Attractions in North Myrtle Beach SC

North Myrtle Beach is a renowned vacation destination that offers miles of sandy beaches, outdoor recreation and dining. Its attractions add a touch of adventure to family trips, romantic getaways and other South Carolina holidays.

The area’s history is showcased at the North Myrtle Beach Area Historical Museum, where short-term exhibits highlight regional culture and traditions such as the shag dance.

Beaches

Beaches are a mainstay in the Grand Strand, and North Myrtle Beach is no exception. Stretching 60 miles, this Atlantic coastline draws in vacationers year after year to soak up the sun and salty sea breezes.

The wide, flat beaches here are a perfect spot to relax and create memories with loved ones. Beachcombers can find their own little piece of sand by the water’s edge and enjoy everything from refreshing surf to sandcastles.

When the ocean isn’t calling, the resort’s pools are a great way to cool off and the golf department can help guests book tee times at nearby courses. The resort’s restaurants serve everything from sizzling sirloins to sushi and sashimi dishes.

A few minutes away in Cherry Grove is the Cherry Grove Fishing Pier, where anglers can try their luck on the warm Atlantic waters. During the summer, this popular pier hosts free concerts at McLean Park, where families can enjoy live music and picnic under the stars.

In addition to beaches, the area boasts some of the Grand Strand’s best shopping and dining. The city’s downtown district is lined with boutiques, restaurants and bars. Nearby, Alligator Adventure is an animal attraction that features swamps with reptiles and live shows. Brookgreen Gardens is an expansive retreat in Pawleys Island where tulips, daffodils and other spring flowers bloom.

Shopping

Whether you want to find that perfect summer outfit or buy something to remind you of your vacation, North Myrtle Beach quenches your shopping thirst. From one-of-a-kind boutiques to 400,000-square-foot complexes with name brands, the options are endless.

For example, Barefoot Landing is a large outdoor complex with national retail stores and unique shops. Shoppers can pick up a new hat, learn to dance shag or take in the brilliant coastal breeze. Shoppers can also discover local wines or buy a unique piece of art to bring home.

Other great shopping locations include the Coastal Grand Mall, where visitors will find everything from books and clothing to shoes, jewelry and more. This super-sized regional mall has Belk Women’s, Belk Men’s, JC Penney and more. There is even a Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World.

The North Myrtle Beach Mall has a variety of smaller shops as well, including TJ Maxx, Ross, Publix, PetSmart and Hobby Lobby. You will also find a Bojangles and Which Wich, among other places to eat.

The Tanger Outlets are located in both North Myrtle Beach and South Carolina. These huge complexes have more than 100 different retailers. Shoppers can get the latest fashions, accessories and shoes at outlets like Michael Kors, Ann Taylor and Banana Republic. They can also purchase clothing from stores such as GUESS and Calvin Klein.

Dining

Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal, an upscale dining experience or something in between, North Myrtle Beach restaurants offer the food and atmosphere to suit your group’s needs. This area is home to many popular seafood restaurants, steakhouses and hotels with top-notch restaurants. It also has a number of casual eateries and beachfront bars that offer great food and drinks with spectacular ocean views.

Seafood is a favorite along the South Carolina coast, reflected in the hundreds of oceanfront restaurants that dot the Myrtle Beach area. You can sample everything from traditional favorites like she-crab soup and shrimp and grits to fresh blackened tuna, bacon-wrapped scallops and fried chicken. There are also plenty of seafood buffets to choose from.

Other options for great cuisine include seafood shacks that are known for their Calabash-style fried fish, and there are a number of Lowcountry restaurants where you can sample Lowcountry favorites like chicken bog, pulled pork and she-crab soup. If you’re in the mood for a gourmet meal, North Myrtle Beach is home to several fine-dining restaurants with upscale settings and extensive wine lists.

You can also find many pizza places in North Myrtle Beach, and one of the best is Mellow Mushroom, which offers a family-friendly dining experience with stone-baked pizza. You can order from a wide range of pizza flavors including white, vegetarian, meat lovers and more.

Attractions

In addition to great beaches, North Myrtle Beach has a lively downtown area with a wide variety of things to do. Become a shagger yourself at Fat Harold’s, the birthplace of the local dance, or check out OD Pavilion Amusement Park for classic thrill rides and carnival games. When it comes to shopping, you’ll find everything from outlet malls to outdoor shopping centers and specialty stores. The North Myrtle Beach Farmers Market is a family-friendly option to pick up fresh produce, seafood and artisan goods. Duplin Winery is one of the best Myrtle Beach attractions for adults that’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon sipping on sweet wines.

Among the most popular places to visit in Myrtle Beach is Broadway at the Beach, which offers tons of outstanding entertainment. The Carolina Opry was the city’s first theater, and it still attracts huge crowds for live music and theater shows. Pirates Voyage, a dinner and show establishment by Dolly Parton, is another popular choice for landlubbers seeking high-energy entertainment.

Art lovers can admire paintings, sculptures and photographs at the Franklin G. Burroughs – Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, which also has regular temporary shows. The museum also has a ceramics studio and an educational program for children.