4 Unexpected Fun Things To Do In Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is a destination many tourists flock to, but yet still many travelers make an effort to avoid it. Myrtle Beach has an inaccurate reputation, as a spring break destination. However, there are so many unexpected fun things to do in Myrtle Beach that will help you avoid the typical tourist crowd, and relax! You just need to know where to look!
Myrtle Beach can be so much more fun than souvenir shops and boozing at the beach. From Murrells Inlet, to Pawleys Island, there are an abundance of fun things to do in Myrtle Beach and hidden gems outside of the typical tourist trail.
4 Unexpected Fun things to do in Myrtle Beach
Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens is a stunning sculpture and botanical garden. Brookgreen Gardens was originally four separate rice plantations. In 1931 the land was purchased by a famous sculpture artist Anna Hyatt Huntington and her husband Archer. Since it’s establishment, Brookgreen Gardens has become one of the most beautiful places to experience in Myrtle Beach.
When you think of Myrtle Beach, often what comes to mind is a party town. What I wasn’t expecting was a place this peaceful. The well manicured lawns are littered with beautiful pieces of sculpture art and majestic Spanish moss trees shade the paths. It is magical.
Brookgreen Gardens is a perfect place to explore on your own, however, guided tours are available as well. Be sure to add this to your list of things to do when visiting Myrtle Beach, as it should not be missed.
La Belle Amie Vineyards
One of my favorite unexpected and fun things to do in Myrtle Beach is to visit the La Belle Amie Vineyard near North Myrtle Beach. The Vineyard is such an unexpected break from the beach and the property has a rich history. The owner, Vicki has poured her heart and soul into the vineyard, making it one of the best places to visit in Myrtle Beach.
Vicki’s family has a history of making wine on this land that has been in her family since the 1800’s. Vicki has worked tirelessly to make La Belle Amie a special place for locals and tourists alike.
There are multiple types of wine produced from the vineyards. Visitors have an opportunity to taste many of the different wines outside while listening to live music, or indoors in the tasting room. The local wines grown on the property are muscadine wine, from the muscadine grape… something unique to the South!
Normally, I’m someone who takes wine tasting seriously, so I enjoy seeing Vicki break the traditional rules with muscadine wine, frozen wines and mulled wines––all delicious! Her approach to wine is fun and refreshing.
(For more on La Belle Amie Vineyards be sure to read THIS article)
Huntington Beach State Park
Just a short drive away from the center of Myrtle Beach is Huntington Beach State Park. This park is filled with multiple fun things to do on your visit to Myrtle Beach!
No one likes an overly crowded beach. In fact, there may be nothing worse than imagining an isolated beach on your vacation, just to experience an over-crowded strip of sand. This is why I love Huntington Beach at Huntington Beach State Park, it’s a hidden gem and a quiet place to relax and unwind, without tons of rowdy tourists.
Huntington Beach State Park is also home to an abundance of wildlife, (such as alligators) and a castle called Atalaya. Atalaya was the former home to Archie and Anna Huntington (the same couple who established Brookgreen Gardens), and it is worth exploring on your visit to Huntington Beach State Park.
NASCAR Experience
There are many fun things to do in Myrtle Beach, but nothing will get your adrenaline pumping like this experience. If you are looking for an adventurous activity in Myrtle Beach, look no further than the NASCAR Experience at the iconic Myrtle Beach Speedway! There is nothing better than an adventurous experience that gets you out of your comfort zone while on your vacation, and this high-speed experience is a perfect way to do that.
At the Myrtle Beach Speedway, you are able to ride or even drive in a real NASCAR, on an actual racetrack! There are several options offered for the NASCAR Experience, from riding along in the passenger seat (NASCAR Ride Along $149), to actually driving your own NASCAR in an 8 minute timed race (“The Rookie” $599). There is something for everyone and every budget, if you feel the need for speed.
Where to Stay In Myrtle Beach
There are many fun things to do in Myrtle Beach and wonderful places to stay. If you are looking to get away from the tourists on Ocean Boulevard, the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes is the perfect place to stay in Myrtle Beach. Just 15 minutes outside of the Myrtle Beach International Airport is this slice of paradise. With stunning views of the marina, this 4 star property is one of the premier hotels in the Myrtle Beach area.
There are so many fun things to do in Myrtle Beach – all you have to do is venture a few minutes off the beaten path!