The sunny, palmetto-lined South Carolina coastline makes the ideal setting for a beachside getaway any time of year. If you’re looking forward to some serious R&R in Myrtle Beach, don’t just look for it on the sandy shores. This laidback town offers a wide variety of shopping, dining, entertainment, and attractions suited to all ages.
You’ll have time in your itinerary for all of it when you can find everything in one convenient location. Myrtle Beach’s top two entertainment centers make vacation planning simple. Come with us on a Barefoot Landing vs. Broadway at the Beach side-by-side comparison, so that you can decide which one you and your family will enjoy most.
Shopping Opportunities
Barefoot Landing
With over 50 unique shops and beautifully landscaped walkways by the water, Barefoot Landing offers a picturesque outdoor shopping experience. One-of-a-kind local shops like Coastal Wine Boutique are nestled between national brands like Chico’s. You’re bound to find the trendy styles you crave as well as something new and extraordinary when you visit these unique Barefoot Landing shops:
- PURPLEologist – Lavenders and violets and magentas, oh my! If purple is your favorite color, you can’t miss this chance to stock up on purple apparel, accessories, home décor, gifts, and more.
- Hollywood Heroes & Villains – From toys and collectibles to drinkware and cool t-shirts, this quirky shop gives you plenty of ways to stan your favorite movie and comic book characters.
- The Mole Hole – Whether you’re searching for a unique way to dote on your partner or you’re excited to splurge on yourself, The Mole Hole is the place to go. Shop jewelry brands like Pandora, Brighton, Swarovski, and more.
Broadway at the Beach
When you don’t feel like making a detailed plan, head over to Broadway at the Beach. A leisurely stroll along the wide promenades of this 350-acre property will inevitably include plenty of stops. Out of the 70+ specialty and big brand shops, these are a few of our favorites:
- Klig’s Kites – What better place is there than the beach to (re)discover the joy of flying! One of the most interesting shops in all of Myrtle Beach, Klig’s Kites is the spot for kite enthusiasts or those looking for kids’ toys, magic, and gag gifts.
- Boardwalk Winery – Bring a little taste of the beach home with you! Boardwalk Winery makes original wines in both traditional and specialty styles.
- Man Cave Store – Not sure where to park your husband while you go shopping? This store will have him nerding out over clothing, accessories, and décor themed for his favorite sports teams!
Dining Experiences
Barefoot Landing
Take a break from your hunt for the right souvenir, and let your feet rest up while you re-energize over lunch or dinner. Barefoot Landing boasts several types of restaurants, ranging from lighter fare to more formal waterfront dining to nightlife:
- Café de Paris – Cool off with an iced latte or smoothie on the hottest days of summer, or warm up with a soothing cappuccino or hot tea. Café de Paris is slightly off the beaten path in Harborwalk Village, but it’s worth it for a brunch of crêpes and pastries.
- Greg Norman’s Australian Grille – For those looking for more high-end dinner service, this waterfront venue serves mouthwatering, outback-style surf and turf. An expensive seafood dinner is a must when traveling to the beach!
- Crooked Hammock Brewery – Do the times call for a casual atmosphere where you can grab drinks with friends? This craft brewery makes downtime fun, too, with tours and tastings, backyard games and hammocks, delicious brew-pub fare and a food truck.
Broadway at the Beach
Broadway at the Beach offers a similar range from light eateries to fine dining to casual hangouts. However, the restaurant selection at Broadway at the Beach tends toward the casual, with some excellent seafood restaurant options as well.
- Margaritaville – Chow down on island-inspired American cuisine, paired with an extensive margarita menu. Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville is one of the best places to grab dinner and start your nighttime shenanigans.
- Dave & Buster’s – Take the fun to new heights at Dave & Buster’s, a bar-turned-amusement park. Play interactive games or watch your favorite sports teams on the big screen while going to town on burgers and beers.
- Bar Louie – This self-titled “gastro-bar” represents the more refined side of Broadway at the Beach, where you can still spend Happy Hour sipping on signature martinis and cocktails.
Entertainment Options
Barefoot Landing
After a relaxing full day of shopping and dining, you’ll still find plenty of enjoyment among Myrtle Beach’s top entertainment centers. From live music performances to kid-friendly attractions and amusement rides, here’s a taste of the best that Barefoot Landing has to offer:
- House of Blues – Barefoot Landing is home to the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, a top national brand that connects the local scene with the top nationally-touring rock, R&B, country, reggae, and hip-hop artists.
- Alabama Theatre – This state-of-the-art local theater presents ICONIC, featuring classic rock anthems, power ballads, and country hits set to stunning visual elements.
- Alligator Adventure – Say hello to one of South Carolina’s most beloved wild animals, as well as countless other reptilian and bird species.
Broadway at the Beach
The entertainment at Broadway at the Beach is no less impressive, with museums, rides, and games suited to families with children. You could spend an entire day at any one of these featured picks:
- Pavilion – Broadway at the Beach is home to several amusement parks, but Pavilion tops them all, ranging from high-adrenaline rides at Action Park to gentler, kid-friendly rides at Fun Park.
- WonderWorks – A must for those with kids in tow, WonderWorks is an educational amusement park with over 100 interactive games and exhibits designed to teach about various science topics.
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach – View sharks, stingrays, penguins, and hundreds of other fascinating marine species across the eight unique exhibits and frequent educational events at Ripley’s Aquarium.
Summary and Decision Time
It’s hard to decide which of these attractions is better, as they both contain a comparable variety of activities and attractions. Depending on your interests and needs, one may fit the bill more than the other.
- Shopping: If you want big names and a broader selection in your shopping choices, head to Broadway at the Beach. If you’re into one-of-a-kind finds, try Barefoot Landing.
- Dining: Broadway at the Beach is the clear winner in terms of nightlife dining options. However, Barefoot Landing takes the cake when you’re looking for a more refined experience.
- Entertainment: Broadway at the Beach may be the better option for those traveling with kids, thanks to their long roster of all-ages activities. While Barefoot Landing’s entertainment venues are more sparse, it may be the better option for adults looking for live music experiences.
Ultimately, choosing between Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the Beach depends on what you want from your Myrtle Beach vacation. The choice is up to you!
