Get ready for some budget-friendly fun if you’re heading to the Grand Strand! There are so many free things to do in Myrtle Beach during the summer. Whether you’re traveling with friends or family, you don’t have to trade a memorable vacation for affordable activities you and your crew will love! When you feel like staying in, Monterey Bay has loads of kids’ entertainment, but when you’re heading out to see the sights, consult our list of the top 28 free things to do in Myrtle Beach and discover days filled with free fun.
1 | The Beach
The beach is one of the most fun yet cheapest things to do in Myrtle Beach because all the sand and sun are free! Monterey Bay’s premier oceanfront location puts you steps away from splashing around in the water, getting a tan, playing volleyball, or chasing a frisbee. Enjoy an entire day right on the beautiful white-sand beach—just be sure to wear sunscreen!
2 | Broadway At The Beach
Explore Broadway at the Beach, a 350-acre outdoor entertainment complex offering restaurants, shops, an aquarium, rides, games and so much more. You don’t have to spend a dime to enjoy the miles of sights available at Broadway. There are free playgrounds, fireworks displays, and an endless supply of photo-worthy backgrounds.
3 | The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is 1.2 miles long and free for all to enjoy. Soak up the relaxing oceanfront views, window-shop the boardwalk stores and simply hang out with your family and friends. Stick around for sunset and great photo opportunities!
4 | Free Festivals & Events
There are a variety of summer festivals and events taking place near Monterey Bay Suites along the Grand Strand. The best aspect of walking around a festival and taking in the sights is that it doesn’t cost a thing! Besides being out in the beautiful weather, you and your family can enjoy people-watching, view a demonstration or learn about the history of the region—all free things to do when attending a Myrtle Beach festival.
5 | The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
The MarshWalk is a half-mile boardwalk along the Murrells Inlet marsh filled with food, live music, and endless hours of free fun! This is a great place to hang out in the evening, and it’s free to walk along the boardwalk and stop in at any of the restaurant’s outdoor decks to listen to live music.
6 | The Garden City Pier
The Garden City Pier is always free and open to the public. Stroll along the pier at night to hear live music and the crashing waves on the beach. Stop by during the day to see a fisherman’s big catch off the pier and watch the beachgoers down below. The pier also offers an arcade, bar and grill and ice cream shop.
7 | The Market Common
The Market Common is another fun open-air shopping and dining complex. It often hosts many free activities throughout the summer, including kids’ movies in the park and a local farmers market.
8 | Barefoot Landing
Barefoot Landing is an open-air entertainment complex full of shops, restaurants, and more! During the summer months, enjoy the free SummerFest! series with live entertainment every night and firework shows every Monday.
9 | Sunday Summer Concert Series
For 10 years, The Landing at The Boathouse has been the place to be for free live music. Join them for Free Show Fridays on their waterfront stage or Sunday Fun Day concerts—both are complementary and feature top performers. Bring a blanket or chair or come by boat!
10 | Myrtle Beach Art Museum
The Burroughs and Chapin Art Museum offers free admission every day for everyone. Discover rotating exhibits by local artists, regional creators and up-and-comers from all over the country. Visit the museum any day of the week except Monday.
11 | Hot Summer Nights
The best free entertainment on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is the Hot Summer Nights entertainment series. From June to September in Plyler Park, revel in live music, karaoke, beach parties, and more — all for free! Check out this year’s lineup to see what free fun is taking place tonight in Myrtle Beach.
12 | Grand Strand Farmers Markets
The Market Common isn’t the only venue that hosts a weekly farmers’ market. Organized by the Waccamaw Market Cooperative, local farmers’ markets can be found every day of the week along the Grand Strand. From North Myrtle Beach to Downtown Georgetown, enjoy free farmers’ markets filled with regional produce and meats, local artists and craftsman, organic goods, pet-friendly products and so much more!
13 | Great American Summer Nights
The entire family can enjoy the Great American Summer Nights entertainment series at Broadway on the Beach. Stop by any night of the week during the summer months and uncover live music, fire dancers, character appearances, and fireworks displays. The best part? It’s all FREE!
14 | Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens
This photo-worthy garden is free and among the top options for the cheapest things to do in Myrtle Beach. Just north of Myrtle Beach in Little River, the Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens are 114 acres of trails and salt marshes. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoy an unguided exploration through nature with beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway, serene hiking trails, and a nice picnicking area.
15 | New South Brewing Company Tour
For our beer lovers, New South Brewing Company won’t disappoint. This local Myrtle Beach brewery offers free virtual tours with in-person walking tours returning in the future. For now, visitors are welcome to stop by the brewery and learn more about the current brews available for purchase. Try a sample of any of their flagship beers and browse their gift shop while you’re there.
16 | Monterey Bay Pools
For convenient fun that never gets old, count on the amazing amenities at Monterey Bay Suites! Ride around the lazy river, relax on the rooftop pool or soak up the sun as you lay on the oceanfront pool deck! When the weather turns, our indoor pool and deck have you covered.
17 | L.W. Paul Living History Farm
For all our history buffs, take a step back in time and explore what Horry County was like for farmers in the 1900s. Free, one-hour guided farm tours are available at the L.W. Paul Living History Farm giving visitors a glimpse into the historical culture of the region. Operated by the Horry County Museum, the living history farm is just one of the enriching cultural events offered free of charge.
18 | McLean Park
Summer is the perfect time of year to enjoy a picnic and playground time with the family! McLean Park is a beautiful North Myrtle Beach park with two playgrounds, picnic tables and shelters, two tennis courts, a meditation garden, and a gazebo overlooking the serene lake. McLean Park is always free to enjoy.
19 | Conway Riverwalk
Conway is a fun historic waterfront town area with a 1.5-mile paved riverwalk. Along the Conway Riverwalk, enjoy riverfront views, delectable dining and picturesque backgrounds for photos with the family! Venture into Downtown Historic Conway to discover boutique and vintage shopping, more delicious local eateries and historical landmarks of the area.
20 | Pawleys Island Nature Park
Head south to Pawleys Island for natural landscapes that will take your breath away. The Pawleys Island Nature Park is open 24/7 and boasts wetlands, gardens, and historic features that give visitors a true feel of the South. Don’t forget to snap some pictures in front of the scenic surroundings for a family photo you’ll always cherish.
21 | Free Live Music
Every Friday during the summer, 810 Billiards & Bowling in The Market Common presents free family fun to add to your vacation itinerary. Encounter free live music every Friday and complimentary board games, too. Other affordable events at 810 include Jukebox Bingo and game show-style trivia.
22 | North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex
Just minutes from Myrtle Beach, the North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex has tons of free things to do. Explore the walking trails, let the kids loose on one of the three playgrounds or enjoy the summer sun as you witness local sports games, an outdoor aquatic park, and more – all for free!
23 | Music on Main Free Summer Concerts
Located in downtown North Myrtle Beach, the Music on Main concert series runs all summer long. Bring your own chair and relax with an evening of live local jams every Thursday night. The concerts are suitable for all ages and always free.
24 | Sounds of Summer Free Concert Series
Another free entertainment event hosted by the city of North Myrtle Beach is the Sounds of Summer Concert Series. This monthly show takes place on the third Friday from June to September. Bring a beach chair or blanket to the North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex Amphitheater and enjoy the show!
25 | Free Kids’ Summer Movies
Delight your kids with a free summer movie at the movie theater at The Market Common. Showings are held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays each week in June and July. Special Sensory Screenings will play every Monday. Kids are free and adult tickets are $1 with popcorn and drinks available for $1 each.
26 | Chapin Memorial Park
Located next to Chapin Memorial Library in the heart of Myrtle Beach is Chapin Park. This family-friendly greenspace features a playground, swinging benches with shady canopies, picnic benches, and artwork created by local children.
27 | South Carolina Hall of Fame
Located in the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, the South Carolina Hall of Fame recognizes contemporary and historical citizens who contributed to the state’s heritage and progress. Recent inductees include musician Darius Rucker, artist Dr. Leo Twiggs and educator Elizabeth Evelyn Wright. Learn about these pillars of South Carolina history in a fun and free educational environment.
28 | Georgetown Harborwalk
Known as the location of the annual Georgetown Boat Show, the Georgetown Harborwalk is a waterfront boardwalk along the Sampit River in Downtown Historic Georgetown. Stroll the four-block route and find scenic views of Georgetown Harbor, local eateries, and boutique storefronts. Access the Harborwalk from the Town Clock, Francis Marion Park, Constitution Park, or Rainey Park – all along Front Street.
Affordable Oceanfront Resort in Myrtle Beach
Whether you’re looking for a low-key vacation or an upbeat itinerary filled with Myrtle Beach festivals, you’ll find lots of nearby choices when you book your stay at Monterey Bay Suites. Our convenient city-center location gives you access to all the free things to do in Myrtle Beach! Our fantastic hotel has loads of kid-friendly entertainment including cornhole boards, an oceanfront playground, and Saturday-morning magic shows! You won’t need to leave the resort to have the best vacation ever, but when you do, count on these 28 ideas for affordable family fun!