New Year's Eve in Myrtle Beach

It's time to wave goodbye to 2012 and ring in the New Year in style!  Myrtle Beach is a great place to celebrate, with a wide variety of events for both young and old.


Celebrity Square at Broadway at the Beach, 7pm

Head over to Celebrity Square at Broadway at the Beach for an unforgettable night!  You'll enjoy a night of great music and dancing at Broadway's best clubs, including Froggy Bottomz, Crocodile Rocks, Rodeo, Club Boca and Broadway Louie's.  To top it all off, there will be confetti cannons, a balloon drop, a DJ in the square, a champagne toast, a live feed from Times Square and fireworks!  Tickets run $30 if purchased in advance and are $35 on the 31st.


New Year's Eve Celebration Cruise on the Barefoot Princess, 7 - 9pm

Have a New Years Eve celebration unlike any other!  Climb aboard the Barefoot Princess Riverboat and spend the evening cruising along the famous Intracoastal Waterway.  While on board, you'll be treated to live entertainment, dancing, party favors and a full-service cash bar.  There will also be plenty of delicious food and desserts to keep your strength up during the party!  Tickets are $46 per person or $88 per couple. All aboard!


Noon Years Eve Party at The Children's Museum of South Carolina, 10am - 1pm

Before you take off for an adults' night out, celebrate New Years with the kids!  The Children's Museum will once again host their annual Noon Year's Eve party, where the little ones enjoy fun crafts, exciting games, a balloon drop and even a kid-friendly toast when the clock strikes noon!  Admission is $5.


New Years Eve at Brookgreen Gardens, 6 - 9pm

For a more relaxed evening, celebrate New Year's Eve at South Carolina's famous sculpture gardens.  Stroll through the gorgeous property while admiring the stunning views created by the hand-lit candles and lights strewn throughout the fountains and gardens. You'll also enjoy beautiful music with champagne and refreshments available for purchase.  Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers.


New Years Eve Special Event at Comedy Cabana, 7:30 and 10pm

Laugh your way into the New Year at Myrtle Beach's stand-up hotspot, Comedy Cabana!  This local comedy club will feature some of their best comedians, party favors, an autographed photo of the headlining comic, a gift certificate for a future show and a balloon drop!  You'll have 2 opportunities to attend at 7:30 and 10pm, with the later show featuring a champagne toast.  Click here for pricing information.


New Years Eve Party and Concert at Hard Rock Cafe, 9:45pm


If you're searching for a big party, look no further than Hard Rock Cafe!  Everyone will dance to the live music of Black Glass while waiting for the clock to strike midnight.  Hard Rock will also provide confetti cannons, party favors, a huge balloon drop and live feed from Times Square.  Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 if purchased same-day.  Spaces are limited!



New Years Eve Celebration at Legends in Concert, 10pm

Celebrate the New Year with tunes sung by your favorite tribute artists, including Elvis Presley, Alan Jackson, Celine Dion, Johnny Mathis and the Blues Brothers.  Legends will also broadcast the Times Square Ball drop and provide party favors.  If you want to raise your glass at midnight, champagne will also be available for purchase!


New Years Eve with Corey Smith at House of Blues, 9pm

Join Corey Smith, one of country music's hottest new artists, at the House of Blues to welcome the New Year!  Corey and special guests American Aquarium and Indian Rodeo will entertain you while you enjoy dancing, great food and a full-service bar.



New Years Eve Celebration at Landshark Bar and Grill and the SkyWheel, 9pm

Ring in the New Year in true Myrtle Beach fashion at the Landshark Bar and Grill.  You'll enjoy a live DJ, appetizers, a nacho bar, chili stations, a margarita shooter at midnight (or non-alcoholic beverage for those under 21), a live broadcast from Times Square and a ride on the famous Myrtle Beach SkyWheel!  Tickets are $39 per person or $75 per couple.


Be sure to stop by The Official Myrtle Beach Welcome Center to let us know where you will be celebrating your New Year's Eve. We can help you with directions, discounts and more! We look forward to ringing in a New Year with you here in Myrtle Beach!

Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens

 

There's no better place to experience the magic and spirit of the Christmas season in the South than Brookgreen Gardens' Nights of 1000 Candles!  This spectacular evening, named as one of the Top 20 events in the Southeast, will make for an experience you will never forget!

 

To celebrate the season, Brookgreen Gardens, the famous property developed as a sculpture garden by the Huntingtons, is illuminated by 5,500 hand-lit candles. You'll find these incredible luminaries floating in the fountains and lining the walks, gleaming under the 250-year-old live oak trees draped with Spanish moss. The landscaping is strewn with sparkling lights and shining Chinese lanterns that illuminate the famous sculptures, creating a Southern winter wonderland.

As you meander through the glowing gardens, you'll hear the strains of beautiful Holiday music drifting across the air. Carolers stroll the paths while a wide variety of additional musicians perform in heated tents, giving you a chance to warm up while enjoying their melodies. Entertainers include vocal groups, guitar quartets, hand bell choirs, Gullah music, pop bands, harpists and even a bagpipe player. (Click here for a performance schedule.)

You can even enjoy dinner by candle-light!  Award-winning Inlet Affairs catering is stationed in a heated tent to serve you a delectable low country feast. The menu features all of your favorite Southern fare including shrimp and grits, inlet clam chowder, snow crab, oysters on the half shell, chicken bog, BBQ and chicken breast with fire-roasted corn and peppers. To warm your insides, hot chocolate, cider and coffee are also available. (Click here for a full menu and pricing information.)

To experience and create precious Christmas memories, be sure to bring your friends and families to Nights of a Thousand Candles. The event runs for 7 nights including December 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 21st and 22nd from 3 - 10pm. Adult tickets are $16 and children's tickets (ages 4 - 12) cost $7.

On your way into town, be sure to stop by the Official Myrtle Beach Welcome Center in Aynor, South Carolina!  We'll provide you with additional information on this enchanting event as well as the other fantastic holiday attractions the area has to offer. We look forward to sharing the holiday season with you!

Experience the Holidays in Myrtle Beach!

The holidays are approaching quickly, and Myrtle Beach has wasted no time in filling the city with holiday spirit! The Grand Strand offers a wide variety of incredible shows to fill you with Christmas cheer.

The Carolina Opry Christmas Special
November 1 - January 5

Renowned as "The Holiday Show of the South" and repeatedly voted as the Best Holiday Show in Myrtle Beach, Carolina Opry's famous Christmas Special mixes new updates with your traditional holiday favorites for the 2012 season. The show's incredible performers include the All That clog group of America's Got Talent fame, world class pianist Rocky Fretz and Nathan Herron, a Top 40 contestant on season 4 of American Idol. Don't miss your chance to see why The Carolina Opry Christmas Special has become an annual tradition for locals and vacationers alike!


The South's Grandest Christmas Show at Alabama Theatre
November 2 - December 31

The Alabama Theatre's award-winning show features both Christmas classics and contemporary holiday favorites with Alabama's signature Southern flare. You'll split your sides when comedian Ricky Mokel takes the stage and celebrate with a world-class cast of singers and dancers as they spread the joy and love of the holidays! The special effects, gorgeous set and incredible talent will leave you in awe and filled with the spirit of the season.


Christmas on Ice at the Palace Theatre
November 2 - December 29

Experience one of the best holiday shows on the Grand Strand at the Palace Theatre! This 2 hour extravaganza takes place on a Winter Wonderland stage that includes a 40 ft ice rink. The skills of championship ice skaters, professional dancers and the vocal talents of incredible performers are sure to amaze you. You'll leave truly feeling that "it's the most wonderful time of the year!"


Pirates Voyage Christmas Show
November 9 - December 31

Set sail with Captain Scrooge and the Crimson and Emerald pirate crews through the past, present and future of Buccaneer Bay as they search for the ultimate Christmas treasure! You'll be amazed as colorful toys come to life and perform incredible acrobatic feats and watch in awe as a live nativity (including live animals!) makes its way across the lagoon. To top it all off, you'll enjoy a four-course holiday feast!



The Legends in Concert Holiday Show
November 2 - December 20

Celebrate the holidays with your favorite performers at Legends in Concert! This world famous celebrity live tribute show is sending the spirit of the season your way with Elvis, Alan Jackson, Celine Dion, the Blues Brothers and Johnny Mathis. The artists will serenade you with their signature Christmas classics and the Blues Brothers will split your sides with their hilarious, over-the-top antics. It's the perfect mix of Christmas music and chart-topping hits!


Celebrate the holidays with one (or more!) of Myrtle Beach's famous Christmas Specials. Be sure to stop by the Official Myrtle Beach Welcome Center; we'd love to provide you with discounted tickets and additional information! Happy Holidays, everyone!

Premier Partner Highlight: Carolina Opry

If you are looking for amazing live entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, visit The Carolina Opry.  This theater presents four of the best shows on the Grand Strand including, "The Carolina Opry", "Good Vibrations", "The Carolina Opry Christmas Special", and "LIGHT Laser Extravaganza". 

The Carolina Opry

 This exciting two-hour show features the nation's top singers, dancers, comedians and musicians to entertain you. Performances cover a wide range of musical styles such as rock 'n roll, Broadway, country, classic hits, pop melodies and gospel. The show is always changing and creating new ways to incorporate music that everyone loves! Let Myrtle Beach fill your vacation with lasting memories from the Carolina Opry. 

Good Vibrations

Re-live the best of the Sixties, Seventies and Eighties in this fun and exciting 90-minute show.  Enjoy hits from legendary artists including the Righteous Brothers, Kiss, Elvis and the Beatles.  This show will make you want to sing along to your favorite songs and dance in your seats all night long! 

The Carolina Opry Christmas Special

Visit the Carolina Opry from the first of November through the beginning of January and watch the magic of the Holidays come alive through music, dancing and humor! Celebrate Christmas with the nation's top performers including America's Got Talent cloggers All That, piano genius Rocky Fretz and new voice featured on American Idol, Nathan Herron.  After watching this spectacular show, you'll walk away filled with the Spirit of Christmas that will last all year long! 

LIGHT Laser Extravaganza

 This 45-minute daily laser show is one you will have to see to believe! Choose from a number of shows including Classic Rock, Family Fun, Praise, Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Holiday. The incredible color and movement of the lasers, synchronized with music, creates a moving and unforgettable experience.  

laser light show featuring the same 

Don't miss the opportunity to experience the Carolina Opry on your next vacation! Stop by the Official Myrtle Beach Welcome Center in Aynor, SC.  We'll provide you with discount tickets to the Carolina Opry and other area attractions. For questions or additional information, call 1-843-358-8100. We hope to see you soon!  

Great Kid-Friendly Attractions During Myrtle Beach's Off-Season!

Myrtle Beach may be known for it's summertime fun, but the off-season also offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities (and less traffic, too). The area is filled with entertainment that provides hours of fun for the kids. With everything from shows to rides, these kid-friendly activities are sure to be fun for you, too!


WonderWorks

While Professor Wonder and his group of scientists were creating a contained man-made tornado at their lab in the Bermuda Triangle, they lost control of the daring experiment. The laboratory was lifted in the vortex and blown all the way to Myrtle Beach where it landed, upside down, on top of a Crab Shack. Luckily, the other experiments in the lab were not damaged and are now available for us to experience. This indoor amusement park offers dozens of activities that thrill (and educate!) both young and old. Feel how cold the water was the night the Titanic sank, play in the bubble lab, experience the winds of a Category 1 hurricane, try to make a complete revolution on the Extreme 360° Bike, lay on a bed of nails and ride the roller-coaster simulator! After you've wound your way through the 100+ exhibits WonderWorks has to offer, you'll finish off the fun with a 3 story indoor ropes course!

Medieval Times

The King and Princess cordially invite you to attend an evening of skill and competition where the most courageous knights of the realm compete for honor in a series of epic battles. Cheer your noble champion as he spurs his horse in the relay race, takes on his opponents in daring sword fights and finally rides in the perilous joust. But no 11th Century tournament would be complete without a banquet! As you watch the brave knights compete, you'll feast on simmering tomato bisque soup, golden garlic bread, tender oven-roasted chicken, BBQ spare rib, herb basted potatoes and a flaky apple turnover.

The SkyWheel

The sky's the limit! In May 2011, Myrtle Beach welcomed a thrilling new attraction: one of the largest observation wheels in the United States. This is unlike any ferris wheel you've ever experienced! After being seated in one of the 42 climate-controlled gondolas in groups of 2 to 6, you'll slowly be raised 187 feet in the air. Here, your jaw will drop at the panaromic views of the city and beaches along the Grand Strand. After the sun goes down, the SkyWheel illuminates the coastline with a breathtaking show.1 million LED lights set into the side of the wheel swirl in a variety of colors and designs to create the perfect backdrop for an iconic family vacation picture!

Ripley's Aquarium

Come find out why Ripley's Aquarium is South Carolina's most visited attraction! Explore the depths of the seas while traveling through the aquarium tunnel on a 340 ft long moving glidepath. You'll come face-to-face with dozens of sharks, snappers, sawfish, a sea turtle and a wide variety of beautiful fish swimming all around you. The aquarium's smaller tanks also feature tropical fish, piranhas, jelly fish, a Pacific Giant Octopus, poison dart frogs and more. If you're looking for a hands-on experience, be sure to stop by the Discovery Center and Friendship Flats, where you get to pet horseshoe crabs and stingrays!

Pirates Voyage

Ahoy, matey! Many years ago, dread pirates roamed the Carolina coast. Today, the crews of two fearsome pirate ships have returned and are fighting for their lost treasure! Watch as they battle on deck and in the water with daring acrobatics, thrilling sword fights, dives and even live animals. As you cheer on your crew, your captain will serve you a mouth-watering pirate feast that includes creamy vegetable soup, flaky buccaneer bread, half o' roasted cackler (chicken), the Captain's BBQ pork, buttery corn on the cob, mashed potatoes and apple pie.

MagiQuest

Upon entering MagiQuest, you find yourself in an enchanted realm where you use your own magic wand to help you in your journey to become a Magi.This indoor, multi-level attraction is like being inside a video game! As you wander through this magical land, use your wand to duel, gather wisdom from ancient wizards, slay dragons and make friends with pixies. Every Magi's experience is different based on the decisions they make and the battles they win. Each time you visit, your wand  remembers what you have done and what you have left to accomplish. Master your skills, beat the game and become a true Magi!

A visit to any of these fun-filled attractions will leave behind lasting memories that your kids will talk about for years to come. To top it all off, discounted tickets to most of these attractions can be purchased at The Official Myrtle Beach Welcome Center in Aynor! We look forward to seeing you and your family soon!

Premier Partner Highlight: Ripley's Attractions

When you're vacationing on the Grand Strand, there's an abundance of entertainment that the whole family can enjoy.  And the Ripley's venues are among the most popular of the must-see attractions! Ripley's, a Premier Partner of The Official Myrtle Beach Welcome Center, has been entertaining vacationers and locals alike for years, and you and your family are sure to have an experience you'll never forget!

Ripley's Aquarium
Sunday - Thursday 9am - 8pm, Friday - Saturday 9am - 9pm

Discover why Ripley's Aquarium is South Carolina's most visited attraction!  Each year, thousands of vacationers flock to see the wide variety of exotic fish and ocean life that call Ripley's their home.  Get a closeup look at some of the sea's most beautiful and dangerous predators as you move through a tunnel on the aquarium's 340ft glide path, where you'll come face-to-face with sharks, sawfish,  sea turtles, snappers and tropical fish.  Other tanks feature a Pacific Giant Octopus, coral, piranhas, poison dart frogs and more.  If you want to get hands-on, you can even pet stingrays and horseshoe crabs!

Ripley's Marvelous Mirror Maze
Sunday - Thursday 11am - 7pm, Friday - Saturday 11am - 8pm

Try your navigation skills in a 2,000 sq ft maze unlike any you've ever experienced!  Ripley's Marvelous Mirror Maze is designed to keep you turned around and laughing.  Hundreds of mirrors reflect dozens of pathways that lead you to tricky corners, dead ends and looping in circles.  The maze's LED lighting and digital sound take the experience to a whole new level.  If you're really looking for a challenge, use the kaleidoscope glasses, which create rainbow effects to increase your confusion and test your abilities!

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium
Sunday - Thursday 10am - 7pm, Friday - Saturday 10am - 8pm

Are you intrigued by the weird, odd and unexplained?  Then this Ripley's museum is just the place for you!  This famous attraction features a large collection of unusual artifacts from all around the world.  Over 500 exhibits display everything from shrunken heads to 9 legged-cows, transformers to a model of the world's tallest man!  This museum is sure to provide "weird, wild, wacky fun" for your whole family.

Ripley's Haunted Adventure
Sunday - Thursday 12pm - 7pm, Friday - Saturday 12pm - 8pm

Do you dare enter?  This multi-million dollar haunted house is sure to send a chill down your spine and set your heart racing!  As creepy ghouls guide you through the dark mansion, live actors, animatronics and intense special effects are strategically placed to scare and spook you at every turn.  This attraction is not for the faint of heart - enter at your own risk!




Ripley's Moving 5D Theater
Sunday - Thursday 11am - 7pm, Friday - Saturday 11am - 8pm

Ripley's Moving 5D theater provides the most incredible movie experience you'll ever encounter!  You have the opportunity to live the movie, not just watch it!  The virtual reality simulator sends you on a ride of bumps, dips and turns in seats that move in 8 different directions in sequence with the film.  To engage all of your senses, the theater also uses surround sound, special effects, 3D imaging and even smell!


Whether you visit all or one of these attractions, you are guaranteed to give your family a vacation experience unlike any other.  On your way to the coast, be sure to stop at the Official Myrtle Beach Welcome Center in Aynor to receive additional information and purchase tickets to these incredible Ripley's attractions!

Living History: Plantation Tours in South Carolina

While we're famous for our coastline, South Carolina offers so much more than just beautiful beaches! We have a dramatic history that spans through centuries and played a major role in America's biggest moments.  When you visit the area, you have the opportunity to step back in time and experience what South Carolina was like hundreds of years ago.  The state has dozens of Plantations that are open to the public for tour and many of them are within a 2 hour drive of Myrtle Beach!  Here are a few of our favorites:

Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet

Hundreds of years ago, what is now Brookgreen Gardens was divided into 4 rice plantations known as The Oaks, Springfield, Laurel Hill and Brookgreen (owned by the largest American slaveholder).  While little remains of these plantations, a few relics have survived the passage of time including the Alston family cemetery.  Governor Joseph Alston was the proprietor of The Oaks Plantation with his wife, Theodosia Burr Alston, daughter of Vice President Aaron Burr.  Gov. Alston and his child are buried here with a memorial to Theodosia, who was lost at sea and reportedly haunts the Grand Strand looking for her father.  While strolling along the trail, you'll also see the former sight of the plantation house, the slave village and the foundation of the spring house.  One of the Laurel Hill rice mills also remains.  The rest of the property was transformed by the Huntington's into America's first public sculpture garden during the early 1930s.  Visitors enjoy beautiful moss-draped oaks in perfectly manicured gardens, elegant sculptures, a small zoo, butterfly house and even boat tours on the Waccamaw River.

Hopsewee Plantation in Georgetown

Built several decades before the Revolutionary War, Hopsewee Plantation was owned by Thomas Lynch, Sr. and his wife, Elizabeth Alston of Brookgreen Plantation.  This prominent family played a large role in the history of the United States.  James Lynch, Sr worked with Benjamin Franklin as an adviser to General Washington while his son, Thomas Lynch, Jr., was the 52nd signer of the Declaration of Independence.  The house, decorated with 18th and 19th century style furnishings, sits on the Santee River surrounded by incredible low-country scenery and has been preserved rather than restored. Visitors can take a guided tour of the house, walk along the many nature trails, participate in a sweetgrass basket weaving class and experience an English style tea service with Southern influence at the River Oak Cottage.

Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant

Dating back to the late 1600s, Boone Hall prides itself on being one of the oldest working plantations in the United States and has been featured in films such as North and South and The Notebook.  The property is named for its first proprietor, John Boone, one of the first settlers of the Colony.  The entrance to the plantation will take your breath away as you drive down the famous Avenue of Oaks, which was planted from 1743 - 1843 and spans almost a mile.  While the plantation's original house has been lost, the property boasts a Colonial Revival plantation house that was built in the 1930s.  The grounds also feature 9 original slave cabins dating back to around 1800, a cotton gin house dating back to 1853 and a smoke house from 1750.  Though no longer growing cotton, Boone Hall produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and offers U-Pick fields (in season) to their guests. Visitors can also take a tour of the Plantation House and Slave Quarters by guides in period clothing, coach tours, garden tours and enjoy the butterfly pavilion. 

Drayton Hall in Charleston

Drayton Hall, built in 1738 and owned by 7 generations of the Drayton family, is a living piece of history.  The original Plantation House has been meticulously preserved to bring visitors a most accurate depiction of life in18th and 19th century America.  The house has withstood the American Revolution, in which it was used as a staging ground for both Colonial and British troops, the Civil War, the great Charleston earthquake of 1886 and many hurricanes!  Visitors take a guided tour of the Plantation house, learn about the Drayton family and their slaves (the Bowens), explore the grounds and visit the nation's oldest documented African-American cemetery that is still in use today.

Magnolia Plantation in Charleston

Magnolia Plantation was founded in the 1670s by the Drayton family.  This beautiful property is famous as the oldest public gardens in America, having opened for tours in the 1870s.  Areas of the garden date back 325 years and visitors enjoy gorgeous camellias, daffodils, azaleas and dozens of other species.  The current plantation home is the third to grace the site since it was founded. The core of the structure dates back to the pre-revolutionary war and guided tours of the home, which feature Drayton family heirlooms and artifacts, depict what life was like hundreds of years ago.  Guests can also tour slave quarters that date back to the 1850s, take a tram tour of the property, enjoy a boat tour along the Ashley River and visit the small zoo that features wildlife native to the area.

To learn more about these incredible plantations and the many others South Carolina has to offer, click here. And remember to stop at the Official Myrtle Beach Welcome Center to receive additional area information and discounts on hotel stays and other Grand Strand attractions!

Premier Partner Highlight: Legends in Concert

There are dozens of exciting shows on the Grand Strand, but only one venue lets you experience 5 of your favorite entertainers all in one night. Legends in Concert, the world's greatest live tribute show, has been thrilling Myrtle Beach audiences for 17 years and keeps us coming back for more!

Direct from fabulous Las Vegas, Legends in Concert is your ticket to the stars you've loved and listened to all your life. Each show features 5 talented artists who look and sound like the iconic entertainers who have defined generations. The artists are rotated every few months, creating a brand new show that will put Legends on your must-see list every time you vacation in Myrtle Beach. Due to popular demand, only one icon takes up permanent residence here (though the impersonator may change): the King, Elvis Presley. Other featured legends include: Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton, the Blues Brothers, Whitney Houston, Steven Tyler, Little Richard, Celine Dion, Marilyn Monroe, Stevie Wonder, Britney Spears, Rod Stewart, Aretha Franklin, Alan Jackson and many more. The wide array of artists from all generations are sure to appeal to adults and kids alike.

Behind every great artist is a fabulous crew. Legends dazzles with spectacular back-up dancers performing original choreography and a hot live band. Each entertainer is dressed in full costume just like the original artist would wear; you'll swear you're looking at the real thing.

Don't miss your chance to see this award-winning tribute show! On your way to the Grand Strand, stop by the Official Myrtle Beach Welcome Center in Aynor, SC. We'll provide you with discount tickets to Legends in Concert and other area attractions. For questions or additional information, call 1-803-358-8100. We'll see you soon in beautiful Myrtle Beach!

Fishing on the Grand Strand

Myrtle Beach attracts visitors from all over who enjoy the white sandy beaches.  Others consider it a golfer's paradise, with over 100 courses in the area. But what many people don't realize is that the Grand Strand is also an ideal retreat for fishing! Between the Atlantic and the Waccamaw River, anglers find a wide variety of prime fishing opportunities. Our beautiful area boasts several locations for surf, pier, deep sea and freshwater fishing.

Surf Fishing

Surf Fishing in Myrtle Beach

With over 60 miles of uninterrupted coastline, the Grand Strand offers prime surf fishing. Cast your line and relax on the beach while waiting for the bluefish, croaker, whiting, skate or pompano to bite! The meticulously preserved coastline at Huntington Beach State Park also presents the opportunity to catch flounder, sea trout, red and black drum, mackerel and sheepshead. When surf fishing, the best success usually occurs from high to low tide. If you don't have your own, rent your gear from a pier or a local bait & tackle shop. Children under the age of 16 are not required to have a license when fishing in the surf. Most area beaches permit surf fishing but may temporarily ban it if there are too many swimmers.

Pier Fishing

Among the most popular locations for saltwater fishing are the many piers that dot our shores. Fish are attracted to the marine species and organisms that make the pier their home, creating an ideal spot for a fisherman eager for action! The most common species to lurk these waters include whiting, sea trout, spot trout, king mackerel, spanish mackerel, flounder, drum, tarpon and mullet. Aside from the chance for a great catch, the piers also offer sweeping views of the coastline and quick access to bait & tackle shops, restaurants and bars. Recommended piers include: Cherry Grove, 2nd Avenue, Springmaid, Surfside and the Pier at Garden City (for additional information including pricing, follow the pier links). To see a list of when the various types of fish are in season, see the bottom of the webpage at this link.

Deep Sea Fishing

Voyager Fishing Charters

If you're eager to sail out into the big blue in search of large fish and an exciting experience, you're in luck! The Grand Strand features several charter services ready for adventure, equipped with state-of-the-art electronics for navigation and fish finding.  Each company has several packages tailored to fit your needs based on the number of people in your group, how long you'd like to fish and your level of experience.  If you're new to angling, no need to worry! Most companies offer equipment rental and instruction from their experienced captain and crew. Based on the time of year, you can find dolphin, wahoo, mahi mahi, shark, marlin, sea bass, snapper, barracuda, king mackerel, grouper, cobia and amberjack. If you're interested in deep sea excursions, local charters include: Hurricane Fleet, Voyager Fishing Charters, Georgetown Coastal Adventures and Captain Raymond's Fishing & Cruises.

Freshwater Fishing

Waccamaw River

The South's 140+ mile Waccamaw River winds serenely through the Grand Strand, bringing excellent freshwater fishing opportunities to the area. Catfish, perch, crappie, bass and bowfin are a few of the species found in the black waters. Fishing from the shore can be difficult due to wetlands, but look for a few spots off of Dick Pond Road by the Socastee swing bridge and by Elm Street in Conway. You'll have an even better fishing experience if you take to the water! Renting or bringing a boat, canoe or kayak will give you easy access to the best fishing spots. Wacca Wache Marina (located in the fishing village of Murrell's Inlet) and the Conway Marina provide boat launch sites as well as rentals.

Keep in mind- if you're looking to catch dinner, we offer more than just fish. Head to the shore and harvest oysters, clams, crabs and shrimp to make a home-cooked seafood buffet!

Now that you know the best places to go, it's time to gather your gear and make your way to the water.  If you have any additional questions about the Grand Strand area, be sure to stop by the Official Myrtle Beach Welcome Center in Aynor, South Carolina. Happy fishing everyone!

Myrtle Beach Nightlife

After a day of fun and sun, the neon lights come on and Myrtle Beach gears up for a night of entertainment. The Grand Strand has nightlife to suit every taste and style. Whether you want to sit back and relax with a drink or dance the night away, here's your guide to some of the best nightlife the Grand Strand has to offer.

1The Bowery

A Myrtle Beach hot-spot since 1944, The Bowery is known as the home of world renowned country group, Alabama. This saloon has a menu full of "Dixieland Delights" with a bar serving over 100 different kinds of liquor, beer and wine. House band  "The Bounty Hunters", as well as many other groups who play here, entertain you with the sounds of true country music. Even the waiters are fun to watch, carrying 10 mugs without a tray and performing special acts to amuse their guests. Proud of their reputation as a "true truckin' saloon", The Bowery will show you how we have fun down South!

2 Crocodile Rocks

Named after the 1972 Elton John hit, Crocodile Rocks is Myrtle Beach's hottest dueling piano bar. Sit back and enjoy your drink as feisty piano players take your requests and attempt to outdo each other with over-the-top arrangements. Sing along with your favorite tunes and laugh 'til it hurts during their North vs. South and College Rivalry duels. This is a nightlife experience unlike any other!


3 Club Boca
Known as one of the most lavish clubs in Myrtle Beach, this upscale venue provides you with a big city experience. A 16 foot wall plays your favorite music videos as you dance to mainstream hits and latin house music. Special features include mirrors, fog, intelligent lighting and multilevel dance platforms while Mango's Martini Bar serves up the drinks. If you're looking for high-energy nightlife, Club Boca is your destination!


4 House of Blues
One of only 13 locations in the United States, Myrtle Beach's House of Blues reflects the personality of the area. Built to resemble a farmhouse adjoined to an old tobacco warehouse, this venue offers the level of quality entertainment expected by the brand name. House of Blues hosts international artists, cornhole competitions and even a Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre. The restaurant's delicious menu has something for everyone and a bar to go with it!

5 Comedy Cabana
Sit back, relax and be entertained! As Myrtle Beach's only five-star comedy club, The Comedy Cabana features a fantastic crew performing hilarious stand-up acts. This smoke-free venue also offers tasty dishes served up by the Good Humor Bar & Grill. Teens between ages 15 and 17 are admitted to this club when accompanied by an adult.




6 Senor Frogs
This quirky venue carries a theme of relaxation with a helping of silliness. The walls are covered with funky decor, funny videos and bloopers play on screens and the waiters perform crazy antics. Go for dinner and stay for the night entertainment! Expect conga lines, live music, contests, DJs and reggae bands to set the mood for you to dance the night away!

7 Rossi's Italian Restaurant
For a more sophisticated night on the town, head to Rossi's Italian Restaurant. After eating a mouth-watering dinner, you'll step into the 88s Piano Bar where you can enjoy the live entertainment until 2am. Select a drink from their exceptional wine list and indulge in a creation from the decadent dessert menu!

8 Karma Teen Nightlife
Founded in 2006, Karma provides 13-19 year olds with a safe, fun nightlife venue. Teens dance on the 5,000 sq ft floor to tunes spun by the DJ while music videos play on large screens across the room. As of 2012, Karma is also featuring a brand new light and sound show to create the ultimate teen nightlife experience!


Go let your hair down and have a great time! And remember- if you need any additional entertainment information, be sure to stop at the Official Myrtle Beach Welcome Center in Aynor, South Carolina on your way to Myrtle Beach.