Things to Do

Top 10 Things To Do in North Myrtle Beach

By Last Updated: September 24, 2025 6 min read
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The number of North Myrtle Beach activities for kids, adults, and the entire family can easily fill a vacation itinerary of any length. Contrary to popular belief, North Myrtle Beach is more than just an extension of its namesake city to the south. This beach town has its own distinct character and offers a long list of attractions you won’t find elsewhere.  

North Myrtle Beach is a top destination for families for more reasons than its desirable hotels. The mild weather and sunny days make outdoor adventures a breeze, and the attractions for kids in North Myrtle Beach take the stress out of entertaining little ones, letting parents relax, too. With a seemingly endless list of things to do with kids in North Myrtle Beach including mini golf, beach days, watersports, amusement parks, and child-friendly festivals, your biggest challenge will be deciding which activity to do first. 

Nor will adults be bored in this city: Downtown North Myrtle Beach on Main Street provides a lively atmosphere with shops, restaurants, clubs, and venues that frequently host concerts, family-friendly festivals, and nightlife activities. When paired with a visit to Barefoot Landing and an upscale suite in a luxury Grand Strand resort, your couples getaway will be one to remember.

Once you’ve found the perfect resort for an adults-only or family trip, find things to do in North Myrtle Beach on this list to take care of your entertainment:

Explore Barefoot Landing

Of all the attractions in North Myrtle Beach, the Barefoot Landing entertainment complex is near the top of everyone’s list. This single spot lets visitors do it all. Stop by Alligator Adventure to see live animals, get tickets to a show at Alabama Theatre, or catch a free concert at the pavilion stage. The restaurants in this area vary from grab-and-go to fine dining; enjoy fresh seafood or cocktails by the water, and shop until you drop. The summer offers frequent events, plus fireworks shows.

Spend the Day at The Beach

Beach days are one of the best North Myrtle Beach family activities, thanks to the quieter atmosphere and pristine shoreline. Since the sand is only steps from oceanfront resorts in North Myrtle Beach, anyone staying in this city can get from their suite to the surf in seconds. Pack your sand toys, towels, and sunblock and spend the day playing, building sand castles, or lounging with a good book.

Sightsee at Cherry Grove Fishing Pier

Located at the mouth of Cherry Grove Inlet, this long-standing wooden pier was damaged by Hurricane Ian but restorations for this angler’s paradise should be completed soon. The store offering tackle, souvenirs and gifts, and other goods is open daily, and the restaurant on the pier serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with incredible oceanfront views.

Tour the Waccamaw River

Any adults or families arriving with teens should make note of the activities offered by River Island Adventures in North Myrtle Beach. Get out onto the Waccamaw River for an open-ended day of paddling kayaks or paddle boards, an afternoon of tubing, or a guided pontoon boat tour. The list of things to do in North Myrtle Beach through this outfitter will appeal to nearly any group.

Dance at Fat Harold’s Beach Club

North Myrtle Beach is the official home of The Shag, a 1950s dance craze and the South Carolina state dance. Dancing to beach music at Fat Harold’s remains a favorite pastime today. If you’re looking for indoor activities in North Myrtle Beach, this dance hall is a go-to for fun nights out. The club’s namesake Harold Bessent left behind a legacy, passing the shag down to future generations. Stop by to watch the dance floor fill in the evenings, or pop in on a Tuesday to learn the famous dance for yourself.

Sample Wines at Duplin Winery

Duplin Winery has several locations, but the tasting room near Barefoot Landing is a go-to spot for visitors and locals. While children are welcome to join their parents and enjoy a non-alcoholic Sweetzer, this is one of the attractions in North Myrtle Beach that caters to the adult crowd. Relax with a tasty wine flight accompanied by a platter of gourmet cheese dip and homemade crackers. Live music is offered many afternoons, and visitors also enjoy the virtual tour of Duplin’s impressive Rose Hill wine-making facility and hand-bottling experience.

Play Miniature Golf

There are too many mini golf courses around to name them all, but Mayday Golf in North Myrtle Beach is a hard one to miss. If you see an airplane perched on a waterfall or a helicopter frozen in the sky, you’re in the right place for fun. Enjoy one of two challenging courses, or play them both! Mini golfing is one of the best activities for kids in North Myrtle Beach, and even adults can’t resist these impressive courses. Tee-off and see for yourself why this city holds the title of Putt-Putt Golf Capital of the World.

Visit OD Pavilion

Whether for thrills or nostalgia, the OD Pavilion seaside amusement park in the heart of downtown North Myrtle Beach is a can’t-miss attraction. This small but action-packed park features all the fun carnival rides you grew up with, plus some modern rides for the kids. State fair-style food, including popcorn and cotton candy, are part of the experience.

Try Watersports on the Ocean

Parasailing and banana boat rides are two North Myrtle Beach activities for adventurous vacationers. New Wave Watersports is headquartered on the shoreline, and offers outings on the ocean for kids and adults. You won’t regret getting out into the Carolina sunshine to enjoy unforgettable views while parasailing or taking a heart-racing wet and wild banana boat ride. These activities are the ones your kids will talk about long after you’re home from North Myrtle Beach.

Go on a Dolphin Cruise

Get out on the Atlantic for a sightseeing adventure with Voyager Deep Sea Fishing and Dolphin Cruises. This is one of the top things to do in North Myrtle Beach, especially for nature lovers and photophiles, because the views from the boat are absolutely gorgeous. The guides at Voyager put their years of experience into locating dolphins in the wild. The two-and-a-half-hour tour begins at inland waters and meanders out to the Atlantic, giving you many opportunities to spot marine life.

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