We didn’t do much planning in Myrtle Beach—and honestly, that was part of the fun. Outside of beach time and the pool, we picked two places to explore: Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the Beach. We ended up loving them both for very different reasons.
Barefoot Landing: Laid-Back, Coastal, and Easy to Linger
Barefoot Landing immediately stood out for its relaxed atmosphere. Set along the Intracoastal Waterway, it feels open and breezy, with boardwalk paths, water views, and a slower pace that invites you to wander without rushing.
Pros:
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Calm, coastal vibe that feels less touristy
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Beautiful waterfront setting
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Excellent dining options with standout local flavor
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Easy to stroll, shop, and linger without sensory overload
One of our favorite stops was Blueberry’s Grill, which truly lived up to the hype. The food was exceptional, the atmosphere warm and inviting, and it felt like one of those places you’d happily return to again and again. Barefoot Landing overall felt like a place where you could take your time—browse a few shops, enjoy a great meal, and soak in the scenery.
Cons:
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Less entertainment for kids or late-night crowds
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Quieter nightlife compared to other attractions
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Fewer “big” attractions if you’re looking for nonstop activity
Barefoot Landing is ideal if you want a more relaxed outing, great food, and a setting that encourages conversation and connection.
Broadway at the Beach: High-Energy, Iconic, and Full of Activity
Broadway at the Beach is Myrtle Beach energy turned all the way up. It’s colorful, busy, and packed with attractions, restaurants, and shops surrounding a large central lake.
Pros:
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Tons of entertainment options for all ages
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Wide variety of restaurants and national brands (photo of the truck is from the famous Byrd's Famous Cookies shop)
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Great people-watching and lively atmosphere
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Easy to spend several hours exploring
We finally tried Wahlburgers for the first time, and it was exactly as expected, though I had hoped Marky Mark would walk through the door for a visit. A girl can dream...
Cons:
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Can feel crowded and overwhelming, especially during peak times
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More commercial and tourist-heavy
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Louder and faster-paced, which may not appeal to everyone
Broadway at the Beach is perfect if you’re traveling with kids, want lots of entertainment options in one place, or enjoy the excitement of a bustling destination.
Which One Is Better?
The honest answer: it depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for, but based on the amount of photos and videos I brought back of one place vs the other, for me it would be Barefoot Landing.
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Choose Barefoot Landing if you want a slower pace, excellent food, and a more relaxed, coastal feel.
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Choose Broadway at the Beach if you want energy, variety, and a classic Myrtle Beach attraction packed with things to do.
Here's my bottom line: Barefoot Landing felt a little more linen shirts and cocktails at sunset, while Broadway brought the high-energy, anything-goes vibe.
We’re glad we experienced both—they each offered something different, and together they gave us a fuller picture of what Myrtle Beach has to offer beyond the beach itself.
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