A Myrtle Beach vacation can move at whatever pace you choose. Start with a quiet sunrise beside the Atlantic, spend the afternoon exploring downtown attractions or stay out after dark to see Ocean Boulevard lit up for the night.
Located at 1802 North Ocean Boulevard, voco The Shelby – Myrtle Beach places guests near the northern end of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and within easy reach of downtown dining, entertainment and family attractions. Here are 15 ways to make the most of the area during your stay.
1. Watch the Sunrise from the Beach - Before the attractions open and Ocean Boulevard comes to life, the Atlantic puts on the first show of the day. Use The Shelby’s direct beach access for an early walk along the shoreline, a little shell hunting or a few quiet minutes beside the water. Afterward, head to The Palm & Pebble for breakfast and coffee before setting out for the day.
2. Walk the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk - The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade follows the downtown oceanfront past piers, restaurants, shops and some of the city’s most recognizable attractions. You can walk the full route or explore it in smaller sections, stopping whenever something catches your attention. The Boardwalk is free to visit, and its ocean views make the walk worthwhile even when you do not have a detailed itinerary.
3. Visit Pier 14 - Pier 14 sits near the northern end of the Boardwalk and offers a different perspective on the beach and downtown skyline. Walk out over the Atlantic to take in the view or make the pier part of a waterfront lunch or dinner. Pier 14 Restaurant & Lounge serves seafood, steaks, cocktails and other coastal favorites directly over the ocean.
4. Ride the SkyWheel Myrtle Beach - The SkyWheel is difficult to miss—and worth experiencing from inside one of its enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas. Rising nearly 200 feet above the oceanfront, the SkyWheel Myrtle Beach provides panoramic views of the coastline and downtown. Ride during the day to see farther along the beach or visit after dark when the wheel and surrounding Boardwalk glow with colorful lights.
5. Check the Schedule at Plyler Park - Located beside the SkyWheel, Plyler Park hosts concerts, seasonal celebrations and family-friendly events throughout the year. Summer visitors may find live music and themed entertainment, while the holiday season brings its own downtown festivities. Check the local event calendar before your trip to see what may be happening during your stay.
6. Explore Ripley’s Believe It or Not! - The unusual is the main attraction at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Myrtle Beach. The museum is filled with oddities, interactive exhibits, illusions and artifacts from around the world. Because the experience is indoors and self-paced, it is especially useful when your group needs a break from the heat or a rainy-day alternative to the beach.
7. Play Ripley’s Crazy Golf - Ripley’s Crazy Golf takes Myrtle Beach’s miniature-golf tradition indoors and gives it a neon-lit twist. The three-story, glow-in-the-dark course includes unusual obstacles, looping shots and interactive surprises. Its Ocean Boulevard location makes it easy to pair with other downtown attractions, and the indoor setting works in nearly any weather.
8. Browse the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove - Part gift shop and part Myrtle Beach institution, the Gay Dolphin has been welcoming downtown visitors for generations. Its many rooms are packed with seashells, coastal décor, apparel, collectibles and classic vacation souvenirs. Even visitors who are not planning to shop may enjoy wandering through the displays to see what turns up next.
9. Play at the Fun Plaza Arcade - For classic Boardwalk entertainment, step inside the Fun Plaza Arcade. This longtime oceanfront arcade mixes nostalgic games with newer challenges and prize-redemption favorites. Stop in for a quick round during your Boardwalk walk or stay longer when an afternoon shower sends everyone indoors.
10. Brave the Nightmare Haunted House - Not everything near the Boardwalk is sunshine and ocean views. Nightmare Haunted House is a year-round downtown attraction filled with dark passages, live scares and zombie-themed surprises. It is best suited to teenagers, adults and groups that do not mind adding a little screaming to the vacation itinerary.
11. Take on an Ocean Boulevard Thrill Ride - If simply looking at the Myrtle Beach skyline is not exciting enough, several Ocean Boulevard rides offer a much more dramatic view. The Myrtle Beach Sling Shot launches riders high above downtown, while other seasonal rides deliver their own mix of height, speed and spinning. Hours may vary with the season and weather, so check before heading out.
12. Stop for Boardwalk Food and Drinks - A Boardwalk afternoon should leave room for something good to eat. Downtown options range from seafood and burgers to pizza, ice cream, frozen drinks and other vacation treats. Choose an oceanfront table for the view, grab something casual between attractions or plan dinner downtown before taking an evening walk beside the water.
13. Spend a Few Hours at Broadway at the Beach - Broadway at the Beach is not part of the oceanfront Boardwalk, but the entertainment district is only a short drive from The Shelby. Its restaurants, shops and attractions surround Lake Broadway, giving groups plenty to choose from in one location. Ripley’s Aquarium, WonderWorks, miniature golf and other indoor experiences also make it a useful option when beach weather does not cooperate.
14. Visit Family Kingdom Amusement Park - Located south of the Boardwalk on Ocean Boulevard, Family Kingdom Amusement Park delivers classic seaside amusement-park energy. The seasonal park features more than 30 rides, including children’s attractions, family rides and thrill rides. The historic Swamp Fox wooden roller coaster remains one of its best-known experiences. Review the operating calendar before visiting, as dates and hours change throughout the season.
15. Unwind at The Shelby Beach Club - After exploring downtown, return to The Shelby without ending the fun. The Shelby Beach Club features an outdoor pool, lazy river and oceanfront atmosphere steps from the beach. Order a cocktail or light bite from the tiki bar, find a place beside the pool and give yourself an afternoon with nowhere else to be.
Stay Near the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk at voco The Shelby
Staying near the Boardwalk makes it easier to enjoy downtown Myrtle Beach without building every day around driving and parking. Guests at voco The Shelby can begin the morning on the beach, explore nearby attractions and return for dinner, drinks or an afternoon beside the pool.
Whether your plans involve amusement rides, oceanfront dining, family attractions or very little beyond the beach, The Shelby keeps the best parts of downtown within reach.
Explore rooms and suites at voco The Shelby – Myrtle Beach and start planning your oceanfront stay.