Myrtle Beach is an exceptional golf destination, but there’s so much more to discover beyond the greens. From pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife to nature trails and family-friendly attractions, the area offers a wide range of experiences to suit every traveler’s taste. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best activities and attractions to explore during your stay at a Myrtle Beach golf villa.
1. Relax on the Beautiful Beaches
Myrtle Beach is home to 60 miles of beautiful coastline, offering plenty of opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shoreline or rent a beach chair and umbrella for a day of relaxation. For those seeking more adventure, try your hand at water sports such as surfing, paddleboarding, or jet skiing. The beach is the perfect place to unwind after a round of golf or to spend a day with the family.
2. Take a Stroll Along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is a lively destination that stretches 1.2 miles along the oceanfront, offering stunning views and a variety of entertainment options. Take a leisurely walk along the wooden planks, stopping at various shops, restaurants, and bars along the way. Be sure to visit the iconic SkyWheel, a 187-foot-tall Ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of the coastline. The boardwalk also hosts various events throughout the year, such as live music, festivals, and fireworks displays.
3. Explore the Natural Beauty of Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens is a unique combination of botanical gardens, sculpture exhibits, and wildlife preserve, providing a serene escape from the bustling city. Wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens, where you’ll find an impressive collection of American sculptures, including works by renowned artists such as Anna Hyatt Huntington and Augustus Saint-Gaudens. In addition, the Lowcountry Zoo offers the chance to observe native wildlife in their natural habitats, including alligators, deer, and various bird species. Brookgreen Gardens is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and art enthusiasts alike.
4. Discover Local History at the Horry County Museum
The Horry County Museum, located in nearby Conway, offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s history and heritage. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, the museum features exhibits on local history, Native American culture, military history, and natural history. One of the museum’s highlights is the L.W. Paul Living History Farm, a working farm that recreates life in Horry County during the early 20th century. Visitors can watch costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional farming techniques, blacksmithing, and other daily tasks. The museum offers an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
5. Enjoy the Thrills at Family Kingdom Amusement Park
Family Kingdom Amusement Park is a beachfront amusement park that offers fun for the whole family. With over 35 rides and attractions, there’s something for everyone, from classic roller coasters and Ferris wheels to thrilling water slides and go-kart tracks. Don’t miss the historic Swamp Fox wooden roller coaster, a Myrtle Beach landmark since 1966. The park also features an array of games, food stands, and live entertainment, making it a perfect destination for a day of family fun.
6. Dive into the Wonders of Ripley’s Aquarium
Ripley’s Aquarium is a popular attraction that showcases the diverse marine life of the world’s oceans. The highlight of the aquarium is the Dangerous Reef exhibit, where visitors can travel through a 340-foot underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, sea turtles, and colorful fish. Other exhibits include the Ray Bay, where you can interact with stingrays, and the Living Gallery, which features unique sea creatures such as jellyfish and seahorses. The aquarium also offers interactive experiences such as diving with sharks and sleepovers in the Dangerous Reef tunnel.
7. Sample Local Brews and Wines
Myrtle Beach is home to several breweries and wineries that offer tastings and tours. Visit the New South Brewing Company, a microbrewery that produces a variety of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. For wine enthusiasts, consider a trip to Duplin Winery, which specializes in sweet muscadine wines, or La Belle Amie Vineyard, a family-owned winery that offers tastings, tours, and live music events. Sampling local brews and wines is a great way to unwind after a day on the golf course.
8. Take a Scenic Cruise Along the Intracoastal Waterway
The Intracoastal Waterway is a 3,000-mile-long inland waterway that stretches from Boston, Massachusetts, to Brownsville, Texas. In Myrtle Beach, you can take a scenic cruise along the waterway, offering picturesque views of the area’s natural beauty and wildlife. Choose from a variety of cruises, including dinner cruises, sunset cruises, and sightseeing tours. A cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway is a relaxing and enjoyable way to experience Myrtle Beach’s scenic surroundings.
9. Experience the Excitement of Broadway at the Beach
Broadway at the Beach is a vibrant entertainment complex that features a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and attractions. Stroll along the boardwalks that surround the 23-acre Lake Broadway, or take a leisurely ride on the Broadway Express train. Attractions at Broadway at the Beach include WonderWorks, an interactive science museum; the Hollywood Wax Museum; and the Legends in Concert live tribute show. With so much to see and do, Broadway at the Beach offers a full day of entertainment for visitors of all ages.
10. Catch a Show at The Carolina Opry
The Carolina Opry is a premier live entertainment venue in Myrtle Beach, featuring a variety of musical performances, comedy acts, and theatrical productions. With a lineup that includes everything from country and rock to Broadway hits and gospel tunes, there’s a show to suit every taste. The Carolina Opry has been entertaining audiences for over 30 years and is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Myrtle Beach. Be sure to check the schedule and book your tickets in advance to ensure a memorable night of entertainment.
Conclusion
Myrtle Beach offers so much more than just exceptional golf courses. From stunning beaches and lively entertainment to fascinating history and natural beauty, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. By venturing beyond the greens and exploring the area from your golf villa, you’ll create lasting memories and experience the best that Myrtle Beach has to offer.
Myrtle Beach is indeed a gem. A day golfing, followed by a good stout at New South Brewing, and a sunset cruise. My kind of vacation. By the way, I love the irony of avoiding the water hazards on the course and then deliberately going for a water adventure. Total immersion, folks!
Great rundown of things to do in Myrtle Beach! I love to golf, but my family gets a bit bored. These ideas will be perfect for keeping them entertained. Any specific golf courses you recommend?
Great rundown of all the activities in Myrtle Beach. I’m definitely looking forward to my next golf trip there. And yes, I try to take in more than just the greens. The boardwalk and the Brookgreen Gardens are my go-to spots. How about fishing opportunities? Any recommendations?
Great article! Myrtle Beach really has it all. I always enjoy a round of golf, but it’s nice to switch it up and try other activities. Peter’s Pointe Golf Course offers a great challenge for avid golfers, and then a night show at Carolina Opry. How can you beat that?
Myrtle Beach is a golfer’s paradise for sure, but who knew it had so much more to offer? The wife will love the botanical gardens and museums while the kids will enjoy the amusement park. Plus, me? I’ll be sampling some local brews. Cheers to a well-rounded vacation.
Wow, didn’t realize Myrtle Beach had so much to offer. I’ve only been there for golf tournaments and barely had the time to explore the area. Definitely need to hit the beach next time. And the Family Kingdom Amusement Park sounds like a lot of fun for my kids. Thanks for an informative post.