Ask a Local Series – Top 5 Attractions NOT to miss

Sunrise over the Ocean

There’s so much to do in Myrtle Beach.

That’s part of what makes it such a popular attraction this time of year. The beach is a huge draw, of course. Fun in the sun never seems to go out of style. Or season. But it’s only part of the allure that brings people back year after year, one generation to the next.

There are certain spots here, though, that you shouldn’t pass up. That’s according to locals. Who better to trust than the people who live here? These Top 5 Attractions NOT to Miss are the spots tourists and residents flock back to over and over.

Check them out.

The Beach

Let’s start with the obvious one: Myrtle Beach! Not all beaches are created equal. You can see a sunrise at most beaches on the East Coast, but there’s something about a Myrtle Beach sunrise. We take good care of the beach here, and it’s the ultimate way to get your steps in.

The Coast RTA Header

Pro tip: Buy a bus pass. The Coast RTA has 10 local routes that hit the big attractions. Save on parking and get driven around instead!

Broadway at the Beach

Food, drinks, attractions and entertainment. Come for lunch, pick up some souvenirs, check out The Simpsons in 4D, and stick around for dinner. Night or day, there’s something to see, and special events, too. It’s a great place to take a walk without sand in your shoes.

Pro tip: For the best view of the place, try a zipline adventure. It’s an affordable option for the thrill-seeker in all of us.

Brookgreen Gardens

It’s where natural beauty and exquisite sculpture converse for a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s hard to believe some consider this a hidden gem in the area. It’s 9,100 acres of gardens with 400 statues all over the grounds. All with oak trees dating at least 200 years. Breathtaking.

Pro tip: Especially your first visit, it’s impossible to see it all! Take it in with a tour guide. They know the history and facts about this incredible place that you’ll always remember.

Myrtle Beach State Park for the Day

You could spend a day here. It’s miles of forest on the Atlantic Ocean, with easy beach access, bath houses, and a friendly park staff. Bike or hike your way around or even take it in by horseback. Tour guides are available; watches are optional. Great place for an escape!

Pro tip: Visit Huntington State Park the same day, if you choose. It’s less than a 30-minute car ride, and the admission you pay at Myrtle Beach State Park gets you in for free.

Trip to the Marsh Walk – dinner, shopping, boat excursion

Down the coast from Myrtle is Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk. It’s home to live music and quaint restaurants along a waterfront boardwalk. The seafood is spectacular. Other dining delivers delicious options such as burgers, steaks and salads on the waterfront.

This historic fishing village boasts tales of European settlers and  indigenous people. It’s also where the famous pirate Blackbeard visited, according to legend. Today, it also hosts an array of shopping options.

Pro tip: If you think the views are stunning from the boardwalk, try a boat excursion. Book a spot on a fishing charter, an Inlet tour or dolphin watch expedition.

Comb the shore for shells, take in shopping and shows or dinner on a patio at sunset. You can have it all at Myrtle Beach. Take it from the locals – these are the spots to fit on your itinerary this spring – and every season.