Southern charm and sun-soaked beaches – Myrtle Beach promises all of that and more. A city that retains its small feeling despite attracting more than 17 million visitors to its white sand shores every single year.
Myrtle Beach is one of the premier travel destinations in the country for hosting getaways and with good reason. There is an abundance of fun things to do, ranging from exciting nightlife to more family-friendly events. While the Wonderworks amusement parks and mini golf courses might appeal to those planning the perfect family vacation to South Carolina, they are less appealing to our adult visitors.
Before we dive into all the adult-friendly Myrtle Beach attractions, you should browse our oceanfront vacation rentals with expansive views of the Atlantic, offering the perfect refuge on your next getaway. You’ll wake up rested, restored, and ready to take on all the highlights of this year-round East Coast icon.
Here are the 14 best things to do for adults in Myrtle Beach!
1. Hit the Grand Strand Highlights
The Grand Strand is a stretch of the Atlantic Coastline with over 60 miles of uninterrupted beaches. Not just any beaches, however, spectacular silky-sanded, wide, lovely beaches perfect for lounging, beach-combing, and strolling. Native East Coasters will often refer to this area as “The Beach” because you’re unlikely to find anywhere beachier than the Myrtle Beach area. Our favorite beaches, in no particular order:
- Cherry Grove
- Ocean Drive Beach
- Windy Hill Beach
- Crescent Beach
- Atlantic Beach
2. Get Out On the Water
Paddleboarding, Jetski, kayaking, swimming, dolphin cruises, whatever gets you out on the water! You can’t visit Myrtle Beach without getting into or onto the Atlantic. Myrtle Waves Water Park doesn’t count, although it can be fun for the whole family.
Rent your water device and glide down the scenic Intracoastal Waterways or bob in the oceanic waves off Myrtle Beach itself.
3. Hit the Links at a Celebrity Designed Golf Course
Aside from our beaches, our unique golf courses might just be the largest Myrtle Beach claim to fame. Some would even call us the golf capital of America, boasting more than 90+ courses fit for all skill levels. With some links designed by Arnold Palmer and Willard Byrd, among others, amateur and professional golfers alike will enjoy a day out on the greens. These are the most noteworthy golf courses in Myrtle Beach to reserve your tee time.
- World Tour Golf Links
- Dunes Golf and Beach Club
- King’s North
- True Blue Golf Club
- TopGolf (for those who just want to hit a bucket of balls with friends).
- 30+ miniature golf courses too!
4. Scenic Walks in Myrtle Beach
Whether you’re walking off the morning’s Pimento cheese shrimp and grits or enjoying a beachside stroll while the sun sinks beyond the horizon, painting the sky a million shades of pink— Myrtle Beach has a walk for that. Stroll the promenade shops, explore some of our pristine nature trails, or hit Huntington Beach State Park to spot some native wildlife. Here are a few of our favorite places to walk while
- Myrtle Beach Boardwalk near the Skywheel.
- Huntington Beach Marsh Boardwalk at Huntington Beach State Park.
- Murrells Inlet Marshwalk.
- Brookgreen Gardens (Botanical Garden).
- Ocean Boulevard near the Family Kingdom Amusement Park.
While you’re walking at Murrells Inlet, be sure to check out Atalaya Castle built by a philanthropist and artist couple in 1931. It was famously used by the US Air Corps as barracks during World War II and became part of Huntington State Park in 1960.
5. Scarf Down Local Dishes at Our Favorite Restaurants
Fun fact – Myrtle Beach has over 2,000 delectable restaurants to choose from! The main foodie hub near our Together Resort vacation rentals has plenty of South Carolina specialties like fried green tomatoes and maple-glazed pork chops from The Parson’s Table, Southen-cooking and hush puppies at Bubba’s Fish Camp, and saucy mussels at Toscana Italian Kitchen. In fact, there’s no shortage of incredible Italian restaurants in Myrtle Beach.
Here are a few restaurants that might appeal to your adventurous adult taste buds.
- Sea Captain’s House for She Crab Soup.
- Big Mike’s Soul Food for delicious fried livers, gizzards, and collard greens.
- Wicked Tuna for sushi.
If there is one must-visit destination for foodies, it’s Murrells Inlet Marshwalk. Known as the “seafood capital of South Carolina,” this is the best place to try some of the state’s freshly caught seafood specialties.
6. Be Entertained by Broadway at the Beach
You won’t find any Broadway performances here despite the somewhat misleading name. However, Broadway at the Beach is the leading entertainment destination in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Our vacation rentals are fully loaded with amenities to keep you occupied in the A/C on a hot summer day. But if you’re looking to stay indoors while still leaving the house, you can visit the Hollywood Wax Museum, an escape room, or stroll through the underwater walkways of Ripley’s Aquarium (yes, Ripley’s Believe it or Not), all at Broadway on the Beach.
There are also various forms of live entertainment, like The Legends in Concert’s famous tribute shows, and shopping, as well as dining options like Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen. After dark, this beachfront establishment gets lively, with most patrons frequenting the somewhat infamous Señor Frogs. If your visit happens to coincide with the summer season, be sure to check out the Tuesday night fireworks show from here!
7. Catch a Show at the Alabama Theatre
For all your dinner show needs, head on over to the Alabama Theatre, a local hidden gem. Set in the beautiful Barefoot Landing neighborhood, this joint typically hosts family-friendly country music acts. But that doesn’t mean it’sn’t a wonderful place for adults to enjoy some music.
That’s not the only place to catch a live show in town. The Carolina Opry Theater also hosts a variety of shows, from live music to magicians and other performances. Be sure to check the calendar before your Myrtle Beach visit.
8. Indulge in the Vibrant Nightlife
Whether you’re looking for a low-key night featuring a stiff cocktail and live music or an all-night dance party fueled by frozen New Orleans-inspired drinks, Myrtle Beach has a bar for you. Some of our favorites include…
- Fat Tuesday for frozen drinks and a lively atmosphere.
- The Bowery for live music and Myrtle Beach’s most iconic outdoor bar.
- The Landing at the Boathouse for craft beer and exceptional intracoastal waterway views.
Check out our full list of the best Myrtle Beach nightlife for a wild night out on the beach.
9. Shop for Souvenirs at Barefoot Landing
Barefoot Landing is a lovely waterfront village with some excellent dining options and plenty of shops to keep you occupied for the full day. If you’re still looking for that perfect South Carolina souvenir, it’s definitely worth strolling the shops for locally-made products at all our featured small businesses.
No luck? Check out The Market Common, another collection of shops, small businesses, and a bowling alley! Or Low Country Treasures for antiques.
10. Enjoy the Great Outdoors at Myrtle Beach State Park
This is the most popular state park in South Carolina. Walking among the wooden boardwalk between silky golden grasses and rolling sand dunes, you’ll understand why. You can hike, bike the coastal paths, or watch for local birdlife that frequent this wilder slice of the shore.
Wildlife lovers might also enjoy a visit to the Alligator Adventure next to Barefoot Landing.
11. Go Wine Tasting or Try the Craft Beer Scene
La Belle Amie Vineyard and Duplin Winery offer two of the best wine-tasting experiences in the city, and if you’re a vino lover, they cannot be missed! Both offer lovely scenery and delicious wines for the perfect romantic date or girls’ day out. For beer lovers, New South Brewing is a local favorite, with 13 taps serving high-quality microbrews. You can also try out Grand Strand Brewing and Tidal Creek Brewhouse.
12. Catch a Fish A Pier 14
This place is as popular with locals as it is with tourists! Pier 14 is a large fishing pier or dock at the end of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk; you can’t miss it! Here, you can find all the fishing essentials, including reel and tackle rentals, so that you can cast your line into the water and spend your day fishing. A favorite South Carolina pastime.
13. Take a Romantic Ride on the Beach
There is nothing quite like a scenic beachfront ride on the back of a trotting horse. Myrtle Beach Horse Ride offers all kinds of sunset ride packages for couples looking to add a little romance to their Myrtle Beach vacation. More adventurous riders can sign on for longer trail rides, too!
14. Ride the Brew Boat
What’s more adult day out on the water with a cold one? Leave the kids behind and sign up for a full day of fun out on the water with the Brew Boat. This BYOB cruise lets you bring your own friends and coast through the beautiful Murrells Inlet Marshlands for a scenic view while you imbibe. This is best for larger groups of 21+ individuals.
Plan Your Adults-Only Getaway to Myrtle Beach!
We love a family vacation. In fact, our sprawling vacation rentals in Myrtle Beach can fit everyone at the family reunion! Sometimes, you’re just craving a more adult getaway. Our small 2-4-person rental homes set against the idyllic backdrop of South Carolina’s coast are the ideal romantic setting for your next adults-only trip to Myrtle Beach.
