Free Things To Do in Myrtle Beach
Finding things to do for free in Myrtle Beach isn’t a hurdle you’ll worry about because this family-friendly destination has no shortage of cheap entertainment. While visiting the beach is the ultimate budget-saving activity for most (putting aside new swimwear and beach chair rentals) this area offers plenty of activities, entertainment, and attractions that don’t charge admission or require tickets to enjoy.
Since your vacation budget often dictates how many days are enough in the Grand Strand, finding free things to do in Myrtle Beach keeps your spending in check so you can extend your getaway or add a few expensive outings to your plans. When you combine a wallet-friendly itinerary with a savvy lodging choice, like a hotel with low or no deposit or a property lauded for its value-priced rooms, you’ll have enough funds to create a fun-filled, memorable getaway. Since zoos are one attraction you won’t find offered for free in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, you’ll appreciate saving where you can to afford the admission at a wild animal attraction or two.
One mistake adults make is assuming free activities in Myrtle Beach are offered only for kids. This city features plenty of venues with free live entertainment or sightseeing adventures to fill your downtime, without spending a dime. So, go ahead and book a Myrtle Beach hotel for a girlfriends’ getaway, golf trip, or anniversary trip at a romantic resort in the Grand Strand and complete your itinerary with loads of worthwhile things to do, including some freebies.
When it’s time to finalize your vacation, look for hotel deals and check out this list of free things to do in Myrtle Beach to plan a getaway that’s on point and within your budget:
Hang Out at The Beach
The beach is one of the best free attractions in Myrtle Beach. Thankfully, getting to the shore is easy from any of the Myrtle Beach oceanfront hotels. Pack your sunblock, a few essential sand and water toys, a good book, and your favorite beach towel so you don’t need to buy these items when you arrive. Then all you need to do is walk out onto the beautiful sand and enjoy the day. The list of free things to do along the Myrtle Beach shoreline goes on and on, so kick back and relax, play, make sand castles, or read without spending a cent.
Discover Broadway at the Beach
Broadway at the Beach doesn’t charge admission even though it is arguably the most popular attraction in Myrtle Beach. This district features tons of stores selling all kinds of interesting goods, so browsing will keep you thoroughly entertained. Broadway at the Beach also hosts free nightly entertainment in the summer; the live music, dance parties, magicians, and stilt walkers are thrilling to watch, and the fireworks shows are some of the best in town! Since this complex is on the water, snapping photos and enjoying the scenery are a must. If the kids get antsy, there’s a free play area for children.
Visit the Myrtle Beach Art Museum
When the weather calls for free indoor activities, visit the Myrtle Beach Art Museum, formerly titled the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum of Myrtle Beach, where there’s never a charge for admission. Visiting museums is one of the best free things to do in Myrtle Beach when it rains, and this cultural experience is no exception. View 11 galleries of works, including those donated from previous artists, and a rotating selection of exhibitions. Media on display include photography, paintings, sculptures, and more.
Explore The Market Common
Take a break from the beach and make your way to The Market Common. This shopping and entertainment district is fun to walk around window shopping and enjoying the outdoor plaza. This complex frequently hosts free things to do in Myrtle Beach, such as art festivals, live concerts, and holiday-themed celebrations. The neighborhood also includes green spaces for gathering with friends or family, exercise paths, and a large accessible playground—and all of these outdoor extras are free for anyone to enjoy.
Walk The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
The Boardwalk never costs anything to walk and it never closes, so you’ll have lots of time to enjoy all the free stuff to do in Myrtle Beach along this popular promenade. Anyone staying at a Myrtle Beach hotel near the Boardwalk will quickly discover how exciting strolling this area really is for all ages. Let this fantastic photo spot in Myrtle Beach inspire a selfie session with your besties or family, and take time to watch the skyline at sunset. Pier 14 is right in downtown Myrtle Beach, and unlike most of the area piers, this one is totally free to walk and enjoy, though you’ll have to pay to drop a fishing line. When you’re finished walking, browsing shops, and people watching, head toward the SkyWheel to marvel at its nightly light show—it’s one of the top free things to do in Myrtle Beach at night.
Sign Up for Kids’ Club Activities
While most vacationers heading to Myrtle Beach count the hotel amenities as free entertainment, many forget about the value that free kids’ clubs offer. These programs let kids make friends and socialize while parents take a much-needed break. Free activities include duck races at the pool, ice cream socials, playing volleyball, and seashell hunting. Most of the kid-friendly hotels in Myrtle Beach offer a weekly schedule of events, so be sure to save time in your itinerary for these fun, free kid activities in Myrtle Beach.
Attend Free Festivals and Events
Not all events in Myrtle Beach cost money. You’ll find many festivals, concerts, and contests that don’t require any tickets or admission. Some favorite free activities offered throughout the year in Myrtle Beach include Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival, Beach ‘n Chili Contest, themed festivals at Barefoot Landing, and holiday parades in neighboring communities, like Murrells Inlet and Conway.
Hear Live Music at Your Hotel
Any adult looking to tap their toes to an instrumental solo or dance the day away while lounging in the sun appreciates the live music offered by Myrtle Beach hotels. When you only need to walk down to the on-site bar or pool deck, your entertainment is a cinch. Plus, these live entertainers give you free things to do in Myrtle Beach at night, saving you the expense of cover charges, concert tickets, and rideshare fees.
Take Advantage of Outdoor Activities
Whether it’s you or your kids who are sports fans, you’ll find lots of places to enjoy a pickup game while staying in the Grand Strand. Just remember to pack your ball and racket or other supplies so you won’t need to purchase new equipment when you arrive. Since the weather in Myrtle Beach is rarely an issue, head to the Myrtle Beach volleyball courts for some friendly competition or training, or find the hotel’s basketball court to shoot some hoops under the sun. If sports aren’t your thing, you can still spend active time outdoors. Step out onto the shoreline where you can learn to fly a kite; once you get the hang of it, it’ll become one of your favorite free things to do in Myrtle Beach.
