Myrtle Beach is the ultimate destination for travelers seeking a balance of relaxation and fitness. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, fitness classes, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the area, Myrtle Beach offers an extensive array of options to stay active during your vacation.
This guide will help you find the best spots for beach workouts, yoga, hiking, water sports, and more to ensure you stay fit and healthy while making the most of your beach getaway.
Outdoor Activities to Stay Fit in Myrtle Beach
1. Beach Walks and Jogging
Myrtle Beach’s scenic coastline provides some of the best locations for outdoor workouts, including walking and jogging. The soft sand on the beach gives your body an effective workout by providing natural resistance, which is great for both cardio and leg strength.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking to take a relaxing walk by the ocean, Myrtle Beach offers the perfect environment. Morning jogs or sunset runs provide a peaceful, serene atmosphere, ideal for focusing on your fitness goals while soaking in the ocean views.
Tip: For those new to running, the harder-packed sand near the water’s edge is ideal as it offers more traction.
2. Biking Trails in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is a bike-friendly destination with numerous biking trails that offer both beautiful scenery and a solid workout. Popular trails include the Waccamaw Neck Bikeway, which spans over 17 miles of natural landscapes, and The Hulk Mountain Bike Trail, perfect for those who prefer a more challenging route.
If you don’t have your own bike, local bike rental shops make it easy to pick up a bike for the day and explore these stunning trails.
For a leisurely ride with family or friends, consider biking along Myrtle Beach’s oceanfront promenades for a less intense, yet still rewarding, fitness experience.
3. Water Sports and Activities
One of the best ways to stay active during your Myrtle Beach vacation is to get in the water. Whether you’re paddleboarding, kayaking, or surfing, these water-based activities offer a fun, full-body workout. Paddleboarding is particularly great for building core strength, while surfing works nearly every muscle in your body and improves your balance. Many local shops offer beginner lessons for those new to the sport.
Tip: If you’re looking for a relaxing yet effective workout, kayaking along the Intracoastal Waterway provides a low-impact option for staying active while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Fitness Centers and Gyms in Myrtle Beach
4. Local Gyms and Fitness Studios
If you’re looking to stay consistent with your regular fitness routine while on vacation, Myrtle Beach has a wide variety of fitness centers and gym studios that offer visitor-friendly day passes.
Notable gyms include Gold’s Gym and Planet Fitness, which provide state-of-the-art equipment and fitness classes for all levels. Whether you’re into strength training, cardio, or simply looking to stretch, Myrtle Beach has plenty of fitness options to suit your needs.
5. Outdoor Workout Spots
For those who enjoy outdoor fitness, several parks in Myrtle Beach have fitness stations equipped with the necessary equipment for a great workout. McLean Park and Grand Park are great spots for bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, squats, and lunges, all while surrounded by nature.
Tip: Grand Park is particularly popular for its open spaces and tranquil environment, making it a perfect spot for a morning workout or a relaxing yoga session.
Yoga and Wellness Classes
6. Beach Yoga Sessions
For a more mindful workout, Myrtle Beach offers sunrise and sunset beach yoga sessions that blend fitness with relaxation. Practicing yoga on the beach provides a serene environment to work on your flexibility, balance, and breathing techniques while enjoying the sound of the waves.
These sessions are suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced yogis.
Tip: Check with local studios for seasonal beach yoga classes that are often offered at no extra charge or on a donation basis.
7. Wellness Retreats and Studios
If you’re seeking a more holistic wellness experience, several studios and wellness retreats in Myrtle Beach offer drop-in yoga and meditation classes.
Locations like The WellNest and Om Meditation & Wellness provide group and private sessions, focusing on relaxation and mindfulness. These centers are great for those looking to deepen their yoga practice or explore meditation while on vacation.
Family-Friendly Activities
8. Mini Golf and Adventure Parks
Myrtle Beach is known for its family-friendly mini golf courses and adventure parks, which offer fun and active ways for families to spend time together. From themed mini-golf courses to zip-lining and go-kart racing, these activities provide an active yet fun way for families to stay fit during their vacation.
9. Hiking in Myrtle Beach State Parks
For nature lovers, hiking is an excellent way to stay active in Myrtle Beach. Both Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park offer a variety of hiking trails that are suitable for all skill levels.
Whether you’re looking for an easy nature walk or a more challenging hike, these parks offer beautiful views of marshlands, forests, and wildlife, making your workout both scenic and rewarding.
Tip: Always bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes along the trails.
Healthy Dining to Complement Your Active Lifestyle
After a day of staying active, refuel at one of Myrtle Beach’s healthy dining options. The city offers a wide selection of restaurants that cater to a nutritious diet, with dishes featuring lean proteins, whole grains, and fresh vegetables.
From seafood to plant-based meals, there’s no shortage of healthy eating options to keep your body nourished during your stay.
Tip: Look for local eateries that focus on farm-to-table ingredients and sustainable seafood for a truly healthy dining experience.
Conclusion
Staying active during your Myrtle Beach vacation is not only possible, it’s easy! With a wide range of outdoor activities, fitness classes, and wellness options, you can enjoy a healthy and refreshing vacation experience.
Whether you’re jogging on the beach, kayaking in the ocean, or practicing yoga on the sand, Myrtle Beach offers the perfect balance of movement and relaxation to keep you feeling energized and refreshed.
FAQs
1. What are the best outdoor activities to stay active in Myrtle Beach?
Beach jogging, biking trails, water sports, and hiking are all great ways to stay active in Myrtle Beach.
2. Are there any free fitness options in Myrtle Beach?
Yes, many parks have outdoor fitness stations, and beach yoga sessions are sometimes available for free or donation-based participation.
3. Where can I find yoga classes on the beach?
Several yoga studios and wellness groups offer beach yoga at sunrise and sunset for a relaxing workout experience.
4. What are the best places for hiking near Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park offer some of the best hiking trails with beautiful nature views and wildlife encounters.
5. How can I maintain a healthy diet while on vacation?
Opt for fresh seafood, salads, and whole grains at local restaurants that focus on healthy ingredients.