Myrtle Beach is a bona fide tourist and group destination, where vacationers and meetings attendees alike will enjoy diving into warm local waters, comfortable accommodations and exciting attractions.
Atop the list of “must-dos” here is visiting the 1.2-mile Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade, which vibrates with activity and fun.
Throughout the summer especially, according to Danna Lilly, director of sales for the Myrtle Beach Area CVB, the popular boardwalk is home to festivals and events, including Ocean Boulevard’s Hot Summer Nights concert series at Plyler Park.
“A group favorite, the boardwalk provides oceanfront views of the pristine beach line, numerous shops and restaurants along its path, and is divided into three different sections,” she says, citing the northernmost portion, which winds down from the 14th Avenue North Pier to Plyler Park, the mid-section, which encompasses “a carnival-like atmosphere” with oceanfront dining and businesses, and the southernmost end, which leads up to the 2nd Avenue Pier.
Of the group-friendly options for a meal and/or cocktails on the boardwalk are The Bowery, an historic oceanfront landmark where groups can relax and listen to live music; the oceanfront Landshark Bar & Grill, which sports water views, beach music and a menu including burgers, hot dogs and various sandwiches; and 2nd Avenue Pier, which Lilly says is an ideal location for a group gathering or reception.
“With an open-air bar that overlooks the ocean, groups can enjoy appetizers and cocktails while mingling and enjoying the ocean air,” she says.
Noteworthy attractions that groups are encouraged to check out along the boardwalk include the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Adrenaline Adventures and the Sling Shot amusement thrill ride.
“Groups can test their fear of heights while enjoying gorgeous oceanic views atop Myrtle Beach’s SkyWheel, a 187-foot-tall observation wheel located on the boardwalk that includes 42 glass-enclosed gondolas to enjoy the panoramic views of Myrtle Beach’s coastline,” Lilly says, adding that Adrenaline Adventures’ zipline is a great teambuilding activity for groups of up to 20 people.
Planners are also advised to ask the Myrtle Beach Area CVB about helping to facilitate a souvenir scavenger hunt, another fun teambuilding option that has attendees explore the numerous shops along the boardwalk.
For those planners who’d like to tout group housing directly on the boardwalk, there are several hotels to choose from, including Holiday Inn at the Pavilion, which is located adjacent to the SkyWheel, and Bay View Resort and Holiday Sands North On the Boardwalk, which are both centrally located on the boardwalk and offer picturesque views.
