Exploring the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

You’re enjoying your Myrtle Beach vacation in the heart of South Carolina. You’ve explored downtown Myrtle Beach, caught some rays by the oceanfront, and seen the Grand Strand in all its glory, and now it's time to stroll the wonder that is the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk!

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is an entire entertainment district begging to be explored. From the thrilling rides at the nearby amusement park and scenic ocean views to the eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, there's no shortage of excitement to be had when you stay at our conveniently located hotelBLUE.

Just picture the nostalgia of walking along the Boardwalk, the salt air breezing by. The smell of funnel cake wafts towards you as you take in the twinkling and flashing lights all around, the sounds of joyous screams, arcade games, and live music filling your ears.

The Boardwalk's lively atmosphere draws locals and tourists to its vibrant atmosphere, brimming with energy day and night. Here’s what you need to know about the must-see attraction that is the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade.

 

About the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

Location: The Boardwalk starts at the 14th Avenue North pier and winds down through Plyler Park to the 2nd Avenue Pier.

The “Heart of Myrtle Beach,” or the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, is a beloved attraction along the stunning Grand Strand. This massive entertainment district spans a length of 1.2 miles, stretching from 14th Avenue North to the 2nd Avenue Pier.

Although the Boardwalk has been updated over the years, it was first constructed back in 1936. Its rich history displayed through the various attractions, shops, and restaurants thoroughly speaks for itself. Today it is the hub of local and tourist activity, offering enough to keep any visitor busy for an entire day.

 

Getting There

Myrtle Beach is well-connected by major highways, including U.S. Route 17 and Highway 501. The Boardwalk is in the heart of Myrtle Beach, making it easily reachable from various accommodations and nearby attractions.

During your stay at hotel BLUE, you’ll only be a 5-minute drive from this fantastic family fun spot! Once there, you’ll find ample paid street and garage parking options.

 

Sections of the Boardwalk

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade is not your average boardwalk. Instead of just a straight wooden street meandering along the oceanfront, you’ll find separate sections with their own character, just waiting to immerse you in coastal fun.

 

Plyler Park

The Northernmost section, home to Plyler Park, is a great place to enjoy a festival or show. This is where Ocean Boulevard's popular Hot Summer Nights events are held, and it is a great place to enjoy some greenery and oceanfront peace.

 

8th Avenue

Extending from Plyler Park to 8th Avenue North, you’ll find a more traditional carnival-like atmosphere that we associate with boardwalks today. There’s a lot of fun to be had with many nostalgic games available for you and your family to play.

 

2nd Avenue

Finally, a peaceful open area leading to the 2nd Avenue Pier rounds out the southern end of the Boardwalk, where you can slow down and walk along the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean.

 

Boardwalk Rules

• Bicycle Restrictions: Bicycles are restricted with the exact dates and times as dogs.


• Recreational Transport: Skateboards, rollerblades, and skates of any kind are not permitted on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.

 

Things to Do at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

A trip downtown to the boardwalk and promenade will bring breathtaking views and an array of exciting activities. Truly, this lively stretch of boardwalk offers something for everyone.

 

Grab a Bite to Eat

Photo Credit: Bilal Kocabas

Hot summer nights always call for great oceanfront eats and sweet treats, and thankfully, the Boardwalk has plenty of both. Popular restaurants include:

• The Landshark Bar & Grill


• Hurricanes Daiquiri Bar & Grill


• Sharkey’s Oceanfront Restaurant

Another notable place to eat, The Bowery, has been referred to as the “8th Wonder of the World.” Originally home to the country group “Alabama," this restaurant has become a world-famous bar, most popular for live music on tap every night!

And, when you’re stuffed from dinner and a night out, you can (and should) top off your evening with some ice cream from Mad Myrtle’s Ice Creamery, a funnel cake, or perhaps even another boardwalk treat like fried Oreos!

 

Ride the Skywheel

Photo Credit: meunierd

• Address: 1110 N Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC


• Website: skywheelmb.com

The Skywheel is a legendary landmark in the area and the centerpiece of the magnificent Myrtle Beach Boardwalk! It is the number one place to find sweeping ocean views of the entire Grand Strand. The whole family will enjoy a trip around this observation wheel, where enclosed air-conditioned gondolas take you on a journey up and around the giant wheel.

 

Visit the Many Ripley’s Attractions

Photo Credit: StacieStauffSmith Photos

• Address: Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium, 901 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC


• Address: Ripley’s Haunted Adventure & Ripley’s Mirror Maze, 915 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC


• Address: Ripley’s Moving Theater, 917 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC

Family fun is in full swing at the four Ripley’s Believe It or Not attractions along the boardwalk and promenade. Scattered along the boardwalk, you’ll find Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, a live-action haunted house with real actors, Ripley’s Moving Theater, a 3D Movie experience, and Ripley’s Mirror Maze.

As if that weren’t enough, the traditional Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium will have you cringing and gazing in awe at some of the strangest (and most unbelievable) things you've ever seen!

 

Explore the Nightmare Haunted House

Photo Credit: Nightmare Haunted House

• Address: 1001 N Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC


• Website: beachscream.com

Beware that this evening enjoyment comes at the price of total and complete darkness! But what’s a good boardwalk without a haunted house?

Step inside this frightening spot, where locals and tourists alike have been getting the daylights scared out of them since the 1980s! Themed around a zombie invasion, we hope you make it out of the world of the undead in one piece!

 

Play Games at Fun Plaza

• Address: 902 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC


• Website: funplazambsc.com

Welcome to the best arcade on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk! Pop on in to try your hand at the ever-popular skeeball, or maybe pinball is more up your alley! Whatever your personal favorite is, you’ll hear the whirr of the games a mile away and come running!

 

Get Your Adrenaline Pumping at the Sling Shot Thrill Ride

Photo Credit: goirish1990

Let’s just say the Sling Shot is not for the faint of heart. The poles that make up this thrill ride can be seen towering over the boardwalk itself, and yes, you will be flung that high! Hop aboard this two-seater epic adventure, where you’ll be catapulted into the air at 100 miles an hour.

 

Go Fishing at a Pier

Photo Credit: Keith Hall Photography

• Address: Pier 14, 1306 N Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC


• Address: 2nd Avenue Pier, 110 N. Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC

Come for the delicious seafood, hand-crafted drinks, and magnificent beachfront views...stay for the fishing! With two choices of piers on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade, there’s plenty of room to cast a line!

Pier 14 is a beautiful concept blend of restaurant meets fishing pier. Stocked with a full-service bait and equipment rental gift shop, you’ve got just about everything you need on hand! The Pier 14 Restaurant and Lounge is also an excellent choice for fine dining and a spectacular view.

Or, if you’re on the North side of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, try catching the evening's main course at the popular Wicked Tuna at 2nd Avenue Pier. Located in the heart of the bustling Downtown Myrtle Beach it's a must-visit destination for any beach-goer. The pier offers a unique opportunity for visitors to stroll 900 feet out over the Atlantic Ocean, getting an unparalleled view of both the endless turquoise waves and the stunning city skyline behind them.

 

Find Gifts at the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove

You’re bound to find a souvenir or gift for everyone at the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove, the largest and oldest gift shop in the Myrtle Beach area! With seven floors of local crafts and souvenirs, you’ll have your vacation shopping done in no time.

 

Explore the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade

Whether you take a walk down the boardwalk promenade to gaze out at the Atlantic Ocean, hop on a thrill ride, enjoy a show at The Bowery, or grab that traditional ice cream cone, you’ll feel right at home here in Myrtle Beach.

After you spend some time creating unforgettable memories along the enchanting Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, find yourself back at your home away from home at hotel BLUE.