South Carolina has a 60-mile-long string of beaches and Myrtle Beach is at the center of the action. Here are cheap and free things to do in Myrtle Beach SC which I’ve compiled from my 25+ years of traveling there!
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I mentioned in 14 Best Beaches on the East Coast US that Myrtle Beach is my favorite beach in South Carolina. I have family that lives there so I’ve been visiting since my children were very young.
As one of the most popular beach towns in the United States, the Myrtle Beach area is a great place for ANY type of beach vacation.
In Cheap and Free Things to Do in Myrtle Beach, I’ve gathered everything you need to know to get the most out of your trip without breaking the bank.
Do you love East Coast Beaches? CLICK HERE to read about the 14 Best Beaches on the East Coast USA!
Getting Around Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Closest Airport:
The great news is Myrtle Beach is only a few miles from the airport. The drive is approximately 10 minutes to the beach! The Myrtle Beach International Airport is VERY small and very easy to get in and out of.
Transportation in Myrtle Beach:
Myrtle Beach offers buses for public transportation through Coast RTA. The cost is very reasonable and there are plenty of routes to get you to all of the popular tourist locations. Of course, you can also get around with Uber and Lyft as well.
Unless you only plan to visit the beach from your hotel, you will probably want to rent a car so you can see all the cheap and free things to do in Myrtle Beach South Carolina.
Pro Tip: Check the perks on your credit card to see if car rental insurance is included when you use it for the purchase.
Myrtle Beach vs North Myrtle Beach:
While Myrtle Beach is known for being the hub of all of the action, North Myrtle Beach is quieter and less touristy. North Myrtle Beach is less than 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach. I’m sharing cheap and free things to do in Myrtle Beach AND North Myrtle Beach.
Cheap and Free Things to Do in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
If you have a limited budget or a large family then you know that costs can add up quickly when you are on vacation. You start out thinking that you’re just going to the beach, and the beach is free, so it should be an inexpensive vacation. Then, the next thing you know… the “extra fun” starts to add up.
I’m sharing things to do that are completely FREE and some things that are on the cheaper side.
Of course, the term “cheap” is subject to interpretation so this list is limited to things that are under $30.00 per person.
Now, I do realize that if you have a family of 5 as I did, then even $30.00 per person isn’t cheap anymore. Don’t worry, MOST of the options for families are in the FREE section of this post.
Cheap Things to Do in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
SkyWheel
SkyWheel Location: 1110 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
I previously mentioned in Best Things to Do in Panama City Beach Florida that I love going on the SkyWheel. Apparently, I’m not the only one who likes it. The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is ranked #9 out of #78 things to do in Myrtle Beach It was awarded the 2022 Travelers’ Choice Award on TripAdvisor.
The SkyWheel is like a giant Ferris Wheel, except that you are riding in a private temperature-controlled pod. You will get to look out of the large glass windows from 200 feet in the air for amazing views.
Make sure you get tickets in advance so you don’t have to wait in a long line. If you purchase skip-the-line tickets from the SkyWheel website the admission fee is $16.99 for adults and $12.99 for children.
Miniature Golf
Most active beach towns have miniature golf courses. Mini golf is fun for the whole family! You might be surprised at all the options for mini golf in Myrtle Beach. There are more than 50!!!
The fun thing about the courses in Myrtle Beach is they have a TON of different themes. For example, you can find one with Captain Hook and Peter Pan, one that is a jungle theme, or one that is dinosaur themed. Miniature golf costs around $10 – $15 per person.
NOTE: Not all of the miniature golf courses are open year-round so make sure you check the hours online.
Comedy Hypnosis Show
Comedy Hypnosis Show Location: Charles BachWonders Theatre 1320 Celebrity Cir #191, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
You might have seen Steve Falcon perform on TV or in Las Vegas. His unique 1-hour comedy show takes place nightly inside Wonders Theater at Broadway at the Beach.
You don’t have to just watch the comedy show, you can also be part of it. This interactive comedy hypnosis show is guaranteed to be a unique experience.
You can get tickets to the show for $29.00 per person.
Sky Zone
Sky Zone Location: 2200 N Oak St. Myrtle Beach SC 29577
Sky Zone is a fun indoor trampoline park. This is the perfect place to go if it’s rainy, too hot, or at night.
You should plan for 1.5 hours of jumping fun. Tickets can be purchased online from the Sky Zone website or in person. On Friday nights and Saturday nights, they transform the trampoline park into Glow, which is a jumping dance club. They have lasers, blacklights, music by a live DJ, and of course… lots of jumping!
Tickets are $21.99 per person if you get them from Sky Zone.
Live Music at the House of Blues
House of Blues Location: 4640 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
One of my favorite things to do is to go see live music. Myrtle Beach has LOTS of options to do that. The House of Blues is a really cool venue. The restaurant and bar has delicious Southern-inspired food and of course, live performances from really cool bands. Check out the House of Blues website for all of the special events.
There are all different music genres. Here are a few examples: Electric Ave 80’s MTV Experience, Tuesday’s Gone – Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band, Thunderstruck – AC/DC tribute band, and The Wildflowers – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers tribute band.
General admission tickets range from $16 – $30 depending on the band. It is a standing room only for general admission, but you can pay more to upgrade if you’d like seats.
Hollywood Wax Museum
Hollywood Wax Museum Location: 1808 21st Ave. N. Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
The Hollywood Wax Museum actually offers 3 different experiences.
#1 The Wax Museum: If you read my most popular post about Nashville, TN then you saw how much fun my children and I had at the wax museum. The Hollywood Wax Museum in Myrtle Beach is even bigger!
This fun and interactive museum gives you props to encourage taking pictures with your favorite stars. You can see my brother, Joe, is having ALL the fun at the wax museum! Tickets are $29.99 for adults and $16.99 for children.
#2 Outbreak – Dread the Undead: This is like a haunted house experience with a zombie theme. Tickets are $19.99 for adults and $9.99 for children.
#3 Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors: This is a fun mirror maze where you have the challenge of saving Princess Hannah. Tickets are $17.99 for adults and $9.99 for children.
Pro Tip: These indoor activities are great for when it's raining, nighttime, or too hot/cold to go to the beach.
Ghosts & Pirates Haunted Walking Tour
I believe that 1 thing you must do every time you travel is to take some sort of fun tour. Are you looking for a fun and unique tour? Then the Ghosts of Dirty Myrtle Hauntings Walking Tour might be a great option for you!
This ghost-themed walking tour takes you around downtown Myrtle Beach. It stops at a few of the iconic locations along the way while you hear behind-the-scenes tales about the area’s dark history.
Tickets for The Ghosts of Dirty Myrtle Hauntings Tour are $27.50 per person.
Meeting Place: Front entrance of Peaches Corner.
Scavenger Hunt
Do you want to try a fun and interactive tour of the area?
Try a scavenger hunt! It’s a unique opportunity to tour the city and get some great pictures. There are lots of different scavenger hunt options but this one is really great because it has an interactive live guide that participates remotely. (Some of the other ones just have you download an app and you are on your own to figure everything out.)
Tickets for the Merry Myrtle Beach Scavenger Hunt are $22.00.
Meeting Point: Lulu’s Café 1903 N Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Pro Tip: There are a few scavenger hunt options in the area. Be sure to read the reviews before you make your selection.
Gridiron Glory Hall of Fame Exhibit
Are you a sports enthusiast? Check out over 200 original football artifacts at the Gridiron Glory Hall of Fame Exhibit. There is a variety of interactive exhibits for a fun hands-on sports fan experience. Have a great time as you learn about the history of pro football.
Tickets to the Gridiron Glory Hall of Fame Exhibit are $23.99 per person.
Crime Solving Detective Experience
Are you a crime-solving enthusiast? This 2-hour interactive game is really cool! You can pick your level of difficulty ranging from realistic, average, and easy. Your private group is tasked with solving a crime while your live map instructs you where to go. You can select a walking adventure in the Myrtle Beach boardwalk area or a driving adventure in the area.
Tickets to the Myrtle Beach Crime Solving Detective Experience are $14.99 per group. The exact location is disclosed after you select the type of adventure you would like.
Wine, Beer, and Spirit Tasting
One of my favorite things to do when I travel is to go wine tasting. Wine tastes differently depending on the soil that the grapes are grown in so your experience will be different depending on where you are. If you do any kind of wine tasting, brewery tasting, or spirit tasting it is sure to be a good time!
Wine Therapy
Location: 681 Main St, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
At Wine Therapy you can expect to find live music on the weekends, a cute gift shop, small bites, and of course great wines, beer, and spirits.
Wine tastings are customized so prices will vary depending on what you are looking for. Beer flights are 3 samples for $12.00. Check the Wine Therapy website for upcoming events.
Duplin Winery
Location: (Barefoot Landing) 4650 HWY 17 S, Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
You can taste 10 wines for $15.00. The wine tasting includes a gourmet cheese dip, homemade gourmet crackers, and a glass of wine at the end. That’s a really great deal for $15.00!
They also have live entertainment on the weekend so check the Duplin Winery website for the schedule of events.
New South Brewing Company
Location: 1109 Campbell Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
New South Brewing Company is a small but effective microbrewery. Their selection of fresh ale and lager beers changes so make sure you check out the New South Brewing Company website to see what is on tap.
In addition to beer, New South also serves coffee at the brewery. You can take a tour of the brewery on Wednesdays at 3:00. Tours are $7.00 and include tastings and souvenir glasses. Stop by and don’t forget to try the Dirty Myrtle everyone is talking about.
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Coastal Wine Boutique and Tasting Room
Location: (Barefoot Landing) 4884-A Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
I enjoyed Coastal Wine Boutique’s great selection of wines from around the world. The best part is you get several tastings for $5.00. The wine is delicious, sometimes they have live entertainment, and the staff is friendly.
Are you grabbing some wine to go? This is my favorite beach bag with a built-in secret wine cooler.
Kentucky Mist Distillery
Locations:
(Barefoot Landing) 4728 B Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
(Broadway at the Beach) 1315 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
This was my favorite place to do a tasting in Myrtle Beach. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly and the moonshine was so good!
Each 2-ounce tasting includes your choice of moonshine, vodka, and/or whisky. The sample looks tiny but I assure you that it is effective (and delicious)! You can pick 5 samples for $5.00 or 12 samples for $10.00, and you can share or split your flights if you want to.
They also have cocktails and slushies so there is DEFINITELY something for everyone at Kentucky Mist Distillery.
Pro Tip: If you do tastings at Barefoot Landing, you can get a drink to go while you walk around.
Happy Hour at The Grumpy Monk
Locations:
Carolina Forest – 4545 Hwy 501 Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
North Myrtle Beach- 1409 US 17 South North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Happy Hour at these two locations is from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
The Grumpy Monk has been awarded the “Best Happy Hour” for the last FIVE years! When you see their happy hour menu you will see why.
Unlike most places that have a handful of items for happy hour, The Grumpy Monk GOES ALL OUT with a TON of choices ranging from $2.75 – $10.99!
Pro Tip: There are 3 locations but only 2 of them have a longer happy hour and even better prices.
Pelicans Ballpark
Location: 1251 21st Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Do you like baseball? Then you and the family should add the Myrtle Beach Pelicans baseball game to your Myrtle Beach vacation itinerary. It is ranked #4 out of 78 things to do in Myrtle Beach on TripAdvisor and it was awarded the Travelers’ Choice Award in 2022.
There is even a “family fun zone“. This section of the ballpark is free of alcohol and is geared toward promoting a family-friendly atmosphere. You might be surprised to find that they serve top-notch food at the stadium!
This is a great option if you want some outdoor entertainment. Tickets start at $9.00 per person. Visit the Myrtle Beach Pelican website for schedule and event information.
Pro Tip: Pelicans Ballpark offers a $3 discount to military and 1st responders.
Myrtle Beach State Park
Location: 4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
Myrtle Beach State Park was the first state park in South Carolina. It is ranked #11 out of #78 things to do in Myrtle Beach and was awarded the 2022 Travelers’ Choice Award from TripAdvisor.
In addition to beautiful trails, a fishing pier, biking, camping, picnic areas, and a nature center, it has almost 1 mile of Grand Strand beach. Admission is $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children ages 6- 15.
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Free Things to Do in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Beach
Visiting the beach seems pretty obvious, but let’s talk a little bit about all the fun things you can do there…
Find things in the Sand
Myrtle Beach has a lot of opportunities for finding fun things in the sand.
At night I like to take the kids to the beach to look for sand crabs.
During the day Myrtle Beach is a great place to find seashells if you go early in the morning.
My favorite thing to look for at the beach is shark teeth. My sister, Ange, is the queen of finding shark teeth! It’s a bit of a struggle for me but somehow she does it with ease. She says the trick is to go EARLY in the morning. Look at all the shark teeth she found one morning. (GASP!)
Fly a Kite
The beach is a perfect place to fly a kite (as long as there is some wind). If you forgot to bring a kite with you then you can pick up an inexpensive one from Klig’s Kites when you’re at Broadway at the Beach.
Watch the Sunrise
I mentioned in Cheap or Free Things to do in Virginia Beach that it was my first time watching the sunrise at the beach. I’ve been doing it more ever since. If you haven’t watched the sunrise on the beach then you have to try it!
Play in the Sand
Do you like playing in the sand? I’ve always loved seeing talented people build sandcastles. Need a little more excitement with your sand? Myrtle Beach also has a spot on the boardwalk to play volleyball.
PRO TIP: Don't forget to pack some good sunscreen. Getting a bad sunburn can really ruin a good time!
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
Location: 1st Ave N to 16th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
The boardwalk is full of cool souvenir shops, great food, and fun games. It is the perfect place if you want to do some people-watching. You can see live music and check out the people fishing on the pier. This is the place to be for all the fun festivals and free concerts.
Barefoot Landing
Location: 4898 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Barefoot Landing is probably my favorite place to visit on the list of free things to do in Myrtle Beach. Several of the things I listed throughout this post are located there, but below are the options that are free.
Crooked Hammock
Location: 4924 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
The Crooked Hammock Brewery is a really fun bar and restaurant. You can play outside yard games, take cute pictures and play Trivia on Tuesdays. ALL of that fun is free. If you’d like to take a brewery tour or tasting there is a small charge.
Tigers Preservation Station
Location: Barefoot Landing
Did you watch The Tiger King? If you did then you will be familiar with Doc Antle and the tigers preservation station. You can see the tigers for free, but if you want to get your picture taken with them there is a large fee.
Proceeds from photos with the animals at T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station support international wildlife conservation projects.
Pro Tip: Make sure you check online for hours of operation.
Try Free Samples
Several of the stores at Barefoot Landing offer FREE SAMPLES. Here are a few that I tried when I was there:
Savannah Bee Company
I visited Savannah Bee Company when I was in Savannah, Georgia so when I saw it at Barefoot Landing I had to give it a try. They have delicious free honey tastings. If you’ve never done it before, you will be surprised at the variety of flavor options. You are sure to find some new gourmet honey that you love!
The Olive Shoppe
I mentioned when I was in Jim Thorpe Pennsylvania that I did an olive tasting. Yes, I’ll admit that it seems weird at first but if you ever see an opportunity, you should give it a try. The Olive Shoppe offers free samples of specialty olive oils and vinegars.
Beef Jerky Experience
There is something for everyone at Barefoot Landing. Do you like beef jerky? Maybe you’re not sure which kind you like. This store has over 100 varieties of jerky and other food items. No worries… Beef Jerky Experience offers free samples so you can try it before you buy it.
Several of the stores at Broadway at the Beach offer FREE SAMPLES. Here are a few that I tried when I was there:
Byrd’s Famous Cookies
Who doesn’t love cookies and even MORESO when they are FREE?! Byrd’s Famous Cookies is a family-owned company. They have at least 6 different cookie samples available daily and they even have a gluten-free option.
I love their delicious cookies and I love that the family has been making them since 1924.
The Fudgery
Is it just me or do you think of fudge when you go to the beach? The Fudgery has delicious fudge and free samples. This fudge is so popular they have locations in 15 states!
Fireworks
Barefoot Landing has fireworks every Monday night in the summer months and during other special occasions throughout the year. Check the Barefoot Landing website for the fireworks schedule.
Broadway at the Beach has fireworks on Tuesday and Friday nights in the summer months and during other occasions throughout the year. Check the Broadway at the Beach website for the fireworks schedule.
Broadway at the Beach
Location: 1325 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Broadway at the Beach is ranked #13 out of 78 things to do in Myrtle Beach. It was awarded the 2022 Travelers’ Choice Award from TripAdvisor. It has a ton of shopping at specialty shops, great dining options, fun attractions, and nightlife.
Broadway at the Beach is a great place to take the family during the day and a fun place to party at night. A few of the things I mention in Cheap and Free Things to do in Myrtle Beach are located at Broadway at the Beach.
Live Entertainment
There are so many places to see live entertainment in the Myrtle Beach area, but one of my favorite unique places is at Crocodile Rocks at Broadway at the Beach.
Crocodile Rocks Dueling Pianos
Location: 1318 Celebrity Cir CS3, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
This is one of the most popular clubs in Myrtle Beach and once you go you will quickly see why. If you’ve never seen a dueling piano show, then you HAVE to try it once.
This 2-level bar and restaurant has a stage with two pianos and at least two musicians. They take turns playing music that is requested by the audience while incorporating lots of humor. You can expect to laugh, sing, and see audience participation during the show.
NOTE: It is 21+ to get in.
See Local Bands
I will admit that I’m partial to seeing local bands in Myrtle Beach because I love to see my brother and sister sing and play. You can see FREE live music all over Myrtle Beach.
If you’re looking for a great pop/rock band playing 80’s 90’s 00’s and today’s hits then check out my brother, Dino Capone, in the City Lights Band. Be sure to follow their Facebook Page to keep up with the band schedule.
Do you love to sing or play an instrument? Then you will love open jam nights with my sister, Angie. It’s a really fun way to meet new people in Myrtle Beach! Check out Angie Capone’s Facebook Page to see where she’s playing next!
Enjoy Nature
McLean Park
Location: 93 Oak Drive, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.
There are several parks in the Myrtle Beach area to enjoy nature. McLean Park has a lot to offer!
It has tennis courts, a garden, fitness trails, playgrounds, a baseball field, picnic areas, and a 2-acre lake. This is a great park to enjoy nature trails and family time.
Heritage Shores Nature Preserve
Location: 5611 Heritage Drive, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
This unique park offers fishing, walking, and hiking on the nature trails, kayaking, picnicking, and birdwatching.
You will love seeing all of the animals in their natural habitat as you walk along the intracoastal waterway. The great news is you can bring your pet too. Dogs are permitted if they are kept on a leash.
Admission is free and you should plan to spend 1 -2 hours exploring the nature preserve.
Market Common
Location: 4017 Deville St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Market Common is the best upscale shopping complex for people watching, walking exercise, and doing some window shopping.
They have cute boutique stores and big-name brands as well. If you don’t want to walk around the shops then you can walk the path around the lake instead.
If all that walking worked up an appetite, there are several excellent dining options. Some of the restaurants also have live music. If you need a break from walking then check out the movie theaters.
Museums
Franklin G. Burroughs – Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum
Location: 3100 S Ocean Blvd. Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
This museum is located inside of historical beach home. There are permanent exhibits and ones that are changed out regularly. You will definitely enjoy the interactive exhibits and educational programs for all ages.
There is free parking and free Admission! The museum is small but definitely worth a visit.
South Carolina Hall of Fame
Location: (Myrtle Beach Convention Center) 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
The South Carolina Hall of Fame is located on the first floor of the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. It features exhibits of famous contemporary and historical figures who have made contributions to South Carolina’s heritage and progress.
Every year one contemporary and one deceased individual can be inducted into the Hall of Fame. The criteria are that the person must have either been born in South Carolina and obtained recognition somewhere else or have been born elsewhere, made SC their home, and then made a contribution.
The purpose is to recognize and honor those individuals. Admission to the South Carolina Hall of Fame is free!
Want more valuable travel tips? CLICK HERE to read about How to Pack a Suitcase That Saves You Money!
Don't Forget This For Your Beach Trip...
I’ve got great news… I created a simple way to document your trip with a beach-themed DIY travel activity journal.
Most of the work is already set up for you ahead of time. You just need to have a great time on your trip and fill in the blanks.
Here’s what you can expect to find in my ultimate travel journal activity books:
- Journal Pages – lined pages and journaling prompts to help get you thinking
- Activity Pages – themed travel games and activities to help pass the time during flights and drives
- Scrapbook Pages – attach photos and keepsakes like ticket stubs and mementos
The most important thing is to make the most of your experience by documenting your lasting memories for your travel legacy! Your travel journal scrapbook will be a treasured keepsake.
I hope that I’ve inspired you to try some new adventures with your family and friends in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Maybe I will see you there!
If you liked Cheap and Free Things to Do in Myrtle Beach, then you might also want to read 7 Cheap Free Things to Do in Virginia Beach.
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LET’S CONNECT: Which one of the suggestions from “Cheap and Free Things to do In Myrtle Beach” do you think you’d definitely want to try? Comment below!
