When in Myrtle Beach … the Best Parks to Visit

When in Myrtle Beach … there are countless things to do. From soaking up rays on the beach to sampling the catch of the day from a new restaurant you’ve never been to before, to simply spending quality family time at the attractions scattered along the Grand Strand, the options are endless. And what better way to take full advantage of your time spent than visiting some of the best-rated parks in Myrtle Beach!

Let’s take a closer look:

Myrtle Beach State Park
Myrtle Beach State Park stretches along the Grand Strand coastline, and it’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown summer traffic and crowded beaches. It offers everything from oceanfront camping to horseback riding on the beach.

Not only does this park provide a cozy place to enjoy your typical fun in the sun activities, but it also serves up some educational opportunities for the whole family. Throughout the summer months, the park provides weekly programs such as Cast Away and Tracks Among Us, where you can sharpen skills and learn about the environment and wildlife. Who said the kids had to be in school to learn something?

NASCAR SpeedPark
Need a break from a day at the beach? Take the family down to NASCAR SpeedPark, conveniently located just minutes away from Long Bay Resort. Fun for all ages, NASCAR SpeedPark offers exciting racing, arcade games and NASCAR-themed mini golf courses all in one action-packed location. In addition to the seven racetracks, there are plenty of thrilling rides such as the Skycoaster and Slick Spin. It all adds up to make a full day in Myrtle Beach—one for the books.

Huntington Beach State Park
Many visitors to Myrtle Beach are surprised to discover that many locals love spending beach days at Huntington Beach State Park, considering that it’s about a 20 minute drive south from Myrtle Beach and the park charges admission, while most of the beaches in Myrtle Beach are free. But many folks feel that the perks of visiting the state park outweighs the $5 per adult entrance fee ($3.25 seniors, $3 for those ages 6-15, free for kids 5 and younger) including the well maintained restroom facilities, nature trails, less crowded beaches, great camping, and the amazing Moorish-style historic home Atalaya (for which there is an additional $2 admission fee).

Myrtle Waves Water Park
Don’t forget to add Myrtle Waves Water Park to your vacation checklist this summer. The 30-ride water park (just down the street from NASCAR Speed Park), offers exhilarating waterslides, a “LayZee” river, wave pool, kid-friendly zone, shaded pavilions and food and drinks for the whole family. You might be worn out by the end of the day, but you won’t regret a day at South Carolina’s largest water park.

Grand Park and Valor Park at The Market Common
The areas surrounding The Market Common have several great parks with play facilities, walking areas, green space, sports facilities and more. Nearby is also a Barc Parc, where dogs can enjoy some offleash play time. There are also quite often fun events held in The Market Common, Valor Park and Grand Park, such as The Market Common’s Oktoberfest, so be sure to check The Market Common’s calendar of events while you’re in town.

Poated 7/12/13