Every one is amping up for some summer fun and if you’re heading to the Grand Strand you’re in luck! There are so many free things to do in Myrtle Beach this summer, whether you are traveling with friends or on a family vacation. Here’s our list of the top 20 free things to do in Myrtle Beach during the summer.
Of course, the beach is number one on our list, after all, isn’t that why you came to Myrtle Beach in the first place. There is so much free fun to be had right on the beach! Splash around in the water, get a tan, play volleyball, or throw a frisbee. Pack a picnic and enjoy an entire day right on the beautiful white-sand beach, just be sure to wear sunscreen!
Broadway is a 350-acre open-air entertainment center. You can walk around, enjoy live music, shop, or eat. There are over 100 shops and boutiques to explore and over 20 restaurants to dine at ranging from casual to semi-fine dining.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is 1.2 miles and open to the public. Enjoy oceanfront views, sit and relax on one of the many benches, or try one of the oceanfront eateries. The boardwalk is family-friendly and a great place to hang out especially during the summer nights.
There are a variety of festivals and events that go on throughout the summer months on the Grand Strand. A few of our favorite annual Myrtle Beach Festivals include the Myrtle Beach Food Truck Festival, Myrtle Beach Seafood Festival, and the Bog-Off Festival.
You’ll find a half-mile of food, live music, and fun at the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk! This is a great place to hang out in the evening, it’s free to walk to the boardwalk and stop in at any of the restaurant’s outdoor decks to listen to live music.
The Garden City Pier is free and open to the public. At the beginning of the pier they have a huge arcade with tons of games to play and prizes to win. You can fish along the pier or head to the end of the pier for live music and a full-service bar.
The Market Common is another fun open-air shopping and dining area. They often host many free festivals throughout the summer including Art in the Park, Movies Under The Stars, and the local Farmers Market. The Movies Under The Stars events are a local favorite and held weekly. Bring the family, a couple of chairs or blanket and enjoy a cult classic or family film on the big screen.
Barefoot Landing is filled with shops, restaurants, entertainment, and more! During the summer they offer a free SummerFest series with live entertainment, music, and a fantastic firework show!
The Landing at The Boathouse is the place to be on Sunday evenings around 5 PM. Every Sunday from April through September 1st, The Boathouse hosts their annual Sunday Summer Concert Series with live music right on their waterfront stage. It’s free to attend, just bring a blanket, chair, or your boat!
The Franklin G. Burroughs and Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum is free and open to the public. They are open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM (1-4 PM on Sunday) and features a rotating exhibition of art from all over the country.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk hosts Ocean Boulevard’s Hot Summer Nights every day in the summer from June to September. Family can enjoy games, live music, entertainment, and more – all for free!
There are a handful of piers you can enjoy fishing from for free (or just enjoy the gorgeous views from) on the Grand Strand. There are 8 total: 2nd Avenue Pier, 14th Avenue Pier, Apache Pier, Cherry Grove Pier, Garden City Pier, Myrtle Beach State Park Pier, Springmaid Pier, and Surfside Pier.
The whole family can enjoy Great American Summer Nights at Broadway on the Beach from June 1st through September 1st. Check out the live music, fire dancers, character appearances, fireworks display, and more every weeknight at Broadway and the best part is it’s FREE!
For beautiful views of the waterway, serene hiking trails, or a nice picnicking area, head to Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens. The gardens are open from dawn to dusk and admission is free.
For our beer lovers, head over to local Myrtle Beach brewery that will not disappoint. New South Brewing Company offers free tours of its brewery. After the tour check out their taproom with 12 craft beers on tap!
La Belle Amie is a beautiful vineyard located in Little River, SC. Not only can you sample delicious wines made from local muscadine grapes, but you can also tour the grounds for free. If you are looking for an inexpensive and laid back evening, La Belle Amie Vineyards hosts live music events Saturday evenings. Admission is just $5 per person.
For all our history buffs, take a step back in time and explore what Horry County was like for farmers in the 1900s. Tours are free every Saturday at 10 AM and give you a glimpse of all the activities and “chores” that took place during this period.
Summer is the perfect time of year to enjoy a picnic and playground time with the family! McLean Park is a beautiful area with 2 playgrounds, picnic tables and shelters, 2 tennis courts, a meditation garden, and a gazebo overlooking the serene lake. McLean Park is free and open to the public.
Conway is a fun historic area with a 1.5 miles paved riverwalk. At the Conway Riverwalk, you can enjoy the waterway views, stop into boutique and vintage shops, or grab a bite to eat with the family!
Head south to Pawleys Island for a nature park that will take your breath away. It’s open to the public 24/7 with wetlands, gardens, and historic features that truly make you feel like you’re in the south.