Myrtle Beach is one of the most family-friendly and entertaining beaches in the country. There are miles of gorgeous coastline, with attractions and activities for any type of traveler. This 3-day Myrtle Beach itinerary will show you how to make the most out of a weekend trip, and you will surely fall in love with Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
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Table of Contents
How do I get to Myrtle Beach?
Getting to Myrtle Beach is very simple. Visitors have the option of arriving by plane or by car. If you choose to fly, the Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is very close by, only 3 miles right outside the city. There is a lot of public parking in the area, and the beach town itself is very easy to navigate and get around. Having a car does come in handy since a lot of attractions are spread out.
Tip! Use the DiscoverCars Search Engine to find the best deals on rental cars in Myrtle Beach.
What is the best time to visit Myrtle Beach?
June-August is the peak season for Myrtle Beach. During this time, temperatures are high and the sun is bright, making it ideal for beach days and swimming. If you are looking to travel on more of a budget and avoid high crowds in addition to lower humidity levels, March-May would be a more ideal time.
Where should I stay in Myrtle Beach?
When visiting Myrtle Beach there are many different options for accommodation. Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach have the most resorts and hotels, and the majority of attractions. Garden City and Surfside have more vacation rentals and some hotels, and fewer crowds.
If choosing to stay in Garden City, The King Fisher Inn, and Breakers Resort are some of the best places to stay; oceanfront and close to the Pier.
Myrtle Beach has an endless amount of accommodation options, such as the Hampton Inn, and Sandcastle 1 and 2.
See more of the best Myrtle Beach Hotels here!
Sample 3-Day Myrtle Beach Weekend Itinerary
Day 1 in Myrtle Beach
Morning:
To begin your long weekend in Myrtle Beach, start your morning on Myrtle Beach itself. Grab a cup of coffee and catch a sunrise. This is also the best time of day to see what the tide brought in and go seashell hunting.
Afternoon:
After a relaxing morning in the sun, head over to Brookgreen Gardens for a peaceful afternoon, with some shade. Brookgreen Gardens is the oldest sculpture park in the country. Visitors can enjoy an afternoon overseeing the botanical gardens, sculpture gallery, aviary, nature trails, and much more.
The Brookgreen Gardens are open daily from 9:30-5:00 with a $20 admission fee. Your ticket also includes admission to the Lowcountry Zoo and the Lowcountry History Center.
Evening:
The Carolina Opry is the most popular spot for live music in Myrtle Beach. It has been hosting country and gospel groups, comedy acts, dance shows, and more since the 1980s. It is superb entertainment and makes for a great night out.
Check out their calendar of events here!
Day 2 in Myrtle Beach
Morning:
Myrtle Beach is well known for having loads of mini-golf courses all over the area. Be a kid for a morning and take your shot and one of the many nautical-themed courses before the high temperatures of the afternoon. Most courses have at least 2 paths if you want to make a game of it.
Check out the mini-golf options here to pick your favorite theme!
Afternoon:
Spend your afternoon on the beach! Myrtle Beach has miles of coastline for visitors to enjoy. If you are looking to be where all the action is, stay in the center and northern parts of the city. If you are looking for a more calm and peaceful location, head south.
It’s the perfect time to grab your favorite book, pack a picnic, and relax with the waves crashing in the background!
Evening:
Broadway at the Beach is one of the most prominent attractions in Myrtle Beach. This outdoor shopping and activity center has something for everyone and just can’t be skipped over. It is impossible to be bored with over 100 shops, theaters, cafes, attractions, nightclubs, and more. While here you can choose between a Simpson’s 4-D ride, test your skill in an Escape Room, or check out the hands-on WonderWorks Museum!
Day 3 in Myrtle Beach
Morning:
On your final morning, head over to Myrtle Beach State Park. The state park is one of the most prominent locations in the state and is a great place to get away from tourists. It is usually very peaceful, with over 300 acres of beaches, terrain, and a small forest. Hiking and other outdoor activities such as swimming or camping are available.
Afternoon:
A few miles south on the coastline, lies Garden City and Murrell’s Inlet. Grab a hotdog for lunch in Garden City at the famous Sam’s Corner, and then head down to Murrell’s inlet to grab a drink at Bubbas Love Shack, and watch the fishing boat dock and unload all their fresh catches.
Evening:
You can’t visit Myrtle Beach without hitting at least one pier. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Pier. Walk out over the Atlantic Ocean to enjoy amazing views of the coastline and a peaceful evening by the sea. Grab any last-minute souvenirs on the nearby boardwalk, and if you are there on the right night, you might even get lucky and catch a fireworks show. Be sure to take a Ferris Wheel ride for the best views of Myrtle Beach!
Other things to do in Myrtle Beach:
- Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show: The Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show is a family-friendly dinner show themed around water and pirates. There are various shows based on season and definitely worth it for a fun night of entertainment.
- Barefoot Landing: Similar to Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot Landing is a multi-purpose outdoor complex, located in the northern part of Myrtle Beach. Visitors can enjoy tons of shopping, restaurants and bars, and other tourist attractions.
- Myrtle Beach Flea Market: The Myrtle Beach Flea Market is an outdoor trade day with loads of trinkets and knick-knacks, and dozens of tents to explore. Try to go early to beat the crowds and heat. It’s also a great place for gifts and souvenirs.
- Myrtle Waves Water Park: Another way to beat the heat from the summer, without the crowds at the beaches, head to Myrtle Waves Water Park. It is the biggest water park in South Carolina, featuring slides, rafts, chutes, and other water-themed attractions.
Other Tips to know before visiting Myrtle Beach:
Be sure not to overbook your trip. Myrtle Beach is filled with hundreds of attractions and it is just impossible to see everything in only a couple of days. Pick a few ‘must-see’ activities, relax on the beach, and save the rest for next time. That just gives you another reason to keep coming back again and again.
3-day Myrtle Beach Weekend Trip Itinerary Recap:
- Day 1: Myrtle Beach for sunrise, Brookgreen Gardens, Carolina Opry
- Day 2: Mini golf, Beach Day, Broadway on the Beach
- Day 3: Myrtle Beach State Park, Murrell’s Inlet, Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
Keep Reading::: Extend your Southeast weekend with this waterfall road trip or spend a weekend in Charleston!
One Weekend In Myrtle Beach Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Myrtle Beach that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Myrtle Beach itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Myrtle Beach!
What else would you add to this “One Weekend in Myrtle Beach” Itinerary?
Tip! Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more USA weekend getaways and dog-friendly adventures!
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