The Ultimate Myrtle Beach Itinerary (2024 Guide)

Heading to Myrtle Beach and in need of a Myrtle Beach itinerary? Here I hope to give you the ultimate itinerary to plan your trip!

We were invited by Visit Myrtle Beach for a fantastic beach vacation to experience a ton of what this slice of South Carolina paradise has to offer! And now I hope to share it with you! Though this was a sponsored trip, all opinions in this Myrtle Beach Itinerary are my own.

You can see a visual summary of what we were up to in this video!

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In order to make it the ultimate Myrtle Beach itinerary specific to you, I’ve structured it so that you can either follow along on the exact itinerary that I did or do a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure experience with a list of additional activities at the end.

Before we get into the itinerary, first I’ll cover a bit about Myrtle Beach in general so that you know what to expect.

Myrtle Beach Overview

Myrtle Beach is located in South Carolina and is split into three general areas: North Myrtle Beach, South Myrtle Beach, and Central Myrtle Beach.

This Myrtle Beach itinerary will cover fun activities in each part of Myrtle Beach, but if there’s one area in particular that appeals to you, you can find lodging in that area!

North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach is located north of Highway 22, and it is famous for being great with families. It has lots of wonderful restaurants and beautiful beaches and feels less urban than other parts of Myrtle Beach. So if you are staying in the area with your family and want to get away from the hustle and bustle, check out this part of Myrtle Beach!

Where to stay in North Myrtle Beach: Club Wyndham Westwinds is a popular beachfront resort with an inside and outside swimming pool. The rooms are large and luxurious, so it’s a wonderful place to stay! Alternatively, you can stay at Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes, which is where we stayed- we loved it!

Central Myrtle Beach

Central Myrtle Beach is known for its large selection of attractions and its popularity with both families and groups. In addition, there are residential areas and lots of fun resorts in the area, specifically on the ‘Golden Mile’. You’re located right around some of the most popular attractions in Myrtle Beach here, like the Boardwalk, SkyWheel, and more.

Where to stay in Central Myrtle Beach: Myrtle Beach Golden Mile Retreat is a popular holiday home to stay in Golden Mile. It has three bedrooms and a kitchen that you can use to cook your own food. There is also a balcony in the house, and it is in a prime location by the beach.

South Myrtle Beach

South Myrtle Beach is located close to Garden City Beach and Surfside Beach and is another great place to visit as a family. There are some excellent amusement parks in the area, like Myrtle Beach State Park and the Family Kingdom Amusement Park, the only seaside amusement park in the area.

Where to stay in South Myrtle Beach: Grand Palms Resort is a popular hotel with three swimming pools and a lazy river – so it’s perfect for some downtime while you’re on vacation! There is also a health and swim club with a spa.

Day 1 – Start Your Myrtle Beach Itinerary

If flying, fly into Myrtle Beach International Airport

Myrtle Beach International Airport is located in a prime position to all areas of Myrtle Beach, so it is easy to get to your hotel from here. But I recommend renting a car so that you can easily check off all of the attractions on this Myrtle Beach itinerary.

The rental car center is conveniently located right at the airport- so no shuttles are needed!

Stop at Loleo

When we visited, their central Myrtle Beach location wasn’t open yet, but their original location is just a few minutes from the airport. Depending on what time you arrive, you can stop here for some refreshing smoothies! (They close at 4 PM on weekends and 6 PM on weeknights.)

Check in to your hotel

Suggestion: we stayed at Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes and loved it! It is an AAA-rated four-diamond resort and is in the north part of Myrtle Beach. It has a beautiful pool and lots of other resort facilities!

Settle in & enjoy dinner

If at Marriott Myrtle Beach, stay at the hotel and enjoy dinner at Blu Restaurant and Lounge.

Here are some other dinner options if you’re staying in other areas:

  • North Myrtle Beach dinner option: 21 Main at North Beach is famous for its friendly atmosphere and delicious steaks.
  • Central Myrtle Beach dinner option: Greg Norman Australian Grille is a charming Aussie restaurant where you can try delicious BBQ food.
  • South Myrtle Beach dinner option: Villa Romana Italian Restaurant is famous in the area for its delectable Italian cuisine.

Enjoy a romantic evening beach walk!

Myrtle Beach has beautiful sunsets! You can stroll on the beach and take in the afterglow of the sunset.

Option: Enjoy some Myrtle Beach nightlife

Enjoy some live music at Duck’s Night Life which plays classic rock music. See their live music calendar here.

Day 2 – Beach Day!

Breakfast at Blueberry’s Grille

4856 Highway l7 South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Blueberry’s Grille has two venues in Myrtle Beach and is the ideal place to enjoy breakfast. For today’s Myrtle Beach itinerary, you’ll want to head to the location at Barefoot Landing. Try gourmet sausages, delicious eggs benedict, and crab and salmon.

Explore Barefoot Landing

Barefoot Landing is a popular spot for shopping, enjoying entertainment, and dining. You can walk around here after breakfast to browse the stores!

Check out the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is 1.2 miles long and runs between the 14th Avenue and the 2nd Avenue pier. It’s a lovely place for an afternoon stroll!

Grab a bite to eat at Pier 14 restaurant and lounge which serves up local seafood with ocean views.

Ride the SkyWheel

Located at the very end of the Boardwalk, the SkyWheel is a famous Ferris wheel in Myrtle Beach that showcases great views over the city! It costs $16.99 for adults, $12.99 for children aged 3-11, and is free for children aged two and under.

Beach Day/Leisure Time!

Myrtle Beaches’ Grand Strand is extremely popular – so much so that it sees over 14 million visitors each year! It was also voted the top summer destination by Tripadvisor in 2014. So make sure that you take some time to enjoy a walk on the beach and search for seashells!

Grab Dinner at Sea Captain’s House

3002 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

As the name suggests, Sea Captain’s House is a great place to visit to enjoy some seafood in Myrtle Beach! They also serve a great breakfast buffet if ever you’re in the area bright and early in the morning.

Day 3- Brookgreen Gardens

Leisurely Morning

While there are so many attractions in Myrtle Beach, it’s still a good idea to make sure that you spend time relaxing! We recommend taking the time this morning to kick back and relax. Order room service or enjoy breakfast near your hotel.

Morning is also a great time to go to the beach and relax by the pool- there are usually fewer crowds this time of day!

Lunch at Croissants Bistro & Bakery

Croissants Bistro & Bakery is a popular place for lunch, loved by tourists and locals. Their chicken salad croissant is to die for! We also loved the Hulk Smoothie.

Brookgreen Gardens

Enjoy an afternoon of art, nature, and history at Brookgreen Gardens! This is a popular attraction in Myrtle Beach with botanical gardens, a Lowcountry zoo, and a Lowcountry history exhibit. It’s also an amazing sculpture garden given the number of American figurative sculptures you’ll find in this spot!

My favorite part is the dreamy moss-covered live oak trees everywhere! It feels like something out of a fairytale!

They are open from 9:30 AM. to 5:00 PM. Daily General Admission Tickets cost $22 for those ages 13-64, $20 for Seniors 65 and older, $12 for those ages 4-12, and free for children 3 and below.

Early Dinner in Murrells Inlet

Murrells Inlet is an area of Myrtle Beach that is outdoorsy, filled with marshes, and famous for being where the notorious pirate Blackbeard lived! There are a variety of restaurants here, including Hot Fish Club, Dead Dog Saloon, and Drunken Jacks.

Do a sunset cruise from Murrells Inlet

Murrells Inlet Sunset Cruises traverse around the salt marsh of Murrells Inlet with fascinating wildlife and beautiful scenery. And they are famous for their beautiful sunsets. This is a must-do while you’re in Myrtle Beach!

Whether you opt for a pirate adventure or a traditional sunset sail, you’ll love the festive ambiance in Murrells Inlet.

Make sure you meet 30 minutes prior to your departure time and dress appropriately for the weather. All activities check-in at the Ship’s Store next to the big red chair in the parking lot of the Dead Dog Saloon.

Day 4- Under the Sea

Breakfast at Johnny D’s Waffles and Bakery

330l N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Johnny D’s serves decadent breakfasts, including everything from pancakes to sandwiches to breakfast skillets! If you can, try their Red Velvet Waffle, too. Portions are generous here- you definitely won’t leave hungry!

Ripley’s Aquarium

lll0 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Ripley’s Aquarium is an excellent place for families and fans of marine life! There’s plenty to admire here, from exotic fish to sea turtles to stingrays. Our favorite part was seeing the penguins!

You can buy a variety of tickets for the aquarium depending on if you want to visit other attractions as well, but an aquarium day pass costs $39.99 for an adult, $24.99 for a child aged 6-11, and $12.99 for a child aged 3-5.

Broadway at the Beach

After Ripley’s Aquarium, check out Broadway at the Beach for shopping + bites! This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Myrtle Beach and has plenty of parking and activities like a mirror maze, shops, and live entertainment.

Visit the Wax Museum

The Hollywood Wax Museum is a full entertainment center and has lots of attractions- one of which is the fascinating wax museum. You can also enjoy Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors which is an experience where you need to find Princess Hannah. Or, tour around Outbreak, which is an experience where you need to avoid zombies!

Dinner at Hook and Barrel

80l4 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

Hook and Barrel is a popular restaurant that serves seafood, local produce, and cocktails. They also have the best shrimp dishes! Truly a feast fit for a (sea) king!

Catch a show at The Carolina Opry Theater

The Carolina Opry Theater is a popular music theater and a great place to catch a show in Myrtle Beach. Take a look at their shows to see what is on during your vacation!

You’ll get to see some incredibly talented artists take the stage. It’s the ideal place to end your Myrtle Beach Itinerary!

Additional things to do on your Myrtle Beach itinerary

If you’re staying in Myrtle Beach longer or want to replace any of the above activities, here are some more popular things to do in Myrtle Beach!

Golfing

Because of its outdoor climate and affordable nature, Myrtle Beach is called the ‘golf capital of the world’. It is part of the Grand Strand, which has over 100 golf courses! So, if you’re a fan of golfing, make sure that you head to a course while you’re in town!

Mini-Golfing

If you aren’t a serious golfer, why not try mini-golfing? There are lots of mini-golf courses in the area, including Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf and Jurassic Mini Golf. These are fun for families but great for big kids too!

The Pier at Garden City

The Pier at Garden City is located in Murrells Inlet and is a popular place for fishing. It also has an arcade and a cafe.

Fishing

There is a range of places to fish at Myrtle Beach, including the pier mentioned above, Myrtle Beach State Park Pier, and 2nd Ave Fishing Pier.

Alligator Adventure

Alligator Adventure is a must-visit for animal lovers and adrenaline chasers! It is one of the largest reptile parks in the area – here, you’ll find yourself face-to-face with alligators and plenty of other animals. It costs $34.99 for adult entry, $32.99 for seniors, and $24.99 for children.

Water Sports

Atlantic Watersports is located in Myrtle Beach and offers activities like banana boat riding, stand-up paddle boarding, parasailing, and surfing! No matter what your group’s age and tastes are, they have something for everybody.

In the mood for kayaking? Great Escapes Kayaking Expedition in North Beach has you covered! Join one of their kayak tours or simply rent a kayak and explore their various adventure locations.

Helicopter Tour

Myrtle Beach is beautiful from ground level but even more stunning when you see it from above! You can take in the epic beach and its surroundings on a helicopter tour. Rides start at just $20 – so it’s a bucket list experience at a low price! What’s more, you don’t need to book – just walk in when you have some spare time and book an experience right away.

Water Park

South Carolina summers can be hot, so it’s a great idea to cool down in a water park! Myrtle Waves Water Park has over 30 slides and costs $46.99 for adults (over 48 inches tall) and $36.99 for children (under 48 inches tall). Children under 2 are free. You can book basic tickets online, but at the park, you can also get some special types of tickets, such as senior tickets for those over 55, military tickets, family tickets, or twilight tickets, which are cheaper than regular tickets and can be used in the 3 hours before the park closes.

Family Kingdom Amusement Park has over 38 rides across both its theme park and water park. It costs $48 for an all-day unlimited wristband for both adults and children. You can also enter for free and just pay for individual rides.

Grand Prix Racing

Broadway Grand Prix is most famous for its go-karting tracks, but it also has an arcade, a mini-golf course, and a climbing wall. It’s the ideal day out for all the family. Ticket prices range from $39.99 – $49.99 depending on your height.

Shark Wake Park

Shark Wake Park is the ideal place to try some new watersports! Featuring lots of different watersports and an obstacle course, there is plenty to enjoy here, whatever your age. Tickets range from $28.00 to $39.00 for obstacle island (the higher tier gives you 2 sessions instead of one), and the cable sports access ranges from $28.00 to $65.00.

Myrtle Beach State Park

With 312 acres of land to enjoy, Myrtle Beach State Park offers plenty to do. Take a stroll out on the fishing pier, visit the Nature Center, enjoy the beach, embark on a nature trail (like the Sculptured Oak Nature Trail), go camping, have a picnic, and more! Entrance costs $8 for adults, $4 for children between 6-15, and is free for children 5 and under.

Huntington Beach State Park

Huntington Beach State Park is definitely a go-to area if you like some quiet time to enjoy nature all around you. Here you can take a swim on their three-mile beach, take part in their Coastal Exploration Program, or take a self-guided audio tour of Atalaya, a National Historic Landmark. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for Seniors, $4 for youths ages 6-15, and free for children 5 and younger.

WonderWorks Amusement Park

Called an amusement park for the mind, WonderWorks offers a ton of edutainment within its 41,000 square feet of property. The little ones will surely love their more than 100 hands-on exhibits that will definitely challenge their minds and make them love learning something new! They also have an indoor ropes course, which is a challenging activity for the whole family. Tickets cost $31.99 + tax for adults, $25.99 + tax for Seniors, and $25.99 + tax for children ages 5-12.

Myrtle Beach Zip Line Adventure

Thrill seekers can always enjoy the heights and the best view of Myrtle Beach by doing a zipline! Myrtle Beach Zip Line Adventures offers that and more. Kids can go through their Ninja Kids Course which includes 11 challenge obstacles and 1 zip line meant for their age, whereas adults can go through The Adventure Matrix for a challenging but fun activity. Then there are the quick zips with their Two-Zipline Rush and Perimeter Zip! Check out their prices here.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

For something unique and different, go visit Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament! If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to live and eat in ancient times, well, this is the place to find out. Buy your tickets here!

In conclusion…

I hope this Myrtle Beach Itinerary has prepared you for an epic vacation! You’ll surely have tons of fun, and don’t forget your souvenirs to commemorate this fantastic trip!

Which activity are you most looking forward to? Let me know in the comments!

And if you’ve visited Myrtle Beach and can think of some activities that weren’t mentioned in my Myrtle Beach itinerary, please let me know in the comments below!

Safe travels!

Jasmine

PS. If you’re exploring more of South Carolina, check out these articles:

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Jasmine Alley

Jasmine Alley

I'm a Dallas-based, full-time travel blogger with a serious case of wanderlust! Through my website and Instagram, I hope to help others plan picture-perfect trips to the most beautiful places in the world! When I travel, I like to emphasize nature, hidden gems, and unique places.
Jasmine Alley

Jasmine Alley

I'm a Dallas-based, full-time travel blogger with a serious case of wanderlust! Through my website and Instagram, I hope to help others plan picture-perfect trips to the most beautiful places in the world! When I travel, I like to emphasize nature, hidden gems, and unique places.

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Hi, I’m Jasmine! I’m a nature-obsessed, beauty-finding, Jesus-loving dreamer with a serious case of wanderlust. I love to create photo-worthy travel content and hope to fill your travel plans with incredible beauty and breathtaking views! Thanks for following along on my adventures!

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