Live performance
With unique, sell-out shows playing to nightly audiences of thousands, Myrtle Beach has a vibrant live entertainment scene. Whether you see the pioneering, all-singing, all-dancing Carolina Opry, or magic shows and musical acts, you’ll need to perfect your jazz hands and be ready for plenty of audience involvement at these exuberant theaters. The Carolina Opry
Opened in 1986, this enormous and impressive theater introduced Myrtle Beach to variety shows. The eponymous show has been running here ever since, and it’s a riotous, jam-packed 2 hours of energetic dance, music, and fun. In November and December, the Christmas Special is the hottest ticket in town.
8901 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach SC 29572. Legends in Concert
Running for almost as long as the Carolina Opry, Legends in Concert is equally animated and even more camp. It’s the ultimate tribute show, with a constantly changing selection of performers belting out crowd-pleasing hits to a no-expenses-spared backdrop of dazzling lights, high-kicking dancers, and a live band.
2925 Hollywood Drive, Myrtle Beach SC 29577.
Beach bars
If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed and casual, then there’s nothing wrong with kicking back in a beach bar, getting the cocktails in and whiling away the hours as day turns to night. Family friendly in the daytime, after dark these places become adult party spots. Senor Frog’s
Nobody could accuse this Mexican-style cantina of being understated. From the giant frog peering over the thatched roof, to the neon-hued cocktails, it’s loud, gaudy, and proud of it. Pull on your best 80s party-wear, go with the laid-back Mexican flow, and be prepared to dance the conga.
1304 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach SC 29577.
Comedy
From full theater comedy shows, to stripped-back open mic venues, Myrtle Beach likes to laugh. Comedy hypnosis and magic are popular entertainment fusions here, while more purist clubs attract legions of stand-up fans to see big national stars, or upcoming comedians trying out their material. Carolina Comedy Club
Located on Broadway at The Beach, Myrtle Beach’s main entertainment strip, the Carolina Comedy Club draws big crowds. Whether it’s the lure of big-name comics or the hot chicken wings served up at the bar, it’s a tempting evening venue. As well as straight comedy, it puts on hypnosis and magic shows too.
1318 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach SC 29577.
Floating casinos
Regular casinos just aren’t showy enough for Myrtle Beach, so it has special cruise casinos for that added James Bond atmosphere. Setting off in the early evening from Little River, a port just north of Myrtle Beach, these ships provide a mammoth 5-hour roundtrip, so you’ll have plenty of time to flirt with Lady Luck. The Big M Casino
With a dazzling array of slot machines and Vegas-style gaming tables, Big M is one of the glitziest casino cruises. There’s also an extravagant buffet and live entertainment laid on, plus the stunning ocean views as the sun sets, so you’ll have plenty to keep you entertained between poker hands and roulette spins.
4491 Waterfront Avenue, Little River SC 29566.