From amusement parks to oceanfront dining, here’s your guide to the ultimate Carolina summer
There’s something about summer in Myrtle Beach that just feels right. Maybe it’s the salty breeze rolling in from the Atlantic or the endless ways to fill your days with adventure, relaxation, and, let’s be real, an unnecessary amount of ice cream. Whether you’re chasing thrills, craving seafood, or just looking for the perfect spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon, this coastal gem has you covered. Here’s your go-to list of must-dos in Myrtle Beach.
Get Your Thrills at the Amusement Parks
If your idea of a perfect summer includes stomach-dropping roller coasters and water slides that defy gravity, Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Myrtle Waves Water Park are calling your name. Family Kingdom brings all the nostalgic boardwalk vibes with classic carnival games and a wooden roller coaster that has been making people scream since forever. Meanwhile, Myrtle Waves is the place to be when the heat kicks in. With wave pools, lazy rivers, and slides that will have you laughing (or screaming) all the way down, this is the place to be.
Tee Off in the “Golf Capital of the World”
Myrtle Beach isn’t just a beach town, it’s a golfer’s paradise. With over 100 courses to choose from, you’re never far from a perfectly manicured green. For breathtaking scenery and a bit of a challenge, head to Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, where the Spanish moss-draped oaks will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a golf fairytale. If coastal views are your thing, Tidewater Golf Club and Dunes Golf & Beach Club will have you swinging with the ocean breeze in the background. Whether you’re a pro or just here for the vibes, there’s a course with your name on it.
Putt Your Way Through Mini Golf Paradise
You don’t have to be Tiger Woods to appreciate a solid round of mini golf. Myrtle Beach is practically the capital of the sport, with themed courses that take you from pirate-infested islands to temple adventures. Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf brings the high seas to the greens with waterfalls and treasure chests, while Cancun Lagoon Adventure Golf adds an extra challenge with its winding, Mayan-themed mini-golf course. Perfect for families, couples, or anyone who likes a little friendly competition.
Cool Off with a Scoop (or Three) of Ice Cream
Is it really a beach vacation if you don’t have ice cream melting down your hand? Myrtle Beach’s ice cream scene is the stuff of legends, with local shops serving up everything from classic vanilla to flavors you didn’t even know you needed in your life. Kik’s Ice Cream Parlor is a fan favorite, dishing out rich, homemade-style scoops that hit the spot after a long day in the sun. If you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a seasonal flavor that tastes like summer in a cone.
Chase the Most Breathtaking Sunsets
Sunsets in Myrtle Beach are a daily event, and trust us, you won’t want to miss them. As the sky turns into a masterpiece of pinks, purples, and golds, you’ll find some of the best seats in town at oceanfront restaurants and bars. If you prefer a more laid-back approach, take a sunset walk along the beach or find a quiet spot on the boardwalk to soak it all in. No filter needed.
Feast on the Freshest Seafood
If you’re a seafood lover, Myrtle Beach will treat you well. With a bounty of fresh shrimp, crab, oysters, and fish straight from the Atlantic, the only hard part is deciding where to eat first. Sea Captain’s House is a local legend, serving up seafood with a side of ocean views, while Hook & Barrel puts a modern twist on coastal classics. Pro tip: Start with the oysters and work your way through the menu—you won’t regret it.
Find the Best Ocean Views
The Atlantic Ocean stretches as far as the eye can see, and Myrtle Beach gives you plenty of ways to enjoy the view. Whether you’re lounging on the beach, dining at an oceanfront restaurant, or waking up to waves crashing outside your hotel window, the endless blue horizon is always within reach. If you really want to take it up a notch, book a beachfront resort where your morning coffee comes with a front-row seat to paradise.
Take a Stroll on the Sand
Sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the best. A beach walk in Myrtle Beach can be anything you want it to be—a peaceful morning meditation, a romantic sunset stroll, or a barefoot adventure with the family. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is perfect for those who like a little entertainment along the way, while the quieter stretches of sand offer a more secluded, serene experience. Whichever you choose, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of warm sand between your toes.
