Enjoy 312 acres of campgrounds, hiking trails and more for only $8 per day at Myrtle Beach State Park. The perfect place for a peaceful retreat, the park offers on-site picnic facilities, cabins, a nature center and a fishing pier. There’s also a mile of pristine beachfront to soak up the sun away from the crowds. Spend an afternoon searching for hidden treasure (geocaching). Watch for native birds, such as Bald Eagles and Great Blue Herons.

For local shopping, dining and free live entertainment, head to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade. The boardwalk offers plenty of affordable activities to enhance your trip. Grab a cone at MadMyrtle’s Ice Creamery – the strawberry cheesecake is the perfect mix of sweet and tart. Play some games at the penny arcade, and for a bird’s eye view of the beach, take a ride on the 187-foot SkyWheel – tickets are less than $20, and the coastline from above is simply incredible.

If you’re looking to spend the day at one of the most popular destinations in Myrtle Beach, check out Broadway at the Beach. During the summer, the complex hosts free firework shows on Tuesdays and Fridays. Love dinosaurs? Check out Dino Park – an affordable attraction (admission is only $15) that’s home to 20 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, including a menacing T-Rex! After a day in the sun, why not cool off at Myrtle Waves Water Park? You can enjoy discounted admission on Fridays.

Just south of Myrtle Beach in Murrells Inlet, Huntington Beach State Park boasts 2,500 acres of coastal beauty within South Carolina’s salt marsh. Explore the park via a hike on the Sandpiper Pond Trail, stroll on the sandy coastline away from the crowds of the bustling beaches, and keep your eyes toward the skies for eagles, ospreys and colorful red-throated loons. Don’t miss a chance to explore The Nature Center, where exhibits highlight local bird and marine life.

During your stay in Myrtle Beach, check out The South Carolina Hall of Fame. This attraction was established to honor individuals of the past and present who have made extraordinary contributions to the state’s heritage and progress. Located in the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, the museum is free and offers tourists a great way to learn about the change-makers that have positively influenced South Carolina over the years. Inductees include civil rights leaders, artists, musicians and athletes.

Art lovers should stop by The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simon B. Chapin Art Museum. Also known as the Myrtle Beach Art Museum, this popular space features four permanent visual art collections and 11 rotating galleries. Even better, admission is free! Centrally located on Ocean Boulevard in a restored 1920s beach cottage, the museum aims to highlight the works of Southern artists like Dixie Dugan and Jonathan Green.

River City Café is a local favorite with multiple locations along the Grand Strand. Serving up classic American fare with a twist, you can dine on mouthwatering burgers like the Peanut Butter Bacon burger or the Continental featuring a fried egg and avocado. Up for a challenge? Try the Double Dawg Dare Ya burgers. These belly busters come loaded with all the fixings on top of two patties between either grilled cheese or egg and cheese sandwiches. Even better, a majority of the menu under $20!

If you’re craving some good old-fashioned Southern cooking, Big Mike’s Soul Food delivers. Bite into crispy fried chicken with collard greens and mac and cheese. Indulge in sticky barbecue ribs with candied yams. And don’t miss out on cheesecake or peach cobbler for dessert. Even better, most of the menu is under $15. 

When you want to let loose, you go to Moe Moon’s—an oceanfront hangout known for its elaborate fishbowl cocktails and drinks served in a fresh pineapple. Dine on a modest menu of beachside bites, from chicken wings to fish tacos and po’boys. And for the kids? This ultra-popular beach bar pulls out all the stops, serving meals on frisbees and drinks in souvenir shark cups.  

For a quick and affordable bite, Simply Southern Smokehouse is a popular buffet known for its big portions and Southern hospitality. Featuring dishes like mama used to make, you can fill up on everything from barbecue pork and chicken n’ dumplings to sweet potato casserole and decadent banana pudding. All you can eat for lunch and dinner under $20? Yes, please!