Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Pawleys Island

"Riding the towering SkyWheel is one of the top things to do in Myrtle Beach for families. With a max height of 190 feet, the largest Ferris wheel on the East Coast offers scenic views of the whole Grand Strand and Atlantic Ocean. Soak up the panoramas of the city’s downtown area as you ride one of the glass gondolas of this Ferris wheel."

"Located on Ocean Boulevard, the SkyWheel is over 187 feet tall and has 42 gondolas. Ride to the very top as you look over the Atlantic ocean glistening during the day or night. If you choose to ride it at night you will be able to see the lights displayed as well as ride the first observation wheel of its kind in the United States."

"Source: Photo by user Martin Lewison used under CC BY-SA 2.0. Skywheel opened in May 2011 and is said to be the second-tallest Ferris wheel in North America after the Texas Star in Dallas. Riders on the Skywheel are treated to a panoramic view of the beach and the beautiful ocean from over 180 feet (54.86 meters) above the ground."

"Experience a day of wonder in Myrtle Beach State Park, an oasis of nature amid a sea of human development. Located on the south end of Myrtle Beach, the state park is a stark contrast to the high-rise hotels that are just a short walk away. Featuring old-growth maritime forests with hiking trails that lead to the high sand dunes of the beach, this 312-acre oceanfront park was developed by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) in the 1930s."

"Only $3 for children up to age 15, Myrtle Beach State Park proves both educational and fun. With plenty of seasonal activities and learning opportunities available, this state park is one that you’ll want to add to your itinerary. It is also a perfect tourist attraction in Myrtle Beach South Carolina since it’s not very crowded as people stick more to the beach and boardwalk making this place a great spot to visit with your family."

"Myrtle Beach State Park, roughly 312 acres in size, is a relatively serene beach featuring a long stretch of sandy shoreline, cerulean water, and lush green backgrounds."

"Savannah’s Playground is the ultimate kiddie destination in Myrtle Beach. Nestled at the Market Common, this multi-acre children’s playground features ADA-certified equipment designed specially for the little ones. The park gives your children the opportunity to play as well as interact socially with others through its playground equipment."

"Warbird Park is an educational and free attraction located in the Market Common district of Myrtle Beach at the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. Since its privatization in 1993, the base has become a beautiful park, displaying aircraft that was once an active part of operations, and each craft on display is presented with details about its history and significance. Among aircraft on display, tourists will find an A-10 Warthog Thunderbolt that supported ground troops during Operation Desert Storm, an F-100 jet fighter that saw action between the mid-1950s and early 1970s, and one of the base's A-7 Corsair tactical fighter jets."

"Warbird Park is a fascinating place in South Carolina that is a bit of a hidden gem. It is situated in the district known as Market Common on the grounds of what was once the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. With no admission fee, it is one of the city’s free things to do – and it’s also among the things to see that will entice aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike."

"These magical gardens, 16 miles south of Myrtle Beach on Hwy 17S, are home to the largest collection of American sculpture in the country, set amid more than 9000 acres of rice-plantation-turned-subtropical-garden paradise. Seasonal blooms are listed on the website."

"After lunch, explore nearby Brookgreen Gardens. I was particularly excited about visiting the gardens because I love botanical gardens in general and I really wanted to see Spanish moss before leaving."

"With loads of tasty classic-American options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, kids will have no trouble selecting their dish to enjoy, including french toast, tie-dyed pancakes, mini cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, pizza bites, and every kid’s meal comes with a free sundae!"

"The menu is filled with standout comfort food favorites, but the real star of the show is “The Five Five Challenge.” Your task: eat a burger stacked seven patties deep (55 ounces of meat!), with at least four toppings, a side of fries and a 24-ounce soda, all in 30 minutes or less. While many brave eaters have attempted the feat, only few have won. May the fork be with you."

"Olympic Flame Pancake House lives up the name: they have pancakes fit for a true Olympian!. Made with fresh ingredients, Olympic Flame offers the most popular pancake options including chocolate chips and bananas, as well as more unique toppings like apple cinnamon or fresh peach glaze. The pancake house also offers an extensive biscuit menu unlike anything we’ve seen before."

"There are pancake houses stacked on top pancakes houses here. There’s a rumor going around that there are more pancake houses in Myrtle Beach per capita than anywhere in the country. It’s a quintessential societal element, sort of like bodegas in New York City."