There is no shortage of attractions and activities for student groups visiting Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Each year, over 21 million people visit the 60-mile stretch of beach that’s home to 14 communities and thousands of restaurants. On top of that, Myrtle Beach is known as the “Miniature Golf Capital of the World,” thanks to its 50 mini-golf courses. The area also boasts a vast range of outdoor activities, water attractions, and museums.
“There’s an enormous number of attractions for student groups,” says Julie Ellis, public relations manager for Visit Myrtle Beach. That is no exaggeration; students visiting “The Beach,” as locals call it, can fill itineraries with go-kart riding, jet skiing, zip lining, arcades, and boat tours.
The Beach and More
One popular stop for student groups and visitors of all ages is Broadway at the Beach, South Carolina’s largest entertainment complex. The 350-acre property includes restaurants, shops, hotels, the Soar + Explore zip line, the Pavilion Park Fun Park, and Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach. The complex is also home to WonderWorks, an interactive science museum with over 100 hands-on exhibits.
Credit: Visit Myrtle Beach
Other popular museums in the area include the South Carolina Hall of Fame, which honors locals who have contributed to the state’s history, and the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon
B. Chapin Art Museum, which displays works by well-known visual artists and hosts classes for visitors throughout the year. At Brookgreen Gardens, students will encounter even more art. It houses over 2,000 pieces by famous American sculptors.
Students can’t miss the towering 187-foot-tall SkyWheel Myrtle Beach. Located at Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade, the observation wheel has 42 fully enclosed, temperature-controlled gondolas, giving riders breathtaking views of the shoreline and beyond. SkyWheel Myrtle Beach is open year-round.
For student groups interested in intersecting beach time with learning, Ellis says the area’s parks offer eco-kayaking and bird-watching. The Lowcountry History and Wildlife Preserve at Brookgreen Gardens contains thousands of acres of plants and animals to view and study.
Credit: Visit Myrtle Beach
Entertainment Central
It’s common for student groups, particularly sports teams, to travel to Myrtle Beach. Ellis says Visit Myrtle Beach welcomes many group sports events for high school athletes, and the area’s businesses, including entertainment venues, are used to catering to large groups.
Theaters, in particular, are a specialty in Myrtle Beach. The area is home to seven live theaters offering plays, Broadway-style productions, and concerts where student groups can experience the thrill of a live performance.
Credit: Visit Myrtle Beach
There is also a Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament location in Myrtle Beach. Students feast while watching mounted knights engage in jousting, hand-to-hand combat, and swordsmanship. The Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show allows students to watch pirate-themed acrobatics while enjoying a four-course meal.
“You could easily spend a month here and not get bored, and you would still leave not seeing everything,” Ellis says.
A variety of student-friendly restaurants is available in the area. The Beach has some great concept eateries like Dave & Busters and Lulu’s Buffet, offering family-friendly atmospheres and entertainment. Area restaurants offer a wide variety of food for student groups to enjoy, from pizza and burgers to fancier meals.
For more information call Visit Myrtle Beach at 843-916-7248 or visit visitmyrtlebeach.com.
Main Image: Broadway at the Beach; Credit: Visit Myrtle Beach
Article by Kristen Nichols
