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When on vacation, there’s no pause button-especially for Myrtle Beach outdoor activities. Transitioning into a premier outdoor travel destination in the US, an overall mild weather and coastal scenery are the backdrop for this year-round appeal. To maximize any trip, staying somewhere that balances proximity and convenience is crucial. Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, a luxurious resort, checks all the boxes.
In this guide, you’ll explore some of the best outdoor activities Myrtle Beach has to offer, including:
Nicknamed “The Grand Strand” by locals, this stems from their 60 miles of sandy shoreline. It was ranked as one of the best beaches in the country by TripAdvisor. Standout beach spots include The Horseshoe by North Myrtle and Surfside Beach. Each is less than a half hour drive from Grande Dunes.
The former is spacious and hosts a free weekly summer concert series on Thursdays. Its counterpart is away from the touristy crowds and the first autism-friendly beach in the world. When looking for places to enjoy the coastline, you can’t go wrong with either.
For adrenaline junkies, major pastimes include jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding. Notable companies hosting all three are Island Adventure Watersports and Downwind Sails. These rustic retreats are ideal for seeing the ocean. Remember to keep the jet skis under Myrtle Beach’s 50mph speed limit or you’ll zoom past everything.
If a low-key water sport activity is more your pace, then kayaking is for you. Cherry Grove Marsh offers peaceful paddling. Black bears and alligators are wildlife that can be spotted along the Waccamaw River if you’re lucky. You can either set your own pace or take a structured guided tour and learn about these locations’ rich histories.
When deciding on Myrtle Beach outdoor activities, catching their underwater treasures is a fan-favorite. With 14 million people visiting per year, many have their sights set on deep-sea fishing to discover these marine inhabitants. Tropical fish stand out with their bright colors. Striking blue and yellow of the mahi-mahi and marlin are among the most sought-after trophies. Charters are needed for big-game fishing.
If you’d rather stay on land, pier fishing is ideal for an outside excursion. Pompano, Spanish mackerel, and croaker are common at Surfside and Apache Pier. Mornings and nights are best to go as activity is highest then.
Dubbed the “Golf Capital of the World”, nearly 760,000 golfers flocked here in 2024 to hit the links. With 100 courses in the area, beginners and professionals alike come to play a round or two.
Being in the heart of the action, those staying at Marina Inn are spoiled by the many nearby championship golf courses to book a tee time. Pine Lakes Country Club and Arcadian are a handful within a 10-mile radius. Additionally, the Myrtle Beach Classic, a PGA Tour Event, is returning to the nearby Dunes Golf & Beach Club. From May 7-10, a seven-minute drive will separate you from seeing the game’s best competing to add to your list of Myrtle Beach outdoor activities.
Not to be outdone, Marina Inn is home to the Grand Dunes Resort Course. Renovated in 2022, this premium Par-72 golf course allows you to take in the breathtaking views of the Intracoastal Waterway for seven holes. No matter if it’s a hobby to add to a vacation or something to check off the bucket list, there’s a package to match whatever you’re looking for.
Enjoy sun-kissed beaches, thrilling attractions, and endless adventure.
When selecting a scenic sanctuary, Myrtle Beach State Park should come to mind. The first state park in South Carolina, 312 acres of maritime forest awaits you. Camping is available with tents or glamping inside furnished cabins for those needing modern amenities.
Sculpted Oak Trail and Yaupon Trail provide a nearly mile long walk to the beach.
Huntington Beach State Park is another standout option for nature lovers. There’s the quick .3 mile Kerrigan Nature Trail leading to a boardwalk and observation deck over the lush Mullett Pond. Sandpiper Pond Nature Trail is 2 miles through salt marshes and coastal forests, ending at an observation tower.
For those mapping out their Myrtle Beach outdoor activities, biking and walking needs to be on your list. Grand Dunes sits near seven winding trails, notably the expansive East Coast Greenway. Perrin’s Path is abundantly tropical, where you can behold wildflowers like coral honeysuckle, spotted bee balm, and buttonbush. With two-wheeled travel, waterfront cycling along Ocean Boulevard makes it easy to enjoy the nautical beauty the area has to offer.
If taking a leisurely stroll is something of preference, strolling along the boardwalk may be for you. Seeing the oceanfront and smelling the briny, sea salt air heightens one’s senses and makes them fully appreciate the area.
Marine life is plentiful throughout this aquatic haven. For a day trip, visit sandy beaches and tidal salt marshes are the homes of loggerhead turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and alligators. With our winged friends, brown pelicans and Great Blue Herons can be spotted there.
The best places to see these animals are in their habitats at Cherry Grove Marsh and Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve. Nature enthusiasts will love the plethora of options to do in the wild. You may become one too after visiting.
The Intracoastal Waterway has become a cornerstone for any outing. Spanning 3,000 miles, roughly 20 of those are along the strip. Boating and sailing are popular ways to soak it all in. Grande Dunes will be where you can make the most of this area, as it features 126 wet slips and 1,200 linear feet of floating docks for vessels up to 120 feet.
Additionally, ecotourism is booming. Dolphin tours gained popularity with most charters offering 90 to 120-minute expeditions for a chance to interact with these majestic mammals. Appreciating the natural habitat of the likes of marine life, birds, and reptiles, and learning the lay of the land at Murrells Inlet and Waccamaw River makes for an unforgettable trip.
Golf’s little brother is nearly as popular while being more family-friendly. There are nearly 50 mini golf courses, with Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Golf and Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf having intricate designs. Other ways to explore include visiting amusement park staples like Family Kingdom to ride their iconic Swamp Fox wooden roller coaster or playing laser tag at Wonderworks.
There’s always something special going on for families outdoors no matter the season. Spring is when the KidzTime Festival happens, one of the more popular Myrtle Beach outdoor activities. Different booths are set up selling yummy seasonal treats while music and even face painting is going on. Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival is held in the fall to spend an amiable artistic afternoon.
If you’re having trouble getting inspiration, leave the planning to the resort.
Places like Marina Inn have family packages you can book which takes the fun out of planning and into the activities themselves.Designed for families of four between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend, it provides admission to Myrtle Waves Water Park and Wonderworks.
Spending time outside doesn’t always need to be relaxing. Endeavors to get your heart racing include flying through the South Carolina sky, ziplining, or maneuvering through ropes courses. Leave your fear of heights at the door.
Going off the beaten path (literally) will lead to an encounter like no other. Outback, Riverneck, and Deep Creek are all parks designed for ATV tours and off-roading through the luscious horticulture.
On the water, surfing and windsurfing are popular hobbies in the warmer months. Springmaid Pier is the classic starting point for beginners wanting to ease into the sport. Golden Mile is ideal if you’re a seasoned vet seeking a challenge.
Speaking of seasonal activities, there’s always something special happening. Summer attracts music fans with the Hot Summer Nights concert series every Wednesday and Friday while the Carolina County Music Festival is held on the boardwalk every June. Another popular beachfront festival is Sun Fun Festival to kick off the season.
Spring and fall usher in tamer Myrtle Beach outdoor activities. The winter defrost is rewarded with the Run to the Sun Car Show for gearheads and the Myrtle Beach Food Truck & Music Festival in April for foodies. The fall has Little River ShrimpFest in October and Crooktoberfest, putting their own spin on the German tradition.
Residents display their pride through holiday-themed outdoor experiences. Their Salute to the Shore 4th of July celebration features military plane flyovers. Winter Wonderland on the Beach is perfect if you’re trying to spend the holiday avoiding sunburn instead of frostbite.
The one choice we can help make is where to stay, and Marina Inn at Grand Dunes is the answer. This pristine resort has scenic views of the Intracoastal Waterway and white-glove accommodations from guest houses to penthouses.
Residing at the heart of the city spoils you with close proximity to top outdoor activities, including access to golf, beaches, Grand Dunes Marina, and more. Water activities include an indoor and outdoor pool, an infinity pool, and two hot tubs, along with jet skiing and dolphin watching.
To refuel after a long day, on-site amenities include elegant dining at Waterscapes Restaurant or Reflections Kitchen and Bar for a more casual sit-down. Spa service is highly recommended for a fully immersive relaxation experience.
The best times of the year to visit Myrtle Beach for open-air attractions are April-June to maximize the warm weather and arrive before peak tourism hits. October-December’s tourist drop-off is ideal for those wishing to visit while avoiding major crowds and still experience holiday cheer.
Since days are frequently in the 50-60°F range, it’s best to pack for warm weather. Bringing a pair of comfortable shorts and shirt combinations will go far. Also, a more professional fit is great (ex., suit and tie/business casual) if you’re going out to dinner or sneaking away for a work meeting. Swimwear is highly recommended for anyone considering going in the water.
One travel hack we suggest is building out your itinerary by booking tours and rentals in advance. This way, you’re not scrambling for lodging or tickets at the last moment. Setting a schedule is easier to plan but leave room for sporadic activities discovered once there. It’s best to book one major event away from lodging during the day and plan other smaller events around in case you want to decompress after.
An outdoor oasis that’s hard to beat, Myrtle Beach has everything you ever needed in a visit. Cool, comfortable weather, pristine beaches and golf courses, nature and wildlife blooming in all directions. All this and more await your next adventure.
Whether you’re planning a golf getaway, family vacation, or outdoor adventure, Marina Inn at Grande Dunes places you at the center of it all, without the crowds. Explore available packages and start planning your Myrtle Beach escape today.
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Get ready for the ultimate family vacation with our guide: “19 Top Picks for Family Fun” in Myrtle Beach! Uncover the best activities to make lasting memories with your loved ones.