With over 60 miles of gorgeous Atlantic coastline, it’s no wonder Myrtle Beach is a popular destination for beach bums and water lovers alike. Yet sometimes, even the most diehard sunbathers could use a break from the white sands and ebbing tide eventually. Thankfully, there are plenty of fun things to do on the boardwalk in Myrtle Beach and in other nearby neighborhoods. When you’re ready to towel off during your Myrtle Beach vacation, but not ready to stop the fun, these five activities will give you much to look forward to!
Stroll Through Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens is a 9,100-acre nature preserve with beautifully landscaped gardens, stunning American figure sculptures, and Lowcountry history exhibitions. You’ll find more than enough photo-worthy spots amid the indigenous flora and fauna. Plus, the Lowcountry Zoo houses native wildlife like river otters, grey foxes, hawks, owls, and alligators – all of which were either born in captivity or are unable to re-enter the wild due to injury. Brookgreen Gardens is a handsome venue for a leisurely stroll in nature, where you can learn about the local ecosystem and history of rice plantations.
Meet Exotic Creatures at Ripley’s Aquarium
Ripley’s Aquarium is one of the top-rated aquariums in the country, and we’re lucky enough to have one right here in Myrtle Beach. Between their eight main exhibits across two floors, the aquarium has over 10,000 sea creatures on display, including sharks, stingrays, seahorses, and jellyfish. If you’re traveling with kids, Ripley’s Aquarium is a great way to add some fun educational time to your vacation. Be sure to check out the daily shows and demonstrations, or sign up for a once-in-a-lifetime hands-on experience with the stingrays or penguins!
Play Like A Kid at Broadway at the Beach
Broadway at the Beach is a 350-acre entertainment complex with days’ worth of shopping, dining, live performances, rides and games, and more. Not only does the complex house Ripley’s Aquarium, but there’s also a go-kart track and flight simulator at Broadway Grand Prix. Other kid-friendly attractions include a jet boat ride, three amusement parks between Pavilion and Myrtle Waves Water Park, and three live entertainment theaters. When you’re ready to mix things up after a full afternoon on the beach, you’ll find no shortage of fun at Broadway at the Beach!
Tour Myrtle Beach Via Mini-Golf
With over 50 courses to choose from, it’s no surprise Myrtle Beach is called the “miniature golf capital of the world.” Do you want to golf your way through a fantasy world of dinosaurs, pirates, or jungle animals? Explore any of the five Myrtle Beach Family Golf locations along Kings Highway and Ocean Boulevard. Would you rather venture out to North Myrtle Beach? At Paradise Adventure Golf, you can putt your way past an erupting volcano or a live Caribbean pirate battle. Wouldn’t it be convenient to have plenty of other fun activities to do in the same venue? Look no further than Broadway Grand Prix or Wild Water & Wheels. If you tried to play all the courses over a week-long stay, you’d effectively tour the entire Myrtle Beach area!
Embark On A Dolphin Cruise
If you’re really bent on sticking close to the water, then a dolphin cruise is a must. Cast away along the Intracoastal Waterway into the open Atlantic waters to see dolphins up-close on a two-hour ride on the Sea Screamer or Sea Thunder! On these dolphin cruise boats, you’ll get to view the Myrtle Beach coastline and skyline while learning about these amazing creatures from the onboard naturalist. Make sure to bring a dry bag to store your camera or phone – you’ll want to take pictures of the dolphins feeding and playing in their natural habitat!
In Conclusion
Myrtle Beach may be best known for its pristine beaches, but there is so much more to this seaside town than just sand and surf. Whether you head to the botanical gardens, local aquarium, or the nearest dolphin-watching speedboat, you’ll get the unique opportunity to see and learn about fascinating flora and fauna. Plus, you’ll find plenty of all-ages entertainment, from go-karting and mini-golfing to shopping and dining, all within the city limits. As you plan your next getaway to Myrtle Beach, don’t miss out on all the fun activities there are to do besides sitting on the sand!