(BPT) - If you're ready to say farewell to winter and hello to all the sunshine and warmth spring brings with it, there's no better place to be than The Beach - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. As if the 60 miles of sunshine and surf weren't enough, the area offers plenty of amazing activities for visitors of all ages.
This spring, travel to Myrtle Beach to enjoy brand-new venues and events, then soak up the sun for the best vacation you've ever had.
At The Beach, 'S.P.R.I.N.G.' stands for:
Sunny skies and outdoor activities
With over 200 days of sunshine a year and 60 miles of stunning shoreline, The Beach is the perfect place to catch springtime rays and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of ocean waves. For a change of pace, step aboard a variety of water vessels (jet skis, pontoons, riverboats, airboats, banana boats, speedboats and even catamarans) for a relaxing or high-speed journey to explore unique waterways and fishing spots. Discover the multitude of flora and fauna that call this area home - and watch for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins along the way!
Perusing local art and performances
Launched in September 2022, Visit Myrtle Beach Arts & Gallery Trail is an entrancing look into a destination brimming with color and culture. The trail boasts over 100 art-filled attractions including oceanfront sculptures, enormous photo-worthy murals, charming working studios and even a secret underground passage filled with art. Stretching from Little River and North Myrtle Beach to Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island, trail visitors will be guided to many of the Grand Strand's lesser-known areas such as historic downtown Conway, the quaint 'Little Golden Town' of Aynor and the newly minted Arts & Innovation District, featuring the new Grand Strand Brewing Company alongside recently established restaurants, galleries and retailers.
Ridiculously fresh seafood
From casual eateries and fusion cuisine to fine dining without pretension, the Grand Strand boasts a plethora of mouthwatering culinary experiences. Fresh seafood abounds in Myrtle Beach, with plenty of opportunities to sample the catch of the day around every corner. A sister restaurant to the beloved Bubba's Fish Shack, Bubba's Fish Camp is a new eatery offering a beach-inspired menu featuring fried and grilled seafood, along with meats smoked in-house - conveniently located right across from Broadway at the Beach.
Or you can visit the celebrated South Carolina seafood capital, Murrells Inlet - a waterfront fishing village listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and worth visiting for its array of restaurants with stunning waterfront views.
Incredible family adventures
Ripley's Aquarium is introducing all-new experiences in Myrtle Beach this spring, from exciting family-friendly attractions including the notable Sloth Valley habitat - bringing you face-to-face with the adorable two-toed species - to the thrills of Ripley's Illusion Lab, Ripley's Crazy Golf, Ripley's Mirror Maze expansion and Ripley's Haunted Adventure. Brand new to Myrtle Beach's Coastal Grand Mall is the Stars and Strikes Getaway-n-Play. This 52,500-square-foot family entertainment complex features an immersive augmented reality bowling experience, plus an arcade, multi-story laser tag arena, axe throwing and more.
Nighttime entertainment
If you love the nightlife, you'll love the soundtrack along The Beach on the weekends, which thrums with beats from hundreds of live music gigs. From scenic stages to world-renowned music halls, the Grand Strand comes alive with music from up-and-coming artists. And if grabbing a mic is your thing, join Julio Navarro as he tours (and sings at!) the area's best bars and restaurants on the YouTube series, Myrtle Beach Karaoke.
Your immersive musical experience at The Beach wouldn't be complete without enjoying one of the many shows gracing the Strand. What began with Calvin Gilmore and the Carolina Opry in 1986 has grown to include nearly two dozen theater productions. Productions like the Alabama Theatre of North Myrtle Beach's new show, ICONIC is one you won't want to miss! ICONIC is a cutting-edge on-stage and in-air show with visual elements and state-of-the-art video wall unlike anything the Grand Strand has ever seen. Celebrating the theater's 30th anniversary, ICONIC features widely recognized country music chartbusters, classic rock anthems, Broadway and pop power ballads, making it a must-see this spring.
Great accommodations
Completed late 2022, the $65 million renovation of two of Kingston Resorts' oceanfront properties (The Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort and Embassy Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort) includes fully updated accommodations, with two waterparks and an island-themed outdoor pool and dining space. The new, onsite Black Drum Brewing showcases local cuisine and 40 Carolina beers on tap, all with an amazing ocean view. Or you can visit the Springhill Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront by Marriott, a new dual-branded oceanfront resort, boasting beautiful rooftop amenities including outdoor seating and fire pits. Additional outdoor amenities include a ground-level pool and lazy river.
Excited about spring? Check out VisitMyrtleBeach.com to plan your next getaway.
