It’s more than just a line from a nostalgic 80s hit; it’s the heartbeat of every summer soul who visits, and for us locals, a vacation or “staycation” can be a blissful time where we soak in whenever and whatever we please. The beach, a vibrant tiki bar, a fishing rod casting into the horizon, a buzzing dance floor, a frosty Margarita in hand… you know the feeling. The Grand Strand offers it all—from serene creekside views to vast sandy shores, and even cultural treasures and enriching experiences. Countless parks, both grand and intimate, provide peaceful sanctuaries where nature’s beauty whispers. But don’t forget the pulse of the night! Our live music and theater scene outshines other resort towns, packed with everything from laid-back acoustic sets to high-energy party bands that keep the nights alive. We locals have a lot to learn from the nearly 20 million visitors who flock here annually—the Grand Strand truly does rock!

Life’s a Beach!

In annual polls, nearly all visitors say “the beach” is their number one reason for visiting the 60 miles of beautiful shoreline called Grand Strand. Wide, safe, beautiful sandy beaches, interesting inlets, swashes teaming with seabirds and sea life, make living and visiting here a summertime must. There are hundreds of public beach access points between Georgetown and Sunset Beach, N.C., even in residential areas, and free parking options are available for those who come early. Pay-to-park options are plentiful for those who come later and who are willing to shell out a few bucks and feed the meter. Some municipalities offer annual stickers, which make parking free for those city residents. Rent chairs and umbrellas, use the freshwater showers, and take advantage of the many restaurants (and restrooms) just off the beach when you need a break.

Jet Setters - Personal watercrafts (PWCs), better known as “jet skis,” offer an electrifying rush that will leave your heart racing—when used responsibly and within the law, of course. Glide along the tranquil Intracoastal Waterway, taking in the stunning beauty of the local wildlife and lush surroundings, or tear through the waves as you ride the ocean and inlets at full speed. It’s an experience that awakens the senses and fuels the soul! From Little River to Georgetown, you can find a jet ski rental facility close by.

Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding - Test your balance and nerve by standing up on a paddleboard, which looks something like a giant surfboard, or sit and enjoy the water in a kayak; both are popular ways to enjoy the water while also getting some exercise and relaxation. These simple to use flotation crafts are easy to learn to use and maneuver, and most watersports operators offer instruction, rentals, and both guided trips and solo exploration options.

Wet, Wild, Fun! Waterparks

For the young (and young at heart) our area water parks offer hours of family-friendly fun in the sun. Myrtle Waves, located on U.S. 17 Bypass in Myrtle Beach, may be the best known and largest with its popular ten-story-tall Turbo Twisters, Wild Water Race mat slider attraction, or relax in the Lazy River. For hardcore adrenaline junkies, the Shark Wake Park in the North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex offers cable-driven kneeboards, wakeboards, water skis, and tamer, little-kid friendly activities on its own freshwater lake. Many hotels also offer smaller waterparks perfect for families with little ones.

Stay tuned for updates on Surfworks, the $71 million artificial wave surfing facility for beginner to pro to be located at the site of the former Palace Theatre at Broadway at the Beach. For now the Atlantic Ocean will have to suffice as Surfworks isn’t set to open until 2027.

Outdoor water enthusiasts regularly take to pleasure boating, dolphin and sunset cruising, and fishing, which offer ideal ways to explore the area’s natural water features. Guided trips are readily available, and many marinas provide boat rentals, ensuring accessible and budget-friendly DIY outings. Moreover, two boat clubs offer memberships for more frequent boating without owning a vessel.

The Intracoastal Waterway, area rivers, and inlets offer safe pontoon boating for beginners, shielded from the ocean’s strong currents and waves. Even without a SC fishing license, anglers can enjoy saltwater or freshwater fishing when on a licensed fishing charter. Fishing on your own, however, does require state licensing. Fishing licenses are available at area big box retailers, such as Walmart and Bass Pro Shop.

Fishing is so popular on the Grand Strand’s piers, it attracts both novices and seasoned anglers. Many piers offer rentals for those who travel without their own gear. Fishing charters by boat are available for those seeking deep-sea adventures, aiming for trophy and/or game fish like mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna, and grouper.

The newest pier, the Surfside Beach Fishing Pier, opened in 2024, giving anglers and beachgoers a much-anticipated attraction to replace the beloved original, destroyed in 2016 by Hurricane Matthew. It comes with restaurants and an ice cream shop. The Grand Strand boasts some 10 fishing piers along its 60-mile stretch.

Experience the magic of our sunsets, unwind during happy hour, or embark on a captivating dolphin cruise – all offering a perfect blend of relaxation and breathtaking views, with onboard bars, bathrooms, and tasty snacks to keep you refreshed. The Pie-Eyed Parrot in Murrells Inlet invites you to indulge in a range of delightful daily cruises, with the “Ultimate Sunset Happy Hour” cruise being the crowd favorite, a true escape into serenity. In North Myrtle Beach, the Barefoot Queen riverboat sweeps you away on unforgettable sightseeing and dinner cruises, complete with live entertainment, as you soak in the spectacular vistas of the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s the ultimate way to unwind and make lasting memories on the water.

A dozen or so sunset coastal cruises may be found from Georgetown to Calabash, and in Conway cruises are available along the scenic, cypress-lined Waccamaw River. A Pedal Pub, named the Inlet Brew Boat, along the Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk allows for boating, BYOB drinking (beer and wine only) with a USCG-licensed captain steering. Most of all, these cruises offer late afternoon/early evening boating and imbibing where someone else does the driving.

Park it!

Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet boasts pristine beaches adorned with wind-sculpted trees and majestic dunes, evoking the nostalgic essence of what was once the entire Grand Strand coastline. Birdwatchers will delight in the diverse avian species that inhabit the area, while trails offer glimpses into their natural habitats. Brackish and freshwater lagoons near the causeway provide a habitat for large sun-basking alligators. An interactive nature center aids in understanding the surrounding flora and fauna, and expert naturalists offer guided tours of the park’s distinctive features. The historic Atalaya, once the winter residence and art studio of renowned American sculptress Anna Huntington, is open to the public, with an admission fee for all-day access.

Myrtle Beach State Park, South Carolina’s first state park (founded in 1936), serves as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities such as camping, hiking, picnicking, fishing, beachcombing, a nature center, playground, pier, and more await visitors, with an admission fee for all-day access.

Vereen Memorial Gardens in Little River at the state line, is an oft-overlooked hidden gem, featuring three miles of trails, wooden boardwalks meandering through and around native maritime trees, across salt marshes all the way to the Intracoastal Waterway – and it’s free to visit. Additionally, numerous small municipal parks scattered across the Grand Strand provide further options for relaxation and recreation.

Sweet Sounds!

The Grand Strand flaunts an impressive concentration of live music for its size. Whether it’s solo performers or six and seven-piece bands, some featuring brass sections, the diversity spans every genre imaginable, from beach music and trop rock, to rock ‘n’ roll, reggae, R&B, country, yacht rock, bluegrass, jazz, and even a burgeoning alt-indie scene. Local music thrives as troubadours, cover bands, and tribute bands deliver popular hits and original compositions at tiki bars, restaurants and large dedicated music venues across the region.

The unofficial home of live music along the Grand Strand might arguably be the Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk, where nearly all of the eight restaurants host live music, some nightly, such as The Dead Dog Saloon, which nary misses a day year-round. All the Marsh Walk venues are located along a picturesque creekside boardwalk.

La Belle Amie Vineyard in North Myrtle Beach hosts outdoor live music festivals year-round, most Saturdays (weather permitting), along with occasional live daytime music from solo artists on Wednesdays. An admission fee is required, and online ticketing is suggested and available at a discounted price. Also in North Myrtle Beach, the Music on Main Concert Series takes place oceanfront on Main Street every Thursday night beginning June 5 and ending September 25.

The North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex Amphitheater hosts the Sounds of Summer, a concert series with one show per month June – September featuring the biggest names in tribute entertainment beginning June 20 with Tuesdays Gone, a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute. Steely Dan, Elton John and Eagles tributes are also scheduled this summer. Free admission.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Carolina Country Music Festival has become the largest annual music festival of the region, drawing an estimated 35,000 guests each day. Located in downtown Myrtle Beach, at the site of the former Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park, this year’s festival is packed with the biggest names in country music and is scheduled for June 5 – 8. This year’s festival will feature Kid Rock, Jelly Roll, Rascal Flats, Colt Ford, and many others. The Beach Boys will also make an appearance. Visit www.carolinacountrymusicfest.com

Not So Trivial Pursuits!

Though Myrtle Beach is less than 100 years old (it was incorporated in 1938 and didn’t become a city until 1957), the Grand Strand is filled with fascinating and important history dating back to the prehistoric era when indigenous peoples roamed and settled the lands. Evidence of this 50,000-year-old history and forward through the colonial, revolutionary, antebellum and Civil War eras, to the mid-20th century, are all on display at the Horry County Museum in Conway. A city of significant historical importance, Conway was founded in 1732 and is loaded with historical markers, self-guided walking tours, shops, restaurants and a full-time live musical theater.

Did you know that around 600 German P.O.W.s were housed and worked in the Myrtle Beach area during WWII? The first P.O.W.s were housed around what is now 70th Avenue North, and eventually moved to what was called “Splinter City” at the Air Force Base, now the Market Common. Splinter City lives on as a free Disc Golf course. Some of these former P.O.W.s stayed and resettled here after the war and their descendants are still in the area. Learn more about this fascinating history and see photos of the old camps at the Horry County Museum.

Equally important to our Grand Strand history, the port city of Georgetown was founded in 1729, though settlements go back much further. The third oldest city in SC, Georgetown, was famous for its international seaport beginning in 1732 and was vital to the trade in indigo, cotton, tobacco, pine tar, and most importantly, rice.

Georgetown, with its charming historic district, boasts shops, restaurants, grand antebellum homes, sailing excursions, museums, and antique stores, all just a few blocks off of U.S. 17. Here, you’ll find several museums that offer fascinating insights into the Lowcountry’s past. The Kaminski House Museum, the Rice Museum, and the South Carolina Maritime Museum are all located on Front Street and within walking distance of each other. Nearby, the Gullah Museum and the Georgetown County Museum also provide rare glimpses of the region’s people and past.

Myrtle Beach, too, has its museums, including the fun and whimsical, such as the Hollywood Wax Museum, the Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum, the Wheels of Yesteryear (a must-visit car museum) and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! The children’s museum, EdVenture, in Market Common, offers discounts for locals. Also Broadway at the Beach’s Wonderworks, and the Grand Strand Model Railroad Club, offer something unique for visitors and locals. Ripley’s Aquarium is ever-expanding offering even more family-friendly edu-tainment.

For a more refined gallery experience in Myrtle Beach, don’t miss the Franklin G. Burroughs - Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum near Springmaid Pier. Most of the museum’s 11 galleries sit within a rehabilitated beach home, more than 100 years old.

Calabash also boasts shops and an array of restaurants, along with the Sunset River Gallery, which has more than 100 local and regional artists.

Snap, Crackle, Pop! Firework Shows along the Grand Strand

Weekly fireworks displays are the norm all summer long and can be seen near the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk (July 4th), over Broadway at the Beach (Tuesdays at 10 p.m., starting June 3rd), Barefoot Landing (Mondays at 10 p.m. starting June 1st) and Pelican’s Baseball Stadium Friday nights after home games, but on Independence Day (7/4/25) you won’t be able to look skyward after dusk without seeing fireworks lighting up the sky everywhere. 

Brookgreen Gardens Summer Light: Art (and live music!) by Night

The Grand Strand’s serene, verdant, and artistic cultural gem, Brookgreen Gardens (now in its 94th year) will once again host its enormously popular Summer Light: Art by Night program each Wednesday and Saturday , 6-10 p.m. June 4 - August 30. After dark, until 10 p.m., enjoy the stunning all new installation Gardens of Glass: Craig Mitchell Smith throughout Brookgreen’s sculpture gardens. Regional acts of every variety will take the stage for early evening performances within the beautiful campus of this breathtaking and historically important sculpture garden, spectacularly lit. This is a ticketed event. Food trucks, full bar available.

High Art in the Lowcountry

For those who prefer classical, theatrical and orchestral pop, the award-winning Muzika! From Varna International (varnainternational.com) will return in 2025 with a Rodgers & Hammerstein celebration at Myrtle Beach’s Ground Zero on June 15th, a French voice recital at the Trinity Church June 20, and a Chamber Music performance at the Franklin G. Burroughs – Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum on June 22nd. 

Barefoot and Broadway!

If you’re looking for live music while shopping or dining, head to Broadway at the Beach or Barefoot Landing, both of which offer numerous restaurants and bars that feature live music. Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach is home to the Hard Rock Café, and The Hangout, all of which offer live music all summer long. Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach also features live music at several locations, including the House of Blues, the Big Chill Island House, Taco Mundo, Dick’s Last Resort and at a lakeside amphitheater.

And Music Everywhere Else!

Coastal communities throughout the Grand Strand offer live music at countless bars and eateries year-round, and even more during peak season. Head inland to Carolina Forest or Conway to discover additional places for live music to suit every taste. There are too many places to name but know that you’re invited to come out and sing along, or become the star of the show at numerous Karaoke-friendly bars. Visit www.myrtlelive.com for an extensive list of live venues and artists with calendars. The information is broken down by area, North (North Myrtle Beach to Little River), Central (Myrtle Beach west to Conway) and South (from the Market Common to Pawleys Island.)

Play ball!

As sports tourism grows, the Grand Strand continues to offer a plethora of recreational activities for visitors and locals. Whether it’s softball, baseball, basketball, lacrosse, soccer, or even pickleball, you can find it all at the massive sports complexes such as Grand Park Athletic Complex in The Market Common, Pepper Geddings Recreation Center in Myrtle Beach, the Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach, the North Myrtle Beach Aquatic and Fitness Center, the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex, and various other locations throughout the region. Active locals find there are many opportunities for fun and exercise and many thousands of athletes and their families come year-round to participate in league play. 

Attractions and Amusements

From mild to wild, the Grand Strand’s amusement parks, standalone rides, pirate adventures, Medieval jousting, and more, provide endless entertainment for the thrill seeker, or the just-brave-enough crowd. The SkyWheel in downtown Myrtle Beach is thrilling without being too scary, while the nearby Sling Shot is only for the bravest. The thrill-ride park, Funplex on Ocean Blvd. at 14th Ave N., offers rides for all, from younger first-timers to thrill-seekers.

The Family Kingdom has been entertaining guests of all ages since 1966, with dozens of thrill rides and kiddie rides. The park is free to enter, and ride tickets are sold separately. Although the beloved Pavilion Amusement Park in downtown Myrtle Beach has been closed since 2006, many of its rides were moved to Broadway at the Beach and rechristened Pavilion Park. The impossible-to-miss Broadway 360 observation wheel stands just over 150-feet tall, offering a spectacular light show and equally stunning views of Broadway at the Beach.

Smaller oceanfront communities such as Garden City Beach, Surfside Beach and North Myrtle Beach also host small amusement parks with some impressive rides. For racing fun, Go-Kart tracks may be found all along the Grand Strand, such as The Track in Myrtle Beach, the Broadway Grand Prix in Myrtle Beach, The Fun Warehouse on the south end of Myrtle Beach and indoor electric racing at K1 Speed in North Myrtle Beach.

Dino Park at Broadway at the Beach entertains and informs visitors (especially the younger ones), inviting all to step back in time to the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. This bit of family fun comes complete with plenty of photo-ops, educational opportunities, and, of course, a gift shop.

The 1.2-mile Myrtle Beach Boardwalk received new planking, seating options and decorative landscaping, looking bright, clean and new since 2024. While you’re at the Boardwalk, stop for a game of beach volleyball, shopping, restaurants and more.

The Limelight

Theaters of all sizes dot the Grand Strand, including the iconic 2,000-plus-seat Carolina Opry and Alabama Theatres with their long-running variety stage shows and the newer Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre in North Myrtle Beach. Catch some real laughs at the Comedy Cabana, or the best in artist tribute shows at Legends in Concert. Original and tribute acts continue to regularly visit the House of Blues in North Myrtle Beach, and the Historic Winyah Auditorium in Georgetown hosts a variety of musical performances, along with the historic Strand Theater on Front Street, also in Georgetown. Illusionist Charles Bach will return with magic and more at the Wonders Theatre at Broadway at the Beach. At The Broadway Theater (formerly the IMAX Theater) Le Grande Cirque presents Adrenaline 2.0, a Cirque du Soleil– style show, scheduled to run all summer long.

Riga Tony’s Murder Mystery Dinner Show (Myrtle Beach) provides an immersive theater experience along with what the guests say is “delicious Italian food.” The dinner theater alternates with a Wild West-themed dinner and show, too. The two largest dinner theaters, Medieval Times and Pirate’s Voyage, round out the dinner-and-a-show offerings, combining full dinners with adventurous, family-friendly shows filled with live animals and spectacular athleticism.

Carolina Improv presents live, interactive improv comedy shows the first Friday of each month at 704 Studios (704 8th Ave N. in the Arts and Innovation District, Myrtle Beach) 7:30pm, free admission.

Fore!

Known as the “seaside golf capital of the world,” the Grand Strand continues to attract millions of golfers each year to its some 90 courses, more than half of them rated 4 to 5 Star (according to Golf Digest magazine). Golfers from around the globe and around the U.S. descend en masse each spring and fall, but also enjoy cheaper summertime rounds, too. Myrtle Beach is also known as the Mini Golf Capital of the World, with around 40 creative and fun courses.

Tiger Woods’ endorsed venture, PopStroke, features a carefully conceived 36-hole mini golf course and a full-service restaurant and bar located at Broadway at the Beach. Also nearby, TopGolf allows for some serious swinging and partying at its massive three-story facility. 

Making the most out of the Summer of ‘25 isn’t about breaking the bank or orchestrating some grand production. It’s about diving headfirst into the spirit of adventure, relaxing with the waves, and dancing beneath the stars. Mix and match these ideas for a tailor-made Grand Strand experience and watch your summer sparkle!