Overview
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, a sun-drenched coastal city of 37,000, hides an offbeat allure where quirky attractions, secret boardwalk haunts, and historic oddities draw adventurous travelers beyond the sandy shores, attracting over 20 million visitors yearly. Established in 1900 as a beach resort, this Grand Strand gem sits 95 miles northeast of Charleston and 150 miles southeast of Columbia, cradled by the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. Beyond golf courses and seafood shacks, Myrtle Beach offers eccentric treasures like a museum of oddities, a hidden tiki bar in a pirate-themed hotel, and vibrant street art in the Arts & Innovation District. It’s an offbeat coastal playground where Southern charm, retro kitsch, and quirky creativity collide, perfect for those craving unique adventures over tourist staples.
Top Attractions (Oddities, Art & Alligators!)
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium
A 10,000-square-foot boardwalk museum filled with shrunken heads, quirky taxidermy, and other bizarre artifacts.
Arts & Innovation District Murals
Explore downtown where colorful street art tells local stories on the walls of the Market Common area.
Myrtle Beach SkyWheel
A 187-foot observation wheel offering quirky boardwalk views and dazzling LED light shows since 2011.
Pirate’s Cove Tiki Bar
A hidden gem inside a pirate-themed hotel, serving tropical cocktails with relaxing ocean vibes.
Brookgreen Gardens
(Murrells Inlet, 15 mi) A 9,100-acre park with quirky sculptures, a zoo, and rich Lowcountry history.
Waccamaw River Tours
(Conway, 15 mi) Take a swamp boat ride to spot alligators and hear local ghost tales of the river.
Unique Stories & Facts (Pirates, Goats & Mermaids!)
- Odditorium Oddities: Ripley’s displays a two-headed goat, which local legend claims once roamed the Grand Strand.
- SkyWheel Glow: The SkyWheel’s two million LED lights create a quirky, colorful beacon on the coast with nightly light shows.
- Pirate Past: The shores of Myrtle Beach were once a hiding spot for Blackbeard’s loot; the local tiki bar culture is a nod to this pirate lore.
- Sculpture Swamp: Brookgreen Gardens features 2,000 sculptures, including a 1930s mermaid crafted by America’s first female sculptor.
Best Travel Seasons (When to Visit Myrtle Beach!)
Spring (Mar-May)
Mild weather (60-75°F) and blooming coastal gardens make this the ideal season for exploring murals and strolling the boardwalk.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Warm temperatures (80-90°F) bring peak beach season. This is the busiest time, so book attractions and shows early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Pleasantly cool weather (65-80°F) and fewer crowds create the perfect atmosphere for river tours and visiting tiki bars.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Chilly days (45-65°F) are perfect for enjoying cozy cafes and the city's many unique indoor oddities.
Popular Activities (Beyond the Beach!)
- Oddity Touring: Explore Ripley’s Odditorium to see a real vampire-killing kit and other quirky shrunken heads.
- Mural Strolling: Wander through the Arts & Innovation District to see how the murals on Market Common shift with local flair.
- SkyWheel Riding: Soar 187 feet above the boardwalk for incredible views and enjoy the quirky nightly LED shows.
- Tiki Sipping: Relax at Pirate’s Cove, a hidden bar in a pirate-themed hotel, and enjoy classic tropical cocktails.
- Sculpture Wandering: Stroll through Brookgreen Gardens to find mermaid statues and ancient oaks in a 9,100-acre park.
- River Boating: Take a cruise on the Waccamaw River to spot alligators and hear spooky swamp ghost tales.
Casinos Nearby (~30 Miles)
There are no land-based casinos nearby due to South Carolina law. Your best bet for gaming is the **Big M Casino**, a boat-based casino that sails from Little River (15 miles) into international waters for legal gambling.
Oddities Nearby (~20 Miles - Myrtle Beach's Quirky Side!)
Ripley’s Vampire Kit
A quirky display in the boardwalk museum, this 19th-century kit comes complete with a wooden stake, cross, and other essentials.
Arts District’s Giant Surfboard
An oversized mural of a surfboard that serves as a quirky, coastal-themed photo op in the Market Common area.
Brookgreen’s Mermaid Sculpture
A beautiful and quirky 1930s statue of a mermaid, hidden away in a serene corner of the Lowcountry gardens.
Alligator Adventure’s Utan
(North Myrtle, 10 mi) Home to what is claimed to be the world’s largest crocodile in captivity, a 20-foot-long beast named Utan.
Haunted Tourism Nearby (~20 Miles - Ghosts of the Grand Strand!)
- Atalaya Castle (Murrells Inlet, 15 mi):** The ghost of its creator, Archer Huntington, is said to roam the halls of this historic 1930s mansion.
- Pelican Inn (Pawleys Island, 20 mi):** A "Gray Lady" ghost is rumored to haunt the porch of this classic 1840s inn.
- Waccamaw River:** The spirits of long-lost paddlers are said to appear in the misty waters of the swamp near Conway.
Local Events & Festivals (Myrtle Beach's Offbeat Calendar!)
- Myrtle Beach Art Festival (May):** A celebration of local creativity at Market Common, featuring murals, music, and local artists.
- Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art (October):** A Lowcountry festival 20 miles south, known for its quirky and diverse performances.
- Night of a Thousand Candles (December):** The 9,100 acres of Brookgreen Gardens glow with the light of thousands of hand-lit candles.
- Grand Strand Boat Show (February):** Held in Conway, this show features quirky river crafts and other nautical oddities.
Lodging Options (From Posh Stays to Beachfront Camping)
Luxury: Oceanfront Resort at The Breakers
(Boardwalk) A classic resort offering boardwalk elegance and upscale amenities. (From $250/night).
Mid-Range: Compass Cove Resort
An oceanfront hotel with fun, pirate-themed water attractions for the family. (From $150/night).
Budget: Days Inn by Wyndham
A reliable hotel offering simple, affordable stays near the boardwalk. (From $80/night).
Camping: Myrtle Beach State Park
(5 mi) A beautiful state park offering stunning beachfront and wooded campsites. (From $30/night).
Dining (Local Cuisine Highlights – Shrimp, Waffles & Cocktails!)
Sea Captain’s House
A coastal classic since 1930, this oceanfront restaurant is famous for its delicious shrimp and grits.
Hook & Barrel
(Market Common) A popular spot known for its sustainable seafood and quirky, delicious crab cakes.
Johnny D’s Waffles
(North Myrtle) A breakfast spot that serves up creative dishes with a twist, like their famous red velvet waffles.
The Chemist
A unique, lab-themed bar that specializes in craft cocktails using molecular gastronomy techniques.
Travel Tips
- What to Pack: For a fall visit (September), pack shorts and light layers for 70-85°F weather. Bring sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes for the boardwalk.
- Safety First: Be cautious of strong rip currents at the beaches. As with any city, be aware of your surroundings in crowded tourist zones.
- Accessibility: The Boardwalk is flat and accessible, but many attractions are spread out. Check HCT bus routes for other areas.
Nearby Destinations Within 20 Miles (Explore the Grand Strand!)
- Murrells Inlet (15 miles): Famous for its Marshwalk restaurants and the stunning Brookgreen Gardens.
- North Myrtle Beach (10 miles): Offers quieter shores and is home to the popular Alligator Adventure park.
- Conway (15 miles):** A historic river town perfect for taking a spooky Waccamaw River tour.
- Pawleys Island (20 miles): A charming island known for its Lowcountry beauty and haunted inns.
Recommended Duration of Stay
3-4 Days: The Ideal Offbeat Itinerary.** This provides enough time to explore the unique oddities, see the murals, and discover the quirky coastal secrets of the area.
Target Travelers
- Art Enthusiasts: From the vibrant Arts District murals to the incredible sculptures at Brookgreen Gardens.
- History Buffs: Explore the rich Lowcountry history, pirate tales, and the area's haunted past.
- Families: Ripley’s Odditorium, the SkyWheel, and Alligator Adventure offer fun for all ages.
- Adventure Seekers: Take spooky river tours and hunt for hidden tiki bars along the coast.
Destination Joke
Because even its pirates sip tiki drinks!
Listen to Our Podcast Episode!
"Myrtle Beach, SC: Offbeat Coastal Quirk" - Your 7-minute audio journey to the city's hidden gems!
Your Myrtle Beach, SC Offbeat Guide!
Ready to explore the Grand Strand's weird side? This guide is your ticket to Myrtle Beach's best quirky museums, vibrant street art, secret tiki bars, and must-try local eats beyond the tourist traps.
Ebook Coming Soon!What's Your Myrtle Beach Vibe?
Answer to find your perfect offbeat adventure!
Families will love the quirky oddities, Art Enthusiasts will explore the murals, and Adventure Seekers will hunt for tiki bars!
Those seeking classic views will love the SkyWheel, while nature lovers will enjoy a spooky swamp tour on the Waccamaw River!
History buffs will enjoy the pirate lore, while art lovers will be inspired by the sculptures at Brookgreen Gardens!