Explore Myrtle Beach on a Budget: 12 Awesome Things You Can Do for Free

Myrtle Beach is famous for its beautiful coastline, entertainment, and family attractions, but visiting doesn’t have to empty your wallet. The Grand Strand offers plenty of no-cost options that showcase the natural beauty and vibrant culture of this South Carolina gem. Whether you’re a local looking for weekend fun or a tourist trying to stretch your vacation dollars, these free activities deliver authentic Myrtle Beach experiences without spending a dime.

1. Stroll the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

The iconic 1.2-mile oceanfront boardwalk buzzes with energy from morning till night. Salty breezes accompany you as local musicians strum guitars and artists showcase their talents.

Families laugh together while pointing at passing boats, and the sound of waves creates a perfect soundtrack. The boardwalk connects you to the heart of Myrtle Beach culture without requiring a single purchase.

Morning walkers enjoy peaceful sunrise views, while evening strollers get treated to a more carnival-like atmosphere with lights twinkling against the darkening sky.

2. Catch a Sunset at Second Avenue Pier

Golden hour transforms Second Avenue Pier into a photographer’s paradise. The wooden planks stretch toward the horizon, creating perfect framing for nature’s nightly show.

Locals bring folding chairs while tourists lean against railings, everyone united by the spectacle of orange and pink hues melting into the Atlantic. Fishing enthusiasts cast lines below, their silhouettes adding character to the scene.

Unlike many prime sunset spots, this one requires no reservation or entrance fee—just show up and let the coastal magic unfold before your eyes.

3. Visit Broadway at the Beach (Window-Shop & People-Watch)

Street performers juggle fire batons while families gather around, creating an atmosphere of wonder without spending a penny. The sprawling entertainment complex offers endless people-watching opportunities amid specialty shops and waterfront views.

Seasonal festivals bring cultural exhibitions right to your feet—from traditional dances to modern art installations. Children splash in the dancing fountains, their laughter providing a joyful soundtrack.

Benches strategically placed throughout the complex invite visitors to rest and soak in the lively environment, making this a perfect no-cost entertainment option any day of the week.

4. Walk Through the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk

Herons stand motionless in shallow waters as you meander along this wooden pathway. The natural symphony of rustling marsh grass and calling seabirds provides a refreshing contrast to the busy beaches.

Fishermen’s boats dot the landscape, sometimes returning with the day’s catch as curious onlookers gather. Sunset transforms this half-mile boardwalk into a romantic destination, with golden light filtering through sea oats.

Restaurants line the walk, but enjoying the views costs absolutely nothing. Nature photographers find endless subjects here, from diving osprey to the intricate patterns formed by tidal waters receding from the marsh.

5. Hit the Beach (Of Course!)

Sixty miles of pristine Atlantic coastline await without a single admission ticket required. Early birds claim prime spots for shell collecting when treasures wash ashore overnight, undisturbed by crowds.

Midday brings families building elaborate sandcastles and teenagers tossing frisbees between dips in refreshing waves. Pack your own cooler with sandwiches and drinks to avoid beachside markup prices.

Lifeguards keep watch during summer months, adding an extra layer of security to your free day in the sun. The gentle slope of Myrtle Beach’s shoreline makes it particularly suitable for wading and swimming compared to steeper beaches elsewhere.

6. Explore the Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens

Hidden just north in Little River, these gardens offer a peaceful escape from tourist crowds. Wooden boardwalks wind through maritime forests, opening suddenly to breathtaking marsh panoramas where wildlife thrives undisturbed.

History buffs appreciate the interpretive signs explaining the area’s significance dating back to revolutionary times. Bird enthusiasts often spot egrets, herons, and sometimes even bald eagles soaring overhead.

The gardens feature multiple picnic spots beneath ancient oak trees draped in Spanish moss—perfect for a budget-friendly lunch break. Unlike many natural attractions, parking and entry remain completely free year-round, making this a true hidden gem.

7. Attend a Free Fireworks Show

Summer nights explode with color as fireworks illuminate the coastline weekly. Families spread blankets on grassy viewing areas while couples find spots along the shore for more romantic perspectives.

Broadway at the Beach hosts displays every Tuesday and Friday during peak season, synchronized to music that echoes across Lake Broadway. Barefoot Landing offers its own spectacular shows on Mondays, creating friendly competition for the most impressive pyrotechnics.

Savvy visitors know to arrive early with folding chairs and bug spray for maximum comfort. The displays typically last 15-20 minutes, creating memories that last much longer than their brief but brilliant explosions against the night sky.

8. Browse the Market Common

Former military base turned upscale district, Market Common offers European-inspired streetscapes without European price tags. Children splash in fountain features while parents relax on shaded benches beneath perfectly manicured trees.

Window displays showcase everything from boutique fashion to gourmet kitchen gadgets, providing inspiration even if you’re just looking. The district frequently hosts free community events like outdoor movie nights and seasonal festivals.

Military history enthusiasts appreciate the preserved elements and memorial plaques scattered throughout the area, telling stories of the former air force base. A free walking tour map available at the information center helps visitors locate these historical markers.

9. Visit the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum

Housed in a charming 1924 beach cottage, this cultural haven offers free admission year-round. The creaking wooden floors and intimate gallery spaces create an atmosphere worlds apart from sterile big-city museums.

Rotating exhibits feature both established masters and emerging local talents, with Southern coastal themes often taking center stage. Children delight in the hands-on art education room where they can create their own masterpieces.

The museum’s wraparound porch provides a perfect spot to discuss favorite pieces while enjoying ocean breezes. Volunteer docents share fascinating stories about the artists and their techniques, adding depth to your cultural experience without adding any cost.

10. Watch the Thunderbirds at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base (During Practice)

Aviation enthusiasts gather at strategic viewing spots when the Thunderbirds come to town. The precision flying team practices their heart-stopping maneuvers before official air shows, creating impromptu performances for those in the know.

Local Facebook groups often share insider tips about practice schedules, helping visitors time their viewing perfectly. Children point skyward in amazement as the jets perform barrel rolls and tight formations overhead.

Former military base areas provide excellent vantage points with clear sightlines. The thunderous roar of engines creates a physical sensation you can feel in your chest—an exhilarating experience that rivals many paid attractions in the area.

11. Go Shell Hunting at Huntington Beach State Park (Free with Park Pass or Discount Days)

Early mornings reveal treasures washed ashore overnight—from perfect sand dollars to rare whelk shells. The less-crowded shoreline of Huntington Beach State Park creates ideal conditions for serious shell collectors seeking pristine specimens.

South Carolina residents with park passes enjoy free entry, while visitors can take advantage of occasional free admission days. Loggerhead turtle nesting areas are clearly marked during summer months, adding educational value to your shell-seeking adventure.

The park’s unique location where saltwater marsh meets ocean creates diverse habitats that produce shells rarely found on more developed beaches. Bring a mesh bag and wear water shoes to protect feet while wading in shell-rich tidal pools.

12. Catch a Free Summer Concert or Festival

Music flows through the coastal air as local bands perform everything from beach music to jazz at various outdoor venues. The Market Common hosts “Music in the Streets” events where families dance on grassy lawns while enjoying picnic dinners.

North Myrtle Beach’s McLean Park features a summer concert series where beach chairs and blankets cover every inch of ground by showtime. Cultural festivals celebrate everything from Irish heritage to seafood traditions, offering free entertainment throughout the year.

Many events include children’s activities like face painting and craft stations. Savvy visitors check community calendars online before their trip to align their stay with these free entertainment options.