Things to do on a Rainy Day in Myrtle Beach

Shopping in Myrtle Beach is a serious sport. We've got two Tanger Outlets locations, Coastal Grand Mall, Myrtle Beach Mall, Inlet Square Mall, several flea markets and dozens of beachware stores. Stop by the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove on the strip and you can easily spend an hour browsing through more than 50 gift “coves” packed with shells, souvenirs, gifts, jewelry, housewares and more.

Rainy days are perfect for checking out a matinee or nightly show at one of the great theaters in Myrtle Beach. The Calvin Gilmore Theater is home to The Carolina Opry, Time Warp, Light Laser Extravaganza and more. Just up the road in North Myrtle Beach you'll find the Alabama Theatre. Legends in Concert features some of the hottest tribute artists from around the country and the nearby Palace Theater has a magic show and Hot Jersey Nights.

Broadway at the Beach has a wide array of attractions, restaurants and shops. Visit Liberty Brewery and Grill for a beer tasting or make your way to Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville for a Cheeseburger in Paradise. If it's not too wet you can take on a ride or two at Pavilion Park.

Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center is one of the newest attractions in Myrtle Beach. The complex is home to three attractions and opened in 2014. Wax statues of your favorite movie stars are fun for photo opps and Zombie Outbreak will give you a good scare. Hannah's Hall of Mirrors is wacky fun for all ages.

If you're staying in North Myrtle Beach you're sure to pass by Barefoot Landing. Check out Greg Norman's Australian Grill for a great fine dining experience – be sure to grab a seat outside to watch the boats go by on the Intracoastal Waterway. Other fun places to check out at Barefoot include House of Blues, The Christmas Mouse, Krptonite Character Store and even a fun Magic Shop.

No trip to Myrtle Beach is the same without a trip to Ripley's Aquarium. The top-rated attraction is conveniently located at Broadway at the Beach and thousands flock to it year after year. The shark tunnel is the centerpiece within the aquarium and it winds you through a moving walkway where you can see sharks, sea turtles, fish, lobsters, starfish and all kinds of sea life.

No matter where you're staying in Myrtle Beach there's going to be a movie theater nearby. Catch one of the year's biggest blockbusters in 3D at The Big D screen at Broadway at the Beach. Frank Theater in Murrells Inlet has a full bar and arcade on-site. Other theaters are located at Coastal Grand Mall and The Market Common.

There are several museums along the Grand Strand to check out while your'e in town. The Children's Museum of South Carolina is great for families with young children. They have plenty of interactive games and activities based around learning. The Myrtle Beach Art Museum changes exhibits frequently and has free admission. Other museums in the area include the Hall of Heroes at Sands Resorts, Horry County Museum and the South Carolina Hall of Fame.

It's hard to miss the upside down building at Broadway at the Beach known as WonderWorks. This fun museum of the mind is made of up six Wonder Zones including natural disasters, a physical challenge zone, light and sound zone, space discovery, imagination lab and a far out gallery. There's plenty of fun here for kids of almost any age although some rides have a height requirement.

Some of the bowling alleys in our area have really upped the ante and have become popular hangouts. 710 Bowling is a perfect example of this. They opened this year with a gourmet barfood menu, bocce ball, foosball and craft brews. CineBowl Bar & Grill in Murrells Inlet is attached to a movie theater, arcade and full bar for lots of laughs. There are other bowling centers worth checking out in Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach.