Free and cheap things to do in the Myrtle Beach area, from Broadway to The Hulk

With prices on everything from groceries to travel going up, people are looking for ways to stretch their dollar.

And right in South Carolina, according to a survey by Realtor.com, we have one of America’s most affordable travel destinations: Myrtle Beach.

Here’s how to get more bang for your buck in the Myrtle Beach area:

Free Parks and Hiking Trails

Vereen Memorial Gardens: Open from dawn to dusk, this free park in Little River is a scenic escape where you can enjoy hiking and boardwalk trails through salt marshes.

2250 SC-179, Little River, SC 29566

The Hulk: Bike enthusiasts will find The Hulk, a 7-mile trail, to be an exhilarating ride through nature. It’s maintained by the Myrtle Beach Area Mountain Biking Association, but walkers and runners are also welcome on the trail.

150 Frontage Road, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579

Ingram Dunes Nature Preserve: This nature preserve offers visitors a 7-acre escape for hiking and for learning. Placards along the trail teach hikers about this maritime forest habitat, making it an immersive experience for kids and adults.

999-943 Hillside Drive, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Conway Riverwalk: Bordering the Waccamaw River, the Conway Riverwalk provides visitors with a peaceful path to enjoy the waterfront.

Second Ave., Conway, SC 29526

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Free Museums

Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum: Admission is free to Myrtle Beach’s only art museum. The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum has 11 galleries that exhibit local, national and international artists. Galleries change throughout the year, so there’s always something new to see.

3100 S. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Horry County Museums: Not only can you explore the exhibits about the history of Horry County at the Horry County Museum, you can observe what farm life was like from the 1900-1955 at the LW Paul Living History Farm, all for free.

805 N. Main St., Conway, SC 29526

South Carolina Hall of Fame: From signers of the Declaration of Independence to astronauts, you can learn about the state’s most notable residents at the South Carolina Hall of Fame. Entrance to the hall of fame is free.

2101 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

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Affordable Family Fun

McLean Park: McLean Park is a great place for kids to spend the afternoon at the playgrounds or for the family to enjoy a picnic by the 2-acre lake. From June to October, North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation hosts free movie nights every second Friday of the month.

93 Oak Drive, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Conway Murals: Create your own tour of Conway by finding all nine murals in town. The makeshift scavenger hunt introduces visitors to Conway’s history as well as to the town’s local businesses.

Pavilion Nostalgia Park: This small but mighty amusement park in the heart of Broadway at the Beach is fun for all ages. It’s free to enter, and $2 per ticket for rides.

1171 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Family Kingdom: Family Kingdom has over 30 rides to choose from. But if you’re not into rides, don’t worry: Entrance is free for those who want to tag along and take in the amusement park sights. Individual ride tickets are $1.15 plus tax, making this a budget-friendly attraction.

300 S. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum: Arcades are a nostalgic part of the Myrtle Beach tradition. Take a step back in time and play over 25 retro pinball games at the Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum.

607 27th Ave. N., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Broadway at the Beach: For a more vibrant and energetic stroll, head to Broadway at the Beach, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Myrtle Beach area. There you’ll find entertainment, shopping and restaurants – but looking is always free!

1325 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Discounted Activities

Golf Tops: Top Golf is more than just a driving range, it’s a state-of-the-art high-tech facility with a food and drink menu and a fun lounge that’s open all year round. Every Tuesday, game play is 50 percent off, so you can spend more time perfecting that back-swing.

2850 Robert M Grissom Parkway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Brookgreen Gardens: With a sculpture garden, the Lowcountry Zoo, several trails and lush gardens all on a 9,100-acre property, there’s a lot to see at Brookgreen Gardens. Their tickets are good for seven days, so you don’t have to squeeze all the sights into one day.

1931 Brookgreen Garden Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Crocodile Rocks Dueling Pianos: Get your music requests early and get ready to sing along to dueling pianos playing your favorite songs. And guess what, locals? Your admission is free.

1318 Celebrity Circle CS3, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

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