20 Free & Affordable Things to Do in the Myrtle Beach Area
Looking to stretch your dollars while soaking up every bit of sunshine and fun the Grand Strand has to offer? You've come to the right place.
From iconic attractions and unforgettable experiences to small surprises hiding around every corner, Myrtle Beach is packed with free and low-cost things to do for every type of traveler.
Before you dive into all the possibilities, feel free to stop by one of our visitor information centers—including the main location at 1200 N. Oak St. or our airport welcome center — to grab brochures, maps and money-saving coupons in our annual visitors guide.
Many hotels also provide local coupon books like the Monster Coupon Book or Myrtle Beach Bucks, offering deals on everything from dining and mini golf to shopping and shows. You can also explore top discounts and coupons online and start saving before your flip-flops even hit the sand.
Free Things to Do in Myrtle Beach
The Beach
All across The Grand Strand
What could be a better free amenity to start at than our 60 miles of wide, soft, sandy beach on the Grand Strand? Be sure to pack your beach towels, blanket, or beach chairs so you don’t have to rent them. Wake up early in the morning and run along the ocean to take in the fresh, salty air. It’s good for your body, mind, and soul! Let the kids splash, swim, and surf in the water and create memories. Want to take an afternoon nap? Grab your chair, sit down, let your toes sink into the warm sand, and relax under the sun, with the backdrop of the soothing waves rolling in.
Broadway at the Beach
Myrtle Beach
This 350-acre outdoor entertainment, dining, and shopping complex in the heart of Myrtle Beach surrounds a man-made lake. While the lineup of savory restaurants, bars and nightlife, family-friendly dining, boutiques, and live entertainment theaters will cost you, it’s free to roam around Broadway and take in all the sights and senses. During the summer, Broadway hosts a free Summer Nights Entertainment Series, complete with stilt walkers, fire dancers, acoustic musicians, character appearances, and more. And, on most Tuesdays and Fridays at 10 p.m., Broadway even puts on a free firework extravaganza over the lake!
Barefoot Landing
North Myrtle Beach
This open-air destination on the north end of Myrtle Beach features scenic walking paths between a lake and the Intracoastal Waterway, making it a great spot to window shop, explore quirky and fun retail spots, or just stroll along the water. In the warmer months, Barefoot’s Dockside Village Amphitheater lights up with free live music on weekend nights—just bring a lawn chair or a blanket and settle in. For families with little ones, there’s a fun playground near Crooked Hammock Brewing, a colorful spot which also offers free backyard games. Hop over to LuLu’s, where you can also catch more free tunes, waterfront vibes and more for kids to do like ping pong, volleyball and a water play area.
Charlie's Place
Carver Street, Myrtle Beach
Step into the heart of Myrtle Beach’s Civil Rights and cultural legacy with a visit to two nearby, free historic gems. Charlie’s Place was once a legendary stop where Black music icons like Ray Charles, Billie Holiday, and Little Richard played to integrated crowds. Today, visitors can tour the restored nightclub and adjacent motel on Tuesdays and Fridays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Just a few blocks away, the Historic Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum tells the story of segregated education from the 1930s to the 1950s and is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Together, these two sites offer a meaningful glimpse into the stories and resilience that helped shape Myrtle Beach.
Conway Riverwalk
Second Avenue, Downtown Conway
Overlooking the picturesque Waccamaw River, the Conway Riverwalk is a peaceful place to visit in the charming, historic town of Conway just northwest of Myrtle Beach. Newly expanded in 2025, this free Riverwalk winds beneath the landmark 1937 Waccamaw River Memorial Bridge and now stretches deeper into the heart of downtown, where you’ll find colorful murals, public art, and great window shopping. Along your stroll, check out the old peanut warehouse, the playground and shaded gazebo at Riverfront Park, and look out for the whimsical Conway Critters, fun sculptures that are part of the Myrtle Beach Arts & Gallery Trail.
Disc Golf Courses
Across the Myrtle Beach Area
The Grand Strand is a surprisingly great place to throw a disc, with more than a dozen public disc golf courses that are completely free to play. Favorites include Splinter City in Myrtle Beach, The Boneyard in Conway, and Socastee DCG in Socastee, each with a scenic layout and unique challenges. Whether you’re a serious player or just tossing for fun, it’s an easy way to enjoy the fresh air and get a little competitive without spending a dime.
Free Live Music Series
Across the Grand Strand
In the summer months, the Grand Strand heats up with a massive lineup of free outdoor concerts that are perfect for lawn-chair lounging and dancing barefoot in the grass. Highlights include Music on Main in downtown North Myrtle Beach, the family-friendly Sounds of Summer at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex, and Concerts on the Green at Valor Park in The Market Common. Conway's Groovin' on the Green series brings toe-tapping tunes to their charming downtown, while Garden City Beach Pier is known for summer music with a view. For a more lively vibe, head to the Boathouse in Myrtle Beach for their popular Sunday Funday backyard concert series or drop into Ocean Annie's Beach Bar any day of the week. And if you're near Barefoot Landing, don’t miss Live Music on The Deck at House of Blues—another no-cost way to soak up the sound of the season.
Horry County Museum
Main Street, Conway
Step back in time at the Horry County Museum in historic downtown Conway, a free and fascinating stop for anyone curious about how the Grand Strand came to be. With exhibits on everything from prehistoric fossils to local wildlife to the region's cultural roots, it’s a great indoor escape—especially for older visitors or families with young kids looking to cool off and slow down. Just a few miles away, the L.W. Paul Living History Farm brings history to life with hands-on demonstrations, working animals, and farm life from the early 1900s. It’s a peaceful, shaded setting where kids can run around and adults can enjoy a taste of simpler times. Admission to both is totally free!
Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
Murrells Inlet
Visit the historic fishing village of Murrells Inlet and take a scenic stroll along The MarshWalk—where the saltwater marsh practically steals the show. You’ll spot herons, egrets, and all kinds of critters doing their thing in the wild, while fishing boats cruise by and sometimes even unload the day’s fresh catch. The people-watching is top-tier, the vibe is pure coastal Carolina, and there’s always something to see, from local artisans selling their goods to the sounds of live music rolling in with the evening breeze. Add in some of the best waterfront restaurants around, and you’ve got yourself a free and fabulous slice of the inlet life.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
2nd to 14th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach
There is no admission to walk on the Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade that stretches 1.2 miles along the coastline. And you won’t have to pay an arm and a leg to play on the boardwalk’s old penny arcade games, buy a little something from one of the many souvenir shops, or a grab a bite or a beer from one of the bars and restaurants. There are also not-to-be-missed attractions for the whole family, such as SkyWheel Myrtle Beach, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!, Ripley's Crazy Golf, and more. And the boardwalk and Plyler Park are transformed into Hot Summer Nights every summer, from mid-June to early summer, a free, kid-friendly entertainment zone!
The Market Common
Myrtle Beach
This stylish village district, once a former Air Force base, is now one of Myrtle Beach’s coolest spots to spend the day. Enjoy the area as you window shop your way through indie boutiques, sip something tasty on an outdoor patio, or take a breezy bike ride through the shaded streets. Throughout the year, you’ll stumble into free fun like Art in the Park, seasonal farmer's markets, outdoor movie nights under the stars, and seasonal festivals in Valor Park. Nearby at Grand Park, you'll find one of the area's best free spots for kids, the massive Savannah's Playground. Veterans will also appreciate Warbird Park, an area devoted to military history with monuments honoring the Air Froce Base, WWII, 9/11 and more.
Vereen Memorial Gardens
Little River
Tucked away just south of the North Carolina border in Little River, Vereen Memorial Gardens is a hidden gem that’s equal parts peaceful and wild. This free park is a local favorite for shaded hikes or breezy jogs through maritime forest trails. Along the way, you can explore historic remnants like the old Vereen family cemetery and take in the beauty of the salt marshes from scenic boardwalks teeming with wildlife—think birds, fish, crabs, and the occasional turtle. It’s also a prime perch for watching boats cruise by on the Intracoastal Waterway. Visitors can also wander out to the Wishing Tree, a whimsical spot where oyster shells dangle with handwritten hopes and dreams. Ideal for nature lovers, families, and anyone craving a quiet moment with a great view.
Things To Do Under $25 in Myrtle Beach
Family Kingdom Amusement Park
3rd Avenue South, Myrtle Beach
Enjoy screams, dreams, and flying machines at Family Kingdom Amusement Park, a long-standing Myrtle Beach tradition for more than 45 years. It's completely free to walk around the park and soak up the nostalgic seaside vibes, making it a great stop even if you're not riding. Want to hop on the rides? Tickets are just $1 each, with rides ranging from 4 to 18 tickets. Of course, grab as are you'll want to ride them all so you can also grab an all-you-can-ride wristband for $30 wristband if you purchase within the first hour the park is open each day. Print out a coupon from their website to save even more and enjoy more than 30 rides and coasters at this classic, family-friendly park by the sea!
Franklin G. Burroughs-Simon B. Chapin Art Museum
3100 S. Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach
The Myrtle Beach Art Museum has been a beloved cultural escape since 1977, tucked inside a restored 1920s beach cottage just steps from the ocean. Inside, you’ll find a rotating lineup of compelling exhibitions by living Southern artists—past highlights include local legends like Alex Powers, Dixie Dugan, and Ouida Salvo. With 11 galleries to explore and a calendar full of special events, the museum is the perfect place to cool off, slow down, and soak up a bit of inspiration. General admission is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors 65+, and free for kids 18 and under, plus veterans, EBT cardholders, and members. Every visit helps support exhibitions, arts education, and access to creativity for the whole community.
Miniature Golf
Across the Grand Strand
There's a reason Myrtle Beach is known as the Mini Golf Capital of the World. Here, you can choose from the more than 30 miniature golf courses with themes ranging from Pirates, Jungles and Animals to Volcanos, Dragons and Out-Of-This-World Adventures. Most courses ranging from $10-13 per round for adults, with tickets as low as $7 for kids (2 and younger are generally free). To get the most out of this affordable fun family activity, we reccommend taking advantage of all-day play passes, looking for $1 off discounts online or taking advantage of coupons like this one for Red Dragon Cove.
Myrtle Beach Beer Trail
Across the Grand Strand
Check out the Myrtle Beach Beer Trail, a great way to experience a growing list of breweries and craft brew spots in the Myrtle Beach area. Many of our local breweries in the Myrtle Beach area offer free tours of their brewing process to those over 21 — and sometimes free samples along the way. Many of these spots also offer free live music and outdoor kids’ games and plenty for the family to do while you sample the local suds. Our free digital pass is a great way to earn prizes while visiting spots like Grand Strand Brewing Company, Crooked Hammock Brewery, Tidal Creek Brewhouse, Southern Hops Brewing Co. and Voodoo Brewing Company at Broadway at the Beach.
State Parks
Myrtle Beach & Murrells Inlet
We are proud to have two on the Grand Strand, each featuring acres of beautiful, natural, lush landscape along the ocean. Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park. Pick through shells, shark teeth, and sea glass on the wide beach, and explore nature trails, nature centers, a castle, a fishing pier, and more for only $8 or less per person as a park admission fee. The state parks also offer free children’s programs throughout the year.
Wine & Spirits Tastings
North Myrtle Beach, Littler River & Loris
If you prefer wine or something stronger, the north end of town offers a flavorful lineup of stops to sip at. Start at Barefoot Landing, where you can check out local shops like Carolina Vineyards Winery and Coastal Win Boutique, as well as enjoy affordable tastings of sweet muscadine wines at Duplin Winery. Next, head over to Little River to Twelve 33 Distillery, where you can sample small-batch spirits, join a behind-the-scenes tour, or explore their creative cocktail flights. Just a short drive away you'll also find, La Belle Amie Vineyard which welcomes visitors for relaxed tastings, seasonal festivals and music events and Barn View Winery in Loris — a new addition to the area's vino offerings.
Explore Our Piers
Across The Grand Strand
Strolling a pier is one of the most iconic Myrtle Beach experiences—and each one offers a slightly different vibe, view, and price tag. Whether you’re snapping scenic ocean photos, casting a line, or just enjoying the salty air, piers are a relaxing and affordable way to soak in the beach.
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2nd Avenue Pier (Myrtle Beach): $2 per person to walk, with oceanfront dining and great skyline views.
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14th Avenue Pier (Myrtle Beach): $1 walking fee; this central boardwalk staple is great for people-watching and classic beach energy.
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Surfside Pier (Surfside Beach): Recently rebuilt and reopened, the walking fee is $1; family-friendly and perfect for a sunset stroll.
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Garden City Pier (Garden City Beach): Free to walk! Known for its live music during summer and laid-back crowd.
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Cherry Grove Pier (North Myrtle Beach): $3 per person to walk this historic pier that stretches deep into the ocean—great for bird-watching, sunrise views, and even spotting dolphins.
Most piers also have tackle shops, snack bars, and a few shady benches for when you want to sit back and just let the beach do its thing.