If you’re ready to plan a first-time trip to Myrtle Beach, you’re in for a serious treat. This stretch of South Carolina coastline isn’t just a beach town. It’s one of the East Coast’s most beloved family friendly destinations, packed with things to do, places to eat, and memories waiting to happen.
Whether you’re rolling in with a big crew of cousins, grandparents, and kids in tow, or gathering the whole extended family under one roof, Myrtle Beach delivers the kind of laid back atmosphere that makes everyone exhale the second they arrive.
And when you book your stay with Together Resorts, you’re all under one roof.
Here’s everything first time visitors need to know before hitting the sand!
Top Myrtle Beach Attractions You Can’t Miss
There’s no shortage of things to do in Myrtle Beach, but a few experiences stand out as essential stops on any Myrtle Beach itinerary. From the water to the shoreline and everything in between, here’s where to spend your time.
Water Activities
Myrtle Beach’s Atlantic waters open the door to a full lineup of beach activities, from peaceful cruises to high-speed thrills.
Dolphin and Sunset Cruises
The Atlantic Ocean is the centerpiece of any Myrtle Beach vacation, and you don’t have to stick to swimming. Dolphin cruises are a perennial favorite, offering sweeping ocean views and close-up encounters with resident bottlenose dolphins.
Sunset cruises are equally popular and make for a beautiful end to a beach day, especially for large groups who appreciate a shared moment on the water.
Parasailing and Jet Skiing
Thrill-seekers should add parasailing and jet skiing to the list, both of which are easy to book right off the beach.
The views from above the Grand Strand are hard to beat, and the rush of skimming across the Atlantic makes for one of the most memorable moments of any Myrtle Beach trip.
Kayaking and the Intracoastal Waterway
For something a little slower-paced, kayaking through the salt marshes along the Intracoastal Waterway gives you a completely different side of the Myrtle Beach area.
Apache Pier, one of the longest wooden piers on the East Coast, is worth a visit too, whether you’re fishing or just soaking in the view from above the water.
Land Activities in Myrtle Beach
When you’re ready to step off the sand, Myrtle Beach delivers an equally impressive lineup of local attractions that keep the whole group entertained from morning to night.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and SkyWheel
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is one of those places that earns its reputation. Stretching about 1.2 miles along Ocean Blvd, it’s where you’ll find the iconic SkyWheel, a 187-foot Ferris wheel with climate-controlled gondolas and sweeping ocean views of the Grand Strand.
Riding it at dusk is one of those moments that sticks with you long after the trip is over.
Broadway at the Beach and Ripley’s Aquarium
Broadway at the Beach is the area’s most well-known entertainment complex, covering 350 acres with restaurants, shops, live entertainment, mini golf, and Ripley’s Aquarium.
Ripley’s Aquarium is a genuinely impressive stop and a great option if you need a few hours out of the sun with kids of all ages.
Family Kingdom Amusement Park
Family Kingdom Amusement Park sits right along the oceanfront and brings serious nostalgia, with a classic wooden roller coaster and a lazy river that younger kids absolutely love.
It’s one of the most iconic attractions in central Myrtle Beach and a must for families visiting with little ones.
Dinner Theater and Live Entertainment
Dinner theater is a surprisingly fun option for large groups. The Carolina Opry and Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show both offer live music and entertainment in formats that keep everyone at the table engaged at once.
For something a little more low-key, downtown Myrtle Beach has local boutiques and local eats that give you a welcome break from the resort strip.
Best Restaurants for Groups
Feeding a big group well is one of the real pleasures of a Myrtle Beach trip, and the dining scene here rises to the occasion.
Sea Captain’s House
Sea Captain’s House is a Myrtle Beach institution, offering fresh seafood and sweeping ocean views in a setting that feels genuinely local rather than touristy.
It’s the kind of great meal that people plan their whole beach day around, and it consistently ranks among the top local attractions for visitors who care about good eats. Make reservations.
Captain Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood Buffet
For large groups with big appetites, Captain Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood Buffet is a Myrtle Beach favorite.
The spread covers everything from fresh seafood to southern comfort food, making it one of the easiest ways to keep a crowd of all ages happy without the hassle of a prix fixe menu.
RipTydz Oceanfront Grille
If your group is in the mood for something casual with a rooftop bar vibe, RipTydz Oceanfront Grille is a go-to for beach bar energy with a view. It’s one of those hidden gems that regulars swear by, and first-time visitors are always glad they found.
Local Eats Worth Seeking Out
Beyond the well-known spots, Myrtle Beach has a strong bench of local eats that reward a little exploration. Look for the red velvet waffle at Johnny D’s Waffles at the Myrtle Beach location, and don’t overlook the smaller seafood shacks tucked between the bigger dining destinations for an authentic taste of the Grand Strand.
Best Time of Year to Visit Myrtle Beach
Timing matters when you’re planning a trip this size, and Myrtle Beach rewards those who choose their window carefully.
Late Spring and Early Fall for Fewer Crowds
Late spring, specifically May and early June, is one of the best windows to visit Myrtle Beach. The weather is warm, the water is swimmable, and you’ll enjoy fewer crowds than the peak summer rush.
Early September carries the same appeal: summer energy without the full July sensory overload, and both windows are ideal for families booking a larger home who want the best of the beach vacation experience without navigating shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.
Summer for Peak Energy
Summer (late June through August) is peak season and brings the full Myrtle Beach experience, complete with live entertainment up and down the strip, all beach activities running at full capacity.
The Carolina Country Music Fest draws big crowds in June as well, so plan accordingly if live music is part of your group’s agenda or if you’d rather avoid the rush.
And if fireworks are your thing,don’t miss July 4th in Myrtle Beach.
Fall and Winter for a Quieter Beach Getaway
For those who want to enjoy nature without the beach day hustle, fall offers quieter beaches and still-comfortable temperatures well into October.
Huntington Beach State Park, located just south of central Myrtle Beach, offers nature trails, salt marshes, and some of the most unspoiled coastline in the entire Grand Strand.
It’s one of the true hidden gems for first time visitors who didn’t expect to find this level of natural beauty tucked between the resort zones.
Plan Your Myrtle Beach Getaway with Together Resorts
A Myrtle Beach getaway hits differently when you have the right home base. For large groups, that means skipping the stack of hotel rooms in favor of a vacation rental big enough to keep everyone together, with space to gather, cook, and decompress after a full day on the beach.
Together Resorts specializes in exactly that kind of experience, with large-scale homes in the Myrtle Beach area built for how big families actually travel. Whether you’re planning a multigenerational reunion, a big friend group getaway, or just a vacation destination that fits everyone comfortably, having a private beach home changes the whole dynamic.
Myrtle Beach isn’t just a beach town. It’s a top vacation destination that earns its reputation one visit at a time, and your first trip here won’t be your last.
