Fun Things to do in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach isn’t just a destination, it’s a full-blown experience. Whether you’re chasing that salty ocean breeze from the back of a boat or clapping along to a live music show over a plate of great food, the Grand Strand has something that’ll make your trip one for the books. Here’s a guide to the best outdoor water adventures and evening entertainment the area has to offer.

Fun in the Sun!

With 60 miles of coastline and warm Atlantic waters, Myrtle Beach is practically built for outdoor adventure. From high-flying thrills to laid-back cruises, these are the experiences that turn a good beach trip into a great one.

Get on the Boat

If you’re looking for a good laugh and a little splash, a banana boat ride is the perfect group activity. You and your crew pile onto an inflatable banana-shaped tube, hold on tight, and get towed across the waves by a speedboat. Sounds easy, until the boat turns and everyone goes flying into the water. It’s pure, silly fun for families, friend groups, and anyone who doesn’t mind getting soaked. See more details and Book your spot here.

Fly Like an Eagle

For a completely different kind of rush, parasailing gives you a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the Myrtle Beach coastline from up to 400 feet in the air. You’re harnessed to a parachute and lifted smoothly off the back of a U.S. Coast Guard-inspected boat, so the whole experience is as safe as it is stunning. Whether you go solo, in tandem, or as a trio, it’s the kind of view you’ll be talking about long after you head home. Book your flight here.

Search for Dolphins

If you’d rather keep your feet (relatively) dry, a dolphin adventure cruise is one of the most magical things you can do on the water in Myrtle Beach. These excursions take you out into the inlets and coastal waterways where wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are known to swim and play. It’s an amazing experience for kids and adults alike, there’s something about seeing dolphins in the wild that never gets old. Find out more and book here.

Catch a Wave

Always wanted to learn to surf? Myrtle Beach is actually a fantastic place to give it a shot. Kokopelli Surf Camp offers beginner-friendly surf lessons right here in Myrtle Beach with experienced, certified instructors who make the whole process fun and approachable. You’ll start on the sand learning the basics before hitting the waves, and most first-timers are standing up by the end of the lesson. It’s a great activity for teens and adults, and a serious bucket-list check-off. Book your lesson here.

An Hour of Thrills

Want to feel the wind in your face and the spray of the ocean while you’re in control of your own adventure? Jet ski rentals at Island Adventure Watersports let you do exactly that. Their one-hour rental option gives you plenty of time to explore the water at your own pace, cruise along the shoreline, pick up speed in open water, or just enjoy the freedom of being out there on your own terms. No experience necessary, and guides are on hand to get you started. Reserve your rental here.

Cruise at Your Own Pace

If you’re traveling with a group and want a more relaxed way to spend time on the water, a pontoon boat rental is hard to beat. Island Adventure Watersports offers spacious, easy-to-operate pontoon boats that are perfect for a few hours of cruising, fishing, or just anchoring somewhere beautiful and enjoying the scenery. No boating license required, and it’s a great way to create a private, go-at-your-own-pace experience on the water. Check availability and book here.

Build a Castle

Yes, sandcastle lessons are a real thing,  and they’re way more impressive than you’d expect. Southern Shores Cruises offers guided sandcastle lessons at their Myrtle Beach location where a professional sand sculptor teaches you real techniques for building detailed, stunning structures right on the beach. It’s a surprisingly creative and engaging activity that’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone who wants to try something a little different on their beach day. Sign up here.

Lunch With a View

Sometimes the best way to enjoy the beauty of Myrtle Beach is from the water, with a plate of food in front of you and nowhere to be. The Barefoot Queen offers a scenic lunch cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway — a relaxing, narrated experience aboard a classic double-deck riverboat. Enjoy a delicious meal while you take in the gorgeous scenery of the marsh, wildlife, and waterway. It’s the perfect midday activity for those who want a slower, more scenic pace. Get tickets here.

Climb Aboard the Freaky TIki

For something a little more social and fun, Tiki Tours of Myrtle Beach lets you cruise around on a floating tiki bar while taking in the sights. It’s one of those only-in-Myrtle-Beach experiences that combines great views, good vibes, and a memorable time on the water. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, bachelorette party, or just want a unique way to spend an afternoon, this one delivers. Book your tiki tour here.

A Night Out Worth Dressing Up For

When the sun goes down, Myrtle Beach really comes alive. The area has a long-standing tradition of live entertainment, from high-energy music tributes to laugh-out-loud interactive dinner experiences. Here are some of the best shows in the area that are well worth a night out.

Polynesian Fire Luau

Kick off your evening entertainment with one of the most visually spectacular shows Myrtle Beach has to offer. The Polynesian Fire Luau is a full cultural experience; think traditional island music, authentic Polynesian dance performances, and a jaw-dropping finale featuring world champion fire knife dancers. The show takes place in a climate-controlled venue, so you’re comfortable all night long, and the cast’s warmth and energy make it feel like a true celebration. It’s a wonderful experience for the whole family and something you simply won’t find just anywhere. Get tickets here.

GTS Theatre — Kenny Rogers Tribute, Elvis Impersonator & Rock N Soul Review

GTS Theatre is one of Myrtle Beach’s most beloved live entertainment venues, and for good reason — the productions here are polished, professional, and genuinely entertaining. Music fans will want to check out a few standout shows in particular:

The Kenny Rogers Tribute is a heartfelt, pitch-perfect celebration of one of country music’s greatest legends. Fans of “The Gambler,” “Islands in the Stream,” and “Lady” will feel right at home. Get these tickets here.

For something with a little more hip-shaking energy, the Elvis Impersonator show brings the King of Rock and Roll back to life in a way that’s impressive, fun, and completely crowd-pleasing. See the King with tickets here.

And if you want the full spectrum of classic American music in one night, the Rock N Soul Review delivers exactly that, a high-energy trip through the best of rock and soul that gets the whole audience moving. Move toward those tickets here.

Rig-A-Tony’s Murder in the Wild West

If you’re in the mood for something interactive and a little cheeky, Rig-A-Tony’s Murder in the Wild West is dinner theater at its most entertaining. Set in the old frontier, this show puts you right in the middle of a wild western whodunit, complete with colorful characters, dramatic plot twists, and plenty of audience participation. Enjoy a hearty dinner while the mystery unfolds around you and see if you can figure out who did it before the big reveal. It’s a blast for date nights, family outings, and group trips alike. Book your seats here.

Rig-A-Tony’s Murder Mystery Dinner Show

For a more classic take on the murder mystery format, Rig-A-Tony’s also offers their signature Murder Mystery Dinner Show,an evening of suspense, laughs, and great food that keeps the whole table guessing. The cast interacts directly with guests throughout the meal, making every table feel like they’re right in the middle of the action. It’s endlessly replayable since the story and suspects evolve, so even if you’ve been before, you’re in for a fresh experience. Reserve your tickets here.

Make the Most of Your Myrtle Beach Trip

Whether you’re riding the waves on a jet ski, soaring 400 feet above the ocean, or solving a murder mystery over dinner, Myrtle Beach has the kind of experiences that make memories. The key is to plan ahead — many of these activities and shows book up fast, especially during peak season. Lock in your favorites early so you don’t miss out on the best the Grand Strand has to offer.