Myrtle Beach, located on South Carolina’s eastern coast, is a top vacation spot renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand, South Strand and North Strand stretches for 60 sun-kissed miles along South Carolina’s Atlantic coast, offering an unbeatable mix of wide sandy beaches, world-class golf courses, and family-friendly attractions.
Popular shopping areas in the Grand Strand include Broadway on the Beach, Tanger Outlets, and The Market Common, offering everything from outlet malls to beachfront boutiques. From the bustling Myrtle Beach Boardwalk to waterfront dining and lively entertainment, this iconic shoreline delivers year-round fun, fresh coastal flavors, and endless ocean views, making the Grand Strand one of America’s most beloved beach destinations.
Table of Contents: The Grand Strand Myrtle Beach
The Same
While both the Dinks and The Family share some common experiences in Myrtle Beach, there’s a notable distinction: the Dinks are gradually becoming experts on the area due to their residence in Surfside Beach, SC, which is part of the South Strand Myrtle Beach region. While they don’t get to the Grand Strand that often, they still are gaining a local perspective on the area.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade
Stretching 1.2 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade is the vibrant heart of the Grand Strand. This lively oceanfront walkway combines stunning coastal views with an ever-changing mix of entertainment, dining, and seasonal events. From morning strolls to late-night music, the boardwalk offers something for every visitor, making it a year-round favorite for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
- Winter Wonderland at the Beach – A seasonal holiday festival with dazzling lights, themed displays, and a festive market.
- Myrtle Beach SkyWheel – Iconic 187-foot observation wheel providing panoramic views of the coastline.
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium – Interactive museum filled with quirky exhibits and mind-bending curiosities.
- Second Avenue Pier – Classic fishing pier and rooftop bar perfect for ocean vistas and sunset cocktails.
- Gay Dolphin Gift Cove – Legendary multi-level shop packed with souvenirs, shells, and unique coastal finds.
Broadway at the Beach
Broadway at the Beach is a vibrant 350-acre entertainment complex in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This popular destination offers a wide range of attractions, including over 100 specialty shops, diverse dining options, and various entertainment venues.
Visitors can stroll along boardwalks with scenic views, enjoy shopping for clothing, souvenirs, and home decor, and savor meals at numerous restaurants. Attractions include Ripley’s Aquarium, WonderWorks, and the Hollywood Wax Museum, as well as family-friendly rides at Pavilion Park and lively nightlife options. Some of our favorites include:
- The Hangout is a lively venue known for its vibrant atmosphere and live music performances. These outdoor shows are almost always free, but some do require reservation “tickets” to enter.
- Crocodile Rocks is a lively piano bar and entertainment venue that offers an energetic and interactive experience. Known for its dueling pianos, the venue features talented musicians who perform a wide range of popular songs, encouraging audience participation and creating a fun, upbeat atmosphere.
Shopping in the Myrtle Beach Area
Whether you’re hunting for designer deals, unique boutiques, or a classic mall experience, the Grand Strand offers plenty of retail therapy. From outlet bargains to upscale strolls, these top spots are worth a visit:
- Tanger Outlets 501 – Score name-brand fashion, shoes, and accessories at outlet prices, with frequent sales that make the savings even sweeter.
- The Market Common – An open-air lifestyle center filled with stylish boutiques, specialty shops, and a mix of restaurants, perfect for a leisurely day of shopping and dining. We have also attended events and festivals outside in their green space.
- Coastal Grand Mall – The region’s largest indoor mall, featuring popular national retailers, department stores, and a variety of eateries for a classic mall experience.
The Dinks
After settling into a peaceful beachside town in the South Strand a few years ago, we’ve found ourselves drawn north every now and then for the excitement of the Grand Strand. It has everything from music, shopping to festivals. Surprisingly, though, we’ve never actually set foot on the Grand Strand’s busy beachfront, our hearts still belong to the quieter, uncrowded beaches just south of Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Beach Pelicans
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are a Minor League Baseball team and a beloved part of the Grand Strand sports scene. As a Class A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, they play at Pelicans Ballpark, just a short drive from the beach. Affordable tickets, a lively atmosphere, and fun promotions make their games a favorite for both locals and visitors looking for classic summer entertainment.
We like to catch Pelicans games either early in the season or later in the year to avoid the peak summer heat. The giveaway nights are always a bonus—one of our favorites was snagging a Pelicans sun hat, which still comes along to the beach with us.
Bars & Restaurants in the Grand Strand
We honestly haven’t spent as much time dining in the heart of the Grand Strand as we have in the quieter North and South Strand, but a few spots keep pulling us back. Whether it’s a laid-back vibe, live music, or a good happy-hour deal, these places are worth the trip when we’re craving something different:
- Nacho Hippo – Famous for over-the-top nachos and $3 margaritas that make happy hour a must.
- The Boathouse Waterway Bar & Grill – A local favorite with a music stage right on the Intracoastal Waterway, perfect for catching live bands with a view. They have local beer and good food. (Pimento cheese is a great snack.)
- Tin Roof – Rooftop bar with ocean views, great cocktails, and a steady lineup of live music.
- RipTydz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar – Combines seafood classics and beachy cocktails with sweeping Atlantic views.
Golf Courses
Myrtle Beach is often referred to as the “Golf Capital of the World” due to its numerous championship golf courses. Golf enthusiasts can choose from over 80 courses designed by world-renowned architects, offering a variety of challenges and stunning coastal views. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, Myrtle Beach has something for everyone.
My husband sticks to more budget friendly to moderately priced courses so while there are definitely some really nice courses not on this list, here are his favorites int he Grand Strand Central area that he has played:
- MBN – King’s North – Arnold Palmer (High-end): Iconic signature holes and water features make this Myrtle Beach National course a bucket-list round.
- World Tour Golf Links – Mel Graham (High-end): Re-creations of famous holes from Augusta, St. Andrews, and beyond for a “world tour” in one round.
- MBN – South Creek – Arnold Palmer (Medium): Strategic doglegs and wetlands make accuracy key on this scenic track.
- MBN – West Course – Arnold Palmer (Medium): Classic Carolina pines and wide fairways deliver a forgiving yet engaging round.
- Myrtlewood – Palmetto – Edmund B. Ault (Medium): A traditional design along the Intracoastal Waterway. (Another spot where an eagle was carded.)
- Myrtlewood – Pine Hills – Arthur Hills (Medium):Modernized routing with rolling terrain and water challenges for a fun, fair test.
- Whispering Pines – Singer Span / Pete Dye (Budget): A locals’ favorite with a walkable layout. Fun fact: scored an eagle here!
- General Hackler @ CCU – Gene Hamm (Budget): Home course of the Coastal Carolina University golf team, offering a solid collegiate-style test.
- River Oaks – Gene Hamm / Tom Jackson – (Budget): Three unique nines with generous fairways and a laid-back atmosphere.
The Family
Oceanfront Resort on The Grand Strand
When my family and I choose a hotel, we prioritize amenities that cater to both relaxation for the adults and entertainment for the kids. For us, having a balcony overlooking the ocean is essential. It provides a peaceful spot where we can unwind when the kids go to bed.
We also love hotels with a lazy river. It’s a fantastic feature that allows the kids to float along the gentle current, while my spouse and I can relax on inner tubes and soak up the sun. We look for a hotel with a lazy river that winds through lush landscaping for added ambiance. In addition to a lazy river, we appreciate hotels that offer a variety of pools and water features to keep the kids entertained. Splash pads, water slides, and children’s pools with interactive play areas are always a hit with our little ones.
Learn how the family makes visiting the Grand Strand of Myrtle Beach affordable by reading their blog “Budget Travel with Kids to Myrtle Beach.”
Summary
Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand truly delivers something for everyone. From the bustling boardwalk and vibrant shopping districts to championship golf courses and laid-back oceanfront resorts, this stretch of South Carolina coastline blends classic beach fun with endless entertainment.
Whether we’re catching a Pelicans game, relaxing at a lazy-river resort, or simply strolling the sand, each visit reminds us why Myrtle Beach remains one of America’s favorite coastal getaways. The Grand Strand keeps calling us back—season after season—for new memories, fresh flavors, and those unforgettable Atlantic views.
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