A Perfect Day Trip to Myrtle Beach from Holden Beach

Myrtle Beach is 45 minutes south of Holden Beach — and in those 45 minutes, the vibe shifts completely. Where Holden Beach is quiet, uncrowded, and unhurried, Myrtle Beach is loud, busy, and packed with things to do. That contrast is exactly what makes it such a good day trip destination. You get the energy and entertainment of one of the Southeast’s most popular beach cities, then drive back to the quiet of Holden Beach to decompress. Here’s how to make the most of a Myrtle Beach day trip from Holden Beach.

Getting There: Day Trip to Myrtle Beach from Holden Beach

From Old Ferry Coastal Retreat, head south on Highway 17 toward the South Carolina border. The drive is about 45 minutes to the northern end of Myrtle Beach. Traffic can be heavy in peak summer season — aim to leave before 9am if you want to make the most of the day.

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk runs about 1.2 miles along the oceanfront and is the heart of the tourist district. The SkyWheel — a 187-foot Ferris wheel — anchors the north end and offers sweeping views of the Grand Strand. Walk the boardwalk, grab food, browse the shops, and soak in the classic beach-town energy. It’s unabashedly touristy, but that’s part of the fun.

Broadway at the Beach

Just off the beach, Broadway at the Beach is a sprawling entertainment complex with restaurants, shops, mini golf, a comedy club, and live entertainment. It’s a good spot for families with kids who need more than just beach time — plan 2–3 hours here and you could easily fill an entire afternoon.

Ripley’s Aquarium

Located at Broadway at the Beach, Ripley’s Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in the Southeast — especially good for kids. The highlight is a moving walkway through an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Plan about 1.5–2 hours for a full visit. Buy tickets online in advance to skip the line.

Live Entertainment

Myrtle Beach has a surprisingly robust live entertainment scene. The Alabama Theatre, Carolina Opry, and Pirates Voyage are all popular options for evening shows — though most are best for overnight visitors. If you’re doing a day trip, focus on the boardwalk, Broadway at the Beach, and Ripley’s, then head back to Holden Beach before the evening traffic builds.

Golf

The Myrtle Beach area has more than 100 golf courses, making it one of the top golf destinations in the country. If your group includes golfers, tee times are easy to find and rates vary widely — from budget-friendly public courses to upscale resort tracks. Book in advance during peak season.

Where to Eat

Myrtle Beach has no shortage of dining options. For a solid, no-fuss seafood meal near the boardwalk, look for local spots on the side streets rather than the main tourist strip — better food, better prices. If you’re visiting Broadway at the Beach, there are dozens of options within walking distance for every taste and budget.

Tips for Your Myrtle Beach Day Trip from Holden Beach

• Leave early — traffic into Myrtle Beach builds quickly in summer
• Buy attraction tickets online to avoid waiting in line
• Parking near the boardwalk fills up — arrive by mid-morning or use garages a few blocks back
• Leave by 4pm to avoid heavy return traffic on Highway 17
• The best part of a Myrtle Beach day trip is coming home to Holden Beach — quiet, uncrowded, and exactly where you want to be

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Staying near Holden Beach and looking for the perfect home base for a Myrtle Beach day trip? Old Ferry Coastal Retreat is a 3-bedroom vacation home just minutes from Holden Beach island — no 7-night minimum, sleeps 6, priced below on-island rentals. Check availability here.