3 Days of Sun-Drenched Adventure in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

There’s a reason North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is one of the top family-friendly beach destinations in the country.

As part of a 60-mile stretch of beautiful coastline, this beachfront community is a heaven for sun- and thrill-seekers. From surfing and scuba diving to jet skiing and parasailing, water sports enthusiasts will certainly feel in their element here.

The city’s unique location—it’s nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and a scenic waterway—means there are plenty of other natural attractions to explore, as well as many ways to do so.

As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.

Friday: Soak up the Sun

Start your day with a hearty Southern breakfast at Blueberry’s Grill. Together with staples such as Eggs Benedict and French Toast, this beloved local eatery serves up Blueberry Hushpuppies, prepared with blue cornmeal and blueberries and offered with honey butter and blueberry compote.

With nine miles of beautiful beaches, a pretty stretch of sand is never too far away in North Myrtle Beach. Head to Cherry Grove’s beach, where the waves give you the perfect opportunity to take a surf lesson, rent a kayak or simply spend the morning swimming and making castles in the sand.

When you work up an appetite, stop by Duffy Street Seafood Shack for a quick lunch. Its convenient location — just across from the beach — and delicious seafood dishes make it a beach day staple. Once afternoon hits, change up the scenery and take a boating cruise or, even better, a float on a pirate ship.

Face painting, treasure hunting and lots of fun are pretty much guaranteed. Alternatively, head out on a dolphin-watching adventure and get up and close with these majestic creatures.

When you get to dry land again, take a trip back in time and head to Medieval Times for dinner and an exciting show featuring knights in armor set against the backdrop of a Medieval castle. If you’re in the mood for something more modern, then you should check out Sea Blue.

This fine-dining restaurant offers new American cuisine with a French twist. For post-dinner entertainment, make your way to Duck’s Night Life on Main Street where a good live band and a cold beer are guaranteed.

Saturday: Outdoor Adventures

If red velvet waffles sound like something you can get behind, head straight to Johnny D’s Waffles and Benedicts after waking up. This family-run breakfast and lunch spot specializes in the most decadent sweet and savory waffles. Omelets and a long list of “benedicts” are also available.

Saddle up at Inlet Point Plantation Stables and explore the area’s beaches with a four-legged friend. Most rides last for about an hour, but 15- and 30-minute excursions are also offered. Craving something a bit more adventurous?

Shark Wake Park is a two-in-one venue that includes a kid-friendly floating obstacle course that invites you to hop among inflatables, slip down slides and — if you like — dive into the water. If you’ve never tried wakeboarding or water skiing, this is the place to give it a try, instruction included.

Next up, a fun round or two of mini-golf. With 50 putt-putt miniature golf courses, the Myrtle Beach area is dubbed the unofficial “mini-golf capital of the world.” It even hosts a Masters National Pro Mini Golf Championship in October.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Local on the Water where dinner comes with some pretty amazing sunset views over the waterway (and live music). You’ll need your energy for the next stop: cocktails and beach music at Fat Harold’s Beach Club.

North Myrtle Beach is the birthplace of the Carolina Shag — an upbeat dance originating in the 1940s — and this historic club is known as “the home of the Shag,” offering its patrons free shag lessons year-round.

Sunday: Explore Windy Hill

The southernmost point of North Myrtle Beach, a neighborhood called Windy Hill, will test your definition of variety. Head to the beach to bask in the sun for a couple of hours and work on your tan.

Then, take a private kayak tour to see a turtle nesting area. These easy, beginner-friendly tours are absolutely worth your time. Led by professional naturalists in nearby Waties Island, this educational experience will introduce you to Loggerhead Sea Turtles that return to the area to nest year after year.

One of the most visited landmarks in Windy Hill is Barefoot Landing, an entertainment area home to a variety of restaurants, shops, a carousel and other attractions. Your first stop is Alligator Adventure, a reptile zoo home to rare albino alligators, among many other animals. Plan to attend one of their shows, which include alligator feedings and snake handlings.

After so much adrenaline, you’ll probably need a drink… and you’re in luck because South Carolina’s oldest winery, Duplin Winery, isn’t far. Kick back and relax with a glass of their famous Muscadine wine while listening to some live music in the winery’s courtyard.

When you’re ready for dinner, head to Flying Fish Public Market & Grill that promises its patrons, “if it swims, we’ll catch it.” As you can imagine, this waterfront restaurant/market draws crowds with its fresh seafood dishes, including a raw bar and a sushi menu.

From here, House of Blues in Barefoot Landing is your go-to spot for post-dinner drinks and entertainment. On weekends, the bar/music venue hosts two live performances each night.