Rainy days at the beach don’t have to dampen your vacation! Myrtle Beach offers a wide variety of indoor attractions and activities that are perfect for keeping spirits high when the weather takes a turn.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly entertainment, shopping, or relaxation, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a list of the best rainy day activities in Myrtle Beach to ensure your trip stays unforgettable.
Explore Indoor Attractions
1. Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
One of the most popular indoor attractions, Ripley’s Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach offers a mesmerizing underwater experience.
- Highlights:
- The Shark Tunnel, where you can walk under swimming sharks and rays.
- Interactive exhibits like the Touch Tank for a hands-on marine encounter.
- Seasonal shows and educational talks about sea life.
Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance to skip the lines.
2. WonderWorks Myrtle Beach
A rainy day is the perfect excuse to step inside this “upside-down” amusement park for the mind. Located at Broadway at the Beach, WonderWorks offers over 100 hands-on exhibits.
- Must-See Features:
- The indoor ropes course.
- Simulators like the 6D Extreme Motion Ride.
- Science and art exhibits that entertain all ages.
Why It’s Great: It’s both fun and educational, making it perfect for families.
3. Hollywood Wax Museum
Snap photos with lifelike wax figures of your favorite celebrities, from Hollywood stars to sports legends. The Hollywood Wax Museum is an ideal way to spend a rainy afternoon.
- What Else to Do Here:
- Challenge yourself at the Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors.
- Brave the spooky fun of Outbreak: Dread the Undead, an interactive zombie adventure.
Tip: Combo tickets offer great value if you want to enjoy all the museum’s attractions.
4. Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum
Step back in time and play vintage pinball machines at this unique attraction.
- Why You’ll Love It: Unlimited gameplay is included with your entry fee.
- Perfect For: Retro gaming fans and families alike.
Bonus: It’s also a great opportunity to introduce kids to the classic arcade experience.
Entertainment and Shows
5. Catch a Live Show
Rainy days provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy Myrtle Beach’s incredible live entertainment.
- The Carolina Opry: A mix of music, comedy, and dance performances.
- Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show: A swashbuckling adventure complete with acrobatics, sword fights, and a hearty meal.
- Legends in Concert: A tribute show featuring uncanny impersonations of music legends like Elvis, Michael Jackson, and more.
Tip: Check showtimes and book tickets early, as these performances are popular.
6. Test Your Skills at an Escape Room
Escape rooms are an exciting way to bond with friends or family while solving puzzles and clues.
- Best Options:
- Riddles Escape Room: Offers multiple themed adventures.
- Escapology Myrtle Beach: Known for its immersive, high-tech rooms.
Why It’s Fun: Each game is a unique challenge that keeps everyone engaged, rain or shine.
Indoor Sports and Games
7. Go Bowling
Bowling is a classic rainy-day activity, and Myrtle Beach has several excellent options.
- 810 Billiards & Bowling: Combines bowling with billiards, shuffleboard, and great food.
- Myrtle Beach Bowl: A family-friendly venue with affordable rates.
8. Enjoy Indoor Mini-Golf
While Myrtle Beach is famous for its outdoor mini-golf courses, it also offers great indoor options.
- Molten Mountain Indoor Mini-Golf: Play a round amidst a volcano-themed course.
- Cancun Lagoon Miniature Golf: Offers both indoor and outdoor holes for versatility.
9. Go Rock Climbing
If you’re craving an active indoor experience, try rock climbing at Rockin’ Jump Myrtle Beach, an indoor trampoline park with a climbing wall.
- Bonus Activities: Enjoy trampolines, foam pits, and dodgeball for hours of fun.
Shopping and Relaxation
10. Broadway at the Beach
This massive entertainment complex isn’t just for outdoor fun—it’s packed with indoor attractions and shops.
- Best Stores: Visit It’Sugar for candy lovers or explore unique souvenirs at local boutiques.
- Indoor Activities: Catch a movie at the Broadway 17 Cinema or explore Dave & Buster’s for arcade games.
11. The Market Common
This upscale shopping and dining district offers chic boutiques, cozy cafes, and an excellent rainy-day ambiance.
- What to Do:
- Enjoy coffee at Crepe Creation Cafe or a sweet treat at Cold Stone Creamery.
- Shop for stylish apparel, home goods, and gifts.
12. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
Rainy weather is the perfect excuse to indulge in some self-care.
- Best Spas:
- Cinzia Spa at North Beach Plantation.
- Hibiscus Spa at the Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort.
Tip: Book ahead for massages, facials, and other treatments to ensure availability.
Learning and Exploring
13. Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum
This free museum showcases works by local and regional artists in a peaceful, oceanfront setting.
- What You’ll See: Rotating exhibits, photography, and contemporary art.
- Why It’s Great: A quiet escape for art enthusiasts.
14. South Carolina Civil War Museum
Dive into history with exhibits featuring artifacts and stories from the Civil War.
- Perfect For: History buffs and anyone curious about the region’s past.
Family-Friendly Activities
15. EdVenture Myrtle Beach
An interactive children’s museum where kids can explore, play, and learn.
- Why It’s Great: Hands-on exhibits designed to educate and entertain young minds.
16. Local Libraries
Myrtle Beach libraries are great for rainy-day reading, with cozy corners for kids and adults alike. Many also host special events, such as storytime or craft sessions.
FAQs About Rainy Day Activities in Myrtle Beach
1. Are Myrtle Beach’s indoor attractions open year-round?
Yes, most indoor attractions operate year-round, regardless of the weather.
2. Can I get refunds for outdoor activities canceled due to rain?
Check with individual providers, as many offer refunds or rescheduling options for weather-related cancellations.
3. Are there family-friendly indoor activities?
Absolutely! Ripley’s Aquarium, WonderWorks, and indoor mini-golf are perfect for families.
4. Do rainy days affect beach conditions?
Rain can affect visibility, but many visitors use this time to explore indoor attractions nearby.
5. Are there any free indoor activities?
Yes, the Art Museum and public libraries are excellent free options for a rainy day.
Conclusion
Rainy days in Myrtle Beach are an opportunity to explore a different side of this vibrant destination. From interactive museums and live shows to indoor sports and spa treatments, there’s no shortage of ways to have fun while staying dry.
Don’t let a little rain dampen your trip—embrace the variety of activities Myrtle Beach has to offer, and you’ll create unforgettable memories, no matter the weather!