21 Reasons Why You Want to Visit Myrtle Beach

Blog » 21 Reasons Why You Want to Visit Myrtle Beach

We could say that Myrtle Beach is one of the top vacation destinations in the United States because of our beautiful beaches, friendly faces, and endless entertainment… but you don’t have to take our word for it. Myrtle Beach has been named #21 on Trip Advisors list of Top Destination in the United States! Our area is perfect for any type of getaway, whether you’re visiting for a family vacation, golf trip, honeymoon, or a girl’s trip. We’re celebrating being named #21 by giving you 21 reasons to visit Myrtle Beach:

1. The Beach

It’s no wonder that more than 18 million people visit the area to visit the beaches, which span more 60 miles of coastline from Cherry Grove to Surfside Beach. Cherry Grove was named the #11 Top Beach in the United States by the 2019 TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards and Surfside Beach was named in the Top 10 Best Family Beaches again in 2019 by Family Vacation Critic. It’s easy to see why this natural attraction tops the list of reasons to visit the area.

Brookgreen gardens landscape

2. Brookgreen Gardens*

Experience the many wonders of Brookgreen Gardens, located just south of Myrtle Beach in Murrells Inlet. Explore more than 2,000 American sculptures set among the seasonal blooms of the botanical gardens, visit the Lowcountry Zoo to learn what it takes to be a zookeeper for the day, or learn about South Carolina’s rich history dating back to the 1800s. A full day’s adventure awaits!

3. Miniature Golf*

No trip to Myrtle Beach is complete without a round of miniature golf! Choose from more than 50 mini golf courses in the area including Lost Mine Mini Golf, which is included free for all Oceana Resorts guests.

4. Ripley’s Aquarium*

Have you ever wanted to dive with sharks or swim with stingrays? Ripley’s Aquarium offers one-of-a-kind experiences which will create memories that will last a lifetime. Visit one of the many exhibits and enjoy the underwater view of the Dangerous Reef swimming with sharks, eels, and sea turtle overhead. Be sure to check the live show schedule before you visit so you don’t miss your chance to see mermaids!

5. Pirate’s Voyage*

Ahoy Matey! Join Calico Jack and Captain Blackbeard for an exciting dinner and show! Pirate’s Voyage Dinner & Show features a delicious four course pirate feast, epic pirate battles, acrobatic competitions, and much more in a quest for two crews to win the lost treasure. Which crew will you join, Crimson or Sapphire?

6. Myrtle Beach SkyWheel*

Take flight over Myrtle Beach and enjoy miles of beach views when riding on the SkyWheel.  Conveniently located on the Myrtle Beach boardwalk, this unique Ferris wheel attraction features climate controlled gondolas perfect for taking in views of the coastline you can’t find anywhere else.

Hollywood wax museum building

7. Hollywood Wax Museum*

This is your chance to get your picture with your favorite stars! Visit the museum and pose with your favorite A-Listers. This attraction is a ton of fun for all ages, especially on your day off from the beach. All access passes are also available and include entry into Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors and Outbreak, a thrilling haunted walk-through that has been infested with zombies.

8. Duplin Winery

A must-do for any wine enthusiast! Duplin Winery to taste America’s favorite Muscadine wine! Conveniently located at Barefoot Landing you can unwind after a long day in the sun by scheduling a wine tasting, visiting the gift shop, or lounging on the outdoor patio listening to live music.

9. Family Kingdom

Experience the nostalgia of this ocean-side amusement park with wholesome family fun for all ages! The park has 38 rides, an arcade, carnival style games, entertainment, tasty treats, and more. Visitors can purchase all-day ride wristbands or individual tickets. No visit is complete without a ride on the legendary Swamp Fox coaster with more than 2400 feet of wooden track!

10. Go Ape!

Calling all adventure seekers! Myrtle Beach is home to several zipline activities. Glide along five ziplines through the tree tops at Go Ape, zip above the crowd of the Carolina Country Music Festival with Myrtle Beach Ziplines, or experience a natural high at Radical Ropes. With several choices in the Myrtle Beach area you are sure to find an adrenaline rush.

11. Wild Water & Wheels Water Park*

Just a short drive south of Myrtle Beach this seasonal water park offers a full day of sun and fun.  Bring the whole family to enjoy a number of water slides, a lazy river and pools.  This 16 acre park also offers go karts, bumper boats and mini golf.  The best place to cool off this summer.  As an added bonus, all Oceana Resorts guests receive free daily access to the water park from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

12. Dolphin Cruises

Cruise the Intracoastal Waterway out to the Atlantic Ocean with Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruises for a guaranteed dolphin sighting. An exciting family adventure for all ages, experience the fun and thrill of the Sea Thunder and Sea Screamer. Cruises depart from North Myrtle Beach and Little River from April through October. Dolphin sightings are guaranteed or receive a free pass to ride again!

13. Myrtle Beach Pelican’s Baseball Game*

Tacos and Tallboys Tuesday, Thirsty Thursday and even fireworks on select nights! A Myrtle Beach Pelicans baseball game is affordable fun for the whole family. You can always count on Splash, the pelican, to show his guests a good time. The Pelicans are a Class A Affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Discounted tickets are available online.

14. T. I. G. E. R. S.

Check off your bucket list with this one-of-a kind safari experience with rare and endangered species! Meet the tigers, feed the elephants, and experience wild life up close right here in Myrtle Beach! With options for guided preservation tours, meet and greet with tigers, and more, T.I.G.E.R.S Preservation Station is a great attraction for animal lovers.

WonderWorks upside down house

15. WonderWorks*

Known as the “amusement park for the mind”, WonderWorks is the perfect mix of education and fun. Located at Broadway at the Beach, this museum features over 100 interactive exhibits and is perfect for visitors of all ages. Open daily, 365 days a year, WonderWorks is always open for family fun. Test your physical and mental abilities with the indoor ropes challenge, a 3 story glow-in-the-dark adventure through 28 obstacles.

16. Dave & Buster’s*

Looking for indoor fun? Dave & Buster’s is located at Broadway at the Beach and offers fun for the whole gang! With more than 200 games and HD TVs to watch all of your favorite sports teams you don’t have to miss a game while on vacation. Your kids can play while you watch the game with some of the best food and drinks in town. Open daily with happy hour specials Monday-Friday, you will find fun for everyone!

17. State Parks

The area’s state parks are home to native wildlife, sea turtle nests, and pristine beaches perfect for shark teeth and shell hunting.  The Myrtle Beach state park is situated among an oceanfront maritime forest with both surf and pier fishing opportunities for fishermen. Huntington Beach State Park is home to Atalaya, a 1930’s castle built as a winter home for Anna Hyatt Huntington. The castle is rich in history being used as barracks during World War II before finally placed on the National Historic Register of Historic Places in 1984.

18. Top Golf

Golf fun for all skill levels in a laidback entertainment destination. Newly opened in the Myrtle Beach area in 2019, Top Golf is the perfect alternative to a traditional round of golf. Enjoy food, drinks and fun while hitting balls with your family and friends in one of the many games available to play. If you have never visited Top Golf, then this is the perfect opportunity for a rainy day. Clubs and balls are provided.

Horseback riding on the beach

19. Horseback Riding on the Beach

Whether you are looking for a private island beach ride or trail ride along the Intracoastal Waterway, this riding experience is a peaceful alternative to normal hustle of the Myrtle Beach area. No previous riding experience is required. If you are looking for a special private experience book the Sunset Beach Ride. Rides are normally about an hour long and range from $60-$200. More information about horseback riding in Myrtle Beach can be found on their website.

20. Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

Create new memories with your stroll down the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade for a classic beach experience. Souvenir shops, dining establishments and attractions line the boardwalk offering many options for all visitors. Be sure to stop into the famous Gay Dolphin Gift Cove for your Myrtle Beach souvenirs. Nothing says summer like a walk on the boardwalk!

21. Shopping*

Looking for a new look, or need beachwear? We have it for you. Myrtle Beach has shopping for everyone.  Scoop up great deals at either of the Tanger Outlets located in two convenient locations in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach. Enjoy all day shopping and dining inside of Broadway at the Beach or Barefoot Landing while enjoying the beautiful   and live music. Shopping not for everyone? That’s ok, leave the kids to play at the playground or shop the many toy stores, t-shirt shops and surf wear locations. The variety of shopping options in Myrtle Beach truly has something for everyone.

Our endless amount of activities and entertainment is not the only reason why Myrtle Beach was voted one of the top destinations in the country, our area is also known for being family friendly and affordable. Here at Oceana Resorts, we believe everyone deserves a vacation regardless of budget. Make the most out of your Myrtle Beach vacation with our special offers and discounts, amazing onsite amenities and variety of locations across the Grand Strand that allows you to choose the location that best suites you and your family. Plus, guests who book direct with Oceana Resorts receive free attraction tickets, local discounts, free DVD rentals and kids meals at select resorts, and more. Book your Myrtle Beach vacation today and save big with Oceana Resort’s Super Saver Rates offer! Save more the longer you stay, and get more time to explore all that our award winning destination has to offer.

*Exclusive Myrtle Beach discounts offered to guests who book direct with Oceana Resorts.