12 Best Museums in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach, a top-tier vacation destination, has more to offer than just incredible coastal cuisine and sun-kissed beaches that line the Grand Strand. It has a diverse array of museums, from outdoor strolls to hands-on activities.After you’ve booked your oceanfront room at Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark, use this guide to add some fascinating museums to your Myrtle Beach itinerary.
1. Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Photo Credit: StacieStauffSmith Photos
- Address: 901 North Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC
- Website: ripleys.com/myrtlebeach/ripleys-believe-it-or-not
Ripley's Believe It or Not! is a museum in Myrtle Beach that offers visitors a chance for a unique and curious experience.
The museum is filled with strange artifacts from all over the world, with most of them sent in by fans. The museum is spread across a 12,000-square-foot building with over 200 exhibits for guests. Additionally, they offer various fun challenges and hands-on exhibits for those who like to have an interactive experience.
2. The Franklin G. Burroughs Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum
Photo Credit: Allan
- Address: 3100 S Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC
- Website: myrtlebeachartmuseum.org
This Myrtle Beach art museum strives to be the best in the Carolinas. It has 11 galleries that are open all year and always offer something new to appreciate.
You can explore a variety of art forms here, from paintings and ceramics to sculptures, textiles, and photography. And the best thing is, it's completely free!
3. Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum
Photo Credit: Brian Lam
- Address: 607 N 27th Ave, Myrtle Beach, SC
- Website: myrtlebeachpinballmuseum.org
The Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum is a popular attraction for pinball enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. It showcases a large collection of pinball machines and allows visitors to enjoy unlimited play for a fixed hourly rate.
The museum allows visitors to travel back in time where they can truly appreciate the innovative designs of pinball machines from the 1970s.
4. Horry County Museum
Photo Credit: Kelly Verdeck via Flickr CC2.0
- Address: 805 N Main St, Conway, SC
- Website: horrycountymuseum.org
Half an hour's drive from the shore, the Horry County Museum gives curious visitors context about our favorite vacation destination! Discover the history and heritage of Horry County through engaging exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.
This is perfect for those who want to dig deeper into the local roots of Myrtle Beach.
5. Official South Carolina Hall of Fame
- Address: 2101 North Oak Street, Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Myrtle Beach, SC
- Website: theofficialschalloffame.com
Step into the South Carolina Hall of Fame, tucked away in the heart of the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, where extraordinary individuals from past and present are celebrated for their remarkable contributions to the rich history and bright future of South Carolina.
Learn about the people who helped make Myrtle Beach the destination we know and love today!
6. Wheels of Yesteryear
Photo Credit: Kelly Verdeck via Flickr CC2.0
- Address: 413 Hospitality Lane, Myrtle Beach, SC
- Website: wheelsofyesteryearmb.com
This Myrtle Beach museum is a must-visit for classic car enthusiasts or anyone interested in learning more about the U.S.'s rich automotive history. This exhibit features over 50 vintage American-made cars and is regarded as one of the finest in the Southeast.
This museum is a magnet for auto enthusiasts with museum owners contributing to a collection of 100 classic cars. Some of them are rotated annually, so chances are you might see something new even if it isn't your first visit.
Spend an afternoon walking up and down rows of this remarkable collection of classic American cars and gain a glimpse into the automotive evolution of the past century.
7. Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
Photo Credit: StacieStauffSmith Photos
- Address: 1110 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC
- Website: ripleyaquariums.com/myrtlebeach
Ripley's Aquarium is a well-known attraction in Myrtle Beach that showcases various collections of rare and exotic sea life. This could be the perfect educational addition to your beachside vacation.
You have the opportunity to engage in educational and interactive exhibits, guided dive tours, live presentations, and browse through a gift shop for the perfect souvenir. Furthermore, the aquarium actively promotes conservation and environmental education through its dedicated staff and programs.
8. Warbird Park
Photo Credit: George Dilworth via Flickr CC2.0
- Address: 564 Farrow Parkway Myrtle Beach, SC
- Website: scgreatoutdoors.com/park-warbirdpark.html
Aviation enthusiasts will appreciate Warbird Park, home to several military aircraft. Explore the outdoor exhibits and learn about the role these planes played in history. This park pays tribute to the men and women of the United States Air Force who lived in the Myrtle Beach area for over 50 years (1940-1993) while serving their country.
Included here are several military aircraft on display, the Wall of Service, historic markers with information about the base, buildings, and the men and women that served, plus a viewing area for the runway which now serves as a civilian airport.
9. Hollywood Wax Museum
Photo Credit: meunierd
- Address: 1808 21st Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC
- Website: hollywoodwaxentertainment.com/myrtle-beach
Visit Myrtle Beach and have the chance to meet your favorite celebrities at the Hollywood Wax Museum entertainment center, just a few minute’s drive from Broadway at the Beach! Get up close and personal with lifelike wax figures of A-list stars and capture the perfect selfie with them.
Whether you admire actors, singers, athletes, or more, there's a wax figure waiting for you. Don't forget to grab one of their awesome props to make your photo truly unforgettable! If you still have time after your visit, pop next door to the Maze of Mirrors for even more fun!
10. Brookgreen Gardens
Photo Credit: Amy Sparwasser via Flickr CC2.0
- Address: 1931 Brookgreen Drive Murrells Inlet, SC
- Website: brookgreen.org/visit
Brookgreen Gardens, located just half an hour's drive from Myrtle Beach, is a great option if you'd like to absorb some culture but still want to stretch your legs in the great outdoors.
This amazing institution has one of the biggest collections of American figurative sculpture in the whole country! The gardens originated as a sculpture garden and have since become a National Historic Landmark with a renowned art collection.
It's almost like a treasure hunt as you explore the grounds to find all of the different sculptures, paintings, etchings, and other works by world-renowned artists!
There's plenty to choose from, as there are approximately 1,400 art pieces from more than 350 talented sculptors! If you have the time, you can even join one of their sculpture workshops or pop over to the Lowcountry Zoo.
11. Historic Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum and Education Center
Photo Credit: Lisa W
- Address: 900 Dunbar St, Myrtle Beach, SC
- Website: facebook.com/historicmbcoloredschoolmuseum
The Myrtle Beach Colored School served African-American students for over 20 years. Now, the Historic Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum and Education Center preserves its history and provides educational opportunities.
The school was built in 1932 to provide education for African-American students who were previously taught in local churches. It was an important institution in the African-American community during a time of transition and growth.
The school has been preserved thanks to the City of Myrtle Beach and community partnerships (students fundraised by writing and selling a cookbook of traditional Southern recipes). It continues to serve its educational mission, as well as educating visitors via its museum.
12. EdVenture Children's Museum
Photo Credit: Ashley Bonds
- Address: 4005 Howard Ave, Myrtle Beach, SC
- Website: edventure.org
If you have little travelers with you on your Myrtle Beach vacation, EdVenture is a great place for them to get out their energy and learn something new! With a mission to inspire joy in learning, the museum offers interactive displays and role-playing activities to engage children in exploring various careers and activities.
The museum also provides themed programs and activities like Indoor Adventure Day and Tales for Tots for additional educational offerings.
Stay and Explore Myrtle Beach
Whether you're trying to escape some rainy weather, or you'd just like to dive into the history of the area, make sure to carve out time for these museums during your stay at Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark. After all, Myrtle Beach isn't just a destination for sun and surf; it's a treasure trove of stories waiting to be discovered!
