Are you planning a trip to Myrtle Beach? While the Grand Strand is famous for its sandy shores, what really makes a visit unforgettable are the local experiences, those tried-and-true places the locals actually go.
From epic boat tours to sunset dining with an ocean breeze, this guide covers the top 9 things to do in Myrtle Beach that every visitor must experience, curated by the crew at PonTiki® Myrtle Beach.
Whether you’re staying for a weekend or settling in for the week, use this list to explore the best of what the area has to offer for unforgettable fun.
9 Unforgettable Things to Do in Myrtle Beach (According to Locals)
- Visit Broadway at the Beach
- Explore Barefoot Landing
- Tee Off at the Area’s Top Golf Courses
- Cruise the Waterways on a Sunset Tour
- Chow Down at Bubba’s Fish Camp & Smokehouse
- Shop for Beachwear at Ron Jon Surf Shop
- Experience a Booze Cruise on the Intracoastal Waterway
- Dine at RipTydz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar
- Book a Private Local Boat Tour
Visit Broadway at the Beach
This vibrant entertainment district is one of Myrtle Beach’s most visited attractions — and for good reason. Broadway at the Beach offers something for everyone: shopping, live shows, waterfront dining, thrill rides, and even a few hidden gems only locals know to explore.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the evening hours here. The nightlife scene buzzes with energy, and you can catch free fireworks throughout the summer.
Explore Barefoot Landing
If you want a scenic mix of local charm and entertainment, Barefoot Landing is a must. Located along the Intracoastal Waterway, this open-air shopping and dining complex is perfect for a laid-back afternoon or early evening stroll.
Browse local boutiques, catch live music, feed turtles by the water, or grab a bite at a waterfront restaurant. If you’re headed out on a booze cruise later, this is the perfect pre-party stop!
Tee Off at the Area’s Top Golf Courses
Home to more than 90 golf courses, Myrtle Beach is a golfer’s paradise. For the ultimate, “local-approved” round of golf, try Tidewater Golf Club or Barefoot Resort & Golf.
Tidewater Golf Club
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cherry Grove marsh, this course offers both challenge and coastal beauty. Locals love its scenic holes and well-maintained greens.
Barefoot Resort & Golf
With four award-winning courses designed by legends like Davis Love III and Greg Norman, this course is known for its challenging layouts, scenic water features, and top-tier facilities.
Cruise the Waterways on a Sunset Tour
Providing more than just a pretty view, a Myrtle Beach sunset cruise is an experience that sets the tone for your entire trip.
Tour the stunning Intracoastal Waterway with open-air seating, curated playlists, and the kind of relaxed, breezy vibe you can only get offshore. Visiting us in the colder months? Enjoy a local boat tour that’s protected from the wind and heated throughout!
Pair it with your favorite snacks and drinks, and enjoy a golden-hour ride you’ll be talking about for years.
Chow Down at Bubba’s Fish Camp & Smokehouse
No Myrtle Beach visit is complete without fresh seafood. Fortunately, Bubba’s Fish Camp & Smokehouse delivers big flavor in a laid-back, coastal-casual setting.
Enjoy everything from smoked brisket to fried shrimp and hushpuppies, all just steps from the beach. Locals love it for post-beach dinners, casual celebrations, and hearty Southern meals with flair.
Shop for Beachwear at Ron Jon Surf Shop
Need a fresh beach look, or did you forget your boardshorts? Either way, head to the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop, where you’ll find swimwear, surf gear, and beachy souvenirs.
It’s not just a store, it’s a Myrtle Beach staple with a fun, surf-town vibe. This is your go-to for everything from flip-flops to rash guards, plus a cool photo op out front!
Experience a Booze Cruise on the Intracoastal Waterway
If your idea of vacation includes good music, great drinks, and an even better time, you’ll want to hop on a booze cruise around Myrtle Beach. Perfect for groups, these party cruises offer BYOB-friendly options, energetic tunes, and prime views of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Think of it as your floating happy hour — without the wait, cover charge, and ride-hailing headaches.
Dine at RipTydz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar
End your day with a breezy dinner at RipTydz, where panoramic ocean views meet craft cocktails and seafood-forward plates. The rooftop bar is a favorite among locals for catching the last light of day, sipping a mojito, and soaking up the salt air.
Live music, ocean breeze, and coastal cuisine? It’s the perfect nightcap to your Myrtle Beach adventure.
Book a Private Local Boat Tour
Want the water all to yourself? Book a private boat tour for you, your family, and your friends! These customizable cruises let you set your own pace, which makes them ideal for birthdays, family outings, corporate groups, or simply relaxing with your crew.
With a local boat cruise, you’ll see Myrtle Beach from a different angle, guided by a crew that knows the area inside and out. Sunset drinks, wildlife spotting, and good company: it’s what the Grand Strand is all about!
Final Thoughts: Discover Myrtle Beach the Local Way
Tourist traps are easy to find, but your experience will be better when you know where the locals go. Whether you’re sipping cocktails on a sunset cruise, shopping surfside, or playing a world-class round of golf, these nine recommendations from PonTiki® Myrtle Beach will help you build the perfect itinerary.
Our suggestion? Start with a local boat tour, then plan the rest of your adventure from there. That way, when you’re telling your story later, it starts by taking in our majestic community as a whole, and ends with the memories and relationships you made visiting specific places.
Either way, we’d be honored to be a part of your schedule. If you’re looking for things to do in Myrtle Beach that will make lasting memories, book your Myrtle Beach boat tour today.