With the start of a new school year around the corner, many Grand Strand families are looking for easy, affordable ways to make the most of the final days of summer before homework, sports practices and busy schedules return.
Fortunately, some of the best family adventures are right here at home. The beaches, attractions and traditions that millions of visitors travel to experience each year are the same places local families can enjoy before Horry County Schools welcome students back on Aug. 19.
Whether your family has a few free afternoons left or you're looking for one final weekend adventure, here are five ways to celebrate the end of summer without leaving the Grand Strand.
Catch One More Grand Strand Sunrise
Before early school mornings replace summer sleep-ins, set the alarm one last time to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic. Bring breakfast to the beach, sip coffee as the sky shifts from lavender to brilliant pinks and oranges or enjoy the view from the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel during a sunrise flight. It's a peaceful way to begin a day together and a reminder of the natural beauty found just minutes from home.
Plan the Ultimate Beach Day
Take advantage of one more carefree day on the sand before classes begin. From Little River to Pawleys Island, families can build sandcastles, search for shells and shark teeth, fly kites, ride boogie boards or simply relax by the water. Looking for something different? Explore the natural settings of Myrtle Beach State Park or Huntington Beach State Park or add excitement with a banana boat ride in North Myrtle Beach.
Make New Memories on the Piers
Few places capture the spirit of the Grand Strand quite like its fishing piers. Spend an afternoon teaching the kids how to cast a line at Apache Pier, Pier 14 or the Surfside Beach Pier, or simply enjoy a walk above the waves while spotting fish, dolphins and seabirds. It's a timeless activity that generations of local families have enjoyed together.
Settle Family Rivalries on the Mini Golf Course
Challenge the family to one last summer competition at one of the Grand Strand's more than 30 miniature golf courses. As the Mini Golf Capital of the World, the area offers imaginative courses filled with pirates, volcanoes, dinosaurs and waterfalls. Whether you're aiming for bragging rights or trying for a hole-in-one on Mt. Atlanticus' famous 19th hole, mini golf remains one of the region's classic family traditions.
End Summer with a Walk Along the Boardwalk
Before backpacks replace beach bags, spend an evening on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade. Grab ice cream, browse the iconic Gay Dolphin, play a few arcade games, enjoy live music at Plyler Park or simply watch the waves roll in. Sometimes the simplest outings become the memories families treasure most.
As summer winds down, these experiences offer more than fun ways to keep the kids entertained before school starts. They also highlight the attractions, businesses and outdoor spaces that make the Grand Strand a destination families return to year after year. Every visit—whether from across the country or across town—helps support local jobs, small businesses and the vibrant coastal community we all enjoy.
Before the school buses begin rolling on Aug. 19, consider making one more family memory right here in your own backyard.
