Myrtle Beach is home to a wide variety of attractions and fun things to do - including several attractions nature lovers are sure to enjoy. Whether you want to see wildlife up close and personal, or simply get away from it all for a few hours, this is the place to be. Here are three unbeatable attractions for nature lovers visiting The Grand Strand:
1. Ripley's Aquarium
1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: (843) 916-0888
The most visited attraction in South Carolina, this 85,000 square foot facility gives visitors the opportunity to see over 10,000 exotic sea creatures comprised of 350+ species. Touch live sharks and stingrays, and glide down a moving path through an underwater tunnel filled with colorful fish and dangerous predators. Grab a bite at Feeding Frenzy restaurant or explore dozens of other fascinating exhibits!
Hours of Operation
Sunday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Open 365 days a year!
2. Myrtle Beach State Park
4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
Phone: (843) 238-5325
Find the perfect natural escape in the middle of the tourist area. This Grand Strand state park offers plenty of walking trails, a boardwalk, a pier and a pristine beach. Go for a swim, https://phenadip.com fish from the pier, soak up the sun with a good book or take a walk along the ocean that lasts for miles! Children and families will especially enjoy the nature center, playground, pavilions with picnic tables and seasonal park programs.
Hours of Operation
Daily, March - November: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Daily, December - February: 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
3. T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station & Preserve Tour Experience
*Two Locations
Phone: (843) 361-4552
The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species offers nature lovers the chance to see, touch and even play with exotic animals. There are two ways to experience T.I.G.E.R.S. 1) Watch the animals for free or take a photo (*fee) with a tiger cub or an ape by visiting the Preservation Station at Barefoot Landing or 2) Tour the full 50-acre preserve in North Myrtle Beach to meet an African elephant, grey wolves, many different apes and over 60 big cats including tigers and a liger.
*Proceeds benefit work to save rare species around the world.
Hours of Operation
Mid-March to mid-October
Please call for current hours of operation: (843) 361-4552
Save time and money during your trip to Myrtle Beach. Learn more about the accommodations at Grande Shores Ocean Resort, only 10 minutes from Ripley's Aquarium and 20 minutes from Myrtle Beach State Park!
