Longtime Myrtle Beach visitors remember a time when the downtown district was the center of all the action. Cruising down the strip, hanging out on the Boulevard and playing around at the Pavilion were the main draws to attract visitors to downtown.
Thanks to the addition of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, those happy days are here again. Locals and vacationers alike are returning to the downtown district to stroll the 1.4-mile oceanfront walkway that stretches from First Avenue to 16th Avenue North. Located in between are great shopping and dining, as well as some of the best attractions the Grand Strand has to offer.
The Pavilion may be long gone, but in its place numerous new attractions have sprung up to breathe new life into the downtown area. Best of all, you and your crew can easily walk to and from some of the hot spots via the Boardwalk, the beach and the Boulevard. For those who want to see what's new, here are five of the top attractions on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk:
Adrenaline Adventure: The fun and thrills of the old Pavilion Amusement Park are back, albeit now high above the ground. The Adrenaline Adventure Zipline and Ropes Course moved onto the former Pavilion site with a series of high-flying wire acts, giving visitors the chance to soar high above sea level and get a great view of the ocean. The six-story towers located on opposite ends of the site provide the perfect perch for zipping through the air more than 50 feet off the ground. Adrenaline Adventure also has rope obstacles for patrons to try, including a free fall into a safety net that will take your breath away.
Hot Summer Nights: The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk's summer-long series features free concerts, fireworks and other festivities every evening at Plyler Park from June through August. Kick off the week with Kidz Carnival Mondays, where the little ones can bounce on inflatables, take part in fun and games, and enjoy magicians and stilt-walkers. The Live Music Concert Series is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, bringing top local and regional acts to the stage. The Broadway's Got Talent showcase (Fridays) and Celebration Sundays offer more music, but the big night on the Boardwalk is Wednesday Fireworks Shows, where a brilliant pyrotechnics display is launched from Second Avenue Pier beginning at 10 p.m. Fireworks will also light up the sky on Monday, July 4.
Myrtle Beach SkyWheel: The best view on the Grand Strand is perched high atop the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, a 190-foot, modern-day Ferris wheel that gives passengers scenic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and the Myrtle Beach area. The SkyWheel’s climate-controlled gondolas are completely encased in a special, non-reflective glass that allows riders to take great photos both day and night. Whether you’re seeking a romantic moment or family fun, the SkyWheel is a must-see on the Boardwalk. Visitors who are too afraid of heights can wait for the rest of their party at the Land Shark Landing located at the base of the SkyWheel, while more adventurous souls can stroll across the street and try sister attraction The Sling Shot.
Second Avenue Pier: There's a lot more going on than fishing at this historic structure. Stretching out more than 900 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, the Second Avenue Pier offers excellent angling opportunities, as well as a bait shop for all your fishing needs. But there's also the Pier House Restaurant, which serves excellent food to go with the wonderful view, and the rooftop Pier View Open Air Bar, the perfect place to relax with a cold drink and enjoy the sea breeze. Located at the southernmost point of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, this is a great place to take a break during your stroll up and down the waterfront walkway.
Splashes/Family Kingdom: This downtown amusement park and waterpark are actually a few blocks south of the Boardwalk, but it's only a short stroll to the wild rides and waterslides. There's no admission fee, only armbands for those who want to get wet and wild, so parents can accompany the kids for a full day and night of fun.
With so many fun and exciting things taking place on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk this summer, Long Bay Resort guests can experience it all in one short trip downtown. After a long day and night on the Boardwalk, head back to the resort for a little rest, relaxation and recovery.
