Guided Tours and Experiences in Myrtle Beach

What to see and do on a Myrtle Beach tour

Myrtle Beach tours range from walking the boardwalk and historic downtown to boat trips into salt marshes, golf course tours, and visits to gardens and nature preserves. Most tours last between two and four hours, though some full-day options exist. You can book through tour operators directly, through your vacation rental agent, or through hotels and visitor centers along the Grand Strand.

The type of tour you choose depends on what draws you: water views, wildlife, local history, or outdoor activity. Some tours are narrated by local guides who know the area's stories; others are self-guided walks with printed maps. A few combine transportation with a meal or shopping stop.

Key Takeaways

• Boardwalk and downtown walking tours are free or low-cost and run year-round, while seasonal boat tours operate mainly spring through fall.
• Most commercial tours depart from the boardwalk area, the Barefoot Landing shopping complex, or marinas along the Intracoastal Waterway.
• Booking through your vacation rental agent or the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce can help you find tours that fit your schedule and interests.
• Tours that include wildlife viewing—dolphins, herons, shrimp boats—are most active during warmer months and early morning hours.

Boardwalk and downtown walking tours

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk stretches 1.4 miles along the ocean and includes shops, restaurants, and arcades. Walking it on your own is free, but guided boardwalk tours add context about the area's development, the businesses that have operated there, and the seasonal rhythms of the beach. Some guides focus on the architecture and history of the buildings; others point out where to eat and what to do at each section.

Downtown Myrtle Beach, inland from the boardwalk, has older storefronts, galleries, and restaurants. Walking tours of downtown often include stops at local shops and brief histories of the neighborhoods. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce can point you toward current guided options, as tour operators and schedules change seasonally.

Boat tours and water-based experiences

Boat tours depart from marinas along the Intracoastal Waterway and from the boardwalk area. Common options include dolphin-watching cruises, shrimp boat tours, and scenic sunset cruises. Dolphin tours are most reliable in summer and early fall, when dolphins feed in shallow waters. Shrimp boat tours let you board a working boat and learn how shrimping operates along the South Carolina coast.

Sunset cruises typically include drinks and snacks and run about two hours. Some combine a cruise with dinner at a waterfront restaurant. Prices and departure times vary by operator and season. Most tours require advance booking, especially during peak summer months and holidays.

Nature preserves and garden tours

Huntington Beach State Park, just south of Myrtle Beach, offers guided nature walks through salt marshes and maritime forests. The park has trails you can walk on your own, but ranger-led programs teach you to identify plants, birds, and other wildlife. Brookgreen Gardens, located between Myrtle Beach and Georgetown, is a sculpture garden set on 9,100 acres with walking trails, a wildlife preserve, and guided tours of the gardens and art collection.

Barefoot Landing, a shopping and entertainment complex on the Intracoastal Waterway, offers free walking access and views of the water, though formal guided tours are less common there. Many visitors combine shopping and dining with a walk along the waterfront boardwalk at Barefoot Landing.

Golf course tours and experiences

Myrtle Beach has over 80 golf courses, and many offer walking or riding tours of their grounds even if you do not play. Some courses have pro shops that can arrange a quick tour or explain the course layout. If you are interested in the design and history of a specific course, calling ahead to ask about tour availability is your best option. A few courses offer clinics or short-game instruction for visitors who want to learn without committing to a full round.

Golf packages through vacation rental agents sometimes include course tours or discounted rates at multiple courses. These packages can be worth exploring if golf is part of your trip.

Historical and cultural tours

Myrtle Beach's history includes Native American settlement, colonial trade, and 20th-century development as a beach resort. Some tour operators offer themed walks focusing on one era or topic. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and local visitor centers have information about current historical tours and can connect you with guides who specialize in particular periods.

Nearby Georgetown, about 30 miles south, has more extensive colonial and maritime history and offers guided walking tours of its historic district. A day trip to Georgetown is a common add-on for visitors staying in Myrtle Beach who want deeper historical context about the region.

How to book a tour from your vacation rental

Your vacation rental agent often has relationships with local tour operators and can book tours directly or provide a list of options. This is faster than searching on your own and may include discounts for rental guests. You can also contact the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, which maintains a current directory of tour operators and their offerings.

Most tours require booking at least a day or two in advance, though some walk-up options exist on the boardwalk. If you are traveling during peak season (June through August), booking a week ahead is safer. Tours that include meals or transportation to other towns should be booked further in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time of year are boat tours most active?

Boat tours run year-round, but dolphin-watching and other wildlife tours are most reliable from May through September, when water temperatures are warmer and animals are more active. Winter tours still operate but may have fewer departures and less wildlife activity. Check with your tour operator about seasonal schedules.

Can I bring children on most Myrtle Beach tours?

Yes, most boardwalk, boat, and nature preserve tours welcome children. Some boat tours have age or height restrictions for safety reasons. Ask your tour operator about any limits before booking, and mention your children's ages so the operator can recommend tours that match their interests and abilities.

How much do tours typically cost?

Boardwalk walking tours range from free to $20 per person. Boat tours usually cost $25 to $60 per person depending on length and what is included. Nature preserve tours and garden visits vary; Brookgreen Gardens charges admission, while some state park trails are free. Prices change seasonally and may be lower in winter.

Do I need to book tours in advance or can I walk up?

Boardwalk tours and some nature walks accept walk-ups, but boat tours and specialized experiences need advance booking. During summer and holidays, even boardwalk tours may fill up. Booking through your rental agent or directly with the operator a day or two ahead is the safest approach.

Are there tours that combine multiple activities?

Yes. Some operators offer half-day or full-day packages that include a boat tour, a meal, and a shopping stop, or a nature walk followed by a visit to a garden or historic site. Your vacation rental agent can help you find combination tours that fit your schedule and interests.