Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade is a 1. 2-mile oceanfront walkway that serves as the social and entertainment spine of the entire Grand Strand beach community. Running along the Atlantic shore from 14th Avenue North to just past 2nd Avenue Pier, this award-winning boardwalk combines classic seaside charm with modern attractions in a way that makes it the single most iconic family experience in Myrtle Beach — and it is completely free to walk and enjoy.

The boardwalk is divided into two sections connected seamlessly. The northern portion is a traditional wooden boardwalk elevated above the sand, providing that nostalgic creaking-boards-underfoot experience that American beach vacations are built on. The southern section transitions to a concrete promenade at street level, wider and more modern.

Both sections are lined with restaurants, shops, arcades, and small amusements that create a constant buzz of activity during peak season.

For families, the boardwalk functions as the evening activity that ties each vacation day together. After a day at the beach, a waterpark, or an attraction, families shower and head to the boardwalk for an evening stroll, dinner, and the kind of relaxed atmosphere that defines beach-town living. Kids gravitate toward the arcade fronts, candy shops with saltwater taffy pulls visible through windows, and the small carnival rides scattered along the route.

The SkyWheel anchors the visual experience, its 1 million LED lights creating animated patterns visible from the entire length of the boardwalk after dark.

The beach itself is accessible from multiple points along the boardwalk via staircases and ramps, and this is where families spend much of their time. The wide, sandy beach stretches endlessly in both directions, with gentle waves that are manageable for young children during most conditions. Lifeguards staff designated areas during summer months.

Kids can transition effortlessly between boardwalk activities and beach play, making it easy to fill an entire afternoon and evening in this one area.

During summer months, the boardwalk hosts regular free entertainment programs. Hot Summer Nights brings live music, performers, and special events to the boardwalk on Friday evenings. Fireworks shows launch from the 2nd Avenue Pier on select summer dates, visible from the entire boardwalk.

These free events make the boardwalk experience even more compelling for families watching their vacation budget.

Dining along the boardwalk ranges from classic beach fare to sit-down restaurants with ocean views. Peaches Corner has been serving hot dogs and burgers at the boardwalk since 1937 and remains a beloved institution. Pier 14 Restaurant extends over the ocean for genuine waterfront dining.

Multiple seafood shacks, pizza shops, and ice cream stands fill the spaces between. For better value, walk one block inland where the same cuisine costs 20-30 percent less without the premium oceanfront location.

Parking near the boardwalk requires some planning during peak season. Municipal lots at 9th Avenue North and near the 2nd Avenue Pier area offer reasonable rates. Street parking fills quickly on summer evenings. Many hotels within a few blocks offer beach and boardwalk access by foot, eliminating the parking challenge entirely.