05/01/2026The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is one of the most popular places to visit along the Grand Strand, known for its oceanfront views, exciting rides, arcades, dining, and family-friendly attractions all packed into one walkable area. Top Myrtle Beach Boardwalk attractions include the SkyWheel, Free Fall Thrill Park, Ripley’s Odditorium and Mirror Maze, Fun Plaza, and the Gay Dolphin Arcade. Beyond the headliners, the Boardwalk is also a great place to grab a meal (or walk one off) and catch live events, activities, and concerts year-round.
When you stay at Holiday Pavilion Resort, you’re within walking distance of many of the most popular things to do on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Here, we highlight some of the best boardwalk attractions and activities, so you know what not to miss.
Use this table to quickly identify the best Myrtle Beach Boardwalk attractions for your visit based on what you feel like doing.
| I Want To… | Go Here | What To Expect |
| Ride something iconic | Myrtle Beach SkyWheel | Panoramic ocean views from nearly 200 feet above the boardwalk |
| Experience high-intensity thrills | Free Fall Thrill Park | Fast, adrenaline-pumping boardwalk rides |
| Play arcade games | Fun Plaza or Gay Dolphin Arcade | A mix of retro and modern games with prizes |
| Discover something unique | Ripley’s Odditorium | Unusual exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays |
| Do something family-friendly | Ripley’s Mirror Maze | A lighthearted, interactive challenge perfect for families |
| Get a little scared | Ripley’s Haunted Adventure or Nightmare Haunted House | Immersive, spooky attractions with jump scares and themed environments |
| Grab something to eat | Pier 14 or Wicked Tuna | Oceanfront dining with seafood, drinks, and views |
From old-school arcades to unique attractions, there are plenty of things to do on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk for visitors of all ages.
The Fun Plaza is an open-air arcade that first opened in 1938. Players can jump from classic games like Pac-Man and Skee-Ball to modern titles, all with ocean views and salty breezes. This Myrtle Beach Boardwalk attraction is perfect for kids and adults on the lookout for friendly competition and quality time together. You might even take home some cool prizes.
You’ve probably heard of Myrtle Beach’s largest, oldest, and most unique gift shop, Gay Dolphin Gift Cove, but did you know that the Gay Dolphin also has its own arcade? The Gay Dolphin Arcade is a family-friendly place to find a few hours of fun! Battle it out on the air hockey tables or try to beat the high score in Skee-Ball.
Looking for souvenirs, apparel, jewelry, or candy? Explore the many unique Myrtle Beach Boardwalk shops nearby.
One of the most interesting things to do on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is a trip to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium. View and learn about rare and unusual artifacts, from shrunken heads and unconventional sculptures to animal oddities and a genuine vampire-killing kit. This museum is filled with over 35,000 oddities from around the world, with interactive displays for hands-on discovery.
Get your heart pounding with a visit to Ripley’s Haunted Adventure on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Travel back to the year 1908 and brave the halls of a macabre mansion, where a murder mystery unfolds with clues at every spooky turn. Find the clues to solve the mystery, or become the villain’s next victim!
LED lights and infinity mirrors create a seemingly endless maze at Ripley’s Mirror Maze on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. This fun and mind-bending challenge is suitable for all ages and a perfect family activity to get everyone involved in finding the way through.
The Nightmare Haunted House is the place to go for horror fans visiting Myrtle Beach. Established during the mid-80s and running ever since, it’s earned its reputation as one of the East Coast’s scariest year-round haunted attractions. Beware when you get close to this place on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk—zombies have been known to escape the attraction and roam the area.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is home to a mix of high-intensity thrill rides and more laid-back options. Check out the SkyWheel as a standalone attraction, or visit the Free Fall Thrill Park for a gravity-optional beach experience you’ll never forget.
The iconic Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is the centerpiece of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, and the only observation wheel of its kind. Offering breathtaking views of the coastline, this giant observation wheel with private enclosed gondolas towers nearly 200 feet over the boardwalk. Get a bird’s-eye view of the coastline from this top-rated Myrtle Beach Boardwalk ride.
The Sling Shot Thrill Ride over the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk has been providing coastal thrills for over 20 years. Grab a partner and strap in for a ride that shoots you over 300 feet in the air at up to 100 miles per hour! This slingshot sits right across the street from our hotel—can you spot your room while you flip and fly through the air?
Skyscraper is one of the most intense rides on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, launching riders into a full-circle rotation at speeds over 60 mph. As you spin high above the ground, you’ll experience strong G-forces and a sensation similar to an aerobatic flight. It’s a must for riders who love a high-speed adrenaline rush.
Air Strike is fast-paced and disorienting, with spinning seats that flip you head-over-heels on multiple axes. The unpredictable motion keeps riders guessing, combining rotation, inversion, and speed in one continuous experience. Perfect for high-intensity thrill-seekers!
Sun Dance offers a smoother—but still exciting—experience. It starts with a gentle spin and gradually builds speed and height. Riders swing outward and higher with each rotation, creating a mix of floating sensations and controlled excitement. It’s a good option for those who prefer a little chill in their thrill.
Screaming Swing is a giant pendulum ride that sends riders soaring back and forth in wide arcs above the boardwalk. As the swing reaches higher points, you’ll feel moments of weightlessness along with sweeping views of the ocean. The combination of height, speed, and airtime makes it a standout attraction.
Need a bite? Head to one of these mouthwatering Myrtle Beach Boardwalk restaurants!
Pier 14 is a scenic oceanfront pier and restaurant on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Take a stroll, cast a line, or treat yourself to delicious fresh seafood, handheld sandwiches, grilled delicacies, and more at one of Myrtle Beach’s best oceanfront restaurants.
The 2nd Avenue Pier stretches into the ocean from the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, offering a place to walk, fish, and enjoy the sea breeze. Right at the start of the pier, guests will find Wicked Tuna—one of the Grand Strand’s most popular seafood restaurants.
Make the most of your visit by staying right where the action is. Holiday Pavilion Resort is one of the best Myrtle Beach Boardwalk hotels because it puts you steps from top attractions, rides, restaurants, and oceanfront entertainment. No driving or parking required.
Why stay with us:
After a full day exploring the best Myrtle Beach Boardwalk attractions, unwind just steps from everything you came to experience. Book your stay and enjoy convenient access to it all.
The main Myrtle Beach Boardwalk runs along the oceanfront in downtown Myrtle Beach, stretching from around 14th Avenue North to 2nd Avenue North near the SkyWheel.
No, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is free and open to the public. You can walk the full length without any admission fee, though individual attractions, shops, and restaurants may charge.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is open 24 hours a day, but most shops, restaurants, and attractions along the boardwalk operate on set hours.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is approximately 1.2 miles long. It’s an easy, walkable stretch for sightseeing, dining, and entertainment.
The best time to visit is in the morning or early evening. Mornings are quieter and cooler, while evenings offer a lively atmosphere with entertainment, ocean views, and cooler temperatures.
Yes, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is very family-friendly. It features attractions like the SkyWheel, arcades, casual dining, and open space for walking, making it suitable for visitors of all ages.
