By Debra Simon and Brack Johnson

 

Most of us who live in the Triangle love South Carolina’s Grand Strand, the spectacular, 60-mile stretch of Atlantic coastline that extends from breezy Little River in the north to salty Pawleys Island in the south.

 

And what’s not to love? Anchored by vibrant Myrtle Beach, the drenched-in-sunshine vacationland delivers a wide range of activities from putt-putt places to championship golf courses, all-you-can-eat buffets to fine-dining restaurants, and family resorts fronting lazy rivers to elegant hotels boasting exclusive amenities.

 

With fresh attractions and events as well as novel places to eat, play and stay, this is a beachy keen year in Myrtle. Whether you’re a sun worshipper in flip-flop heaven or a mom who’s gone coastal with local seafood and live music, there’s never been more to see and do. So, seas the day!

 

Here’s a look at what the tides brought in 2026.

 

FAMILY FUN

• Family Kingdom Amusement Park celebrates its 60th anniversary with a custom, single-rail roller coaster designed exclusively for Myrtle Beach. The new coaster stands 100 feet tall, reaches speeds of 50 miles per hour, and joins three additional new rides.
• Brookgreen Gardens unveiled a brand-new welcome center and a $17 million conservatory featuring a dramatic Great Hall, scenic courtyard, immersive botanical displays, and a striking floor-to-ceiling Green Wall.
• Home of minor-league baseball team the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, whose mascot is Splash - the biggest bird on the beach, Pelicans Ballpark completed a $20 million renovation.
• The restaurant and entertainment venue Alley Oops brought its “Dine. Bowl. Play.” concept to North Myrtle Beach. It combines meals and snacks with bowling lanes, arcade games and virtual reality experiences under one roof.
• Opening this fall, The PicklePort will be a premier indoor and outdoor pickleball destination featuring climate-controlled courts, covered outdoor play, instruction space, a pro shop, and areas designed for spectators and socializing.

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT

• The Carolina Opry Theater celebrates 40 years with one of its most exciting concert lineups. The 2026 season brings Grammy winners, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, country superstars and other musical names to the Grand Strand.
• Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show marks 15 years with an all-new South Pacific Celebration highlighted by hair-raising fire performances as well as island-inspired song and dance.
• The former Broadway Theater in downtown Myrtle Beach is being transformed into a 300-seat performing arts center as part of the city’s growing Arts and Innovation District. It’s expected to be completed later this summer.

 

 

FOOD

• Downtown dining is booming with inventive comfort food and wine-forward meals. Historic 9th Avenue North continues its revival with standout spots like Winna’s Kitchen, Boteco VIP, The Dolly Llama, and The Tasting Room on 9th.
• Oceanfront sips and locally sourced small plates take center stage at the fresh Whistling Duck on the iconic Surfside Pier.
• Ole Smoky Distillery and Yee-Haw Brewing Co. offer a beer garden, full-service bar and immersive experiences at their newly opened indoor-outdoor distillery and brewery at Broadway at the Beach.
• Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown - where the motto is “Play With Your Food” - is a massive, 50,000-square-foot entertainment and dining experience featuring a full-service restaurant, tiki bar, bowling lanes and a 10,000-square-foot arcade.

 

 

LODGING

• Ocean Reef Resort completed a $15 million renovation, modernizing guest rooms, lobby spaces, fitness areas and meeting facilities.
• Captain’s Quarters Resort is finishing major renovations with updated rooms, enhanced pool areas, a new arcade and an original restaurant, with completion expected later this year.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Cherry Grove is building a seven-story, $26 million addition to its oceanfront property next to the Cherry Grove Pier. When completed late this year, it’ll expand lodging options in one of the shore’s most beloved communities.
• Ocean Escape Boardwalk Oceanfront (yes – that’s the name) offers spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos - with full kitchens, private bathrooms and super walkability - along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.

 

Photos courtesy Visit Myrtle Beach.