If you’re coming in this afternoon, give yourself a soft landing: head straight to your hotel or rental in the Myrtle Beach oceanfront area, drop your bags, and take about 1–1.5 hours to get checked in, park, and breathe for a minute before you start exploring. If you’re driving, traffic along US-17 Business can crawl a bit near the main beach corridor, so don’t worry if the last mile feels slow. Most oceanfront hotels charge anywhere from free self-parking to around $10–25 a day, while some condo properties include parking in the resort fee, so it’s worth confirming before you arrive. Once you’re settled, keep this first leg easy — the point is just to get oriented and let the beach energy hit you.
Next, head over to Broadway at the Beach in the Fantasy Harbour / central Myrtle Beach area, which is one of the easiest “first day” stops because you can wander without committing to anything. It’s usually 5–10 minutes by car from the oceanfront depending on exactly where you’re staying, or a quick rideshare if you’d rather not deal with parking. Budget roughly $10–20 for a rideshare or plan on free parking if you drive, though the lots can fill up later in the evening. Spend about two hours walking the lakefront paths, browsing a few shops, and letting yourself decide dinner plans without rushing; this is the kind of place where the afternoon can stretch if you want it to.
For dinner, go to The Hangout Myrtle Beach, right in the Broadway at the Beach area, and lean into the fun, slightly loud, beach-vacation vibe. It’s casual, family-friendly, and good for a first night because nobody expects you to be polished after travel — think burgers, seafood baskets, cocktails, and a lively crowd. Plan on about $20–35 per person depending on drinks and how hungry you are. If you get there around 6:00–7:00 p.m., you’ll usually beat the heaviest wait; later on summer nights it can back up, so an early dinner is the move.
Wrap up with an easy walk along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, which is the classic “we made it” moment of the trip. It’s about 10–15 minutes from Broadway at the Beach by car, a little longer if you’re moving with traffic, and parking near the oceanfront can run from metered street spots to paid lots, often around $5–15 depending on the block and time. Give yourself about an hour to wander past the arcades, beach shops, and glowing pier lights, then decide whether you want a dessert stop or just a slow stroll with the ocean breeze. Since it’s the first night, keep it loose and enjoy the fact that tomorrow you can wake up with the whole coast ahead of you.
Start the day at Myrtle Beach State Park before the beach gets busy — it’s one of the best places in town for a calmer stretch of sand, dune boardwalks, and shade under the live oaks. If you get there around opening time, parking is usually straightforward and runs about $8–10 for the day; the gatehouse can get slower later in the morning when families start piling in. Plan on about 2 hours here to walk the pier, breathe a little, and actually hear the waves instead of the arcade noise. If you want a low-key coffee or snack before heading on, you can grab something nearby on your way back toward the core beach area, but don’t overdo it — this is the one stop where the point is to slow down.
Head north to Pier House at Second Avenue Pier for a beach-view lunch with your feet just a few minutes from the sand. From the state park, it’s an easy 10–15 minute drive or rideshare up the oceanfront corridor, though traffic can crawl a bit once lunch crowds and beachgoers are out. This is a good place to order something simple and coastal — fried shrimp, a fish sandwich, crab dip, a cold drink — and expect to spend about $18–30 per person. If you’re parking yourself, keep an eye out for paid lots and garage options near the Boardwalk; they’re easiest if you arrive before noon.
After lunch, make your way to the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel in the Boardwalk area for the classic postcard view of the coastline. It’s only a short walk or a very quick drive from Second Avenue Pier, so you don’t need to overthink the transfer — just give yourself a little buffer for parking and summer foot traffic. The ride itself is about 15 minutes, but plan on 45 minutes total with ticketing and photos. After that, duck into Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Myrtle Beach for an indoor reset; it’s a fun, air-conditioned break when the heat and humidity start to bite, and you’ll usually want 1 to 1.5 hours to wander without rushing. Tickets for both attractions vary, but budget roughly $15–25 per adult per stop depending on deals and combo passes.
For dinner, head to Sea Captain’s House on North Ocean Boulevard and make it the nicest meal of the day. From the Boardwalk area, it’s a quick 5–10 minute drive or rideshare, or a longer but pleasant beach walk if the weather’s kind and you’re not dressed up. Try to time it for just before sunset if you can — oceanfront tables here feel especially good in the evening, and the menu leans classic Lowcountry seafood with prices usually landing around $30–55 per person. If you’re driving, go a little early for parking; if you’re taking rideshare, it’s the easiest night to use it so you can enjoy a proper dinner and skip the hassle of finding a spot after dark.
Leave Myrtle Beach after breakfast and head north on US-17 N toward North Myrtle Beach so you’re at the park while it’s still quiet and cool. Start with North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex, which is one of the nicest low-key starts in the area: wide paths, open green space, water views, and enough room to actually hear the birds before the crowds wake up. Plan on about 1.5 hours here, and if you like walking with a little scenery, this is a better use of your morning than jumping straight into the beach traffic. Parking is easy, usually free, and mornings are the best time before the sun gets strong.
From there, it’s a short hop over to Cherry Grove Pier for a classic north-end beach stop. This stretch feels a little more old-school and relaxed than the busier central Myrtle Beach scene, and the pier is perfect for surf-watching, photos, and a slow wander over the water. Expect to spend about an hour here; there’s usually a small fee if you walk the pier, and the best vibe is late morning when the light is bright but not harsh. If you want a snack or drink, keep it simple and save your appetite for lunch.
Head back into the Main Street area for lunch at Hoskin’s Restaurant, a longtime local favorite that does exactly what you want on a beach day: hearty plates, fast service, and no fuss. This is the kind of spot where you can actually sit down, cool off, and reset before the afternoon. Budget around $15–28 per person, depending on what you order, and expect a comfortable hour here. If it’s busy, don’t worry — turnovers are usually pretty steady, and it’s well worth the wait for a classic North Myrtle Beach meal.
After lunch, make your way to Barefoot Landing for Alligator Adventure, which is one of the area’s best rainy-day-or-heat-of-the-day attractions because it mixes indoor and outdoor space. Give yourself about 2 hours to wander through the animal exhibits at a relaxed pace; it’s especially smart in summer when the middle of the day can feel heavy. From there, stay on the same property and ease into the late afternoon at Barefoot Landing itself, where the waterfront boardwalks, lake views, and shops make a good no-pressure transition into evening. This is the part of the day where you can just wander, browse, and sit for a while instead of feeling like you have to “do” anything.
Finish with dinner at Flying Fish Public Market & Grill right on the water at Barefoot Landing. It’s an easy final stop with a fun coastal feel, and it works well after a full day because you don’t have to get back in the car once you’re there. Plan on about 1.5 hours and roughly $25–45 per person. If you’re lingering after dinner, the boardwalks around Barefoot Landing are especially nice at dusk, when the lake lights come on and the whole place settles into that easy beach-town evening rhythm.
Leave North Myrtle Beach early and head south on US-17 so you can get to Brookgreen Gardens right at opening, when the air is cooler and the paths are still quiet. Plan on roughly an hour door to door with a little buffer for parking and ticketing; admission is usually in the $20–25 range for adults, and it’s worth every bit for a slower, more polished coastal morning. Spend 2.5 to 3 hours wandering the sculpture gardens, oak-shaded walkways, and formal plantings — this is the side of the Grand Strand most visitors miss. If you like to linger, the benches and shaded overlooks make it easy to move at an unhurried pace.
After Brookgreen Gardens, swing over to River Oaks Bakery for coffee and a pastry break before lunch. This is the kind of spot locals use to reset the day: quick, unfussy, and good for a sweet bite without losing momentum. Expect about $8–18 per person depending on whether you keep it light or turn it into a second breakfast. Then continue toward the MarshWalk area and settle in at Drunken Jack’s Restaurant for lunch — it’s one of the classic harborfront picks in Murrells Inlet, with seafood, water views, and just enough bustle to feel lively without being chaotic. If you can, ask for a table facing the marsh; midday is usually easier than dinner for getting a good seat.
After lunch, take your time along the MarshWalk itself. The boardwalk is best in the afternoon when boats are moving in and out of the inlet and the light starts getting softer over the marsh grass. It’s an easy 1 to 1.5-hour stroll, and you can pause for photos, people-watch, or just enjoy the breeze before heading a short drive to Huntington Beach State Park. Finish the history portion of the day at Atalaya Castle, where the brick ruins and courtyard feel especially atmospheric in late afternoon; give yourself about an hour here, and note that park admission is typically separate from any special access areas. Wrap up back near the inlet at The Claw House for dinner and sunset vibes — go a little earlier than you think, because the best marsh-view tables tend to fill first, and the evening light over Murrells Inlet is exactly what this day is built around.
Head out of Murrells Inlet late morning and take US-17 Business up to Surfside Beach — it’s a quick, easy hop, about 15–20 minutes, and you’ll usually find street parking near the oceanfront without much drama if you arrive before lunch. Start with Surfside Beach Pier, which is exactly the kind of relaxed, old-school coastal stop that makes this stretch of the Grand Strand feel a little slower and friendlier than central Myrtle. The pier area is best early, when the boardwalk isn’t crowded, the breeze is better, and you can linger for photos, beachcombing, or just a slow walk with coffee in hand.
A short stroll from the pier brings you to The Grand Strand Kite Co., a fun little stop for beach toys, kites, and casual coastal browsing. It’s the kind of place where you can grab something playful for the afternoon or just poke around for a few minutes before lunch. If you want a quick bite nearby before the main meal, there are plenty of grab-and-go options along N Ocean Blvd and Surfside Dr, but don’t overdo it — Crabby Mike’s is the real lunch anchor and it’s worth showing up hungry.
Settle in for Crabby Mike’s around midday for a classic Myrtle-area seafood feast: big portions, casual energy, and plenty of fried shrimp, crab legs, oysters, and southern comfort sides. Expect roughly $20–38 per person, depending on how much seafood you go for, and plan on about 1.5 hours so you’re not rushing. After lunch, give yourself a little breathing room before heading to Wild Water & Wheels, where the afternoon shifts from beach mode to splashy, full-on fun. It’s family-friendly, lively, and a smart way to spend the hottest part of the day; admission and add-ons vary by season, but budget roughly $30–45 for a typical visit, plus extras for lockers or snacks.
When you’re ready to slow things down again, drift over to Hudson’s Surfside Flea Market for a low-key late-afternoon wander. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find beach gear, souvenirs, random treasures, and the occasional unexpectedly good snack stand — not fancy, but very local in the best way. Go with an open mind and a little cash or card flexibility, because the fun here is in browsing rather than hunting for anything specific.
For dinner, make your way into Garden City and settle into Gulfstream Cafe for sunset over the inlet. This is one of the nicer ways to end a beach day: water views, a slightly more polished atmosphere, and a menu that leans coastal without feeling stuffy. Expect around $28–50 per person, especially if you order seafood or a cocktail, and try to time your reservation or arrival so you catch golden hour — the light over the inlet is the whole point. After dinner, it’s an easy, relaxed drive back north, and if you’ve still got energy, a slow loop along the waterfront back toward Surfside Beach is a nice way to end the day.
From Surfside Beach to Conway, plan on about 20–30 minutes via US-501 N; leave early enough to beat the heat and get an easy downtown parking spot, ideally near Main Street or one of the public lots off 3rd Avenue. Start with a peaceful walk along the Conway Riverwalk, where the Waccamaw River and the old brick storefronts give the town its best first impression. It’s an easy 1–1.5 hours, and this is the kind of place where you should slow down and just watch the boats drift by.
A short stroll inland brings you to The Trestle Bakery & Cafe for coffee, breakfast, or a light brunch. Go for a pastry, biscuit sandwich, or something simple and fresh; most people spend $10–20 per person here, and it’s a smart stop before the day gets warmer. After that, walk over to the Horry County Museum, which is usually an easy 1-hour visit and gives you a real sense of the Lowcountry history, from local industry to coastal life. It’s not a huge museum, which is part of the appeal—you can take it in without feeling rushed.
For lunch, settle into The Rivertown Bistro, one of Conway’s better sit-down spots and a nice change of pace from beach-town eating. It’s a good place to linger over seafood, sandwiches, or a more polished Southern plate; expect around $20–40 per person and about 1.5 hours if you do it right. After lunch, give yourself some room to breathe and head out toward Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge for a nature reset—marsh, swamp, and river scenery that feels worlds away from the coast but still very much in the Myrtle Beach orbit.
The refuge is best when you’re not trying to rush it, so budget around 2 hours for a relaxed drive and a stop or two to look for birds, alligators, and quiet water views. Bring water, bug spray, and comfortable shoes; in summer, the shade helps but the humidity is real. If you’ve still got energy on the way back, downtown Conway is easy to re-enter without much effort, and it’s one of those places where a late-afternoon wander often turns into the best part of the day.
Wrap up back in town at The Bean & The Belle for dessert or a final coffee before calling it a night. It’s a pleasant, low-key way to end the day, especially if you want something sweet without committing to a full dinner. Plan on $8–16 per person and about 45 minutes here—just enough time to sit, people-watch, and let Conway’s slower pace do the rest.
From Conway to Myrtle Beach, aim to leave early enough to be rolling into Myrtle Beach State Park right around opening so you get the best light, cooler temps, and easier parking before the midday beach crowd builds. The park usually charges a modest entrance fee, and it’s worth it for the quieter stretch of sand, the fishing pier, and the shaded dune boardwalks; plan about 1.5–2 hours here so you can actually slow down and enjoy one last unhurried ocean morning. Afterward, head inland for a late breakfast or early brunch at Croissants Bistro & Bakery — it’s one of the better sit-down bakery stops in town, with good quiche, sandwiches, and pastries, and you’ll usually spend about $12–25 per person depending on how hungry you are.
After brunch, make your way to The Market Common for a relaxed wander through one of the prettiest planned districts in South Myrtle Beach. It’s easy to lose track of time here between the shaded walking paths, boutique shops, and people-watching on the green; there are plenty of spots for a coffee or a quick snack if you want to linger, and 1.5–2 hours is a comfortable window. Then swing over to the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, which is a nice palate cleanser from the busier tourist zones — it’s compact, calm, and usually inexpensive or donation-based, with rotating local and regional exhibitions that make for a low-key, air-conditioned break before dinner.
For your last dinner, book or walk into Villa Romana Italian Restaurant and settle in for a proper sit-down meal away from the boardwalk noise; it’s a good final-night choice if you want red-sauce comfort, seafood pasta, or veal dishes, and you should budget about $25–45 per person. After dinner, head back toward the oceanfront for one last stroll along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade — this is the right way to end the trip, especially near sunset when the light softens and the Atlantic is still warm. If you’ve got energy, walk a little north and south from the main action instead of staying in the busiest middle stretch; it’s a nicer, calmer goodbye to the beach before you pack up and head home.