place on the planet like Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park. You can take folks to the beach for some fun in the sun then cross Highway 17 to some of the prettiest plants and sculptures ever assembled. And when the long day is done, there’s fresh seafood nearby.

That brings us to Murrells Inlet, the Seafood Capital of South Carolina, and the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk, the most fun half-mile on the Strand. Your guests can stroll down the boardwalk and check out the fishing boats and sunset then slide into the many bars and restaurants for live music and fresh seafood under the live oaks and stars.

Locals take for granted that there’s a miniature golf course on every corner, but visitors are blown away by the putt-putt choices on the Strand. From volcanoes to pirate ships and waterfalls to dinosaurs, the courses are open and waiting for some fun with friends and family who will get a kick out of hitting the ball in the clown’s mouth.

Some visitors are surprised to come across Myrtle’s Market, the fresh fruit and veggie stand downtown, in a beach area. Yes, we have fresh produce too and it’s a great place to grab some goodies while you’re on vacation. You’re only here for a week anyway so grab some fresh melons and cantelope to cut up for the beach.

Visitors love coming to the beach, but few ever go the extra mile to journey out into the ocean. Take your friends and family to one of several deep-sea fishing outfits or casual cruises to get offshore and truly experience life at sea. Whether it’s a gambling boat or a fishing trip, the ride out to sea is worth the price of admission to landlubbers.

Many locals get burned out on Broadway at the Beach, but that’s because they’ve seen it so many times. But with all the shopping, bars, restaurants and attractions all in one place, it’s the perfect places to carry a group with varying interests. Visitors eat it up with a spoon because there’s something for everyone … and lots of it.

It drives me crazy that so many people come to the beach for fresh seafood and where do they go? Red Lobster or some other chain that’s all over America. Hey, Gomer, you’re eating the same piece of fish you could have had in Peoria or any other Walmart-sized city. That’s why I take guests to some of the hidden treasures on the Strand, like Mr. Fish in Myrtle Beach. That’s real seafood you can’t get back home.

Why are loved ones the only ones who get to enjoy a vacation? You deserve a break too, so why not take them on a day trip that will also let you get a change of scenery. Places like historic Charleston and Wilmington and resort areas like Bald Head Island and Hilton Head are only a short drive away so everyone, hosts included, can feel like they’re on vacation.

This sounds obvious, but it’s sad but true. A lot of people come to Myrtle but never see the Beach. Pack a picnic basket full of goodies and a cooler filled with cold drinks and spend a day, night or both relaxing on the beach and enjoying one another’s company. It’s our biggest attraction but sharing it with out-of-towners will keep you from taking it for granted.