When considering Myrtle Beach as a destination, you can get a sense of its coastal character from two specific features: Myrtle Beach State Park lies amid a coastal maritime forest and offers a 1-mile stretch of relatively undeveloped beach. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade offers views of the beach and ocean. Myrtle Beach State Park brings together coastal maritime forest and a relatively undeveloped stretch of beach; the promenade offers views of the beach and ocean.

Beach, Forest and Boardwalk

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade is 1.2 miles long and runs from the 14th Avenue Pier to the 2nd Avenue Pier. It offers views of the beach and ocean. SkyWheel Myrtle Beach is located on the promenade and stands 187 feet tall. At 1.2 miles, the promenade is slightly longer than the 1-mile stretch of beach at Myrtle Beach State Park.

Bicycles are subject to a seasonal schedule on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk: they are allowed from May 1 through Labor Day between 5:00 and 10:00 a.m. Both the season and the time of day are specified. Check the current boardwalk rules before your trip if you plan to ride along the promenade.

Maritime Forests and Art

For nature enthusiasts, the Sculptured Oak Nature Trail is another specific point of interest. It offers the opportunity to see one of the last remaining maritime forest stands on the northern coast of South Carolina. The trail therefore highlights the forest’s regional context, while Myrtle Beach State Park combines the forest theme with a 1-mile stretch of relatively undeveloped beach.

The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum adds art to the nature and coastal themes. It has 11 galleries, with exhibitions that change throughout the year. Works on display include paintings, textiles, sculptures, photographs, videos, ceramics, assemblages and collages. Since exhibitions change over the course of the year, check the current program if you want to see a particular exhibition.

Rides and Marine Life

Family Kingdom has more than 32 exciting rides and has been entertaining families since 1966. The wooden roller coaster “Swamp Fox” has also been a Myrtle Beach landmark since 1966; here, the year specifically refers to its opening.

Another recreational attraction is Dangerous Reef: a moving glide path offers close-up views of sharks, sawfish and a green sea turtle. The moving viewpoint and the three named marine animals give this experience its own focus.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is located within the Broadway at the Beach shopping and dining complex.

Discover more destinations: Little River, Nichols, Longs, North Myrtle Beach, Loris, Surfside Beach

Go to the main travel overview: Horry.