For most, a perfect vacation requires three simple components: sun, sand, and salt water. Add to the mix fresh culinary entrees, endless outdoor activities, and lively nightlife—and you have Myrtle Beach. But what about those families seeking to do something different? Myrtle Beach offers the perfect solution as the beach is only the beginning here. The town is known for its vast shoreline, year-round sunshine, and relaxed lifestyle. In this post, we’ve rounded up our favorite things to do in Myrtle Beach apart from the highly coveted beach days. Read on to get ideas for your upcoming trip:
Ripley’s Aquarium:
Perhaps your family is a house divided, seeking both electrifying adventure and the beach. Take Ripley’s Aquarium for example. True to Ripley’s reputation, the experiences are thrilling. Start your experience by diving, yes diving, with sharks, and if you’re still up for an adventure, get up close and personal with the stingrays. If that’s a little too much for you, hop on a boat tour that brings you just three inches from the vicious predators, but glass separates you from them, so you’re all safe!
Ripley’s Believe it or Not:
If you don’t consider yourself a daredevil, but still like to see unique experiences, then walk over to Ripley’s Believe it or Not. Lose yourself is visual illusions, see an exhibit of the world’s tallest man, and the list goes on and on. Alternatively, if you want to sit down and take a break from walking, hang on tight in Ripley’s 5D movie theatre as you feel every turn and bump from the motion simulator. If your children are looking for adventure, step inside the arcade, which is brimming with action-packed games in 3,500 square feet of virtual entertainment.
SkyWheel:
For a sincere bird’s eye view of Myrtle Beach, reserve a spot on the SkyWheel, the first observation wheel of its kind in the U.S. At 200 feet above sea level, the SkyWheel soars 20 stories, giving you the optimal perspective of the Grand Strand. All gondolas are climate controlled and open all year long, so make sure to add this to your to-do list in Myrtle Beach.
Family Kingdom:
At Family Kingdom Amusement Park, water slides, roller coasters, and heart-dropping rides are waiting for you. Enjoy bumper cars and racing while simultaneously getting an uninterrupted ocean view. This is a perfect way to get sun, ocean views, and maybe a little damp that’s not just lounging on the beach.
WonderWorks:
To see things from a totally different perspective, literally, spend an afternoon at WonderWorks where everything is upside down. Experience hands on the power of natural disasters, such as lightning and hurricanes. WonderWorks even offers physical challenge zones like the Wonder Wall that creates 3D images of your body. Or, remember the theory of physical science as you sit in a chair and try to pull yourself up and yet how much easier it is with the aid of pulleys. We’ll let you learn for yourself what the mechanical advantage is in the Pulley Power exhibit and the magic behind how it functions.
Broadway at the Beach:
For some, shopping is the adventure they seek, and Broadway at the Beach offers hundreds of square feet or retail space. Opt for a pair of walking shoes rather than stylish heels as shopping is just the beginning. Renowned restaurants, attractions and exhibits, and theatres are ultimate for nightlife entertainment. Essentially, explore Broadway on the Beach for all your needs — from retail therapy to entertaining your family to grabbing a quick bite to eat before getting back on the beach.
Hollywood Wax Museum:
Last but not least, make sure to check out the Hollywood Wax Museum. If you’re unfamiliar with wax figures, basically, very talented sculptors put together a lifelike version of famous celebrities. It’s almost scary how life-like the wax figures look — artists capture seemingly every facial feature and pinpoint the person’s exact height and weight, making it seem like you’re coming face to face with a real celebrity. Quite an experience not to be missed!
What would a quaint beach town be without year-round activities, festivals, and concerts? Myrtle Beach already has ongoing festivities until the New Year, so don’t hesitate to treat yourself to a winter getaway. While some beach towns are known solely for beach life, others for adventure, and yet others for unique restaurants, Myrtle Beach is recognized for all three. So now that you have a list of things to do in Myrtle Beach and you’re surely itching to experience the town firsthand, book a vacation home with Surfside Realty, then get to planning your outings in Myrtle Beach!