Our Beach Blog
12 of the Best Free Things to do in Myrtle Beach!
We have put together this great list of 12 free things to do in, or very close to, Myrtle Beach, SC. Whether it's a sunny beach day, one of those (hopefully) rare rainy days, or during the off-season - there is something on this list for everyone!
What is the best free activity in Myrtle Beach? Of course, it's the beach! The Grand Strand includes over 60 miles of beautiful wide, sandy beaches. Be sure to bring along your own beach towels and chairs so you don't have to rent them. And then just enjoy relaxing on the sand, playing in the ocean, or taking a walk to hunt for seashells and sea glass.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is over a mile of wooden walkway and runs along the oceanfront business district, with a beautiful beach view on one side and open air cafes and shops on the other. It is a great place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the ocean breezes, people watch, or do a little window shopping. The Boardwalk also hosts a variety of free events throughout the year offering live music, family friendly fun, and great holiday events. And though it does require purchasing a ticket, you might want to take a ride on the famous 187 foot tall Myrtle Beach SkyWheel.
There are several fishing piers in the Myrtle Beach area which are free to walk along and take in the view, though there is a small fee to fish from most of them. One of the local favorites, with a small admission fee, is the 985 foot Cherry Grove Pier with it's two story observation deck. And just south of Myrtle Beach, the Garden City Beach Pier hosts free concerts and live bands during the summer.
Broadway at the Beach is a 350 acre outdoor entertainment, dining, and shopping destination. It has something for every member of the family - play areas for the little ones, a picnic area for the family, great restaurants, live entertainment and exciting nightlife. And, my personal favorite, a wonderful shopping area that includes nationally known stores and many locally owned one-of-a-kind boutiques and shops, all surrounding a 23 acre man-made lake.
The Grand Strand area is host to a variety of free festivals and events throughout the year. Many of these festivals include great food and entertainment, free concerts, and activities for kids. And, most of them take place right along Ocean Boulevard and the Boardwalk. With the long list of Grand Strand Events, you could schedule your visit around one with just a little extra planning.
Located just south of Myrtle Beach is the historic fishing village of Murrells Inlet. A leisurely stroll along the Marsh Walk is a great way to take in the views of the saltwater marsh and enjoy the scenery. Along the Marsh Walk are several restaurants and cafes perfectly situated to take in the sights and enjoy the music on most evenings.
The South Carolina Hall of Fame is located on the first floor of the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. It features several historical exhibits, and recognizes and honors famous South Carolina historical figures. Notable inductees include eight signers of the Declaration of Independence, Apollo astronaut Charles M. Duke, Dizzy Gillespie, and "Shoeless" Joe Jackson. Admission is free, so this might be an interesting way to spend some time, and learn a little about the rich heritage of South Carolina.
The Burroughs and Chapin Art Museum is considered to be one of the finest visual arts museums in the Carolinas. It is located in a restored 1920's cottage just steps from the beach, and houses unique exhibitions of paintings, textiles, sculpture, photography, ceramics, and more. The museum also includes a wonderful collection of works of regional historic significance. This certainly belongs on the list of best free things to do in Myrtle Beach - especially for the art lovers among us!
Barefoot Landing is an exciting destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment in North Myrtle Beach. Located along the scenic Intracoastal Waterway, it hosts a variety of family friendly events and festivals throughout the year. Its large number of unique shops and restaurants are spread around a scenic lake to add to the charm of this recreated fishing village.
Every summer, from June through August, enjoy "Hot Summer Nights" on the Oceanfront Boardwalk on Ocean Boulevard. Each night includes a variety of concerts - all different kinds of music, fireworks displays, street performers, balloon artists, face painting, stilt-walkers, jugglers and lots of other family friendly fun. And the best part is that it's all free!
The Market Common includes some of the more expensive restaurants and shops in the Myrtle Beach area, but it is also a perfect place to just walk around and take in the atmosphere! There are many free events throughout the year, including Movies Under the Stars, live music, complimentary carriage rides, holiday-themed events, and a great Farmer's Market during the summer months.
Just north of Myrtle Beach, in the town of Little River, is a beautiful park and designated wildlife refuge spread out over 100 acres. Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens includes many hiking trails and boardwalks over salt marshes, views of the Intracoastal Waterway and small islands. This is the perfect place to unwind and relax after the excitement of downtown Myrtle Beach, and is free for the public to enjoy year round!
As you can see, taking that fun vacation in Myrtle Beach doesn't have to break the budget! With this list, and all the other wonderful activities and entertainment available, Myrtle Beach might just be one of the best vacation spots on the East Coast!
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