As you plan your next Grand Strand vacation here at Dayton House Resort, you’re likely also planning out your getaway’s budget. But who wants to skimp when they’re on vacation?
Don’t worry — Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and the surrounding areas offer a wealth of opportunities to enjoy a fun time out and about without having to spend a dime. The best free activities, attractions, and other things to do in Myrtle Beach include the beach, the Burroughs-Chapin Art Museum, and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.
Free Activities for Kids in Myrtle Beach
Traveling with little ones? We’ve got good news. There are plenty of free, kid-friendly activities in Myrtle Beach that are perfect for keeping the youngest of travelers active, entertained, and smiling — all without breaking your budget.
Savannah’s Playground
Located at Grand Park in The Market Common, Savannah’s Playground is an award-winning play area created to accommodate kids of all abilities. Its state-of-the-art equipment was designed specifically for inclusive play, with highlights including swings, slides, a zip line, and climbing structures. In the section called Harmony Park, built-in “instruments” encourage creative music-making. For adults, the lakefront park offers plenty of benches with permanent umbrellas to provide shade.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is free for all visitors to stroll. The 1.2-mile wooden walkway along the downtown oceanfront is fun for all ages, but many of its attractions are especially alluring to kids. For example, a sculpture at Plyler Park depicts a mermaid swimming with dolphins. And kids are sure to love the Boardwalk’s frequent live street performances — especially during the Hot Summer Nights entertainment series. Other highlights on the walk from Pier 14 to the Second Avenue Pier include oceanfront picnic spots, SkyWheel Myrtle Beach, and kid-friendly arcades filled with classic games and prizes.
Free Things for Adults To Do in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach offers several free activities and attractions for grown-up travelers, too. From scenic strolls to inspiring museums, these no-cost experiences add value and variety to any itinerary.
Broadway at the Beach
Sprawling Myrtle Beach hot spot Broadway at the Beach is home to more than 75 stores and shops; nearly 50 restaurants, sweets shops, bakeries, and nightlife destinations; and 20-plus fun family attractions. While the destination offers a little something for everyone, it’s an especially big draw for the adults in your vacation crew looking to shop, dine, and enjoy an evening out. No matter who you bring along, admission to the complex is totally free of charge.
The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
Located in a historic coastal fishing village on the southern Strand, the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk features a half-mile wooden boardwalk overlooking a salt marsh and lined with waterfront restaurants and bars. While the views of the surrounding natural saltwater estuary could be considered priceless, the cost to visit — zero dollars and zero cents — definitely won’t take a big toll on your vacation budget.
Free Myrtle Beach Museums
The Grand Strand is home to an impressive collection of museums catering to guests of all ages and interests. Two free museums in the Myrtle Beach area offer history and art buffs the chance to soak in the area’s culture, plus get an enlightening glimpse into the region’s past. The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum showcases permanent collections and rotating exhibits of regional and contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, photography, textiles, and ceramics. A bit inland in nearby Conway, the Horry County Museum is home to fascinating exhibits on local history, wildlife, and Southern heritage, all housed in a beautifully restored historic building.
Free Attractions in Myrtle Beach for All Ages
Some of the best places to go to in Myrtle Beach for free include the beach, fireworks displays, and a regular schedule of area events and festivals — and most of them are ideal for visitors of all ages.
The Beach
The Grand Strand’s 60-plus miles of coastline offer abundant opportunities for a sandy escape from the everyday routine. Even better, the beaches in Myrtle Beach are free to enjoy. There’s no charge to take a walk along the shore, sink your toes in the sand, or even swim in the ocean. (And when you stay at Dayton House Resort, a beautiful stretch of beach and an expansive oceanfront lawn are both just steps away.)
Free All-Ages Events and Festivals
As a world-class travel destination, Myrtle Beach enjoys a busy festival and event calendar throughout the year, with highlights Little River ShrimpFest, the Conway Riverfest, and the Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art. Many of the associated events and activities are free of charge and fun for guests of all ages.
Free Myrtle Beach Fireworks
Not much adds spark to a beach vacation like watching fireworks from the shoreline. In the Myrtle Beach area, complimentary fireworks shows light up the night skies throughout the summer and beyond — at multiple locations up and down the coast. Among them: Barefoot Landing, Broadway at the Beach, and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.
From scenic strolls to vibrant local experiences, Myrtle Beach is packed with free activities that make it easy to enjoy the coast without overspending. At Dayton House Resort, our variety of on-site amenities adds even more value to your stay — no extra cost, no need to leave the property. Browse our current specials and book your budget-friendly beach escape today!