City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
If you’re looking for shopping, dining, family-friendly entertainment and a boatload of attractions in a beach-front setting, Myrtle Beach has got you covered. This 60-mile stretch of beach-front property, known as the Grand Strand, sits along the Atlantic Ocean between Ocean Isle Beach to the north and Murrells Inlet to the south. Its location near the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) makes it convenient to boat lifts for rent and a fun stopover on a Great Loop excursion.
Along with the sunshine, sand and waves of the beach, the destination offers Broadway-style shows, amusement parks, fishing charters and thrilling attractions. It’s sometimes called the Golf Capital of the World due to the nearly 100 perfectly groomed courses, with many designed by top names in the business. Wherever your interests lie, let’s take a look at a few things to do while boating in Myrtle Beach.
Entertainment Venues
Photo: Legends in Concert Facebook
The Carolina Opry, Alabama Theater, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament and the Pirate’s Voyage Dinner & Show are just a few examples of the year-round (yes, even Christmas) entertainment available in Myrtle Beach. Elvis, Marilyn and Michael - along with many of today’s top entertainers - are alive and well on the celebrity impersonator stage at Legends in Concert. Add in comedy shows, mini golf and the Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the Beach shopping, dining and entertainment complexes and you’ve got enough choices to fill up your whole schedule.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
Photo: Wikimedia
Spend a day away from wherever your boat dock rental is located and check out some of those ocean creatures. Located at Broadway at the Beach, Ripley’s Aquarium gives you an up-close look at sea turtles, exotic fish, tiger and nurse sharks and much more. There’s even a glass-enclosed tunnel where you can see ocean life swimming all around you. Several unique experiences include swimming with the rays, penguin encounters and a glass-bottom boat that lets you float above the Dangerous Reef shark tank exhibit.
Myrtle Beach State Park
Photo: Wikimedia
Established in 1935, Myrtle Beach State Park offers camping, swimming, hiking, bicycling, birdwatching and pier or surf fishing (you can even rent fishing rods). The 312-acre park has nature trails through forests filled with oak, wax myrtles (the area’s namesake, by the way), poplars and magnolias. There’s a lifeguarded swimming area during the summer months as well as picnic areas, playground equipment, horseshoes and bocce ball.
Family Kingdom Amusement Park
Photo: Family Kingdom Amusement Park Facebook
Family Kingdom Amusement Park has more than 38 rides for kids and kids at heart. It’s located on Ocean Boulevard and features go-karts, a log flume, midway and arcade games, wooden and steel roller coasters and a classic 1930s carousel. Not into rides? Not a problem. You can watch, jugglers, clowns, stilt walkers, magicians and more while you enjoy the ocean breezes. Tickets are available on a pay-per-ride basis, or you can purchase an unlimited ride wristband.
SkyWheel Myrtle Beach
Photo: Wikimedia
SkyWheel Myrtle Beach, a 187-foot observation wheel, is one of the tallest in the country. It’s located along the 1.2-mile boardwalk and has 42 glass-enclosed gondolas that seat two to six people. The three-revolution ride lasts about 10 minutes and offers stunning views of the coastal landscape. Multi-colored lights come on at dusk and make great photos.
Watersports
Photo: Unsplash
Whether you bring your kayaks, SUPs and surf gear along with you to a boat lift rental, or you book a day trip with a local outfitter, Myrtle Beach is a great place to get out on the water. Whether it’s the Atlantic or the ICW, you can soar into the sky on a parasailing adventure, book an offshore fishing charter, paddle along the shoreline or take a relaxing sunset dolphin watching cruise.
The next time you’re hanging out at a private boat slip for rent along Myrtle Beach’s ICW, consider some of our ideas for a fun day trip. Or just chill at the beach. We won’t judge.
