Top Grand Strand Things to Do: Summer 2023
Although a popular vacation destination, the Myrtle Beach area is also a great place to live. The evolving attractions and activities appeal to your guests, of course, but they also make a great addition to the everyday life for residents. This roundup of top Grand Strand things to do will help you make plans for summer 2023.
Enjoy some old school, hands-on fun at this museum devoted to pinball arcade games. Retro gaming machines from the 1970s and on let you relive childhood with all its bells, buzzers, and flashing lights. Pay $12 for an hour of fun on the machines. Check the hours of operation in advance (it changes by the week and is only a few afternoons a week) 607 27th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach’s art museum first opened in 1997. Free to all, the museum features paintings, sculptures, photos and more with 11 galleries of changing exhibitions throughout the year. This summer you can see an exhibition by nationally-known silhouette artist Clay Rice based on the children’s book The Stick. 3100 S Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC
This pier sustained major damage in 2016’s Hurricane Matthew, but Surfside has brought it back to glory again for its 2023 reopening. The Surfside Pier has already been rebuilt at least three times since it was originally built in 1953. After all, there are many friendly fishers looking to get back out with their bait and rods. 11 Ocean Blvd S, Surfside Beach, SC
Who says you can’t surf the Grand Strand? This Wavegarden surf park features man-made waves for surfers of all experience levels. Family and friends can view from the pier or try something tamer in the Adventure Lagoon’s pool and diving area. There’s even a pool climbing wall. Surfworks Myrtle Beach also has a volleyball court, playground, and skatepark. 309 Melrose Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC
Keep the surfs up vibe going at The Hangout. New in 2022 and offering live music year-round, this venue boasts 40,000-square-feet of family fun. Check out the art installations, participate in dancing and other contests, play courtyard games, visit the giant sandbox, the mermaid bar, or the foam pit. Or just chill by a fire pit while enjoying an extensive seafood and burgers menu and drinks. 1181 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC
Ice cream is always a good way to cool off after some fun in the sun. Go a little crazy at this staple for sweet treats. You might want to check out the Grand Strand original, Don’t Worry Beach Happy, with Orange Swirl ice cream topped with a wave of cotton candy and a custom beach sugar cookie. It’s finished with whipped cream and crushed graham cracker. 2461 Coastal Grand Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC
Explore cars of previous era in this Vintage Auto Museum with many classic vehicles and floor-to-ceiling car-related memorabilia. The cars showcased change as owners Paul and Carol Cummings share different makes and models from their collection of over 150 cars. 413 Hospitality Lane, Myrtle Beach, SC
Walk inside one of the four classrooms in this historic school, operational from 1923 until 1958, to better understand the past. You’ll take in original pictures and newspaper clippings while learning about the children who welcomed this wood-framed schoolhouse as a great advancement during segregated times when African American students could don’t attend official “white” schools. 900 Dunbar St, Myrtle Beach, SC
Newly renovated in 2021 with new lighting and fresh gondola interiors, this old-timey wheel reaches 200 feet above sea level. SkyWheel is a fun way to take in panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Plus, the gondolas are climate-controlled, so you can enjoy some cool comfort for the 10 minutes (three wheel rotations) while you take in the spectacular views of the Myrtle Beach promenade and boardwalk too. The wheel is open from 11 am to midnight, but sunset may be the best time to visit. 1110 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC
Found amidst the popular Broadway at the Beach’s restaurants and retail, this Ripley’s outlet is home to over 10,000 sea creatures, and you’ll view an amazing range of them in the 750,000 galloon ocean tank. This year they’ve added a Sloth Valley Habitat and daily Penguin Parades. 1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC
This sprawling gardens boasts over 9,000 sculptures and floral displays as well as live oaks, magnolias, and azaleas. You can also visit its Lowcountry Zoo to see alligators, otters, and exotic birds. On Wednesday and Saturday nights you can also tour the garden in the evening to enjoy Summer Light: Art by Night. 1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC
Take yourself out to the ballgame, and buy yourself some peanuts and Cracker Jack at the home to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. This minor league baseball team is a Single-A-Affiliate for the Chicago Cubs. 1251 21st Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC
While you’re in the area, check out Saussy Burbank’s new homes in Myrtle Beach. The SayeBrook community encompasses nearly 730 acres two miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Then you can live near the top Grand Strand things to do year round.
