23 Free Things to Do in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina + Nearby | Hey! East Coast USA (2024)

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Check out all the best free things to do in Myrtle Beach, SC, to save a few pennies during your beach getaway!

Whether you’re interested in exploring local history, relaxing by the shore, or checking out local attractions, Myrtle Beach offers something for everyone without breaking the bank.

Be sure to check out our full guide for things to do in MB for a wider variety or our list of indoor activities if you have bad luck with the weather.

Fun Things to Do for Free in Myrtle Beach, SC

Our guide starts at the heart of it all on the Boardwalk before heading south along the shore toward Murrell’s Inlet.

From there, we head inland towards Conway for some fun spots to check out away from the main strip.

Finally, we’ll wrap up in North Myrtle Beach headed towards the North Carolina border.

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade (1110 N. Ocean Blvd)is a 1.2-mile-long area that is a hot spot for festivals and events.

Walk down the beachline, walk around the shops, or just sit and relax as you take in the shoreline.

We enjoyed the fun Myrtle Beach signs featuring fun characters.

Exploring Myrtle Beach Boardwalk also made it to our list of romantic things to do in Myrtle Beach.

New South Brewing Company

If you’re looking for free, more adult fun, get over to the New South Brewing Company (1109 Campbel St).

New South Brewing Company holds free tours of their local brewery so you can see how their high-quality beer is made.

Of course, you’ll probably opt to pay for a beer or two, so this will turn into one of the better cheap things to do in Myrtle Beach instead of being entirely free.

But you can’t turn down a free beer tour experience!

Apollo Moonprints in Cement

If you’re looking for free stuff to do to keep the kids entertained, head to the front of the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, where you will find actual astronaut footprints at the Apollo Moonprints in Cement(2101 N Oak St).

These prints are from Charles Duke, the 10th and youngest man to ever walk on the moon.

Charles Duke was born in South Carolina and was the first person inducted into the South Carolina Hall of Fame (more on that below!).

These prints were actually made by Duke himself, who wore his moon boots through wet cement to create the moon prints.

Let the kids dream big as they follow in a real astronaut’s footsteps!

South Carolina Hall of Fame

The South Carolina Hall of Fame(2101 N. Oak St.) recognizes outstanding people, both living and dead, who greatly influenced the growth and heritage of South Carolina.

The Market Common

Experience an awesome shopping and dining experience at The Market Common (4017 Deville St).

The shopping area was designed as a hometown village setting that gives you a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

This location has some of the biggest names in retail as well as local boutiques and some of the best cuisine around.

Broadway At the Beach

Shopping might get costly, but window shopping costs nothing.

Broadway at the Beach (1325 Celebrity Cir) is a great place to simply walk around and take in the sights.

Check out some amazing stores such as the Build-a-Bear workshop, Retro Active, It’s Sugar, and Masters Editions, just to name a few.

The boardwalk has a free playground for children and make sure they look in the water as you pass over the boardwalk.

The pond below has fish, ducks, turtles, and other wildlife living within!

There are so many wonderful things and shops to look at, it’s amazing what you might find wandering around.

Coastal Grand Mall

Window shopping is always entertaining — and free.

Coastal Grand(2000 Coastal Grand Cir.) is a 1,047,732 square-foot super-regional shopping mall that is home to over 170 different stores both in the mall and in the immediate area around the mall.

Definitely pop in for some free indoor fun at Myrtle Beach.

Myrtle Beach State Park

A very calm place where you can immerse yourself in the nature of Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach State Park (4401 S. Kings Hwy) has beautiful trails that allow for biking and horseback riding as well.

Take a stroll over to the Myrtle Beach State Park Pier.

Fish off the pier, or just take a few moments to sit, watch the water, and just relax.

Franklin G. Burroughs-Simon B. Champion Art Museum

If artwork catches your eye, venture over to the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simon B. Champion Art Museum (3100 S. Ocean Blvd), which offers free admission.

Throughout the year, the museum holds 11 different galleries.

Each gallery ranges from paintings to sculptures, collages, and any sort of art possible.

Surfside Beach

Located just south of the heart of Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach (115 Hwy 17 N) is one of the most popular beaches in the Myrtle Beach area.

Walk along the historic ½ mile boardwalk or take a stroll across the Surfside Beach Fishing pier.

The view during sunset is absolutely stunning!

Garden City Pier

Enjoy an experience at The Pier at Garden City(110 S. Waccamaw Dr.) where you could do some nighttime fishing, listen to live music, belt out a tune at karaoke, or play at the arcade.

The arcade includes skee ball, deal or no deal, clown roll down, and other games, plus a full cafe.

While you can just enjoy the views and vibes for free, hanging out at the Pier at Garden City can be one of the best inexpensive things to do in Myrtle Beach even if you decide to play some games.

Murrells Inlet MarshWalk

Located just 24 minutes from the heart of Myrtle Beach, the MarshWalk (4025 Hwy 17 Business) is located in the historic fishing village of Murrells Inlet.

The MarshWalk is a half-mile boardwalk with several excellent on-site restaurants.

From the MarshWalk, you can enjoy live music, sightseeing tours, kayaking, and shopping.

Huntington Beach State Park

Come out early to enjoy a breathtaking sunrise as you stroll along the beautiful 3-mile shoreline at Huntington Beach State Park (16148 Ocean HWY).

Bring a book and relax, go fishing, swimming, beachcombing, kayaking, or birding; this park has so much to offer!

Within the park is Atalaya, a beautiful castle, and a National Historic Landmark.

This castle was owned by renowned 20th-century sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington and her husband Archer Huntington, a Spanish scholar.

One look at Atalaya and you will certainly understand why she was so renowned!

Conway Riverwalk

Take a short 30-minute trip outside of Myrtle Beach and you will find yourself in Conway.

At the Conway Riverwalk (2nd Ave), there is a 1.5-mile historic trail that runs along the Waccamaw River.

This riverwalk is an excellent place to have a picnic before you venture out.

As you walk the trail, you will come to a playground with a nice view of the river.

Let the kids play while you relax and take in the scenery!

Horry County Museum

Would you like to know more about the history of Horry County?

The Horry County Museum (2279 Harris Short Cut Rd.) is a free museum and one of the best places to go to learn about the prehistory, natural history, and culture of Horry County.

This location is full of exhibits and offers different events you may enjoy as well.

LW Paul Living History Museum

The LW Paul Living History Museum showcases life on a Horry County family farm between 1900-1955.

As an extension of the Horry County Museum, you can expect interesting opportunities to learn about local history.

A free one-hour tour of the farm is available on Saturdays.

Myrtle Beach Mall

If you’re looking for some shopping in the air conditioning, venture over to the oldest mall in Myrtle Beach: the Myrtle Beach Mall(1110 N. Ocean Blvd).

Don’t let the fact that this is the oldest mall fool you though!

It is home to many hidden treasures and they are currently in the process of updating the mall.

Check out favorite shops like Fun Wear Sporting Goods, Dick’s, Bass Pro Shops, Books a Million, Ellie Beans, and, a favorite of the mall, Players Choice.

Player’s Choice Store and Arcade

Located within Myrtle Beach Mall, Players Choice (10177 N. Kings Hwy) is a site to see on its own!

Not only does this store bring huge feelings of nostalgia with its old-school NES, XBOX, SNES, and other games that are available for purchase, but next door you’ll find a full-on 80s arcade with video games and pinball machines.

As soon as you walk in, you feel like you stepped into an old-school arcade. One of the best things about this site is arcade games are only 25 cents to play!

Just like back in the day!

No need to pay for tokens, bring your quarters and get your game on.

This is a perfect spot for some cheap family fun at Myrtle Beach no matter the weather.

Barefoot Landing

Stroll around a 27-acre lake and enjoy the shopping, dining, and entertainment of Barefoot Landing (4898 Hwy 17 S).

During SummerFest, Barefoot Landing offers one of the best free activities in Myrtle Beach with its free live concerts every night.

Other shows include Nick Pike, a fire-juggling unicyclist who was on America’s Got Talent, and the Steel Drummers.

North Myrtle Beach

If you’re looking for a calm section of beach to kayak or paddleboard, North Myrtle Beach (902 2nd Ave N.) is typically the perfect place.

North Myrtle Beach also often has the clearest water in the area.

This is great if you want to catch a glimpse of all the wonderful sea life!

McLean Park

If relaxing and fresh air are at the top of your list, then McLean Park (93 Oak Dr.)should be on the list too.

During the summer, McLean Park has monthly summer family-friendly movies for free.

Sit in a huge gazebo overlooking a 2-acre lake and marvel at the wildlife, or let the kids play at the park, each lunch at one of three picnic shelters, grill on the charcoal grills, or take a rest in the meditation garden and watch the fountain.

Cherry Grove Beach

Known as Myrtle Beach’s best-kept secret, Cherry Grove Beach and Cherry Grove Point(6300 N Ocean Blvd) are two beautiful places to visit.

Cherry Grove Point is a secluded part of Cherry Grove Beach located at the northernmost tip.

This is a great place to visit if you’re looking for panoramic ocean views and peace and quiet.

Vereen Memorial Gardens

This little oasis is found just a stone’s throw away from Myrtle Beach in a town a few minutes north called Little River.

The historical Vereen Memorial Gardens (2250 SC-179) have all sorts of local wildlife and history.

A variety of birds call the gardens home and can be seen as you traverse through the multiple trails and wetlands.

A round trip on these trails is roughly 3 miles long.

Final Words

Did this guide help you plan a more affordable trip with all our cheap or free things to do at Myrtle Beach? We hope so!

Share in the comments below all your favorite local spots that won’t break the bank.