This year brings fresh attractions, exciting activities, crave-worthy dining and new places to stay at The Beach
Myrtle Beach is stepping into the new year with a wave of new developments, exciting events and destination-defining milestones, along with all the classic experiences that keep visitors coming back year after year. Spanning 60 miles of iconic coastline and 14 distinct coastal communities, the Grand Strand boasts an array of new attractions, dining and lodging experiences, offering more ways than ever for all ages to celebrate, explore and make lasting memories.
With the unveiling of the expanded A-Concourse at Myrtle Beach International Airport, flying into Myrtle Beach is smoother than ever with six new gates, modern amenities and improved passenger flow, making travel more comfortable and efficient while offering more flight options. Nonstop service is available from more than 50 destinations via 10 airlines. Located just over a mile from the shoreline, MYR is recognized as one of the nation’s top small airports, ensuring a convenient and seamless arrival experience.
“Myrtle Beach is an ever-evolving destination that continues to grow and innovate, elevating the experiences available,” said Stuart Butler, President, Visit Myrtle Beach. “With sunny skies, Southern hospitality and a refreshed lineup of activities and amenities, we look forward to offering new ways for everyone to enjoy year-round adventure and relaxation on The Beach.”
New highlights at The Beach in 2026 include:
Events & Attractions:
Food & Drink:
Rest & Relaxation:
For more information on what’s new in Myrtle Beach, visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com.
With the start of a new school year around the corner, many Grand Strand families are looking for easy, affordable ways to make the most of the final days of summer before homework, sports practices and busy schedules return.
Fortunately, some of the best family adventures are right here at home. The beaches, attractions and traditions that millions of visitors travel to experience each year are the same places local families can enjoy before Horry County Schools welcome students back on Aug. 19.
Whether your family has a few free afternoons left or you're looking for one final weekend adventure, here are five ways to celebrate the end of summer without leaving the Grand Strand.
Before early school mornings replace summer sleep-ins, set the alarm one last time to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic. Bring breakfast to the beach, sip coffee as the sky shifts from lavender to brilliant pinks and oranges or enjoy the view from the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel during a sunrise flight. It's a peaceful way to begin a day together and a reminder of the natural beauty found just minutes from home.
Take advantage of one more carefree day on the sand before classes begin. From Little River to Pawleys Island, families can build sandcastles, search for shells and shark teeth, fly kites, ride boogie boards or simply relax by the water. Looking for something different? Explore the natural settings of Myrtle Beach State Park or Huntington Beach State Park or add excitement with a banana boat ride in North Myrtle Beach.
Few places capture the spirit of the Grand Strand quite like its fishing piers. Spend an afternoon teaching the kids how to cast a line at Apache Pier, Pier 14 or the Surfside Beach Pier, or simply enjoy a walk above the waves while spotting fish, dolphins and seabirds. It's a timeless activity that generations of local families have enjoyed together.
Challenge the family to one last summer competition at one of the Grand Strand's more than 30 miniature golf courses. As the Mini Golf Capital of the World, the area offers imaginative courses filled with pirates, volcanoes, dinosaurs and waterfalls. Whether you're aiming for bragging rights or trying for a hole-in-one on Mt. Atlanticus' famous 19th hole, mini golf remains one of the region's classic family traditions.
Before backpacks replace beach bags, spend an evening on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade. Grab ice cream, browse the iconic Gay Dolphin, play a few arcade games, enjoy live music at Plyler Park or simply watch the waves roll in. Sometimes the simplest outings become the memories families treasure most.
As summer winds down, these experiences offer more than fun ways to keep the kids entertained before school starts. They also highlight the attractions, businesses and outdoor spaces that make the Grand Strand a destination families return to year after year. Every visit—whether from across the country or across town—helps support local jobs, small businesses and the vibrant coastal community we all enjoy.
Before the school buses begin rolling on Aug. 19, consider making one more family memory right here in your own backyard.
Happy 50th Anniversary to Ripley's Believe It or Not! Myrtle Beach! For half a century, Ripley's Believe It or Not! has been one of Myrtle Beach's most recognizable attractions, sitting in the heart of the city's oceanfront entertainment district and welcoming those to explore the strange, the surprising and the unforgettable.
Since opening its doors in 1976, Ripley's Believe It or Not! has become much more than a place to explore oddities and interactive exhibits. It has become a tradition for countless families, many of whom make a stop at Ripley's part of every Myrtle Beach vacation. Parents who visited as children now bring their own kids, creating memories that span generations and reinforce the strong tradition of repeat visitation that makes Myrtle Beach unique.
Ripley's continued investment in Myrtle Beach reflects the confidence businesses have in our destination. Over the years, the company has expanded beyond its original attraction to include experiences such as Ripley's Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach, Ripley's Crazy Golf, Ripley's Haunted Adventure and Ripley's Mirror Maze, helping create a diverse mix of entertainment that encourages visitors to stay longer and explore more of our community.
Those experiences also illustrate an important part of tourism's economic impact. Attractions like Ripley's give visitors more reasons to choose Myrtle Beach, extend their vacations and spend money at nearby restaurants, hotels, shops and other local businesses. That visitor spending supports thousands of local jobs, generates tax revenue for public services and helps strengthen the Grand Strand's economy year-round.
As Myrtle Beach has grown and evolved over the past five decades, Ripley's has remained a constant fixture in the destination's story. Its recognizable brand has helped introduce millions of travelers to the Grand Strand while continuing to reinvent itself with new exhibits and experiences that keep guests coming back.
While visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not!, you can marvel at hundreds of rare and unusual artifacts and get hands-on with unbelievable interactives, such as:
When Myrtle Beach State Park opened in 1936, its purpose was simple: protect a special piece of South Carolina's coastline while creating opportunities for recreation and education.
Ninety years later, that mission continues to benefit residents, visitors and the entire Grand Strand community.
As South Carolina's first state park, Myrtle Beach State Park has long demonstrated how conservation, recreation and tourism can work together. The park preserves one of the last remaining maritime forests on the coast while providing access to outdoor experiences that have attracted generations of families to the area.
Developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps after Myrtle Beach Farms donated the land in 1934, the park stands as a lasting example of how public investments can create value for decades.
Many of the original CCC-built structures remain in use today, serving as reminders of the foresight that helped preserve this natural resource for future generations.
Beyond its scenic beauty, the park plays an important role in the quality of life enjoyed by residents. Educational programs, guided nature experiences, school field trips and interactive exhibits help connect people to the natural environment and encourage stewardship of South Carolina's coastal resources.
The park also reflects a broader truth about the Grand Strand: the amenities that make this a great place to visit are often the same amenities that make it a great place to live. Parks, beaches, outdoor recreation and cultural assets enrich residents' daily lives while strengthening the region's appeal to visitors.
As Myrtle Beach State Park celebrates its 90th anniversary this July, the milestone serves as a reminder that protecting and investing in community assets creates benefits that extend far beyond a single generation.
This summer marks a major milestone for one of the Grand Strand's most recognizable sports venues. The Ripken Experience® Myrtle Beach is celebrating its 20th anniversary, commemorating two decades of welcoming young athletes and their families to the Myrtle Beach area.
Since opening in June 2006, the facility has become far more than a baseball complex. It has helped establish Myrtle Beach as one of the nation's leading destinations for youth sports tourism, attracting visitors from across the country and generating economic benefits that extend throughout the community.
Over the past 20 years, thousands of teams have traveled to Myrtle Beach to compete on the facility's replica Major League Baseball fields. Those players don't travel alone. Parents, grandparents, siblings and friends often accompany athletes, filling hotel rooms, dining in local restaurants, shopping at area businesses and enjoying attractions throughout the Grand Strand.
The impact of sports tourism reaches far beyond the playing field.
When families travel to Myrtle Beach for a tournament, they often extend their stay to enjoy a beach vacation. Many return later as leisure visitors after being introduced to the destination through youth sports. This creates a powerful cycle of visitation that supports local businesses and jobs year-round.
The facility continues to evolve to meet the expectations of today's traveling families. Recent renovations completed in 2025 included the addition of The Bullpen food and beverage pavilion, new turf at Ebbets Field and upgrades to the retail experience, ensuring The Ripken Experience remains a premier destination for youth baseball.
Its success has also helped pave the way for Myrtle Beach's broader sports tourism industry. Today, the Grand Strand hosts a wide range of amateur sporting events, from baseball and softball to basketball, volleyball, soccer, golf and cheerleading competitions. Sports venues throughout the region collectively attract hundreds of thousands of athletes and spectators annually.
Sports tourism has become an important component of the local economy because it helps generate visitation beyond the traditional summer beach season. Tournaments and competitions bring visitors to the area during spring, fall and winter months, supporting businesses and helping sustain jobs throughout the year.
As The Ripken Experience celebrates its 20th anniversary, it serves as a reminder that tourism comes in many forms. While visitors may arrive for a baseball tournament, their spending supports hotels, restaurants, retailers, attractions and countless local employees.
For two decades, The Ripken Experience has provided unforgettable memories for young athletes while contributing to the economic vitality of the Myrtle Beach area. Its continued success demonstrates the important role sports tourism plays in strengthening our community and supporting the quality of life enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
Happy 20th anniversary to The Ripken Experience Myrtle Beach—a facility that helped put Myrtle Beach on the map as a premier sports destination and continues to inspire the next generation of athletes.
As millions of Americans prepare to hit the road for Independence Day travel, recent declines in gas prices are providing welcome relief for families planning summer vacations. That's good news for destinations like the Myrtle Beach area, where drive-in visitors remain the backbone of the tourism economy.
According to AAA, 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the Independence Day travel period, June 27 through July 5, setting a new holiday travel record. Of those travelers, 61.4 million (85 percent) are expected to travel by car.
At the same time, gas prices have been trending downward. AAA reports South Carolina's average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.50 on June 22, down from $3.66 a week earlier and $4.16 one month ago.
Noteworthy, Gas Buddy is reporting better numbers on June 22, showing South Carolina's average price for a gallon of regular gasoline at $3.44, one of the most inexpensive state averages in the country.
For the Myrtle Beach area, these two trends are closely connected.
Unlike many vacation destinations that rely heavily on air travel, the Myrtle Beach area benefits from its location within a day's drive of much of the Eastern United States. Families from nearby states often choose to drive to the beach.
When fuel prices decline, travelers can stretch their vacation budgets further. Money saved at the pump can be spent on accommodations, dining, attractions, shopping and entertainment once visitors arrive.
AAA notes that despite higher gas prices than last year's Independence Day holiday, driving remains the most affordable travel option for many families, especially those traveling with children.
The latest AAA forecast shows Americans continue to prioritize travel and vacation experiences. While overall travel growth has moderated compared to the years immediately following the pandemic, the number of travelers is still expected to reach a record level this Independence Day.
This strong demand reflects the importance many families place on spending quality time together and creating memorable experiences—whether that means relaxing on the beach, attending a fireworks celebration, enjoying local restaurants, or exploring area attractions.
When travelers choose the Myrtle Beach area for their summer vacation, the benefits extend throughout the local economy. Visitor spending supports businesses large and small, from hotels and restaurants to retail stores, entertainment venues and service providers.
Tourism also helps support jobs and generates tax revenues that contribute to community services and infrastructure used by both residents and visitors.
As millions of Americans prepare for holiday road trips and gas prices move lower, the Myrtle Beach area is well-positioned to welcome travelers seeking a convenient and affordable summer getaway.
For a destination built on hospitality, every vehicle arriving at the beach represents more than a vacation—it represents economic activity that helps support local businesses, employees and the broader community.
Tourism Works for the Grand Strand was proud to sponsor the South Carolina Republican gubernatorial runoff debate at Coastal Carolina University on June 16, helping bring statewide attention to the Grand Strand and the issues that matter to our residents, businesses and tourism economy.
Held Tuesday evening at CCU’s Wheelwright Auditorium, the debate gave South Carolinians an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates seeking their party’s nomination for governor. It also placed the Myrtle Beach area at the center of an important statewide conversation about South Carolina’s future.
For the Grand Strand area, that conversation must include tourism.
Tourism supports local jobs, strengthens small businesses, generates public revenue, and helps fund the services and investments that improve quality of life for residents across our 14 coastal communities. When state leaders discuss infrastructure, workforce, public safety, taxes, education and economic development, tourism is connected to each of those priorities.
By sponsoring this debate, Tourism Works for the Grand Strand helped ensure that the importance of our region’s visitor economy remained visible to candidates, policymakers and viewers across South Carolina. The debate was broadcast live statewide, giving the Grand Strand a valuable platform to showcase its role as one of South Carolina’s strongest economic engines.
Coastal Carolina University also deserves recognition for hosting the event and continuing to serve as a hub for civic engagement. Bringing statewide leaders, media and residents together on the Grand Strand reinforces the region’s growing influence and provides meaningful opportunities for thoughtful discussion on issues that affect our communities.
Tourism works because it does more than bring visitors to the beach. It supports families. It sustains businesses. It funds public services. It strengthens the tax base. And it helps build a better Grand Strand for residents and visitors alike.
As South Carolina looks ahead, Tourism Works for the Grand Strand will continue advocating for policies that protect and strengthen the tourism economy while enhancing the quality of life for those who call the Myrtle Beach area home.
A new national report is providing fresh evidence of something residents and visitors have known for years: the Myrtle Beach region is one of the most desirable places in America.
The 2026 America’s Best Small Cities report from Resonance ranked Myrtle Beach as the #5 Best Small City in America, including #2 for Lovability and #7 for Livability. The rankings reflect both hard data and public perception, measuring everything from quality of life and economic opportunity to destination appeal.
The findings also support an important reality: a strong visitor economy helps create a strong community.
According to Resonance, the places people most want to visit are increasingly the same places they want to live. Myrtle Beach is a prime example. The attractions, restaurants, entertainment venues, parks, beaches and amenities that draw millions of visitors each year also enhance the daily lives of local residents.
Additionally, community feedback gathered through the Collaborate2031 Resident Sentiment Survey reinforces that connection. Among nearly 1,900 Horry County residents surveyed, 67% support efforts to market the region to visitors, recognizing tourism’s role in supporting local jobs, businesses and community investments.
The research also shows that people continue to choose the Myrtle Beach region as a place to call home. Horry County ranked #1 in population growth and domestic migration among peer communities studied, meaning more people are moving here than to any of the comparable markets analyzed.
At the same time, the data highlights opportunities to build on that momentum. Residents identified priorities such as:
These are exactly the types of challenges and opportunities that the Collaborate2031 initiative is designed to address. By bringing together community leaders, residents and stakeholders, the effort aims to create a shared roadmap for the future that strengthens economic vitality, quality of life and long-term prosperity.
The message from the research is clear: Myrtle Beach is thriving, people love living here, and tourism continues to play an important role in our success. As Collaborate2031 moves forward, with a full strategy released in fall 2026, the community has an opportunity to build on its strengths and ensure the Grand Strand remains a place where residents, businesses and visitors can thrive for generations to come.
Celebrate a spectacular summer across the Grand Strand with more than 50 free fireworks displays throughout the summer and over the July 4th holiday weekend as America marks its 250th anniversary. Shows are weather permitting and subject to change.
Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach hosts fireworks every Monday at 10 p.m. during the summer from Monday, June 8 through Monday, Aug. 31.
Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach hosts fireworks every Tuesday at 10 p.m. from June 9 through Sept. 1.
Thanks to the Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance, fireworks can be enjoyed from the 2nd Ave. Pier in downtown Myrtle Beach at 9 p.m. every Wednesday from May 27 through August 27. There will be a special fireworks show at 9 PM on Saturday, July 4 in place of the Wednesday, July 1st show.
After enjoying a Pelicans Baseball home game on Friday night, enjoy fireworks on these dates: May 29, June 12, July 3, 4 & 5, July 10, July 31, Aug. 14, Aug. 21, and Sept. 4, 2026. Tickets are required to the games, but the fireworks are visible from outside the stadium.
Second Avenue Pier in Downtown Myrtle Beach – 9 p.m.
Cherry Grove Pier in North Myrtle Beach – 9:30 p.m.
Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach - 10 p.m.
Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach – 10 p.m.
Myrtle Beach Pelicans – post-game show on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Murrells Inlet MarshWalk - boat parade begins at 10am, followed by fireworks at 10 p.m.
Surfside Beach - Golf Cart Parade steps off at 10 a.m.
Pawleys Island - Golf Cart Parade steps off at 10 a.m.
One of South Carolina's most beloved Fourth of July traditions returns at 1 p.m. on July 4 with Salute from the Shore, a patriotic military flyover that begins at Cherry Grove in North Myrtle Beach and travels the length of the South Carolina coastline. The annual tribute features F-16 fighter jets from Shaw Air Force Base followed by an all-volunteer formation of vintage military aircraft, allowing beachgoers to honor the nation's service members and veterans while celebrating America's birthday.
Fireworks will take place in Conway the Saturday before July 4th at 9:30 p.m. during the annual Riverfest, a free family -friendly festival that includes the paddle battle river races, opening ceremonies, patriotic golf cart parade, kids zone, cornhole tournament, business expo, artisan market, food & beer garden, and live music.
Friday, July 11th in Aynor
Fireworks will cap the annual Aynor After the 4th celebration on Friday, July 11, from 5 p.m. at Aynor Town Park. This free, family-friendly community event will feature a variety of food trucks, live music, and activities for children, creating an evening of fun for all ages. Attendees will enjoy performances by Vocal Edition and The Devin Dove Band, followed by a spectacular fireworks display at dark. Guests are encouraged to bring a chair.
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed business leaders and community members on June 10 for a Legislative Update focused on the public policy decisions shaping the future of the Grand Strand and supporting the region's tourism-driven economy.
Led by Chamber President Jimmy Gray and Advocacy Manager Robert Whitehurst, the session provided an overview of the June 9 primary elections and the recently concluded South Carolina legislative session.
Discussion included policies that help tourism work for the Grand Strand by supporting local businesses, creating jobs, investing in infrastructure and enhancing quality of life for residents.
The presentation also highlighted transportation initiatives, including reforms at the South Carolina Department of Transportation and new tools to accelerate road improvements needed to accommodate the region's continued growth.
A focus of the update was the Chamber's ongoing advocacy for investments that strengthen the visitor economy and benefit residents. Topics included tourism marketing funding, beach renourishment, natural gas capacity improvements, workforce development and efforts to protect the natural assets that make the Grand Strand a premier destination.
The discussion reinforced the priorities outlined in the Chamber's 2026 Advocacy Agenda, including maintaining a thriving business climate, building critical infrastructure, protecting the coast, improving quality of life and pursuing transformational projects through strong regional partnerships.
As highlighted throughout the session, when tourism succeeds, the entire community benefits through increased investment, job creation, enhanced public services and a stronger local economy.
Coast RTA’s new service enhancements are a strong example of how tourism works for the Grand Strand by investing in transportation infrastructure that benefits both residents and visitors. Coast RTA operates through a combination of federal grants, dedicated local tax revenues supported by tourism, municipal contributions and passenger fares. A reliable transit system helps connect people to jobs, attractions, healthcare, shopping and educational opportunities, making it easier for employees to get where they need to go while supporting the businesses that drive the local economy.
With more frequent service, new connections, expanded access and improved routes, residens are bettter served. Workers have more dependable and affordable transportation options while employers access to a larger workforce. A reduction in transportation barriers, strengthens the region’s ability to support continued growth.
Just as tourism revenues help fund community assets that improve quality of life, enhanced public transportation creates a more connected Grand Strand that works better for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.
