As tourists depart, these Myrtle Beach attractions stay open for locals
In Myrtle Beach, signs that summer is ending include a chill in the air, lighter traffic and certain attractions closing down for the season. But as tourists leave, many popular spots will remain open for locals to enjoy — without the lines.
The Myrtle Waves waterpark, Family Kingdom amusement park and various summer concert series are going dormant for the colder months, but plenty of popular experiences are keeping their doors open.
Here are some local attractions to enjoy even as the weather cools down.
The SkyWheel
The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, a towering oceanfront observation wheel known for lighting up the downtown boardwalk each night, remains open year-round.
Locals and off-season visitors can take a ride on the wheel during the day to get sweeping, sky-high views of the ocean, or enjoy a bird’s eye view of downtown Myrtle Beach’s bright lights at night.
The SkyWheel is located at 1110 N. Ocean Blvd.
Ripley’s Aquarium
Ripley’s Aquarium is another fan-favorite, year-round attraction, and is located at Broadway at the Beach.
The indoor aquarium features tunnels where guests can watch sharks and sea turtles glide overhead, as well as touch tanks and play areas where kids can have hands-on fun.
From penguin parades to dive shows, the aquarium offers different kinds of entertainment throughout the day.
Ripley’s Aquarium is located at 1110 Celebrity Circle in Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk remains lively even as tourists depart, with many of its restaurants, shops and other attractions remaining open.
Visitors can enjoy a sea breeze and ocean views as they stroll the 1.2 mile promenade. The boardwalk is known for prime sunset views, dining options of various kinds and colorful shops selling everything from beach-themed home decor to candy.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is located in downtown Myrtle Beach.
WonderWorks
WonderWorks, along with most of its neighboring Broadway at the Beach attractions, will also continue to welcome guests into its upside-down walls.
The interactive indoor amusement park has more than 100 hands-on exhibits exploring science and imagination. Known for its building that sits flipped onto its roof along the Broadway at the Beach boardwalk, the experience continues to be just as strange and whimsical inside.
WonderWorks is located at 1313 Celebrity Circle in Myrtle Beach.
Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center and Broadway Grand Prix
The Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center has more than just wax figures behind its doors. The center also houses a mirror maze and zombie-themed haunted house experience.
The wax museum and its other attractions are part of Broadway at the Beach, but located across from the main shopping center at 1808 21st Ave. N. in Myrtle Beach.
The Broadway Grand Prix sits just next door, and is also open year-round. It boasts seven go-kart tracks, mini golf and an arcade.
The Grand Prix is located at 1820 21st Ave. N.
Mini golf
Driving through Myrtle Beach, visitors are nearly guaranteed to see one of its many outlandish mini golf courses.
While some may alter their hours during the off season, many of these courses remain open year round.
Popular courses that are staying open are are the Hawaiian-themed Aloha Mini Golf at 900 Lake Arrowhead Road and Red Dragon Cove Adventure Golf at 2001 S. Kings Highway.
Beaches
The Grand Strand’s picturesque beaches remain open no matter the season, though lifeguards are no longer stationed along the beaches after summer ends.
Visitors willing to brave slightly cooler temperatures as fall comes around can take advantage of emptier beaches and having first dibs on the shells and shark teeth that wash ashore.
