11 Things to Do in Myrtle Beach for Fun-Loving Adults

Myrtle Beach is known as a haven for families. But there’s another side to Myrtle Beach…a more grown-up side. Think wine tasting, spas, full-sized golf courses, and sunset walks on the beach. (Pina colada, anyone?!) You might even dare go for a spin on a NASCAR racetrack. Whether you want to get away with your honey or bond with your besties, here are 11 fabulously grown-up things to do in Myrtle Beach for adults.

Thank you to the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring my visit to Myrtle Beach. All opinions are mine, as always.

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1. Play on the Grand Strand Beaches.

What better way to escape the stresses of everyday life than by a beach day or two or three? Myrtle Beach lies in the center of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of beach in Northeastern South Carolina. Warm weather and powdery white sand lure about 14 million visitors to this beach city each year.

Beach resorts along the Grand Strand are plentiful. What’s more, many of these are surprisingly affordable, especially when compared to other beach destinations. Take a look at the array of oceanfront hotels in Myrtle Beach.

2. Connect with nature at Huntington Beach State Park.

For a peaceful beach scene away from the hotels and tourists, locals head to Huntington Beach State Park. In addition to three miles of the most well-preserved beach on the Grand Strand, this state park features nature trails, a campground, and a variety of habitats for wildlife. With 300 recorded bird species here, birders will love spotting such fowl as egrets, herons or American Bald Eagles.

You might even spy an alligator at Huntington Beach State Park, crossing the causeway from freshwater to saltwater marsh (or vice versa). If traveling with dogs or small children, keep your eyes open and little ones close.

Since there are barriers between the bodies of water, alligators who traverse here must use the crosswalk, just like everyone else. Don’t believe me? Click to watch the video by Austin Bond Photography below!

3. Appreciate the artistry of Brookgreen Gardens.

Founded by renowned sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington and her wealthy philanthropist husband, Archer Milton Huntington, Brookgreen Gardens is home to the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of American figurative sculpture in the United States. The gardens contain over 2,000 sculptures by more than 425 artists, including many pieces created by Anna herself.

I’m a big fan of botanic gardens and Brookgreen Gardens is truly one of the most impressive I’ve seen, in terms of beauty and size. The 9,127-acre property includes mature Spanish moss-covered oak trees, flowers in bloom year-round, a whimsical children’s garden, many fountains, and even a small zoo.

4. Tour Atalaya National Historic Landmark.

Located within Huntington Beach State Park, you’ll find Atalaya National Historic Landmark, also known as Atalaya Castle. It’s the former winter home of the Huntingtons. Built in the 1930s, the property consists of 30 now empty rooms. Look for animal pens, where Anna kept live creatures like horses, dogs, and even bears as models for her art.

5. Sip wine and listen to live music at La Belle Amie Vineyard.

A Myrtle Beach vacation for adults is tastier with a visit to La Belle Amie Vineyard. The winery’s welcoming owner, Vicki Weigle, built the vineyard and tasting room on a family farm just 1.5 miles from the Atlantic Ocean in Little River. Sweet muscadine grapes are grown onsite. They also make wine from more traditional varietals like chardonnay and cabernet.

Belly up to the bar in the tasting room for some sweet sips and lively conversation. Then buy a bottle of Twisted Sister wine to enjoy in the vineyard’s lovely garden. Dog lovers will like meeting Star the winery dog, who follows Vicki around like a shadow, and Jessie, the barn manager’s pup. Expect live music by local bands each afternoon. Look for special events most Saturdays, too. (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.)

6. Play miniature and grown-up golf.

Myrtle Beach is renowned as the Miniature Golf Capital of the World. Of course, putt putt isn’t just for kids. If you want to get in on the fun, head to Hawaiian Rumble. Listen to mellow tunes by Hawaiian musicians as you play 18 holes in a tropical garden with a 40-foot faux volcano centerpiece.

The city’s mini courses aren’t the only places to swing a club. In fact, Myrtle Beach is home to more than 80 full-sized golf courses. Want to hit the links? Caledonia Golf & Fish Club and Dunes Golf & Beach Club top lists of the best courses in Myrtle Beach by both Golf Magazine and NBC’s GolfAdvisor.com.

7. Race at the Myrtle Beach Speedway.

Trying to convince your husband or beau to take you on a Myrtle Beach romantic getaway? If golf doesn’t get his engine going, I bet the Myrtle Beach Speedway will! The Rookie Experience is their most popular option, which includes instruction from a crew chief followed by an eight-minute solo race car driving experience.

Lengthier, more intense drive adventures are available for true gearheads. If want you want the rush of speeding around a real NASCAR track at 100+ miles per hour but you don’t want to drive (or you don’t have two to three hours to devote to the lesson), choose the NASCAR Ride Along experience. Believe me, it’ll still get your heart pumping!

7. Watch live entertainment at the Carolina Opry.

The 2,200-seat Carolina Opry is the oldest live theater in Myrtle Beach. The original location opened in 1986 and the Opry has been wowing audiences ever since with a wide selection of entertainment.

Their most popular offering, also named The Carolina Opry, is a variety show filled with live music, dance, and comedy. The Carolina Opry Christmas Special is another favorite, featuring a cast of over 35 musicians, singers and dancers plus elaborate holiday decor. Take a look at all of their shows and at the other live entertainment options in the area.

8. Relax at Myrtle Beach spas.

There’s something so indulgent and glorious about a spa day during a grown-up getaway. The two highest rated spas in Myrtle Beach according to TripAdvisor are The Awakening Spa, Oceana Resorts, which specializes in massages for individuals and couples, and Majestic Massage & Day Spa, which can  accommodate up to 10 people at one time. Spa time is perfect for a vacation with lots of friends, or with just one special friend.

9. Step back in time at Hopsewee Plantation.

History buffs will enjoy touring Hopsewee Plantation. Built in the early 1700s, the property was once a thriving rice plantation. The home is decorated with period pieces and features rooms opening into wide center halls on each floor as well as a full brick cellar, hand-carved molding, and heart-pine floors.

Book the Gullah Geechee Tour, which focuses on the enslaved African experiences at this historic plantation, or an Attic to Cellar Guided Tour. You can also sign up for a Sweetgrass Basket Making Class. Group discounts are available if you’re traveling with a group of 10 or more. For a truly memorable experience, combine your tour with afternoon tea in the River Oak Cottage Tea Room. (Closed Sundays and Mondays).

10. Shop and explore the Market Common.

The Market Common is a 114-acre “lifestyle center.” It feels like a modern version of an old school Main Street. More than just a shopping mall, in addition to all sorts of shops and restaurants, you’ll find a bowling alley, Stage Left Theatre Company, and 14-screen cinema. Rent an electric bicycle at Pedego to tool around the little lake just across the street. Feeling thirsty? The Brass Tap is an upscale craft beer bar where you’ll find 60 brews on tap.

11. Play at Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.

Just because you’re all grown up, that doesn’t mean you can’t still make time for play. Wander along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk to shop, eat and soak up all sorts of kitschy fun — from arcades and thrill rides, to a haunted house and mirror maze. Then, take in the view of Myrtle Beach from nearly 200 feet above the Grand Strand aboard the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel.

Explore More

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Bringing the kids? Take a look at my tips for Myrtle Beach for families.

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