As a longtime resident of the Grand Strand, I maintain a curated list of free, family-friendly activities to enjoy year-round, especially during the bustling summer season. While the Myrtle Beach area boasts numerous paid attractions, balancing cost is key for frequent outings. One standout free gem is Vereen Historical Memorial Gardens, open to all visitors at no charge.Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, this 114-acre park sits at the northern tip

Discover the vibrant Market Common area in Myrtle Beach, a family favorite since 2008 for dining, shopping, movies, and runs. In 2016, it welcomed Savannah’s Playground, the Southeast’s first enabling playground, drawing visitors from near and far.This exceptional $3 million, multi-acre park features fully ADA-compliant equipment, empowering children of all abilities to play and connect. Enjoy the music park, interactive zones, early childhood

Shag is the official State Dance of South Carolina—a fun fact that highlights its cultural significance.If you enjoy reality dance shows like Dancing with the Stars, the National Shag Dance Championships is a must-see event.As the longest continuously running shag dance competition in the United States, the finals returned to North Myrtle Beach—the shag capital—for its 35th year in March 2018.Top competitors showcased their skills from March 8

If youre lucky enough to spend St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, dont miss the array of exciting events planned for this cherished March holiday. Irish heritage or not, these festivities promise unforgettable fun for everyone. North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade Celebrating its 30th year in 2018, the North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade kicks off with a grand parade at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, followed by a vibrant festival

March 23-25, 2018: A Vibrant Weekend of Gaelic CultureHeading to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, this weekend? Dont miss the Saltwater Highland Games and Heritage Festival, a standout spring event blending fun, tradition, and Celtic heritage through music, athletics, and Scottish-Gaelic customs. Held the weekend after St. Patrick’s Day, its a must-see for culture enthusiasts.The festivities begin with a welcome party on Friday, March 23. The main

Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt Thursday, March 29, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Designed for ages 11-14, this evening hunt requires participants to bring their own flashlight and basket. Held at Riverfront Park (6 Elm Street) in Conway by the Conway Parks and Recreation Department. Free event; no registration needed. Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Gordon Biersch Savor brunch with the Easter Bunny starting at 9 a.m. on March 31 at Gordon Biersch in The Market Common. $10 per person (free for ages 3

Global Sports Entertainment Leader Builds First South Carolina Venue, Expecting 300,000 Annual Visits MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., April 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Global sports entertainment leader Topgolf® has officially broken ground in Myrtle Beach. The 55,000-square-foot venue is set to open to the public in early 2019. "Were honored that Topgolf has selected Myrtle Beach for its first South Carolina location," said Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune. "As a leading global company de

WonderWorks Myrtle Beach Unveils Thrilling New Exhibits for Spring and Summer Myrtle Beach, SC (March 27, 2018) – Spring marks the start of the year of new at WonderWorks, located at Broadway at the Beach. This iconic upside-down house, featuring an indoor amusement park for the mind, introduces an array of captivating exhibits designed to delight first-time visitors, returning guests, locals, and tourists alike. Rooted in education, WonderWorks demonstrates

As spring approaches, Brookgreen Gardens beckons families with its world-renowned collection of American figurative sculptures. But until May 13, 2018, visitors could experience a thrilling first: the Dinosaurs exhibit featuring remarkably lifelike animatronics. Even my tractor-loving three-year-old was captivated. The exhibit showcases 17 realistic dinosaur animatronics along a scenic outdoor path. Motion sensors trigger eyes, heads, arms, tails

As a lifelong Myrtle Beach resident, it took me 29 years to finally experience one of our areas premier dolphin watching cruises—and Im glad I did. This outing with Captain Mark Collins and Blue Wave Adventures Dolphin Watch Cruise became one of my most cherished memories on the Grand Strand waters. While several operators offer excellent tours from Murrells Inlet and Little River, Blue Wave Adventures stood out for its expertise and eco-conscious approach.Operating seven days a week in peak sea

The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts in Myrtle Beach, providing a serene escape even on the sunniest days. Housed in the historic Springmaid Beach Villas, it has welcomed the public since 1997. Best of all, admission is free for everyone. The museum boasts 11 galleries featuring rotating exhibitions of diverse artworks, including paintings, textiles, sculpture, photography, video, ceramic

Recognized by TripAdvisor as the #1 attraction in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Alligator Adventure delivers a unique and unforgettable experience. As a local who has visited multiple times from childhood through adulthood, Ive witnessed its enduring appeal. This wildlife haven captivates animal enthusiasts and casual visitors alike with its hands-on encounters and diverse exhibits.Spanning 15 acres, the park showcases over 200 species, i

The Myrtle Beach area boasts two exceptional South Carolina State Parks: Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park. As a longtime outdoor enthusiast and annual pass holder, I frequently visit both parks year-round—a smart investment for South Carolina residents seeking unlimited access to nature. Situated near Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island on the southern Grand Strand, Huntington Beach State Park offers a wide, pristine beach, over 300 bird species, diverse wildlife, scenic na

The Myrtle Beach area boasts a vibrant lineup of festivals and events year-round. (Track them all on our events calendar here.) A standout favorite is the Myrtle Beach Food Truck Festival, entering its second year this weekend in downtown Myrtle Beach. Last years debut drew massive crowds with stunning oceanfront views, exceptional food trucks, and live music—we had an absolute blast! This three-day extravaganza starts Friday, April 20, running 6-10 p.m. that evening; Saturday from 11 a.m.-10 p

Even before the first pitch, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans 2018 season promises excitement off the field. As the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, the team recently unveiled a stellar promotional schedule packed with family-friendly events. Highlights include Myrtle Beach Mermen Night, NASA Night, Women in Sports Night, Christmas Vacation Night, Old School Hip Hop Night, Cubs-A-Palooza, Star Wars Night, and Touch-A-Truck Night—perfect for kids and families. Weekly promotions have been

In ancient myths, dragons ruled the skies over watery foes. But at the 10th Annual Ground Zero Dragon Boat Festival on April 28, 2018, at The Market Common in Myrtle Beach, its paddlers who conquer the waves.Dragon boating is an exhilarating team sport: 20 paddlers and a drummer propel vividly decorated dragon boats in high-stakes races to the finish line. The stunning boat designs make for a visually spectacular event thats pure fun for spectat

Myrtle Beach celebrates Cinco de Mayo with authentic flair, savoring margaritas and Coronas under the South Carolina sun. While the beloved Burro Fest is paused this year for restaurant renovations, Broadway at the Beach is hosting a grand fiesta for everyone to enjoy. The festivities kick off with a 5K race at 8:30 a.m. at Señor Frogs Restaurant at Broadway at the Beach. Packet pickup starts at 7 a.m., followed by a complimentary breakfast and live music for participants. Regi

Longtime visitors to Myrtle Beach often recall its origins as a quaint beach town. The evolution over the decades has been extraordinary.In 2016, Myrtle Beach welcomed a record 18.6 million visitors. The area boasts about 157,000 rental rooms in peak season, 1,800 full-service restaurants, 2.7 million annual rounds of golf, and seven live theaters with 7,500 seats.One constant remains: the tourism industrys warm welcome to visitors from near an

Planning a Mothers Day getaway in Myrtle Beach? Beyond quality beach time with family, our curated 2018 roundup highlights fun events and exceptional brunches to honor Mom. As local experts, weve vetted these trusted spots for memorable experiences.Mothers Day Event at Socastee LibraryWednesday, May 9, 20184 to 5 p.m.Decorate a flower pot for Mom or Grandma at this free, all-ages event—no registration needed. Call (843) 215-4700 for details. Loc

One of Myrtle Beachs newest attractions, the Asher Theatre, is located off Highway 501 in the former Waccamaw Pottery outlet. Renowned for its world-class live entertainment, Myrtle Beach now boasts even more stellar performances with the addition of this dynamic venue to its lineup. The Asher Theatre kicked off its inaugural season in April 2018 with the acclaimed performer James Stephens III, known as The Man of a Thousand Voices. Featured on HBO, Showtime,