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Do you plan to visit Myrtle Beach in South Carolina soon? Do you want to know some fun things to do while you are there? Well, we are here to tell you about the top 10 attractions at Myrtle Beach. This is one of the most popular beaches in the United States. A lot of people go there for a fun vacation regularly. This is why we wanted to share some of the most fascinating and appealing attractions that this place has to offer. So, without further ado, let us dive straight into the list.
Top 10 high-rated attractions in Myrtle Beach, SC
1. Broadway at the beach
Broadway At The Beach
Contrary to its name, Broadway At The Beach is not located at the beach itself. Instead, it is situated on 350 acres of land in the heart of this area. This massive 250 million dollar complex is the city’s most popular destination by far for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Home to 3 theaters, over 20 restaurants, and more than 100 specialty shops and attractions, Broadway At The Beach offers something for everyone. Within walking distance to the hottest nightclubs and hotels, it is no wonder that Broadway At The Beach hosts over 14 million visitors every year.
With a 23 acre lake in the center, Broadway At The Beach has several fun attractions on the water, from zip-lining to paddle boats to a fun boat ride called the Beach Rider. Although it looks like great fun, you might want to skip this last one if you are on a budget as it is pretty expensive. However, you can get some fish food and feed the fish in the lake for a quarter. Fish feeding is fun if you take a whole handful. Do not just throw the food one piece at a time but take a handful of food and throw it out.
If you are visiting with your family, you may opt to visit Pavilion Park. This is a small carnival-style amusement park at Broadway At The Beach. You can take advantage of regular specials by purchasing a wristband, or you can pay per ride. They have a variety of rides, from rides for kids like the Teacups to more exciting things like the Drop Tower. Many people are also interested in the iconic Ferris Wheel only. You can pay for one ride if that is the case. Officially called the Broadway 360 Observation Wheel, one of two Ferris wheels in Myrtle Beach but the only one in Broadway At The Beach. And let us tell you guys that the views from this Observation Wheel are just amazing.
2. Ripley’s Aquarium
Ripley’s Aquarium
Although Ripley’s Aquarium is located in Broadway At The Beach, this place deserves a spot of its own on the list. It is one of only two Ripley’s Aquariums situated in the United States. This 80,000 square foot attraction has an impressive collection of over 10,000 fish and other exotic sea creatures from all across the world.
Ripley’s Aquarium is divided into easy-to-navigate sections such as dangerous reef, discovery center, rainbow rock, and more. You can even enjoy a hands-on encounter with Jellyfish, gentle Stingrays, and prehistoric Horseshoe Crabs. We especially like the Jellyfish. There is something about them that is just so fascinating. You, along with your family, can also enjoy the shark tunnel where it feels like you are underwater, up close and personal with all the sharks.
The most popular exhibits in Ripley’s Aquarium are the Penguins. Opened in 2020, the 5500 square foot penguin exhibit is worth visiting. With floor-to-ceiling viewing glass, you feel like you are right there alongside the adorable penguins in this habitat. No matter what your age is, Ripley’s Aquarium is sure to bring out the child in you. Although Ripley’s Aquarium is the largest, it is not the only Ripley’s attraction in Myrtle Beach. You can also get admission to two other Ripley attractions for a slight upcharge with your aquarium tickets.
If you are visiting in the pandemic, some places like the 5D moving theater and the haunted adventure laser strike may be temporarily closed. In that case, you will have to opt for Ripley’s Auditorium and the Marvelous Mirror Maze. The maze is enjoyable, and it does not take that long to go through. You can go back through it as many times as you want all day on the plus side. The Ripley’s Auditorium takes a little longer to go through. It is a museum with a collection of all kinds of weird curiosities and oddities from around the world. According to their website, “curiosity seekers have no fear from shrunken heads to an authentic vampire killing kit. Our two-story Auditorium will leave you amazed. Experience the bizarre, Explore the mysterious, and Enjoy the weird at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not”.
3. Mini-Golf
Here is a fun fact for you. Myrtle Beach is not only the golf capital of the world but also the self-proclaimed mini-golf capital of the world. With over 50 courses in just a 30-mile stretch, Myrtle Beach has more mini-golf courses per square mile than any other city in the United States. Because of this, there is no way we can tell you which ones are best. Our favorite one is Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf. It is all Peter Pan-themed. As you navigate the course, you will go through caves up a mountain, around waterfalls, and even play a hole on Captain Hook’s ship with Peter Pan and other characters’ voices over the speaker spread throughout the course.
Another popular one is Hawaiian Rumble, with a Hawaiian-themed course. It has a 40-foot volcano that erupts every 20 minutes. They even have live parrots you can see up close, but the fun part about Hawaiian Rumble that makes it unique is the batting cages. In there, you can have fun smacking some balls around the park.
4. Wonderworks
Wonderworks, just like Ripley’s Aquarium, is located at Broadway At The Beach. But it also deserves a spot of its own. So what is Wonderworks, you may ask? We think it can be best described as an indoor amusement park for the mind. A massive 50,000 square foot three-story entertainment and education behemoth, Wonderworks is an upside-down building. It hosts over a hundred hands-on exhibits, rides, and attractions that are sure to challenge your mind and spark your imagination. No matter what your age is, there will be plenty for all of you to see and do.
When you first enter the building, you have to walk through an inversion tunnel that is kind of trippy as it makes you feel like you are flipping upside down. Make sure to hold on to the handrail. Once you are inside, you can explore all the different zones that Wonderworks offers, such as the Extreme Weather Zone, where you can feel the effects of a hurricane. You can also visit the Space Discovery Zone, where you can go through astronaut training and ride a virtual roller coaster. Then there is the Physical Challenge Zone, where you can lie in a bed of nails or play with bubbles in the excellent bubble lab. That bubble lab is one of the favorite spaces for most visitors coming to Wonderworks. There is also the Light & Sound Zone with a giant piano in an interactive dancing area. From extreme bike riding to a special Dr. Seuss exhibit, there is bound to be something to delight your imagination at Wonderworks.
5. Parasailing
Parasailing
If you ever get a chance to go parasailing, it is worth it, and Myrtle Beach is a great place to do it. Many sites offer parasails, but you should go with a company called Downwind Sails. Besides parasailing, they also offer other activities on the water, such as jet ski rental, banana boat rides, sailing lessons, kayaking, stand-up paddleboard rentals, and more. They will put you on one of their banana boats to take you out for parasailing. It is pretty exciting. Once you are boarded, they do not waste any time to get you strapped up and in the air.
Once you are in the air, it is all worth it. The view is impressive. You may even spot a few sharks. Soaring 400 feet above the ocean and taking in all the breathtaking scenery is an incredible experience. Everyone needs to try this at least once in their lifetime.
6. The Beach
Now, of course, it should go without saying, but you cannot forget the apparent fun spot to visit in Myrtle Beach, the Beach. It is free, it is fun, and it is open all year round. With an average of 215 sunny days per year, Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular East Coast beach destinations in the United States. It hosts over 15 million visitors each year, with the summer months from June to August being the most popular. But do not worry. The general Myrtle Beach area, often referred to as the Grand Stand, stretches approximately 60 miles up and down the coast, so there is plenty of room for everyone to have fun in the sun. Just remember to wear your sunblock.
7. Big Air Trampoline Park
Big Air Trampoline Park
If you have children, or you are just a child at heart, you have to visit the Big Air Trampoline Park. You can schedule your visit on one of their special cosmic nights, where they pump up the music, turn down the lights, and bust out the lasers for only twenty dollars a person from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. There are all kinds of fun things to do. Try warming up by bouncing on the big court with giant trampoline floors and walls. Then you can also try playing some dodgeball, the obstacle course, or try going head to head against a friend on the Battle Beam. You can also try out one of many fun light and sound games.
You can climb walls, go on a zip line, or fly on the trapeze. They even have some fun motion-sensing video games for you to jump your way to a high score. One of our favorite things was riding the mechanical Shark. Who needs a mechanical Bull when you can ride a Shark? How long do you think you could last? So, whenever you visit Myrtle Beach, make sure to challenge yourself and have a fun time at Big Air Trampoline Park.
8. The Boardwalk
The Boardwalk
Spanning a little over a mile from the 14th avenue pier to the 2nd avenue pier, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is worth visiting. Home to many festivals and events throughout the year, the boardwalk offers spectacular views of the pristine beach line along with the countless restaurants and shops along its path. It is always enjoyed by visitors alike.
Completed in 2010, the boardwalk took nine months and six and a half million dollars to build. It is home to Myrtle Beach’s other Ferris wheel, called the Sky Wheel. It is probably a bit better known than the other Ferris wheel. It offers fully enclosed air-conditioned pods with a beautiful view of the ocean. You also get to ride the Slingshot at Boardwalk. It is one of several adrenaline-rushing, exciting high-speed rides located at Free Fall Park right on the boardwalk.
9. Gay Dolphin Gift Cove
Gay Dolphin Gift Cove (Photo Credit: visitmyrtlebeach.com)
Although Gay Dolphin Gift Cove is also located on the boardwalk, we wanted to mention it separately. It is such a unique, quirky shop. You have to see it to believe it. Opened in 1946, this multi-level 26,000 square foot store calls itself the nation’s largest gift shop. It is divided into fifty sections called coves and averages over seventy thousand items in stock. It has everything from brushes for bald men to a 7,000 dollar dolphin fountain. There is even a place to turn your seashells and shark teeth into jewelry. This again shows you how weird and fun this place is.
At one point, the Gay Dolphin was the city’s tallest building. People would pay to climb the circular steel steps to the top of the glass tower to enjoy some beautiful views of the beach from the roof. Unfortunately, the top level is now closed for visitors, so you cannot go there anymore. But the spiral staircase is still fascinating to see. So, when you are down on the boardwalk, make sure to check out this quirky little gift shop called the Gay Dolphin. You will indeed find several things to satisfy your mysterious self.
10. Barefoot Landing
Barefoot Landing
Last but not least on our list is Barefoot Landing. This list has not been in a particular order, so it is not necessarily the best or worst place to visit. It just happens to be one of the last that we are mentioning. Barefoot Landing is a large shopping complex in Northern Myrtle Beach by Lewis Lake. Consisting of many stores, restaurants, and attractions, previously known as the village of the barefoot traders, it was rebuilt, expanded, and renamed in 1988.
It now has over 100 stores all around the lake and adjoining areas with Alabama Theater, House of Blues, and Alligator Adventure. Similar to Broadway At The Beach, Barefoot Landing is a little smaller and less chintzy. The best way to describe it is if Broadway At The Beach is Walmart, Barefoot Landing is Target. It offers a lot of the same things and some spectacular views of the lake. You can enjoy a nice dinner at a restaurant there called the Flying Fish. They have some of the freshest, most delicious seafood you have ever had. So, this place is worth visiting.
Conclusion
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, ranks high on the list of favored vacation destinations for Americans and people worldwide. It is perfect for families, friends, and couples. A visit to Myrtle Beach is sure to entertain people of all age classes. Miles of beach, water sports, golf attractions, unique shopping, dining opportunities, and a vast assortment of accommodation options. What is not to like here at Myrtle Beach?
Just a two-hour flight from New York and a one-hour flight from Atlanta, Myrtle Beach is the jewel of the Grand Stand, a string of seaside towns that run down the South Carolina coastline. Sandwiched between the Atlantic rollers and the calm waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, Myrtle Beach has grown from a rural backwater into a city that attracts millions of visitors annually, many of whom return year after year.
In Myrtle Beach, all footsteps lead towards the sand, all sixty miles of it. Do not let those millions of visitors put you off. Here you will always find out space to spread out your towel. This beach is not one but many fabulous beaches, each with its blend of southern seaside charm. There is so much to see and do in the region that it is almost impossible to pack it all in just one vacation. So, to help you out, we compiled this list of top 10 attractions. We hope that you enjoyed it and have a great time when you go to Myrtle Beach yourself.