Travel Tidbits - Inspire a Lifetime of Curiosity in Myrtle Beach

As summer begins to wind down and schools start back up, it’s the perfect time of year to turn a beloved beach trip into an adventure filled with hands-on learning and discovery. Across South Carolina’s Grand Strand, families can uncover hidden treasures, visit historic landmarks, and experience science and marine life in exciting new ways.

“The beach creates special occasions for families to spend meaningful time together, and some of the best memories come from encountering something new,” said Stuart Butler, president of Visit Myrtle Beach. “From exploring our rich history and natural environments to interactive attractions that make learning fun, the Myrtle Beach area offers experiences that entertain, educate and inspire curiosity for a lifetime.”

This summer’s beach renourishment project widened miles of shoreline, helping to protect the coastline by adding sand once buried beneath the ocean floor. Treasure hunters can now uncover an abundance of unique shells and shark teeth, turning a beach day into a fun science lesson.

Sea turtle nesting and hatching season runs through October and both Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park offer one-of-a-kind chances to view turtle tracks and nests. Learn about marine life through ranger-led programs or explore the preserved ecosystems on your own.

Through mid-October, hop aboard the Visit Murrells Inlet Saltwater Marsh Eco Tour, where a wildlife biologist helps families discover the coastal estuary and the wildlife that call it home. The two-hour cruise includes live touch-tank discoveries and exploration of a private beach.

At the world-renowned Brookgreen Gardens, the Lowcountry Zoo is home to rescued native wildlife such as red wolves, bald eagles and American alligators. You can also catch one of the live demonstrations at Alligator Adventure in North Myrtle Beach, which features hundreds of reptiles and other animals.

Dive into discovery at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach through a variety of immersive experiences like feeding stingrays, meeting a penguin or sloth up close, and going behind the scenes at the Marine Science Research Center to learn how the aquarium’s animals are cared for.

STEM-focused experiences also abound at WonderWorks with more than 100 interactive exhibits like the Astronaut Training Gyro and the Bubble Lab. And at EdVenture Myrtle Beach, younger children enjoy imaginative play at the Coastal Café, the Neighborhood Market and other spaces.

Take a step back in time while celebrating America’s 250th birthday in Conway, one of South Carolina’s oldest communities, where historic charm meets vibrant college town energy. Stroll beneath centuries-old live oaks while admiring the scenic views along the Riverwalk, relive the tales of Revolutionary War hero “The Swamp Fox” at Horry County Museum and learn about the legacy of farm-to-table at the L.W. Paul Living History Farm. All three experiences are free.

From the shoreline to historic downtowns, interactive attractions and protected natural areas, the Grand Strand invites families to learn something new while creating unforgettable memories. For more unique ways to learn and explore at the beach, visit VisitMyrtleBeach.com.

About Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Myrtle Beach isn’t just a beach. It’s The Beach. Popularly known as the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is one destination made up of 14 unique communities that stretch 60 miles along the northeast coast of South Carolina. Families, couples and those in search of a warm welcome will find more than just a day at The Beach when they come together to connect and enjoy vibrant entertainment and family attractions, including world-class golf, shopping and fresh coastal Carolina cuisine. From the moment you arrive, you’ll find you belong at The Beach – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. For additional information on tourism offerings in the Myrtle Beach area, go to visitmyrtlebeach.com