Pristine coastlines, heart-pounding entertainment and culinary delights seamlessly blend in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This popular beachfront destination, known as the Grand Strand, is big on groups, offering both tranquil, relaxing getaways and a robust nightlife scene.
Groups can even take a step back into the past in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, tracing the detailed history of the Gullah-Geechee culture.
“The Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina is the perfect destination for group travel as it offers something for everyone along its 60 miles of pristine coastline,” said Karen Riordan, president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce/Visit Myrtle Beach. “Groups can take advantage of more than 100 championship golf courses, a variety live entertainment theaters and endless ocean-to-table dining options sure to please any palate.”
Credit: iStock
Outdoor enjoyment
Located on the coast of South Carolina, Myrtle Beach has some serious bragging rights when it comes to ocean views. The famed, mile-long Myrtle Beach Boardwalk pairs breathtaking seaside views with unique shops, mouthwatering eateries and the towering, 187-foot SkyWheel, one of the country’s largest Ferris wheels.
Just outside of Myrtle Beach, Brookgreen Gardens offers an escape from the hustle and bustle. Brookgreen is considered the finest outdoor presentation of American figurative sculpture in the world, displaying over 1,400 sculptures by over 350 famous sculptors throughout the gardens.
Brookgreen sits on 9,100 acres, allowing groups to walk the grounds of four former plantations. The gardens offer world-class sculpture tours, a zoo, pontoon boat excursions, history tours and butterfly house.
Eats and entertainment
If there’s one thing Myrtle Beach is famous for, it’s an unrivaled entertainment scene. From award-winning dance, music and comedy shows to celebrity concerts, this coastal city has it covered.
Legends in Concert, possessing the greatest collection of live tribute artists in the industry, is known as the pioneer of live tribute shows. Shows include elaborate sets, vibrant costumes and a full array of special effects; groups won’t forget a performance by the outstanding cast of singers, dancers and a live orchestra.
Credit: Visit Myrtle Beach
The first theater in Myrtle Beach — The Carolina Opry Theater — is the only theater designated as the “Most Outstanding Attraction” by the state of South Carolina. It has been the No. 1 group destination in Myrtle Beach for nearly 35 years.
The theater presents five award-winning live entertainment experiences: The Carolina Opry, Time Warp, The Carolina Opry Christmas Special, Thunder & Light, and Pure Magic.
The Carolina Opry is a two-hour show blending high-energy music, comedy and dance in a luxurious theater with state-of-the-art lighting, sound and special effects. Groups can enjoy VIP recognition from the state, special seating and more.
Myrtle Beach may be known for its robust nightlife and entertainment, but it’s also big on serving up fresh, local cuisine (especially seafood).
Check out Croissants Bistro and Bakery for in-house roasted coffee, and homemade soups, sandwiches and baked treats. Honored as South Carolina Restaurateur of the Year and South Carolina Chef Ambassador, owner Heidi Vukov blends fresh ingredients with exceptional customer service to create an unforgettable experience for her guests. Custom dining options and off-site catering are offered for groups.
Credit: Croissants Bistro and Bakery
Storied past
Deeply rooted in South Carolina’s history, the Gullah-Geechee people are one of the oldest cultural groups still living as a nation within a nation. The community stretches from Jacksonville, North Carolina, to Jacksonville, Florida, with the largest concentration of the population residing just off the coast of Georgia and South Carolina.
The ancestors of the Gullah-Geechee people were brought to Charleston, South Carolina, from West Africa in the late 1500s during the slave trade. Bringing together a variety of African cultures, dialects and customs, these different groups formed their own Gullah-Geechee culture, traditions and cuisine, while still staying true to their African roots.
Today, the Gullah-Geechee people still serve up their unique Lowcountry cuisine, weave sweetgrass baskets, and share their stories on tours and in galleries and museums in the Myrtle Beach area.
ASK
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce/Visit Myrtle Beach
843-916-7248
visitmyrtlebeach.com
