I’m not going to pretend Myrtle Beach is some hidden gem. It’s famous for a reason, and the nightlife here is absolutely electric!
Hunting down the best things to do in Myrtle Beach at night is half the fun. The boardwalk comes alive after sunset, the SkyWheel lights up like a giant disco ball, and the smell of funnel cakes basically follows you everywhere (not complaining!).
You can chase thrills at the amusement parks, catch an epic pirate show, or just wander the beach with ice cream in hand. There’s something ridiculously fun about this place after dark. Let me show you why these spots belong on your nighttime adventure list.
- 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend this Polynesian Fire Luau right on Myrtle Beach! They treat you to an authentic island buffet and traditional dances from Hawaii to Samoa, plus an incredible fire knife performance by world champions. You also learn what makes Polynesian culture special from performers who bring the real South Pacific to South Carolina. This show is absolutely a must-do on a Myrtle Beach itinerary in my opinion!
Best Things to Do in Myrtle Beach at Night: 12 Myrtle Beach Nighttime Activities
Are you ready to explore the most unique things to do in Myrtle Beach at nighttime? As mentioned earlier, there’s a wide range of exciting activities in Myrtle Beach after dark. Keep reading to find where to go in Myrtle Beach at night!
1. Walk the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk after dark
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is where the real magic happens once the sun goes down. I’ve walked this 1.2-mile stretch dozens of times, and honestly, it never gets old. The place stays open 24/7, which is pretty awesome when you want that late-night ice cream fix or just need to walk off dinner.
You’ll find everything from street performers to live music, plus the SkyWheel lighting up the night sky like a giant disco ball. The boardwalk runs from 14th Avenue Pier down to 2nd Avenue Pier, and there’s always something happening. I actually prefer it at night when the crowds thin out a bit and you can really take in the ocean views.
Parking can be a pain during peak season – they charge for metered spots from March through October, but it’s free from November to February. Pro tip: if you’re staying nearby, just walk. The boardwalk connects to tons of hotels, shops, and restaurants, so you can easily grab dinner and then stroll around without worrying about your car.
2. Party at Broadway at the Beach entertainment complex
Broadway at the Beach is basically Myrtle Beach’s version of a one-stop entertainment playground, and it really comes alive at night. I’ve spent countless evenings here, and the variety is honestly ridiculous – we’re talking about 350 acres of shops, restaurants, bars, and attractions all in one spot.
The nightlife here ranges from laid-back tiki bars to high-energy dance clubs. Senor Frog’s gets pretty wild if you’re looking to party, while places like Margaritaville offer a more chill vibe with great drinks and live music. The complex stays open until 10 PM most nights, with bars staying open much later.
What I love about Broadway at the Beach is that you can bar hop without driving – everything’s walkable around Lake Broadway. You’ve got Ripley’s Aquarium, WonderWorks, and tons of other attractions if your group wants to mix activities with drinking. Plus, the whole place is lit up beautifully at night, making it perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots. Admission is free, so you only pay for what you actually do or eat.
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3. Watch the Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show
Pirates Voyage is hands-down one of the most entertaining dinner shows I’ve ever been to, and I’m not just saying that because I’m easily amused by pirates. This isn’t your typical dinner theater – we’re talking about full-sized pirate ships battling it out in a 15-foot deep lagoon while you eat a four-course meal.
The show runs about 90 minutes and includes everything from acrobatics to sea lions to mermaids. I went in thinking it might be cheesy, but the production value is actually incredible. The pirates swing from ship to ship, there are sword fights, cannons firing, and even some surprisingly good comedy bits. Plus, the food is way better than expected – we’re talking roasted chicken, ham, corn on the cob, and apple pie.
Tickets usually run around $60-70 for adults and about $35-45 for kids, but you can often find $2 off coupons online. The theater is located on North Kings Highway, and they offer vegetarian options if you request them when booking. I’d definitely recommend arriving early for the pre-show entertainment – it’s actually pretty fun and gets you in the pirate mood.
4. Play mini golf at Cancun Lagoon at night
Cancun Lagoon takes mini golf to another level with its Mayan pyramid theme, and honestly, it’s way cooler at night when everything’s lit up. This 27-hole course is half indoor, half outdoor, which means you can beat the heat or weather if needed. I’ve played here multiple times, and the air conditioning alone makes it worth it during summer.
What makes this place unique are the “wheel of options” on certain holes – you spin to see what crazy challenge you have to do, like putting behind your back or using the wrong end of your club. It sounds gimmicky, but it’s actually hilarious and keeps things interesting. The course has waterfalls, hieroglyphics, and even thunder and lightning effects that’ll make you jump if you’re not expecting them.
Adult tickets are around $11-12 for one round, or you can get an all-day pass for about $19. They also offer multi-location passes if you want to hit their other courses like Molten Mountain and Mutiny Bay. The course stays open until 11 PM, and yes, they sell beer and mini margaritas. Located on South Kings Highway, you literally can’t miss that 50-foot pyramid.
5. Throw Axes at Jack Axe Throwing
Jack Axe Throwing is hands down one of the coolest things you can do in Myrtle Beach after dark. I know what you’re thinking, axe throwing sounds intense, but it’s actually way more fun than intimidating.
The staff here will show you how to grip the axe, find your stance, and nail that perfect throw. After a couple of beers and some friendly competition, you’ll be hitting bullseyes and talking trash like you’ve been doing this for years!
What’s cool is they don’t just do axes. You can throw ninja stars, knives, even playing cards. Plus, they’ve got other activities including Mario Kart tournaments, trivia nights, and a wild “Floor is Lava” game that’ll have you laughing until your sides hurt.
The vibe is perfect for groups. Nothing bonds people quite like cheering when your friend finally sticks their first axe in the target after 20 attempts. And the beer selection is solid, which definitely helps with confidence (and maybe accuracy, depending on how you look at it).
It’s open late, the music’s good, and you’ll leave with some epic photos and probably a new obsession. Fair warning though: once you get the hang of it, you’ll want to come back and show off your skills.
6. Eat seafood and hear live music at Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
The MarshWalk in Murrells Inlet is where locals actually go for good seafood and live music, and it’s only about 20 minutes south of the main Myrtle Beach strip. I discovered this place a few years ago and now it’s become a regular stop whenever I’m in town. The half-mile boardwalk connects eight different restaurants, each with its own personality and outdoor deck overlooking the marsh.
Dead Dog Saloon is the anchor for live music – they have bands almost every night and rarely close except for major weather events. Creek Ratz offers a more laid-back vibe with reasonable prices and solid seafood. For something upscale, Drunken Jack’s has been serving fresh catches since 1979 and really knows what they’re doing.
What I love about the MarshWalk is the authenticity. You’re watching real fishing boats come and go while listening to local bands play everything from classic rock to beach music. The views are gorgeous, especially at sunset, and you can actually have a conversation without shouting over the music. Most restaurants have happy hour specials, and the whole area stays lively well into the night without feeling overwhelming.
7. Get scared at Ripley’s Haunted Adventure
Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is legitimately creepy, and I say that as someone who usually laughs during horror movies. This three-story haunted house takes you back to 1908 Victorian times with a murder mystery theme that’s actually pretty well done. You’re basically investigating a crime scene while live actors and animatronics try to scare you senseless.
The experience lasts about 20-30 minutes, and they do a good job of building suspense rather than just relying on cheap jump scares. The Victorian mansion setting gives it a more sophisticated horror vibe compared to typical haunted houses. Fair warning though – it can get pretty intense, and they require kids to be at least 6 years old to enter.
Located right on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk at 915 North Ocean Boulevard, it’s easy to find and fits perfectly into a night of boardwalk activities. Tickets run around $15-20 for adults, and you can often get discounts if you’re buying combo tickets for other Ripley’s attractions. During busy times, expect to wait in line, but honestly, the anticipation just adds to the whole experience. I’ve been through it twice, and it was scary both times.
8. Bowl and shoot pool at 810 Billiards & Bowling
810 Entertainment has locations in both Market Common and North Myrtle Beach, and both are way nicer than your typical bowling alley. I prefer the Market Common location because it’s newer and has that glow-in-the-dark haunted mini golf course, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with either spot.
Beyond the 20 bowling lanes, you’ve got billiards tables, arcade games, air hockey, cornhole, and even bocce ball. The food is surprisingly good too – they do brick oven pizzas, gourmet burgers, and those insane Mean Mugs milkshakes that are basically dessert in a mason jar. I watched a group of teenagers split one milkshake between four people and still couldn’t finish it.
Bowling typically runs $15-20 per person depending on the time, but they often have deals and happy hour specials. The atmosphere is definitely more upscale than your typical alley – think craft cocktails and decent wine selection rather than just beer and nachos. It’s perfect for date night or group outings, and they have party packages if you’re celebrating something. Just know that it gets busy on weekends, so calling ahead isn’t a bad idea.
9. Explore interactive exhibits at WonderWorks
WonderWorks is basically a science museum that doesn’t feel like homework, housed in that iconic upside-down building at Broadway at the Beach. I was skeptical about spending $35-40 on what looked like a kids’ attraction, but honestly, I ended up staying for over three hours and had a blast.
The 100+ hands-on exhibits are spread across six “Wonder Zones” covering everything from natural disasters to space exploration. The hurricane simulator hits you with 74 mph winds, there’s a bed of nails you can actually lie on, and you can design your own roller coaster. The earthquake simulator is wild too – it recreates the 1989 San Francisco quake.
What makes WonderWorks work for adults is that everything is genuinely interactive and educational without being dumbed down. I actually learned stuff about physics and weather patterns while playing around. They also have laser tag and an indoor ropes course for additional fees. The building itself is climate-controlled, making it perfect for hot summer days or rainy weather. Plan at least 3-4 hours if you want to see everything, and definitely check out their combo deals if you’re planning to do multiple Broadway at the Beach attractions.
10. Ride the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel for city views
The SkyWheel is probably the most iconic thing on the Myrtle Beach skyline, and riding it at night is actually better than during the day. Those 42 climate-controlled gondolas take you 200 feet above the ocean for about 12 minutes and four full rotations. I’ve ridden it probably six times now, and the views never get old.
Regular tickets are $16.99 for adults and $12.99 for kids, but they often have $2 off coupons available online. If you want to splurge, the VIP gondola has glass floors and leather seats for around $55, but honestly, the regular gondolas are perfectly fine. The non-reflective glass makes it great for photos, and you’ll never be stuck sharing with strangers since they don’t combine groups.
At night, the wheel itself lights up with over a million LED lights, creating this amazing light show that’s visible from miles away. The gondolas are fully enclosed and air-conditioned, so weather isn’t really an issue. I’d recommend timing your ride for sunset if possible. You get daylight views and then watch the city light up as you go around. There’s paid parking right next door, or you can find metered spots along Ocean Boulevard.
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11. See live shows at The Carolina Opry
The Carolina Opry has been Myrtle Beach’s premier live entertainment venue for almost 40 years, and there’s a reason it consistently gets voted the top attraction. This isn’t some cheesy tourist trap. We’re talking about a 2,200-seat theater with legitimate talent and production values that rival Vegas shows.
The main Carolina Opry show is a two-hour variety spectacular featuring 35+ performers doing everything from country and rock to comedy and dance. I’ve seen it multiple times over the years, and they constantly update the lineup and music selection. During the holidays, their Christmas show is absolutely incredible – think Radio City Music Hall meets Southern charm.
Regular tickets typically run $45-65 depending on seating, and shows usually start at 7 PM. The theater also hosts their Time Warp show (60s, 70s, 80s hits) and big-name concerts throughout the year like LeAnn Rimes and Gladys Knight. The venue itself is gorgeous with comfortable seating and excellent sight lines from anywhere in the theater. Located on North Kings Highway, there’s free parking and the theater is fully accessible. I’d honestly put this show up against anything you’d see in Nashville or Branson.
12. Dance and drink at Senor Frog’s
Senor Frog’s is either going to be your favorite spot or drive you absolutely crazy – there’s really no middle ground. This Mexican restaurant/bar at Broadway at the Beach is basically spring break energy year-round, complete with loud music, colorful decor, and staff that encourage you to get a little wild.
The food is decent Mexican fare – nothing groundbreaking, but the portions are huge and it hits the spot after a few drinks. What you’re really here for is the atmosphere and those famous yard-long drinks. The margaritas are strong, the beer is cold, and there’s usually some kind of contest or game happening to get the crowd involved.
Fair warning: this place gets loud and crazy, especially on weekends. I’ve seen everything from birthday celebrations to bachelorette parties, and the staff really plays up the party atmosphere. They automatically add 18% gratuity, which some people love and others hate. The restaurant stays open late, and the bar scene continues well into the night.
If you’re looking for a quiet romantic dinner, this ain’t it. But if you want to let loose, dance a little, and embrace the tourist experience, Senor Frog’s delivers exactly what it promises. Just pace yourself with those yard drinks…they’re stronger than they taste!
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