Here are 5 of the best walkable destinations around Myrtle Beach, SC and why they’re great

With roughly 60 miles of beaches, it would take quite a while to check out the Grand Strand as a pedestrian. But for locals and tourists interested in exploring the Myrtle Beach area on foot, there are some walkable destinations where you can find relaxation, excitement and South Carolina charm, all without calling a car.

Whether you’re looking to take the perfect Instagram picture, reconnect with nature or delve into local history, here are the top five places around Myrtle Beach to spend a day without a car.

The Market Common

The former Air Force military base is conveniently located next door to the Myrtle Beach International Airport and offers free luggage storage in the Market Common Management Office. The district is easily navigable on foot and features dining, shopping and entertainment options. Visitors can walk or rent a bike to explore the neighborhood’s coastal charm. History buffs can also learn about the area’s military history through historic markers around the district.

Market Common in Myrtle Beach.
Market Common in Myrtle Beach.

Broadway at the Beach

Broadway at the Beach is packed with more than 350 acres of restaurants, shops, rides and more. Visitors looking for adventure can check out amusement park rides at Pavillion Park, ride a zipline or cruise Lake Broadway in relaxing swan boats and high-speed jet boats. The entire area is created for pedestrians, but with immersive exhibits, educational attractions and street performers, just exploring Broadway is sure to take some time.

It’s also a must-visit spot for fans of celebrity restaurants. Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen and Wahlburgers — founded by Mark, Donnie and Paul Wahlberg — are among the two dozen restaurant options at Broadway. Information about events like live music, happy hours and fireworks shows can be found on the calendar.

An aerial view of Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach. The shopping and entertainment center is one of the most popular locations in Myrtle Beach. Sun News File Photo originally published April 2, 2020.
An aerial view of Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach. The shopping and entertainment center is one of the most popular locations in Myrtle Beach. Sun News File Photo originally published April 2, 2020.

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade

Situated between the 2nd Avenue and 14th Avenue Piers in Downtown Myrtle Beach, the boardwalk gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy both the beach and tourist favorites. At beachfront restaurants and ice cream spots, you can dine with a view, and classic arcades and attractions like Ripley’s Believe it or Not are perfect destinations for families looking to escape the sun for a bit.

The boardwalk is also a great place to visit if you want a picture that screams Myrtle Beach. You can strike a pose at designated “selfie stations” put out by the city of Myrtle Beach featuring surfboards, sandcastles and colorful turtles and fish or hop on the iconic SkyWheel for a bird’s eye view of the beach.

Conway Riverwalk

Located on the Waccamaw River, the Conway Riverwalk is the perfect place to observe Cypress trees, ducks and other local wildlife. Known for its dark color, the river is dyed black by tannins that seep into the water. The flat boardwalk trail is 1.5 miles from start to finish and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

Visitors can take kayak or pontoon tours at the Conway City Marina or check out the playground in Riverfront Park. The river town is also home to historic downtown Conway. After exploring the riverwalk, charming restaurants and boutiques are just a short walk away.

The Waccamaw River’s dark color is natural result of tannins dying the water.
The Waccamaw River’s dark color is natural result of tannins dying the water.

Barefoot Landing

Settled between the Intracoastal Waterway and a lake in North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing is a little smaller than Broadway at the Beach, but offers many of the same amenities and experiences. The area has more than 50 unique shops, a winery and brewery, restaurants and outdoor fun for kids, like a carousel, ropes course and playground. Animal enthusiasts can also check out Alligator Adventure, a reptile-focused zoo just next door to Barefoot Landing, to observe and learn about one of the Carolinas’ native apex predators.

Barefoot Landing is also a perfect destination if you’re looking for a show. House of Blues and the Dockside Village Stage are great places to catch live music and the Alabama Theatre is home to “ICONIC,” a family-friendly variety show featuring music, comedy and choreography. More information about when and where to find events like musical acts, street performances and fireworks displays at Barefoot Landing is available on the website.