Exciting New Developments in Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand: 2018 Highlights and Beyond
Visit Myrtle Beach, S.C. Announces New Developments for 2018 and Beyond
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, remains one of the nation's fastest-growing family vacation destinations, drawing approximately 19 million visitors each year. Renowned for its accessibility and diverse attractions, the area earned prestigious 2018 accolades, including Google's "Third Most Searched Travel Destination in the World," Travel Channel's "Best East Coast Beaches," and Coastal Living's "Top 10 Beach Town with the Highest Quality of Life." Below is an alphabetical overview of the latest tourism developments by category.
ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS
810 Billiards and Bowling Entertainment Complexes in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, & Conway
Three new entertainment venues, owned by the same proprietor, have opened across the region. Dubbed 810 Billiards and Bowling, each features bowling, billiards, darts, ping-pong, and more, complemented by gourmet cuisine, craft beers, and creative cocktails. Relax on plush couches at the lanes or in elegant dining areas. Locations include across from Coastal Carolina University in Conway, Market Common in Myrtle Beach (former Piggly Wiggly site), and 1105 US 17 in North Myrtle Beach.
Asher Theatre
Myrtle Beach's premier live performance, conference, and event center, Asher Theatre, delivers Vegas- and New York-style acts in a family-friendly, vibrant atmosphere. Headliner James Stephens III stars in Man of a Thousand Voices, showcasing impeccable impressions of icons like Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Elvis, and more. The season launched in April. Visit www.ashertheatre.com for details.
Gateway Galleria Mixed-Use Complex Coming to Ocean Boulevard
Approved plans for the $20 million Gateway Galleria on Seventh Avenue North and Ocean Blvd. in downtown Myrtle Beach include a four-story, 75,000-square-foot structure with over 40 visitor condos atop ground-floor restaurants, fitness centers, and retail. Completion date pending.
Jump Jam Jungle Floats of the Grand Strand
At Crazy Sister Marina in Murrell's Inlet, this innovative floating water park boasts trampolines, a rope swing, curvy slide, six-foot platform, 14-foot high dive, and safety-focused staff. Ideal for hourly fun or private events. Visit www.jumpjamgs.com.
Ocean Boulevard Facelift and Mixed-Use Building
The former Cabana Inn at 14th Avenue South has been razed for a 32,000-square-foot, four-story mixed-use building akin to Market Common. Expect ground-floor retail/commercial and upper-level accommodations with a colorful façade and balconies. Completion date TBD.
Oceanfront Beach Club Entertainment Complex and Boardwalk Extension
Nearing completion: a 55,000-square-foot complex at 14th Avenue North on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Highlights include Tin Roof (Nashville live music), BurgerFi, returning Bandito's Mexican eatery, retail with beach essentials, and a probable national coffee chain. The boardwalk extends northward to a new Hilton, plus an oceanfront park. Tin Roof opened June 2018.
Pure Magic at The Carolina Opry Theater
The 2018 season debuted Pure Magic starring The Wagsters, blending illusions, comedy, and drama. Previously featured in special acts, it now stands alone. Visit www.thecarolinaopry.com/myrtle-beach-shows/pure-magic.
Ripley's Aquarium Pearl Harbor Exhibit
Launched February 2018, this exhibit traces Pearl Harbor's history with ship/plane models, interactive maps, Roosevelt figure, USS Arizona replica, 1940s memorabilia, and Hawaiian marine life. Open most of the year. Details at ripleysaquariummyrtlebeach.com.
Ripley's Aquarium Addition and Penguin Exhibit
Proposed 5,586-square-foot addition includes a permanent penguin exhibit and front stainless-steel water feature, awaiting city approval. Start date pending.
The Simpsons in 4D
Coming to Broadway at the Beach next to Dragon's Lair Fantasy Golf: a family-friendly Simpsons 4D experience. More details forthcoming.
Thunderbolt Park at The Market Common
Myrtle Beach's new park features three miles of paths, picnic areas, lawn, reading room, bike facilities, and renovated Air Force-era building for classes/recreation. Summer 2018 opening.
Topgolf
Under construction at 29th Ave. and Robert Grissom Parkway: a 38,382-square-foot venue with micro-chipped golf games, dining, drinks, TVs, music, and 102 climate-controlled bays. Family events, lessons, leagues included. Late 2018 opening planned.
AVIATION
Delta Announces Flight from China to Myrtle Beach, Summer of 2018
Delta introduces seamless Shanghai-Atlanta-Myrtle Beach (MYR) connections, allowing one-stop travel without baggage changes or airline switches.
Frontier Airlines Coming to MYR, New Service from Denver, Long Island & Trenton
Seasonal non-stops from Denver (DEN), Long Island (ISP), and Trenton (TTN) begin May 2018—first Denver service to MYR.
Sun Country Airlines Coming to MYR, New Service from Minneapolis/St. Paul
New airline Sun Country offers twice-weekly (Mon/Fri) non-stops from MSP, April 6–June 4, 2018.
Existing Carriers New Non-stop Service to Myrtle Beach
- Allegiant: Louisville (SDF), Flint (FNT) from June 6; Nashville (BNA) from June 8.
- American: Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW) from April 7; Chicago-O'Hare (ORD) from June 9.
- Elite Airways: White Plains (HPN), Albany (ALB) from April 5; Newport News (PHF) from April 6.
- Spirit: Columbus (CMH) from March 23; Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) from April 12.
CULINARY
Barefoot Landing New Restaurant District
Dockside Village at Barefoot Landing features waterfront dining, live music, and attractions anchored by Lulu's (Jimmy Buffett's sister's spot with music, beach, ropes course). Mexican concept forthcoming. Lulu's opened June 2018. Visit www.bflanding.com.
The Good Day Café
Downtown Superblock's bubble tea haven offers frothy Taiwanese drinks, salads, gourmet grilled cheeses, wraps, paninis in retro 1950s-60s décor. www.facebook.com/gooddaycafemyrtlebeach.
Local Restaurateur Heidi Vukov Named South Carolina Chef Ambassador
Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Heidi Vukov (Croissants Bistro & Bakery, Hook & Barrel) a 2018 Chef Ambassador for Southeast events. https://www.discoversouthcarolina.com/chef-ambassadors-2018.
Johnny D's Waffles and Bakery Second Location
Popular spot expands to North Myrtle Beach Bi-Lo center with innovative waffles like red velvet. https://johnnydswafflesandbakery.com.
Ocean Blue Restaurant and Lounge at the Doubletree Resort by Hilton
New oceanfront dining at renovated Doubletree serves Southern comfort foods, seafood, grilled meats; lounge focuses on bourbon/rum cocktails. www.myrtlebeachresort.doubletreebyhilton.com.
Sandlapper Grill
Near Market Common, family-run diner offers affordable Southern homemade dishes. www.facebook.com/sandlappergrill.
Tin Roof "A Live Music Joint" and Restaurant
Nashville import on Boardwalk's third floor: food, bar, live music. www.tinroofmyrtlebeach.com. Opened June 2018.
Water Tree Café
Market Common's eclectic spot by Philly chef: salmon, ceviche tacos, satay, desserts, cocktails. thewatertreecafe.com.
LODGING
Caravelle Resort Undergoes Extensive Room Renovations
Vacation Myrtle Beach renovated hundreds of rooms at Caravelle Resort (Golden Mile) with modern furniture, bedding, kitchens, baths—including Jacuzzi Suites. Santa Maria Restaurant refreshed too. 855-285-4416.
Hilton Ocean 16
Under construction: 330-unit luxury oceanfront Hilton at 1600 N. Ocean Blvd., 260 feet tall. Summer 2019 opening.
Marriott Hotel at 21st Avenue North Myrtle Beach
Two-phase Marriott replaces Breakers buildings: towers, retail/restaurants/entertainment, maritime forest vista. Phase 1 fall 2018 start.
Residence Inn Marriott
17-story, 305,964-sq-ft hotel on 26th Ave. S. Ocean Blvd. with parking, pool. Completion TBD.
South Bay Inn & Suites
Boardwalk's 19-story, 242-room family resort with waterpark, gym, bar, restaurant. May 2018 opening. www.southbayinnandsuites.com.
