What Are Some Fun Things to Do in North Myrtle Beach, SC?
Mini golf, go-karts, arcades, beaches, and more — the complete local guide to having fun in North Myrtle Beach
By Cathy Cagno | Local to Coastal Realty | North Myrtle Beach, SC
Is There Plenty to Do in North Myrtle Beach Beyond the Beach?
Absolutely — and that's one of the things that surprises people most when they visit or move here. North Myrtle Beach has a full range of activities that go well beyond sunbathing and swimming. Mini golf courses, outdoor and indoor go-kart tracks, arcades, fishing, watersports, live music, and family entertainment centers all exist within a short drive of each other along the Grand Strand.
Whether you're here for a week, a weekend, or you've just moved here permanently and want to know what's around, this guide covers the best fun things to do in North Myrtle Beach SC — organized by activity type so you can find exactly what you're looking for.
Cathy Cagno is a real estate agent with Local to Coastal Realty, serving North Myrtle Beach and coastal communities in North and South Carolina. One of the most common things she hears from buyers after they move here is that they didn't expect there to be this much to do. Here's the honest local guide.
Mini Golf and Putt-Putt in North Myrtle Beach
Mini golf is a Grand Strand institution. The courses in and around North Myrtle Beach range from casual putt-putt to elaborate themed experiences, and they're a staple activity for families, couples, and groups of any age. Many are open into the evening, making them a great option after dinner when you want to extend the fun without committing to a big plan.
Hawaiian Rumble Golf
North Myrtle Beach | Themed Mini Golf | Family Favorite | Iconic Grand Strand Course
Hawaiian Rumble is one of the most recognized mini golf courses on the entire Grand Strand and a genuine North Myrtle Beach landmark. The Hawaiian volcano theme is elaborate and well-maintained, the course is challenging enough for adults while still being fun for younger kids, and the overall experience is a step above the standard putt-putt setup. It's been a must-do for families visiting the area for decades and holds up completely. If you only play one mini golf course in North Myrtle Beach, this is the one.
Tip: Go in the evening when the course lights up — it has a completely different atmosphere after dark and the lines are often shorter.
The Black Pearl Mini Golf
North Myrtle Beach | Pirate-Themed | Fun for All Ages | Local Favorite
The Black Pearl Mini Golf brings a pirate theme to life in a way that works for kids and adults equally. The course is well-designed, the theming is fun without being over the top, and the overall experience is exactly what you want from a local mini golf outing — casual, enjoyable, and worth every minute. It’s the kind of spot that locals recommend without hesitation and visitors are glad they found. A solid addition to the North Myrtle Beach mini golf lineup alongside Hawaiian Rumble.
Tip: Evening visits when the course is lit up give it a different atmosphere — worth timing your visit for after dinner if you can.
Jurassic Golf
North Myrtle Beach | Dinosaur-Themed | Great for Young Children | Fun and Casual
Exactly what it sounds like — a dinosaur-themed mini golf course that is a particular hit with younger kids who are in the dino phase. The larger-than-life dinosaur figures throughout the course make for great photos and genuinely excited children. Adults will enjoy the novelty even if the course itself is on the easier side. A solid choice when you have young kids in the group and want something they'll genuinely light up about.
Tip: Younger kids tend to need more time on each hole — build extra time into your visit if you're going with the under-8 crowd.
Outdoor Go-Kart Tracks in North Myrtle Beach
Outdoor go-karts are one of the most popular non-beach activities on the Grand Strand, and North Myrtle Beach has solid options for everyone from young kids to adults who want to actually drive fast. The open-air experience and the warm coastal weather make outdoor tracks particularly enjoyable here.
Myrtle Beach Speedway / Grand Prix Family Fun Park
Grand Strand Area | Multi-Track Go-Kart Complex | All Ages | High Speed Options
One of the largest go-kart complexes in the Grand Strand area, offering multiple tracks at different speed levels so the whole group can participate regardless of age or experience. Younger kids have their own track, older kids can handle the intermediate options, and adults who want to actually push the speed have tracks that deliver. It's the kind of place where a group can spend a few hours without anyone getting bored because the options are genuinely varied.
Tip: Weekend afternoons are the busiest time. Weekday mornings and early evenings offer shorter waits and a more enjoyable experience.
Track Recreation Center
Myrtle Beach Area | Multi-Activity | Go-Karts, Mini Golf, Laser Tag | Family Entertainment
The Track is a Grand Strand institution — a large family entertainment complex that includes go-karts as part of a broader lineup of activities including mini golf, bumper boats, and more. The multi-activity format makes it a good choice when the group has mixed interests or when you want to make a full afternoon of it rather than a single activity. The go-kart tracks here cover multiple speed levels and include a genuine high-speed adult track that earns its reputation.
Tip: Combination packages often offer better value than paying per activity. Worth asking at the entrance.
Indoor Go-Karts in North Myrtle Beach
Indoor go-kart tracks are the answer to rainy days, hot summer afternoons when the heat index is brutal, or evenings when you want something active and exciting regardless of weather. The electric indoor karts available at modern facilities are genuinely fast and the racing experience is surprisingly competitive.
Frankie's Fun Park
Myrtle Beach Area | Indoor and Outdoor | Large Family Entertainment Complex | All Ages
Frankie's Fun Park is one of the most comprehensive family entertainment centers in the area, with both indoor and outdoor attractions including go-karts, laser tag, mini golf, batting cages, and arcade games. The scale of the facility means there's genuinely something for every age group and preference, and you can easily spend several hours here without running out of things to do. Families with mixed-age kids find it particularly useful because everyone can find something they want.
Tip: Peak season lines can be long. Purchasing tickets or wristbands in advance when possible saves time at the entrance.
Speed Zone Fun Park
Grand Strand Area | Indoor and Outdoor Tracks | Competitive Go-Karts | Older Kids and Adults
Speed Zone leans more toward the older kid and adult crowd who want a proper racing experience rather than a casual family putt-putt atmosphere. The indoor track is well-designed for competitive kart racing and the speed level is genuinely satisfying for people who enjoy motorsport. If you have teenagers or adults in the group who want more than a slow lap around a tourist track, Speed Zone delivers.
Tip: Height and age requirements apply to different tracks — check the website before bringing young children to avoid disappointment.
Arcades and Family Entertainment Centers
Rainy days, hot afternoons, or evenings when the beach has given way to dinner — arcades and entertainment centers are the reliable fallback that delivers every time. North Myrtle Beach and the surrounding Grand Strand have several solid options.
Broadway at the Beach
Myrtle Beach | Large Entertainment District | Shopping, Dining, Attractions | All Ages
Broadway at the Beach is the Grand Strand's largest entertainment complex — a sprawling open-air district with restaurants, shops, attractions, and entertainment options packed into a genuinely enjoyable layout around a central lake. It's a full evening destination in itself. The arcade and entertainment options within Broadway are extensive, and the dining and shopping make it easy to turn a visit into a complete night out. Worth the short drive from North Myrtle Beach for families who want maximum options in one place.
Tip: Parking is free and plentiful. Evening visits during summer can be crowded — arrive early for dinner and stay for entertainment.
Alligator Adventure at Barefoot Landing
Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach | Wildlife Attraction | Educational and Fun | Families
Alligator Adventure at Barefoot Landing is one of the most unique attractions in the area — a genuine wildlife park featuring alligators, reptiles, and exotic animals in a setting that's both educational and genuinely thrilling for kids and adults alike. Feeding demonstrations, live shows, and up-close animal encounters make it more than a passive zoo experience. Located right in Barefoot Landing, it's easy to combine with dining and shopping in the same visit.
Tip: Live shows and feeding demonstrations run at scheduled times — check the schedule when you arrive to plan your visit around the best experiences.
Barefoot Landing
North Myrtle Beach | Waterfront Shopping and Entertainment | Dining, Shops, Live Music | All Ages
Barefoot Landing itself deserves mention as a destination beyond just Alligator Adventure. The waterfront complex on the Intracoastal Waterway has a good collection of restaurants, specialty shops, and entertainment options in a walkable, pleasant setting. Summer evenings at Barefoot Landing often feature live music and street entertainment. For families who want a low-key evening that doesn't require a plan, walking around Barefoot Landing with dinner and ice cream is genuinely enjoyable.
Beach and Outdoor Activities in North Myrtle Beach
The beach is the centerpiece of everything here, but the outdoor activity options go well beyond laying on the sand. North Myrtle Beach and the surrounding area have a wide range of water and outdoor activities that make the most of the coastal setting.
The Beach — Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, and Crescent Beach
North Myrtle Beach | Multiple Beach Access Points | Swimming, Sunbathing, Shelling | Free
North Myrtle Beach has multiple distinct beach areas, each with its own character. Cherry Grove in the north has a quieter, more residential feel. Ocean Drive is the heart of the city — walkable, lively, and full of history and character. Crescent Beach sits in between with a family-friendly atmosphere and reliable waves. All three are accessible, well-maintained, and genuinely beautiful. The beach is free, parking is available, and the experience is what draws people to the Grand Strand in the first place.
Tip: Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for shelling, quieter beach walks, and avoiding peak crowds. Sunrise on Cherry Grove is particularly worth setting an alarm for.
Fishing — Pier and Charter
North Myrtle Beach | Pier Fishing and Charter Boats | All Ages | Great for Groups
Fishing is a serious activity in North Myrtle Beach, not just a tourist afterthought. Pier fishing is accessible and affordable — no boat required, licenses available on-site at most piers, and the experience is genuinely enjoyable even for beginners. For those who want to get offshore, charter fishing operations run out of the Little River waterfront regularly, offering half-day and full-day trips for everything from inshore fishing to offshore deep-sea adventures. Fishing trips are consistently rated as one of the best experiences the Grand Strand offers for groups and families.
Tip: Book charter fishing in advance during peak season — the popular captains fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Watersports — Kayaking, Paddleboarding, and Jet Skis
Grand Strand | Intracoastal Waterway and Ocean | Active and Fun | Rentals Available
The Intracoastal Waterway and the ocean both provide excellent conditions for watersports. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available from multiple operators, and the calm ICW waters make them accessible even for beginners. Jet ski rentals are popular for those who want more speed and excitement. Parasailing operations run along the beachfront for a completely different perspective on the Grand Strand. The combination of ocean and waterway means there are options for every comfort level and interest.
Tip: Early morning kayaking on the ICW before the motorboat traffic picks up is one of the more peaceful and beautiful experiences the area offers. Worth doing at least once.
Golf — World-Class Courses
Grand Strand | 100+ Courses Nearby | Beginner to Advanced | Year-Round Play
The Grand Strand has over 100 golf courses, making it one of the most celebrated golf destinations in the country. North Myrtle Beach sits in the middle of this concentration, with courses ranging from accessible municipal layouts to championship tracks designed by legends of the sport. Communities like Barefoot Resort have multiple courses that residents can access regularly. For golfers, this is one of the strongest arguments for living in North Myrtle Beach — you can play year-round, the variety is extraordinary, and the prices are reasonable compared to comparable golf destinations.
Tip: Shoulder season — spring and fall — offers ideal weather and more availability. Summer mornings are the best time to play if you're here in peak season.
Rainy Day Activities in North Myrtle Beach
Rain happens on the coast — sometimes a brief afternoon shower, sometimes a full beach day that just isn't going to work. The good news is that the Grand Strand has solid indoor options that make a rainy day genuinely enjoyable rather than a wasted day.
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Best Rainy Day Options in North Myrtle Beach |
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Indoor go-karts at Frankie's Fun Park or Speed Zone — fast, fun, and weather-proof |
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Alligator Adventure at Barefoot Landing — partially covered and genuinely entertaining |
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Broadway at the Beach — a full afternoon of shopping, dining, and indoor attractions |
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Bowling — several lanes available in the Grand Strand area |
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Movies — standard theaters available nearby for a classic rainy day option |
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Barefoot Landing shops and restaurants — covered walkways and waterfront dining |
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Arcades — available at multiple entertainment complexes throughout the area |
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Spa days — several options in the area for adults who want to fully embrace the slow day |
The honest truth about rainy days in North Myrtle Beach: they don't last as long as they do further inland. Coastal weather moves quickly, and a morning rain often gives way to a perfectly clear afternoon. Flexibility and a backup plan are all you need.
Best Options for Families vs. Adults
Best for Families with Young Kids
• Hawaiian Rumble Mini Golf — elaborate theming kids love, easier holes for beginners
• Jurassic Golf — dinosaurs make this one a hit with the 4–10 crowd
• Alligator Adventure — live animals and shows that genuinely captivate kids
• Frankie's Fun Park — enough variety that every age finds something
• The beach — free, endlessly entertaining for kids of any age
• Fishing from the pier — accessible, affordable, and kids love it
Best for Families with Older Kids and Teens
• Indoor go-kart racing — Speed Zone or Frankie's for the competitive experience
• Outdoor go-kart tracks — multi-speed options work well for mixed-age groups
• Watersports — jet skis, kayaking, parasailing are all teen-approved
• Broadway at the Beach — the scale and variety works well for older kids
• Charter fishing — a full-day trip is a memorable group experience
Best for Couples and Adults
• Golf — 100+ courses, year-round play, genuinely world-class options
• Evening at Barefoot Landing — waterfront dining, live music, and a relaxed pace
• Charter fishing — half or full day offshore is a great couple's or group adventure
• Kayaking the ICW at sunrise or sunset — peaceful, beautiful, and surprisingly affordable
• Ocean Drive evening — live music, shag dancing culture, dinner, and a walk on the beach
Tips Locals Know About Having Fun in North Myrtle Beach
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What the Locals Know That Visitors Often Don't |
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Mini golf courses light up beautifully at night — evening visits are often better than afternoon |
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Go-kart tracks are least crowded weekday mornings and early evenings |
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The beach at Cherry Grove at sunrise is genuinely one of the most beautiful things here |
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Alligator Adventure shows run on a schedule — check the times when you arrive |
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Broadway at the Beach is free to enter — pay only for what you do or eat |
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The ICW is calmer in the morning — best time for kayaking and paddleboarding |
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Charter fishing captains in Little River book out weeks ahead in summer |
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Rainy days clear faster on the coast — wait an hour before giving up on the beach |
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Ocean Drive is walkable — park once and spend the whole evening on foot |
One thing that residents consistently say about North Myrtle Beach is that the entertainment options are better than they expected before they moved here — and that the best experiences tend to be the ones that combine the coastal setting with an activity rather than treating them as separate things. Fishing on the ICW at sunrise, evening mini golf under the lights, a round of golf in October when the weather is perfect — that's what makes this place genuinely enjoyable to live in.
Cathy Cagno is a real estate agent with Local to Coastal Realty, serving North Myrtle Beach and coastal communities in North and South Carolina. She hears regularly from buyers who moved here primarily for the beach lifestyle and discovered that the full activity menu was a bonus they hadn't fully anticipated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in North Myrtle Beach
What is the most popular family activity in North Myrtle Beach?
Mini golf and go-karts consistently rank among the most popular family activities in North Myrtle Beach. Hawaiian Rumble Golf is one of the most iconic experiences on the entire Grand Strand and draws families year after year. The beach itself is obviously the centerpiece for most visits, but mini golf and go-karts are the most popular organized family activities beyond the sand.
Are there indoor activities in North Myrtle Beach for rainy days?
Yes — several solid options. Indoor go-kart tracks at Frankie's Fun Park and Speed Zone are popular rainy day choices. Alligator Adventure at Barefoot Landing is partially covered and genuinely entertaining in any weather. Broadway at the Beach has extensive indoor dining and shopping. Arcades are available at multiple entertainment centers throughout the area.
Is there mini golf in North Myrtle Beach?
Multiple courses. Hawaiian Rumble Golf is the most well-known and highly regarded. The Black Pearl Mini Golf (pirate-themed) and Jurassic Golf (dinosaur-themed) are also popular options. The Grand Strand has more mini golf courses per square mile than almost anywhere in the country — it’s genuinely a local institution.
Are there go-kart tracks in North Myrtle Beach?
Yes — both outdoor and indoor. Outdoor tracks at Grand Prix Family Fun Park and The Track offer multiple speed options for different age groups. Indoor tracks at Frankie's Fun Park and Speed Zone provide a weather-proof racing experience that's particularly popular with older kids and adults. Indoor electric karts are faster than they look and the racing experience is genuinely competitive.
What outdoor activities are available beyond the beach in North Myrtle Beach?
Fishing (pier and charter), kayaking and paddleboarding on the Intracoastal Waterway, jet ski rentals, parasailing, watersports of all kinds, and world-class golf on over 100 nearby courses. The combination of ocean and waterway means outdoor activity options are exceptionally broad — much broader than most beach destinations offer.
Is North Myrtle Beach a good place to live if you like staying active?
Very much so. Golf year-round, beach access, watersports on the ICW, fishing culture, walking and cycling trails, and a community events calendar that keeps things interesting in every season — North Myrtle Beach rewards active people with a genuinely strong quality-of-life offer. The mild winters mean outdoor activities remain accessible even in the off-season, which is one of the things that surprises people most after they make the move.
Thinking About Making North Myrtle Beach Home?
If the combination of beach lifestyle, outdoor activities, golf, fishing, and genuine community character sounds like the kind of life you've been looking for, North Myrtle Beach is worth a serious look. The fun things to do here are part of what makes daily life genuinely enjoyable — not just on vacation, but year-round.
Cathy Cagno is a real estate agent with Local to Coastal Realty, serving North Myrtle Beach and coastal communities in North and South Carolina. If you'd like an honest conversation about what living here actually looks like and what the real estate market offers, she's happy to help.
No pressure. Just real local knowledge from someone who knows this community well.
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Get in Touch with Cathy Cagno |
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Cathy Cagno | Local to Coastal Realty |
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Real Estate Agent | North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina |
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Serving Buyers and Sellers Along the Grand Strand |
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localtocoastalrealty.com | 336-516-4136 |
© Cathy Cagno | Local to Coastal Realty | localtocoastalrealty.com
