Sometimes, you just have to ask the locals.
In Myrtle Beach, travelers can find places to call their own, their favorites — such as the seafood joint, surf shop or winery that makes it onto the agenda for every trip to the Grand Strand. Sometimes, these are popular spots everyone knows about. Other times, they’re hidden gems.
Well, some are hidden no longer. We’ve unearthed nine of the coolest hidden gems in Myrtle Beach. Check them out next time you visit, and keep an eye out for gems of your own. You can always ask the locals where they go for shrimp, cocktails, family fun and ocean thrills.
Hidden Gems in Myrtle Beach
Atalaya Castle
Built between 1931 and 1933, Atalaya Castle provides a window into American history. Philanthropist Archer Huntington designed the castle with influences from Moorish and Spanish architecture. It’s a beautiful setting for wedding photography — and also your selfies.
A tour takes about 30-45 minutes and is perfect for historians, families and solo visitors.
Coccadotts Cake Shop
Coccadotts offers a delicious stop in your planned day, with an amazing selection of cupcakes they bake in-house. Among those: chocolate strawberry, luscious lemon, sea salt and caramel, and much more. They’re exquisite and just the right size for assuaging your sweet tooth!
Check online for the flavors of the day — they change deliciously.
Crafty Rooster
This family-friendly watering hole in Conway has amazing food and an incredible lineup of craft beers. Grab a plate of wings or a buffalo burger, paired with a pint of Bright White Ale, Pecan Dream, Lineman DIPA or KBS Maple Mackinac Fudge. There are plenty to choose from.
A hidden gem in this hidden gem: the chicken bog. It’s a must-try!
Hawaiian Rumble Golf & Batting Cages
This is a clean, quiet, quaint spot to get your short game working or practice your batter’s swing. The course is 18 holes, and offers a perfect blend of challenge and fun. Listen out for the volcano to rumble a few times as you play.
With birds, turtles and waterfalls, this is an aesthetically pleasing place, too.
Inlet Point Plantation
Have you ever ridden a horse on the beach? Here’s your chance. Even if you’ve never ridden, the staff (and horses — who are sweet and sassy) will make you feel at home in the saddle. You can imagine how breathtaking the vantage point is on horseback along the beach!
We recommend the exclusive tour at sunset.
New South Brewing
This microbrewery creates some of the best ales and lagers you’ll ever taste! There’s awesomeness on tap, served by a top-notch staff in an energizing atmosphere. Nut Brown Ale and White Ale are their flagship brews, but there are plenty of other stellar options, too.
We recommend the Waccamaw Red Ale.
Heritage Shores Nature Preserve
This is a beautiful place to paddle a kayak and maybe even see a dolphin or two. Take a nature walk in one of the most peaceful places on the Grand Strand. It offers a lovely boardwalk with plenty of nature to observe and appreciate.
Visitors have seen crabs, egrets, herons, osprey and more.
The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
Not far from Myrtle Beach, you can sample coastal life at a different pace. This scenic boardwalk overlooking a natural saltwater estuary makes for a delightful walk amid shops, restaurants and lots of nature’s splendor.
Stop in for dinner and drinks at Bubba’s Love Shack, Drunken Jack’s, Wicked Tuna and more.
Vereen Memorial Gardens
In Little River, just outside Myrtle Beach, you’ll find more than 115 acres of forest and marshland, with 3 miles of boardwalks and nature trails. Amid the botanical gardens on the waterfront is the original Kings Highway, a colonial route between Boston and Charleston.
Stay at Caribbean Resort & Villas!
For hospitality that goes above and beyond, it has to be Caribbean Resort & Villas. You’ll enjoy the comfortable rooms, on-site dining options and location just steps away from the beach. Have a look at the luxurious rooms you can choose from at Caribbean Resort & Villas, and book your stay today!
